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Currents We were pleased that the National Research Corporation (NRC) recently named the MUSC Medical Center as the 1999 Consumer Choice Award winner for our metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. NRC reportedly conducts the most comprehensive study of its kind, which represents 400,000 covered lives and 170,000 households. The study included 2,500 hospitals within the contiguous 48 states, and the winning 126 hospitals ranked highest in their metropolitan statistical areas. NRC reports that the awards provide consumers with another gauge of hospital services as an alternative to clinical report cards, which often are difficult to understand. The study has been conducted each year for the past four years.  In 1996, there was no winner in the Charleston area. In 1997, another hospital won, and in 1998 MUSC was a co-winner. The award previously was called the Quality Leader Award. This year, the award name was changed to Consumer Choice.  Some of the other Consumer Choice Award winners include: Palmetto Baptist Medical Center (Columbia, S.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham University Hospital, Emory University Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital (Charlotte, N.C.), Greenville Memorial Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Duke University Medical Center, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals and Vanderbilt University Hospital. While the results of this award were very encouraging, we know from our patient satisfaction surveys that we must continually focus on areas for improvement. Our most recent University HealthSystem Consortium (Picker) patient satisfaction survey indicates “dimensions of care” priorities should include:  emotional support, respect for patient preferences, coordination of care, and partnership between family and clinicians. After some delay, we were pleased that the flu vaccine recently arrived. All employees are encouraged to get the vaccine.  Infection Control staff members will attend Medical Center departmental meetings upon request for your convenience. Check the e-mail broadcast messages for more details. Please remember the Trident United Way (TUW) campaign at MUSC runs through the month of October. Our goal is $235,000. We achieved approximately 15 percent of the goal during the first week. Please take time now to return your gift or pledge in the envelope provided to the Development Office. Any department or individuals who would like more materials such as pledge cards, or who would like to schedule a departmental presentation by a TUW representative, should contact Katie Gesenhues in the MUSC Development Office at 792-1973 or through e-mail (gesenhka). W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center Chair, 1999 Trident United Way Campaign Parking Management continues to improve parking  Parking Update Melinda Anderson, director of Parking Management, said MUSC has tripled the number of patient parking spaces, and doubled the number of employee and student parking spaces in the past 10 years. In order to continue to improve parking at MUSC, Anderson reported that MUSC has a six-month lease of the vacant lot at the corner of Lockwood Drive and Bee Street. The lot will contain 110 parking spaces, with a $30 monthly rate. If there is a demand for the commuter bus to stop at this lot, Parking Management will create a stop. E-mail Cindy Garmon (garmonc) if you are interested in this lot. Anderson also reported that progress is underway for a new surface parking lot adjacent to Harborview Office Tower, which will be completed in early 2000. The lot will include more than 300 parking spaces.  Financial Consultants Lisa Montgomery, administrator for Financial Services, said financial consultants will be at MUSC for the next six months to work on the following issues: Improve cash flow of $25 million more than the next six to nine months. Improve net revenue approximately $5 million. Improve operations within the following departments to facilitate continued optimal cash flow: Scheduling, Registration and Financial Counseling, Medical Records and Patient Accounting. Assess capabilities of automated systems to evaluate the best use. Employee Assistance Program Claire Hoefer, director of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), presented an overview of EAP, which offers free, confidential assistance to MUSC employees who are dealing with issues ranging from relationships and substance abuse to stress management. A therapist meets individually with each client to assess his or her needs, to determine an action plan, and to refer the client to other resources or continue short-term counseling. The therapist follows up with clients on a routine basis.  EAP referrals come from several sources. Employees can refer themselves, or can be referred by family members, supervisors or coworkers. EAP is located at 208 Rutledge Ave., with parking available. The phone number is 727-0153. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Y2K Brochure Tom Keating, administrator for Children’s Healthcare System, distributed samples of a Y2K brochure to the management team for review and feedback. The brochure offers tips on preparing for Y2K. Managers and directors should e-mail Keating with their changes or call 876-1446. Y2K Message Be prepared: Contact your supervisor for ideas and comments on the year 2000 issue.