Blogs

March 5, 2012 - Guns & Liquor (and other stuff)

Mar 05, 2012 by Marc Strode, CEO
Folks,
Have you ever traveled up Hwy 83 off the main square in Uvalde on your way to Concan or Leakey?  If you have, just on the outskirts of town you have one of those rare American paradoxes in a small liqour store w/ a very matter-of-fact red/blue sign that reads GUNS LIQUOR.  I've been told at one time they did sell guns out of there, but I guess even in Texas the rules caught up w/ them.  If anyone knows the real story, do tell.  Anyhow, when I'm out that way I stop in as I have found them to have the best selection of wines west of the Medina River.  I was in there Thursday afternoon on my way back from Del Rio.  I was kind of in a rush after a full day at Methodist, running up to Leakey to grab 85 T posts for a fence project, and trying to make it back to see Bo scarf down (or at least rub icing all over his face) his cupcake for his 1 year old B Day celebration.  So small talk was not on my mind, especially over wine selection from what I thought was just the clerk of the store.  He was persistent so I finally engaged him and come to find out he owns the place and is primariliy responsible for the wine selection being what it is.  And as it turned out he's from Del Rio and we have some mutual friends.  What great service.  He left me with his email address and encouraged me if there was anything special that I might like to let him know and he'd have it for me.

Also on the topic of service--which is where I'm headed w/ this--he said his parents now live in Brack and frequently have to come to Del Rio to go to hospital.  He was quick to point out what an incredible place it has turned out to be.  Said the most redeeming characteristic is the look (and smile) on people's faces when you come through the door.  He said he wasn't sure what all we were up to, but he strongly suggested to "keep it up".  So thanks to you guys for setting me up nicely.  I love those before/after conversations that seem to be had now on a weekly basis.  Whether it's the look of the hospital, the look of our team, or something else, people are talking and taking notice. 

I had a chance to review patient satisfaction scores this morning both for our bedded units and the ED.  We made great progress in February, with the highest scores since October.  Our composite score was the highest its been in 3 months.  However, we are still stuck on 74% year to date on our bedded units.  I suspect it will take a few percentage points to move us into the 2nd quartile by the end of the year.  We can do it!  We have 4 months left!  We had our Studer coach her last week helping us and have Sid back in April.  Our biggest challenges right now seem to be in Cleanliness and Pain Management.  Please think of every single interaction you make--whether you are management, at the bedside or behind the scenes--as having the potential to impact someone's life.  Chances are, you will.  And chances are they will be talking about you at the Guns & Liquor and other places around town. 

We are working this week on our Cardiology coverage plans and hope to have some very exciting news for you by Friday.  Stay tuned......

Remember, Sr Team work day on Thursday.  I have been requested on Med/Surg so I will be helping there and the rest of the gang will be scattered out.  We will culminate our work in the morning w/ a Burger cook-off out on the lawn and look forward to taking advantage of great Spring weather and serving you the finest in gourmet dining!  Hope to see you there.

Keep the Spirit,
Marc