Folks,
I’ve been busier than a one-armed paper-hanger. I’m really amazed at how many irons we have in the fire. It’s good to have this communication piece to try and work to stay on top of things and keep you in the loop. It’s very evident that in Del Rio news travels fast—some of it true and some of it not so much. My recommendation to you and what I would ask is that if you hear something and you want to know if it’s real or if it’s really happening, just ask. We’ll shoot straight with you. And if you hear things and aren’t too sure about the source or the truth, please don’t feed that fire!
I had another letter that I had actually penned last week to go out related to our dress code policy that is about to roll out. At the last minute, I have decided to hold back on that one for now because it’s still a little bit in flux. Here’s something else you ought to know about me and my philosophy on things. While I don’t like to be wishy-washy around the decisions I make on your behalf, I’m smart enough to know that I don’t always make the right decisions the first time and really depend on your input to keep us in check. That’s what’s going on as we’ve begun to roll out part of this policy. We will always try and test drive things before it’s game-time. Here’s what I do know for sure: effective January 1 we will move to uniforms designated by color by department. More details to come. It’s an emotional topic, and some folks have already been outspoken in regards to this. I got one note that asked if I really thought that the person coming through the ED on stretcher was really going to notice these uniforms? Truth is, probably not. But the family might. And probably the patient coming in for an elective test or lab work who has more time to give the little details more thought certainly will. It represents an organized professional front that I think goes toward making an excellent first impression. Believe me, I’m a converter on this. First hospital I was at that had uniforms, I thought it was real dumb and challenged each of our individuality. But it grew on me for all the right reasons, and I think it will be a good move for VVRMC. Vendors will be on campus soon to offer discounts to you, and payroll deduct will be available.
Dr. Doctor, our lone Urologist, has announced that he intends to leave Del Rio (and thus VVRMC) in October. I think it is important for you to know that we didn’t want him to leave nor asked him to leave. This is a decision he has made which he feels at this time is best for him. I’ve visited at length with him on this as recently as yesterday. We will miss him, and I certainly wish him well in his new endeavors. This goes against the grain regarding the strategy of attracting additional doctors to town. However, we will look toward the future and work diligently to finding a replacement. Urologic services are too important to our community and hospital not to have. We are also actively recruiting additional specialists, pediatrics and family practice to the team. I suspect we will make some progress this Fall on several of those initiatives. As news breaks, I will share with you the timing and what it means for us.
There have been rumors circulating around what we might or might not be doing in regards to with some of our meeting room spaces. Let me try and separate fact from fiction. We do intend to spruce up the current memorial conference room off the main lobby. My intention is to move Board meetings to this room. I am uncomfortable with our Board members coming and going through the back stairwell. They are important members of our team, and when they come to campus twice a month, I want them to use the front door and be more visible to our team and patients. I would like to rededicate this room in memory of Gilda Robles, who is memorialized in the current Board Room. Gilda is near and dear to many of our VVRMC family. I have been in contact with her family and requested permission to do this. If they are ok with the idea, we will move forward. If not, no change in regards to her memorial, but we will still remodel the downstairs conference room. As for what might become of the old Board room, no decisions as of today have been made, but given our need for meeting spaces it is likely it will remain a conference room of some sort.
Construction is about to begin around 2nd Station and 4th Station. This might happen by the next time I get a note out. This work will move fast and is really an exciting part of our ongoing face lift. Key stakeholders are now meeting weekly to make sure everyone is on the same page, and I hope this information is being disseminated to those who work in and around the planned construction areas. There will be lots of change in how the downstairs looks and feels. We are throwing everything we can to really give our place a new, fresh look. Remodeling is fun!
We promised you an Intranet in September. I’m happy to report that it has been built and delivered on time (thanks Francine!). It’s not quite ready for primetime—mainly pending my review, but if you recall I think this webpage (www.myvvrmc.org) stands the potential of being an exceptional communication vehicle moving forward, if used correctly. My notes will transition to blogs shortly and likely will be more frequently than 2x/month and will give those who want to comment the chance to do so. I’m excited about this project. We are almost there.
Keep the Spirit,
Marc