It has been a week of many important firsts....the first outreach to another funding source - The Kellog Foundation to discuss the work of building community to support patient-centered care. This contact was initial and very promising. They saw value in our plans to connect the Parish Nurse program with the Living with Chronic Illness Class, and the work of the clinical care specialists supporting patient self-management and navigation through the healthcare system. We will be preparing some additional information for them in the next week.
And another first, an unexpected call with the Washington State Health Care Authority set-up by Jeff Graham who has tirelessly continued to help create connections with payors interested in innovation and what we are building in Whatcom County. It was a strong confirmation that the "system" we are creating with new roles, improved practice design and connection to evidence and information technology tools is of interest. Their interest was strong enough to produce a commitment to tie contracts in Whatcom County into the model and choices we can offer. And an interest in exploring it as a benefit for retired state employees living in Whatcom County.
And fnally, the start of work in the hospital to align the inpatient units with the chronic care model and focus on patient self-management. Conversations and plans began to take shape with the hiring of a strong community player, Cheryl McNeil-Lang as the new director of the Quality Services Department at St. Joseph. She will take a lead role in managing and guiding the hospital pilot sites as they explore how to incorporate the best ideas and principles into the cardiovascular and medicine units. She will be working in concert with Martha Shepler, as the team/leadership development specialist. Martha will support staff development through the transition. They will be joined by many, including Cindie Becker, the VP of Patient Care. It is the beginning of some important and ground breaking work. They are enthusiastic and engaged.
So, as the work continued in the clinic settings this week, new developments both inside and outside the community added value and energy to build a new system for patients in Whatcom County.
