CareSouth Carolina Recognized in Becker's ASC Review for Innovative Employee Engagement

CareSouth Carolina Recognized in Becker's ASC Review for Innovative Employee Engagement

CareSouth Carolina has been featured in Becker's ASC Review for its pioneering approach to employee engagement and rule-breaking initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care.

Ann Lewis, CEO of CareSouth Carolina, expressed her surprise at the feedback received from employees during a recent survey. "They said that they were kind of bored with [the uniforms]," Lewis said, reflecting on the responses regarding the organization's uniform colors.

In response to employee feedback, CareSouth Carolina swiftly implemented changes, introducing initiatives like "Blue Jean Friday" and allowing staff to wear different colored scrubs during the holidays. Randy Carlyle, Chief Quality Officer, described these changes as a "win-win" situation for both employees and the organization.

"This initiative is part of our commitment to 'Breaking the Rules for Better Care,' inspired by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement," Carlyle explained.

During a recent survey, more than 100 CareSouth Carolina employees were asked to suggest changes to existing rules to improve patient care. While some policies cannot be altered due to regulatory constraints, others are being reviewed for potential modification.

"We take all feedback seriously, whether it's about uniform colors or facility temperatures," Carlyle emphasized, noting that the organization's maintenance team is actively addressing concerns such as cold spots in facilities.

Employees were kept informed about the status of their suggestions, reflecting CareSouth Carolina's dedication to transparency and continuous improvement. Following the success of the internal survey, the organization extended the initiative to gather feedback from patients, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing patient experiences.

"We believe in fostering an environment where every voice is heard," Lewis stated. "By challenging existing rules and processes, we can adapt and evolve to better serve our patients and communities."

Looking ahead, CareSouth Carolina plans to make the rule-breaking initiative an annual practice, ensuring that employee feedback continues to shape the organization's policies and practices.

"We recognize the importance of staying agile and responsive to the needs of our staff and patients," Lewis affirmed. "It's time to revisit outdated rules and embrace a culture of innovation and collaboration.”

You can read the entire story at Becker’s ASC Review.

For more information about CareSouth Carolina and its innovative initiatives, visit www.caresouth-carolina.com.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community health center delivering patient-centered health and life services in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. CareSouth Carolina operates centers in Bennettsville, Bishopville, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake View, Latta, McColl and Society Hill.

Services provided by CareSouth Carolina include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's services, OB/GYN, HIV/AIDS primary care, infectious disease primary care, IV therapy, substance abuse prevention, dental, chiropractic services, pharmacy, senior support services, family support services, clinical counseling, laboratory, ultrasound, X-Ray, agricultural worker health services, podiatry, and veterans choice provider.