Investment: Partnerships
| Printable version | | |
"Continuum" is one of those words rarely used outside the realm of science. But it has real social implications. Providing an interconnected system of care requires planning and coordination with many community stakeholders.
Backus Hospital is proud to be part of these many partnerships - participating whenever possible, spearheading whenever necessary. The overarching goal is to provide eastern Connecticut residents with great care. That includes improving access, providing leadership and making pieces of the healthcare puzzle fit together seamlessly.
Outcomes:
Out of tragedy, a safer community
Partnership puts AEDs in Norwich schools
An automated external defibrillator (AED) might have saved 15-year-old Larry Pontbriant's life. Thanks to the tireless dedication of the Norwich athlete's parents, and the help of Backus, AEDs are now available in Norwich public schools. Backus Foundation provided matching funding for the Larry Pontbriant Athletic Safety Fund, and purchased 10 AEDs for use in the city's schools.
Just as important, the region's awareness about these devices, and the number of people who have received training in using them, have increased as well. Backus partnered with American Ambulance Service to provide a community class on AED use and CPR training. Ninety people took part in the free, hands-on training.
It takes a community
Providing access, improving outcomes
Providing care is only one part of offering health services. Increasing access to that care is also important. That is why Backus Hospital and United Community & Family Services are partners in the Access to Care Program, which provides an Access to Care Specialist in the Backus Hospital Emergency Department.
The Access to Care Program provides free insurance eligibility screenings and assistance in obtaining lifesaving medications to uninsured patients seeking care in the Backus Hospital Emergency Department. The program has a simple goal: connecting people who need healthcare with a medical home and community-based resources.
Caring for moms - and Mother Earth
‘Green' initiatives focus on environment
It takes tons of materials to operate a hospital every day. For the past year, Backus has been focusing on reducing waste and increasing recycling. Encouraged by the Backus Green Team - a group of employees from many departments - Backus has been looking at every area with an eye toward being environmentally friendly.
We have successfully reduced the amount of printed paper, increased the use of recycled paper (this Annual Report, for instance, is our first to be printed on recycled paper fiber), and improved recycling efforts. Employees who use the Green Team's refillable mugs even get a discount on their coffee in the cafeteria - and cut down the use of disposable cups.
Perhaps most significantly, we have made major advances in the disposal of pharmaceutical waste. All Backus pharmaceuticals that need to be discarded are handled by Stericycle, the national leader in the monitored collection, treatment and disposal of medical waste. The firm provides containers for the disposal of pharmaceuticals, picks them up and safely treats and disposes of them. That's good for the environment, and for public safety.
One hospital, many partners
Together, we improve the region's health
From the Uncas Health District in Norwich to Women & Infants' Hospital in Providence; Three Rivers Community College to the University of Connecticut; the New London County Health Collaborative to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement - collaborations of all sorts, with partners down the street and across the country, are helping Backus live out its mission: "improving the health of its communities."