GRANGEVILLE — “Diabetes education is extremely effective,” Syringa Diabetes Educator Bev Patten told the Syringa Board of Trustees at their July 23 meeting.
Mr Patten gave a short informational presentation to the Board on Diabetes Education in Syringa.
She spoke about some of the challenges people with diabetes face, including distance from medical care, transportation issues and health literacy.
“We need to keep the diabetes conversation normal,” she says, so people can share it and educators can listen and problem-solve when necessary.
“These people are managing this very well, for the most part, on their own,” she added.
Liz Marek, nurse practitioner, also gave a short presentation on discharge planning obligations.
“I review every single detail of the documents before they are sent out and reviewed by the insurance company,” she said. “I am the liaison between Siringa and the insurance company and make sure the claim is not denied.”
She will also carry out evaluations to ensure that hospital resources are being properly utilized.
Discharge planners also have other duties such as evaluating, developing, facilitating and monitoring a comprehensive plan that includes a wide range of variables.
CFO Dave Applewood outlined several budget items and plans for the Aug. 7 budget review.
In other news, Chief Operating Officer Michelle Schafer reported that surgeon Dr. Barry Smith is continuing to perform procedures to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that he performed during his fellowship.
“Dr. Smith will be taking a refresher course in November and the procedure will be available to eligible patients shortly thereafter,” Schafer said.
CNO Kurt Brimacombe reported that Syringa Ambulance made 59 ambulance dispatches, transporting 41 patients (11.8% of total emergency department patients) in June 2024. This is an increase compared to 38 in June 2023 (an increase of 7.8%).
CEO Abner King reported that a community engagement survey is ongoing through the TTAP program with Georgia Southern University.
“The survey will give us an insight into the community's perception of syringa,” he said. As of July 15, 55 responses had been received.