Castle Rock Medical Center is not just holding steady; it's thriving with a vibrant workforce and a flurry of innovative initiatives aimed at bolstering both staff satisfaction and patient care, according to the Castle Rock Hospital District Board.
The board hosted their regular meeting on Tuesday night, June 25, and discussed several recent developments at the medical center and plans for the future.
In a significant development, Castle Rock is on the verge of acquiring new land from Western Wyoming Community College, with the official closing set for July 31. This purchase will pave the way for a new ambulance barn, anticipated to be operational by next year. The center's architects are already in discussions with contractors to ensure a seamless transition from planning to construction.
"We are excited about this expansion and what it means for our capabilities," said Chairperson Daniel Stanton.
As the summer season brings in fresh faces, the medical center has selected and integrated new team members to ensure that the quality of care remains exceptional. Over the past year, the center has conducted interviews with 81 candidates, reflecting a strategic investment of time and resources by department heads.
"Our turnover rates are impressively low-2.13% for the medical center and 4.09% for the ambulance service-well below the industry standard of 10%," noted Treasurer Reed Robbins. This achievement is attributed to robust training programs and a dynamic work environment.
Education and training have been pivotal, with the center leveraging the Atlantic Training platform for essential compliance topics like sexual harassment and fire safety. These short videos allow employees to learn at their own pace and are complemented by monthly cyber security briefings. Wealth Plan Advisors have also played a significant role, offering valuable financial insights through quarterly newsletters and webinars.
"Our staff appreciates these initiatives, finding them highly practical and informative," Robbins added.
Employee engagement remains a cornerstone of Castle Rock's strategy. Monthly breakfast meetings, festive celebrations, and themed events have become staples, aiming to create a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. These activities are a hit with our staff," said Board Member Bob Gordon.
The recent employee satisfaction survey yielded encouraging results. A significant majority of medical center employees and a substantial portion of ambulance staff would recommend Castle Rock as an employer. The survey covered diverse aspects, from mental health support to supervisor communication, offering a comprehensive view of employee sentiment. The HR team is keen on addressing areas of concern, such as enhancing peer recognition and exploring professional development opportunities.
"We are always striving to improve based on feedback. This survey has given us a lot of valuable insights," commented Secretary Patsy Sorensen.
In a bid to foster professional growth, the revamped Educational Assistance Program has funded tuition costs for eight employees, totaling $17,600. Anticipating more participants, the center is preparing for the upcoming semesters. Collaboration with the Western Wyoming Healthcare Coalition and Western Wyoming Community College has resulted in robust EMT and paramedic training programs, with employees eagerly advancing their skills.
The center's commitment to quality care is further underscored by its pursuit of National Health Service Corps certification, facilitating student loan forgiveness for its providers. Detailed documentation and adherence to program requirements, including a sliding fee scale, demonstrate Castle Rock's dedication to accessible and affordable healthcare.
"This certification will greatly benefit our providers and help us attract top talent," remarked Sorensen.
Recognizing the importance of employee well-being, Castle Rock has introduced Mental Health PTO, allowing staff to take time off specifically for mental health needs. Additionally, the medical center is entertaining funding memberships for employees to local exercise facilities, reinforcing its commitment to holistic health.
Castle Rock is also navigating the complexities of modern workplace aesthetics, particularly concerning tattoos and piercings. Despite some staff pushback, research supports maintaining current policies to uphold public perception of professionalism.
"We're always open to dialogue and willing to consider new evidence," said Vice Chairperson Sandee Gunter.
"We believe that a healthy, happy staff is essential to delivering the best patient care," said Gordon.
Looking ahead, the radiology department is poised for expansion. The introduction of general ultrasound services is on the horizon, potentially reducing the need to refer patients to external facilities. Staff training is underway, promising enhanced diagnostic capabilities within the next year.
"This is a significant step forward for us and will greatly enhance our diagnostic services," said Robbins.
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