I wanted to give a shout out to Sarah, case manager on 10T. Sarah had been working all day with her patient who had no insurance but had big medical needs. The patient was refusing to go to one of our sister facilities to a swing bed. This was the best option and would offer the very best outcome for her healing. The patient was adamant that she wanted to go home refusing to even consider a swing bed.
Sarah began working to get a wound vac ordered, spanning what medications she could, and arranging for outpatient wound care visits. Still wishing for the best care available, Sarah called Patient Experience asking if they could visit one more time to convince her patient to go to the swing bed. After much conversation, the patient finally agreed to go but still had conditions and questions for Sarah. Having already arranged for as many home care supplies as possible, Sarah went back to the patient and answered every one of her questions. She now had to cancel all the orders she had just placed and begin the process of getting her patient a swing bed.
It was nearing 5 pm but Sarah continued to work past her quitting time to ensure this patient got the best care available to her. The patient and her daughter were very grateful and thanked Sarah for all her hard work and guidance. Sarah's day is an example of the hard work and time our Case Managers give each of their patients. Most times, it takes multiple phone calls, texts, faxes, and family conversations to put all the pieces into place. Their efforts to make sure our patients discharge safely often goes on behind the scenes unnoticed and underappreciated.