Day 12 - Vocationals

Jeffrey & Suzanne spent the day with Linda Pearson, Jeff Tupper & May Walsh at the Corona Regional Medical Centre.

Linda and Jeff provided us with an overview of the US and California Health Care System and how Corona Regional Medical Centre (and its parent organisation, Universal Health Care) fits into the picture.

Key issues that were discussed (and where there is common US/Australia theme) included attracting nurses, allied health and doctors as well as marketing the hospital to the community to encourage people seek their health care locally.

Corona Regional Medical Centre is a two campus facility and is the only hospital in Corona City. The main campus which is 144 beds has a focus on acute care and obstetric services and the second campus which is located a few miles away is an 84 bed sub acute, rehab and mental health facility.

The hospital was built in 1965 and has undergone redevelopment. At present two new areas (a new 12 bed ICU and an additional 6 beds in ED) is waiting approval by the government before they can occupy.

May Walsh (who originally hailed from Sydney - and her claim to West Aussiedom is that her husband proposed to her in Kings Park) is the Administrative Director of Nursing. May outlined the nursing recruitment and retention issues. Key issues such as benefits, rates of pay, educational support all impact on nurse’s decisions about where they will work. Corona Regional is developing strategies to assist in recruiting and retaining nurses. Jona Aguirre, Director Nurse Education outlined the grad program and other programs such as return to work for RN's.

Some interesting clinical comparisons - length of stay in the Corona Regional Medical Centre averages around 4 days across all specialties. Post natal areas have LOS of around 48 hours for vaginal deliveries and 4 days for C-Sections. Laparoscopic surgery such as cholecystectomies and hernia repairs are done as day cases.

Corona Regional Medical Centre has a fantastic Service Philosophy which every staff member has to under take. It's called WOW and its been running for 2 years. Its aim is to improve there patient satisfaction

On Tuesday, the whole group had a formal tour of the hospital and then had lunch with Linda and Ken Rivers (CEO). Ken shared his philosophy which is based around courtesy, recognition and respect to ensure Corona Regional Medical Centre provides a high level of care to the community. It was a fantastic vocational day.