Welcome to the IASIS e-forum
By David White, Chairman and CEO

You've heard it said that less is more, but I believe when it comes to communicating with our employees, more is better. So, welcome to the first electronic version of forum, the IASIS Healthcare employee newsletter. This e-letter does not replace the quarterly print newsletter you receive. Rather, this is an additional way for us to share exciting things that are happening across the company. By using the electronic format, we can also provide links to the web where you will find more information about the topics we cover. Most important, this is a way to exchange ideas, and to learn from each other.

Because not all of our employees receive e-mail, we have asked that this communication be printed and posted around the hospital. You may also scroll to the bottom of this e-mail and subscribe to receive the newsletter at a home e-mail address.

I hope you enjoy e-forum!

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IASIS Records Second Quarter Financials

On May 2, IASIS released financial results for the quarter ending March 31. The company recorded strong volume and revenue growth, as well as a record quarter in operating cash flow. The growth in volume is especially notable, because many hospitals around the country showed a decline in volume for the same quarter. "Our results show that our operating strategy is working. We plan to continue to focus on some of the same things that have been driving our success so far, including investing in our hospital facilities and new technology, expanding certain product lines and recruiting physicians," said Carl Whitmer, IASIS CFO.

Click here to read the full news release.

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Saluting Our Co-Workers on Military Duty

IASIS employees have a unique way to remember hospital co-workers called up for active military duty. Wrist bands similar to the ID bands worn by patients are available with the names of 16 IASIS employees activated by the military, the hospital's name and the phrase, "Supporting Our Troops and Associates." If you'd like to show your support by wearing a wristband, contact your HR department.

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New Scanning System Saves Time

At IASIS hospitals, inventory management is getting as easy as checking out at the grocery. Nurses are using bar codes and scanning technology to keep track of medical supplies dispensed to patients. The system is called ScanREQ and aims to save nurses time, prevent running out of supplies and offer greater billing accuracy. The first ScanREQ system was recently installed at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Other IASIS Hospitals will get their system over the next few months.

Get more information on the ScanREQ system.

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Prepared for SARS

With the outbreak of a new illness called SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), all IASIS hospitals have taken steps to raise awareness and prepare for the disease. SARS has killed several hundred people, and it has grabbed headlines because it is easily spread. All infectious control coordinators at IASIS hospitals have been educated about the illness and stay up-to-date on the latest developments through links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to Lelan Daines, IASIS director of risk management. "Our hospitals have instituted very careful screenings, especially in the ER, so if people come in with certain symptoms, they are identified and isolated," Daines said.

For More Information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Focus on Nurses This month, IASIS hospitals recognized the work and dedication our nurses provide year-round, with National Nurses Week. At most facilities, nurses were honored with special lunches and dinners. Among the creative ideas IASIS hospitals used to recognize their nurses: At Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, nurses were given a bit of relief in the form of free massages, and their names were entered into drawings for baskets of goodies. At Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St. Petersburg, nurses were recognized with a special meal, and given folding camp chairs as appreciation gifts.

Salt Lake Regional Medical Center honored Nurse of the Year Mary Ann Chiarelli on Nurse's Day. Joining her are, from left, F. Robert Reeder, chairman of the SLRMC board of trustees, Brian Dunn, CEO of SLRMC and Guy Thompson, CNO.

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The Power of Caring

Last week was National Hospital Week. IASIS hospitals held a variety of events to recognize the dedication of all employees and volunteers who work to improve the quality of healthcare in our communities. This year's theme is "Bringing the Power of Care to the Community." Among the activities happening at IASIS hospitals: Park Place Medical Center in Texas is cooling things off for employees with an ice cream sundae party, and giving away gift certificates in an employee drawing. At Tempe St. Luke's Hospital, an Employee of the Year will be named and honored at a luncheon. At Mid-Jefferson Hospital in Texas, employees can enjoy discounts from local retailers as part of a "Vendor Day" featuring such items as jewelry, crafts and uniforms. All are small attempts by our hospitals to recognize the large contributions our employees make every day to our communities.

Learn more about National Hospital Week.

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