University of South Alabama Medical Center - Mobile, Alabama

Their Story
The University of South Alabama Medical Center is an academic medical regional trauma center that operates 24 ICU beds dedicated to medical, surgical, trauma, and cardiac care. They also have a regional burn ICU with seven beds. The CCFAP was initiated in June 2004. The program has been designated as the USA Medical Center Family Outreach and Support (MCFOS) program, supporting the philosophy of Where caring doesn’t end with the patient. This is synonymous with the hospital logo, "Making a Difference for You."

While implementing the CCFAP, the team has encountered and overcome multiple obstacles and hurdles, including a JCAHO hospital accreditation inspection; tropical storms Arlene and Cindy; and a couple of hurricanes, named Ivan and Dennis. Although progress has been slow, our family consultation room has been updated and provides a serene environment for family counseling and end-of-life discussions. The surgical trauma waiting area has tripled in size and is currently awaiting new innovative furniture. Our children’s area is also progressing well. Comfort bags are provided for out-of-town families. Food vouchers are given to those families that have a need. Communication pagers are in place. Despite these unique challenges, we continue to make progress in implementing our MCFOS program on a daily basis.

Meet the Team

Standing from left to right: Beth Anderson, Hospital Administrator, Team Member; Michele Richardson, Nurse, Manager STICU/MSCU/Telemetry/Guest Relations and Waiting Area, MCFOS Project Coordinator; Anna Leckenby, Patient Representative, Team Member; Phil Baldwin, Director, Plant Operations, Team Member; Mary Lynne Cochran, Director, Social Services, Case Management, Team Member; Angie Morehead, STICU/MSCU Charge Nurse, Assistant Project Coordinator; Cindy Pritchett, Clinical Educator, Critical Care, Acting Trauma Coordinator, Project Supervisor

Seated from left to right: Doris Calhoun, Guest Relations Aide, Team Member; Michele Watson, Critical Care Secretary, Assistant Project Coordinator

Implementing the Program