My job for the KSB Medical Mission was very straightforward. Bring back the same nine people that left the KSB parking lot on April 14th. Mission accomplished. To tie a bow around the trip, I would like to focus on three themes. The Peruvian People Pride, Dignity, Humor, Patience. These are a few of the words that come to mind when I think of the people our team served. The children are beautiful, and very happy. The people are kind and grateful. Even though our team’s inability to speak Spanish hampered communication, it was clear that the people were pleased … Read More
KSB Medical Mission – Day 8 – by Pratip Nag, M.D., Chief Medical Officer
This is the story of a soccer ball. The night before I left Dixon, my sons Jacob and Dylan deflated a soccer ball for me to take to Peru. A father is always proud when his children emulate the same values – they had already sent different types of chocolates and more than hundred matchbox cars – so I happily packed the soccer ball. On the way to Cusco I imagined different ways I could use the soccer ball to have fun with the kids and adults we will see. I imagined us playing soccer with the kids or … Read More
KSB Mission Trip – Day 7 – By Our Healthcare Professionals
Today’s post shares the experiences of KSB Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer Linda Clemen, R.N., Marissa Frost, R.N., Social Worker Julie Ammon, and Pharmacy Director Luke Herbert, PharmD. How does care in Cusco differ from KSB? The foundations of nursing, social services, and pharmacy in the US is to care, be kind and give the patient the best medicine to promote healing and health. The focus in Cusco, Peru is the same, only with limited resources. As nurses, we didn’t understand the language and we needed the physicians to utilize the interpreters, so we were left with nonverbal communication, caring touch, … Read More
KSB Mission Trip – Day 5 – by Tim Appenheimer, M.D.
I was skeptical. How much real lasting benefit happens when a group of well-meaning medical personnel descend upon a remote village for a few hours, see a large number of patients, and then leave? No detailed medical histories are obtained, no regular follow-up is planned. Many of the patients that I saw were older adults feeling the results of a lifetime of rugged physical work in an unforgiving terrain. Sore backs. Arthritic knees. There was little we could truly do in a day. Then there was Pablo, a very thin man in his late fifties. He had been losing weight … Read More
The 2018 ACHE Congress – Inside The Ropes
What is it like to be inside the ropes at ACHE Congress? Some observations and thoughts from last week’s gathering of our nation’s health care leaders at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. The Board After personally serving with this group for two years as Governor, this gathering of rock stars is more than a board of directors. It feels like family. I am a student of great leadership. The learning I gather from watching Past Chairmen Ed Lamb, Chuck Stokes and current Chair David Olson feels like a doctoral degree in how to lead. The people that make up our … Read More
Do You Have 3 Minutes To Spare? Watch the KSB Employee Meeting Video
One of the highlights of every annual meeting at KSB is the chance to showcase our employees. Check out this year’s video by clicking here.
Just Be Nice – I Want Your Thoughts
Two important events converged into one thought process that I want to share with you. I had the opportunity to speak to the Sauk Valley Leadership Group on the topic of community citizenship. This meeting was followed two days later by the Illinois Hospital Association Transforming Illinois Task Force. A question from the Leadership Group asked what my greatest concern was for our community. My response focused on societal acceptance of rude, disrespectful behavior. We see it most visibly in the political process, and my belief is the behavior is becoming acceptable in the workplace. The IHA Task Force centered … Read More
How is KSB doing?
A great friend of mine asked me one of my favorite questions recently: How is KSB doing? This question gives me the opportunity to share where our organization is and where we are going. As you will see, I am excited about the present as well as the future. My job is to make sure patients that choose KSB have a tremendous experience. I define the patient experience as world-class quality care in a welcoming environment, all provided at a reasonable cost. So how is KSB doing? Quality Care: KSB was recently named a 4-Star hospital by the Centers for … Read More
Does social media work? A CEO’s Dilemma
Google, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram. These are but a few of the available mediums for communication. Are any of them effective? A 2014 study by Social Media Examiner shows “92% of marketers have increased their exposure through social media and 80% had positive results in higher traffic to their site.” According to the study, increased traffic results in greater brand loyalty, marketplace insights, growing business partnerships and improved sales. That’s great if we are selling golf balls, but does if matter if we are selling hospital services? Image matters. KSB Hospital has built our reputation over 120+ years. It … Read More
Care You Need, When You Want It. KSB Increases Access to Patients through Extended Hours and Additional Weekend Appointments.
Care You Need, When You Want It. KSB Increases Access to Patients through Extended Hours and Additional Weekend Appointments. KSB Hospital knows that giving an outstanding patient experience requires providing more than just world-class clinical care. Not only do we want our patients to receive high quality care, but it’s important patients be seen when they want it, and need it. That’s why KSB Hospital has been working to expand clinic operation hours to entice new patients and make it more convenient for current patients to get an appointment. “It’s tough when you work full time Monday through Friday,” said … Read More