Hospital makes internal changes
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 25, 2017 5:50 AM
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Shay
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Conner
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Alford
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Baskett
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Watkins
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Parnell
In addition to focusing efforts on replenishing and retaining the local physician pool, Wayne UNC Health Care has recently made some internal changes in its leadership.
Officials there say the system has "re-energized" its focus on improving the patient experience, expanding quality services and recruiting providers.
In recent months, the hospital has hired 43 experienced nurses as well as 38 new graduate nurses -- 18 of those graduates of Wayne Community College. Wayne UNC has also provided tuition assistance for 19 teammates currently enrolled in the bachelor and master of nursing programs at the University of Mount Olive.
The hospital has also secured 56 new clinical professionals in the areas of rehabilitation, surgical services, pharmacy, lab, therapy and respiratory, and filled 58 support services positions in the areas of environmental services, food and nutrition and facilities.
Six of the hires, several in newly created positions, will help in the growth and development of the key areas, officials said.
Melissa Shay was hired as vice president of strategy and business development, a new role at the hospital. She is responsible for strategy, business development, marketing and communications, governmental affairs, physician recruitment and retention, corporate health and outreach services, community partner engagement and the WISH program.
Shay holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Toledo and a master's degree in organizational leadership from the University of Findlay in Ohio. Prior to moving to Wayne County in July, she was vice president of organizational excellence in College Station, Texas.
Renee Conner is vice president of human resources, responsible for hiring and retaining top employees, develop systems and structures for ongoing education and development of teammates and promoting positive working relationships among all stakeholders.
She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. Her previous job was as senior director of human resources for Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital in Tyler, Texas.
Misty Alford, cardiovascular service line director, a role providing leadership to achieve physician and hospital collaborative goals, including excellence in patient-centered care and clinical outcomes.
A graduate of East Carolina University School of Nursing, she is a registered cardiovascular interventional specialist and a healthcare accreditation certified professional. She previously worked at WakeMed Health and Hospitals, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in nursing at ECU.
Victoria Baskett was hired in the new position of patient experience director, to focus on the patient experience, patient and family engagement and patient safety.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she is serving on the N.C. Quality Center Patient and Family Advisory Council as well the nationally recognized Beryl Institute's Global Patient & Family Advisory Council.
Jenny Parnell, administrative director for medical/surgical nursing, oversees nursing services in conjunction with nursing directors on several medical and surgical units throughout the hospital. Her role is to ensure high quality, patient-centered care.
She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from ECU and was part of the leadership time at Vidant Medical Center.
Barry Watkins, administrative director for facility services, oversees plant engineering, clinical engineering, construction and renovation, environmental services, laundry and security. With nearly 20 years of experience in safety, security, construction and facilities in a variety of health care organizations across the state, most recently he was corporate director for engineering at Cape Fear Valley Health System in Fayetteville.
Janie Jaberg, hospital president and CEO, called the slate of new hires a wonderful complement to the already strong leadership team.
"All of us at Wayne UNC are committed to making sure we provide the very best care and experience for our patients," she said. "This means investing in resources that will help us continue to expand and improve services, recruit and retain top talent and position the system to meet the growing health needs of our community."
The hospital, a 316-bed community not-for-profit institution, has served residents of Wayne and surrounding areas for more than 120 years. It is now operating under a Management Services Agreement with UNC Health Care.