Page 22 - Summer-2015

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Spotlight on Marian’s Post-Acute Care Team

Led by David Duke, MD, Case and Utilization Review
Physician Advisor, a team of select volunteers spend their
days meeting with patients prior to discharge. The program’s
volunteers (many of whom are retired social workers and case
managers) interview patients prior to discharge to identify any
care issues that may arise after they leave the hospital and to
ensure continuity of follow up care.
Members of the Post-Acute Care Team Dr. Duke explains, “Whether it is assisting a patient by
scheduling a follow up primary care physician visit, providing
When most think of hospital volunteers, they imagine retired, elder care resources, or arranging transportation home
helpful individuals in matching uniforms who spend their days through a taxi voucher, this dedicated team helps patients
escorting community members around the medical center. At in a variety of ways to ensure a seamless transition from the
Marian Regional Medical Center, our volunteers are indeed medical center to home. Although originally thought to be
helpful, however the volunteer force is anything but average. impossible, this innovative program has become a model for
the industry.”
In addition to giving selflessly and generously of their time,
Marian volunteers encompass a world of detailed skill, impec- The Post-Acute Care Team program developed at Marian
cable talent, and great intellect. Recognizing the diverse skills has been adopted by numerous facilities throughout the
and abilities of our volunteers, Marian established the volun- Dignity Health system and is also offered at Arroyo Grande
teer Post-Acute Care Team to address and resolve transition of Community Hospital.
care issues for patients being discharged home.

JEAN MACKENZIE Honoring one of Marian’s longest serving volunteers

When Jean Mackenzie roams the halls of Marian Regional Medical
Center her heartfelt smile is known by all. This is because Jean is one of
Marian’s longest serving volunteers, donating a total of 22,367 hours over
the past 23 years.

“Throughout all these years, I never hesitated to get up in the morning to
volunteer at Marian,” confides Jean. “I have honestly loved my time at
the hospital and it’s been a bittersweet departure.”

Upon her retirement, Marian would like to extend sincere appreciation
to Jean for her remarkable donation of volunteer service to the medical
center and community.

To discover how you can make a difference as a volunteer, please call
Volunteer Services at 805.739.3520.

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