Moxie Column (May, 2013)

Hospice Medical Director Makes A Difference for Patients 

Column - What We Should Know About End-of-Life Care

Submitted 5/02/13 by:  Linda Cates, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice

Hospice care is provided in any setting the patient calls “home.”  Personalized care is offered by an outstanding Team working closely with the patient’s attending Physician.  The Care Team typically is led by the Hospice Medical Director working with nurses, social workers, chaplain, bereavement coordinator, and volunteers.  A Hospice that provides an “on-site” Medical Director provides added benefits to the patient and their family, and the attending Physician.  The patient chooses his or her attending Physician.  The attending Physician has direct access to the Medical Director for collaboration of care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The attending Physician, Medical Director, and other members of the Hospice Care Team work closely together to ensure each patient and family receive exceptional end-of-life care.  According to the Medicare regulations, the Hospice Medical Director is responsible for:

-          Overseeing clinical aspects of the Hospice and directing patient care policies. 

-          Ensuring the availability of skilled consultation to community physicians on challenging cases.

-          Providing training to Hospice staff through interdisciplinary team meetings.

-          Participating actively in the Hospice admission and eligibility decisions.

-          Visiting with patients in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and the Hospice Center.

Hospice Development Director Announces Plans for Early Retirement

Linda Cates, Development & Communications Director, since early 2006 has announced plans for an early retirement effective May 24, 2013.  Linda has raised over $10 million for the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice during her tenure, in addition to marketing the organization across the region. 

She plans to take several months off to spend time with her husband and grandchildren, while continuing her community presence as the incoming President of the Sheboygan Early Bird Rotary Club.  Linda will most likely move into consulting, offering more flexibility in her schedule. 

She remains committed to assisting the Hospice organization in any way possible – passionate about the mission and “Promise” for care regardless of ability to pay.  Linda shared the following, “Those I have met over these years, some now angels, have left a print on my heart that will always bring a warm smile to me.” We congratulate Linda on her many accomplishments, and extend our warmest wishes to her.