Robert J. Greczyn, Jr., chair, ECU Health Board of Directors, recently received the 2024 Trustees Award for Distinction from the East Carolina University Board of Trustees in honor of his extraordinary leadership and service. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who embody excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing ECU’s mission of student success, public service, and regional transformation.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 Trustees Award for Distinction,” said Greczyn. “East Carolina University and ECU Health have been central to my journey of service, and I am grateful to have played a part in advancing the collective mission to improve lives across our region.”
The Trustees Award for Distinction is reserved for leaders who inspire, influence and motivate others toward achieving shared goals. Honorees demonstrate a profound dedication to ECU’s strategic vision through championing partnerships, fostering philanthropy, and promoting public service—all while exemplifying strong character and professionalism.
Greczyn’s devotion to ECU runs deep. As a former member and chair of the ECU Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2011, Greczyn has continuously worked to elevate the university. Currently, he serves as chair of the ECU Health Board of Directors, where his extensive health care experience has been pivotal in integrating the health system with the Brody School of Medicine.
“Bob’s passion for serving the underserved and addressing complex health care challenges has been a guiding light for ECU Health,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, chief executive officer of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “Through his leadership, the organization has stayed true to its mission-driven focus on improving the health and well-being across eastern North Carolina.”
Greczyn has been a prominent leader in North Carolina’s health care landscape for over three decades. Professionally, he served as the president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina from 2000 to 2010.
He also served as president and CEO of Healthsource Health Plans Inc. Greczyn also established a Rural Health Center in Anson County. His expertise running both not-for-profit and for-profit entities is supported by a leadership style that emphasizes enterprise risk, compliance, ethics and governance standards.
“As a member of our board, Bob has always advocated for patients, their families, team members, students, educators and especially those in underserved communities who struggle to gain access high-quality care,” said Dr. Waldrum. “His focus has always been on how we can make the greatest impact for our region. I am grateful to have the privilege to serve alongside so many mission-driven individuals like Bob who dedicate themselves to advancing this beautiful part of our state.”
Greczyn’s influence extends far beyond professional achievements; his commitment to serving underserved communities, championing collaboration, and driving positive change underscores his dedication to the mission of ECU. Greczyn’s recognition through the Trustees Award for Distinction is a testament to his enduring impact on ECU, ECU Health and the communities we serve.
Seven key priorities served as the central discussion point as community-based health partners joined ECU Health and Pitt County Department of Social Services (DSS) in October for the second session of a conference series designed to support the emergency department and improve access to non-emergent care across eastern North Carolina.
The seven key priorities, identified during the first conference session in early October, represent the unique viewpoints from stakeholders across the community and all of whom share a common goal: reduce unnecessary utilization of the emergency department in Greenville.
The seven priorities include:
- Placement/disposition – getting patients placed in the appropriate care settings outside the emergency department such as skilled nursing facilities, in-home care, adult care homes, foster homes, etc.
- Navigating the system – defining roles and responsibilities of each agency
- Collaboration – improve collaboration among systems and across agencies
- Crisis system – more clearly defining how the system operates and clarifying any confusion that may exist
- Community options and wraparound support – ensure a robust support system in the health care setting and in the community to ensure people get the help they need
- Access to services – provide clarity on where patients need to go to access care
- Regulatory – reduce barriers and create efficiencies in key operational areas like timely discharge and clinical assessments
“This was a moment for us as a health care community to not only clearly define the challenges facing the patients we serve, but to also explore how we can implement solutions that improve the emergency care realities here in eastern North Carolina,” said Jacob Parrish, vice president of capacity and throughput at ECU Health, who served as one of the conference organizers. “The challenges facing emergency departments both locally and nationally cannot be solved solely by the hospitals themselves. These conversations help us take our words and put them into collaborative action.”
Health care and community partners in attendance at the conference included ECU Health, DSS Directors from across eastern North Carolina, Juvenile Justice, Trillium Health Services, Public School leaders, NC DHHS, payors, faith leaders, and other eastern North Carolina hospitals and key stakeholders. The conversation focused on both adult and pediatric/adolescent patient populations who present at the emergency department but could be better served in a different setting.
The importance of education and outreach served as a common theme throughout the discussion. Organizations talked not only about the importance of providing critical information directly to patients, but also emphasized the importance of educating themselves on the role that other organizations and agencies play in the care continuum.
ECU Health highlighted the growing demand for emergency department services and the urgent need to streamline care in the community for non-emergent cases. The discussions underscored how patients with non-critical issues are often funneled to emergency departments due to limited access to routine and primary care resources and crisis services, creating unnecessary strain on EDs. ECU Health Medical Center, for example, remaining full nearly half the year due to high patient volumes, which often exceed its 974-bed capacity. This backlog directly impacts how long some patients may wait in the ED.
“Our commitment to improving emergency care access and efficiency for our patients is unwavering,” said Dr. Leigh Patterson, chief of services for emergency medicine at ECU Health Medical Center. “The collaboration we’re seeing across health care and alongside our community partners demonstrates a shared dedication to creating lasting solutions that serve the unique needs of eastern North Carolina.
By addressing the root causes that lead to emergency department overutilization, we’re working to not only improve the experience for our patients but also strengthening health care in our region.”
ECU Health and Pitt County DSS will host a third session of the conference to further discuss action items and strategies to support more collaboration in the community.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health has earned 2024 College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified acute and ambulatory Level 8. The Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey designed to identify and recognize health care organizations that exemplify best practices through their adoption, implementation and use of information technology and included more than 48,000 represented facilities in 2024.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and innovation, which have been instrumental in achieving the 2024 Most Wired Award,” said Donette Herring, chief information officer, ECU Health. “Our efforts to improve the well-being and efficiency of our clinical team members and adoption of artificial intelligence were top priorities this past year. These achievements underscore the team’s commitment to innovation, education and the seamless integration of technologies across the organization. We look forward to building on these successes and exploring new opportunities to advance ECU Health’s strategies and improve operational performance.”
ECU Health ranked above peers in categories across eight key areas including: infrastructure, security, administrative/supply chain, analytics/data management, interoperability/population health, patient engagement, innovation and clinical quality/safety. Participants receive a comprehensive benchmarking report enabling them to evaluate their current information systems’ health. This report assists in devising strategies to elevate the quality of health care organizations to enhance industry-wide care standards. The assessment covers digital health performance. The survey assesses the adoption, integration and impact of technologies at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.
ECU Health has piloted several initiatives to enhance patient care and streamline operations. The clinical communication program has enhanced the timeliness of communication and care coordination among team members, as well as increased workforce mobility, evidenced by high utilization in medication administration, documentation, and secure messaging. The MyChart Bedside program allows patients to access real-time education, lab results and pertinent care information directly from iPads, enhancing patient understanding and engagement. In the Emergency Department, the ‘Hello World’ initiative improves patient engagement through enhanced texting capabilities, keeping patients informed on next steps.
Additionally, regional facilities have expanded the tele-sitter program, optimizing resource allocation for patients who need monitoring but not constant one-on-one attention. The implementation of flowsheet macros has been a major efficiency booster, saving nurses millions of clicks and positioning ECU Health as a leader in this innovative adoption. ECU Health is also advancing artificial intelligence (AI) integration across its operations. The launch of the AI Center of Practice (AICoP) has gathered over 200 members across departments to foster collaboration and AI best practices.
“We are proud to recognize your ECU Health’s exceptional dedication to digital health excellence,” said CHIME President and CEO, Russ Branzell. “ECU Health’s pioneering performance in the industry not only inspires other organizations by example, but also provides patients around the world with better care.”
For patients in eastern North Carolina facing spine-related issues, ECU Health’s new minimally invasive spine surgery program at the ECU Health Neurosurgery & Spine Center in Greenville is designed to provide faster recovery times, fewer complications and improved outcomes. By focusing on complex spine procedures with less invasive techniques, ECU Health is enhancing access to high-quality care that allows patients to return to their lives quicker and with greater confidence.
“We are excited to offer minimally invasive spine surgery, which allows patients to experience a quicker recovery, less blood loss and reduced risk of complications, ultimately lowering the likelihood of needing additional surgery,” said Dr. Aaron Bond, neurosurgeon at ECU Health. “We’re committed to making these advanced procedures more accessible for our patients and to expanding this service in eastern North Carolina.”
The ECU Health Neurosurgery & Spine Center’s multidisciplinary team includes physician assistants and nurse practitioners, who support patients at every stage of care. In-house physical therapy services and a close partnership with ECU Health Neurology provide comprehensive support under one roof, improving the continuity and quality of care for patients with complex spine conditions.
“While not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, those who are find it helps them avoid hospital stays and return to their daily lives more quickly,” said Dr. Bond.
These procedures are performed at ECU Health SurgiCenter, where many patients can undergo outpatient spine surgeries without the need for hospitalization. This approach is particularly effective for individuals suffering from acute herniated discs – often leading to sciatica, spinal stenosis – which frequently affects older patients, and traumatic burst fractures. Due to limited access to minimally invasive options in some areas, the center has seen a significant number of patients traveling long distances for treatment.
Patients who have undergone these minimally invasive procedures report notable success in reducing or eliminating back and leg pain, with recovery times significantly shorter than those associated with traditional open surgeries.
“Having these services available locally is crucial for improving patient outcomes,” said Dr. Bond. “It reduces the need for follow-up visits, cuts down on travel time and costs and ensures patients have consistent, accessible support right in their community.”
With growing demand for minimally invasive spine care, ECU Health’s Neurosurgery & Spine Center is combining state-of-the-art technology with a highly skilled support team. As demand continues to rise, ECU Health is committed to expanding its capacity and providing high-quality, accessible spine care to make a lasting difference for patients throughout the region.
D’Nise Williams is the program coordinator for the Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program’s (ECIPP) Teen Safe Driving Program. This year marks the 12th year in a row her team has received grant funding from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP). The ECIPP is a community collaboration between ECU Health, Maynard Children’s Hospital, the ECU Health Trauma Center and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Its goal is to improve the health of eastern North Carolina residents by reducing the incidence and impact of injuries, and it accomplishes this goal through programs like the Teen Safe Driving Program.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Program is the State Highway Safety Office for North Carolina, and it is dedicated to reducing the number of traffic injuries and fatalities in the state. It promotes highway safety through a number of grants and safe driving initiatives like Click It or Ticket and Speed a Little, Lose a Lot. Many of the grants address behavioral approaches to traffic safety, and the grant the ECIPP received focuses on vulnerable road users—in this case, teenage drivers.
The program’s grant runs for a one-year cycle, and each year, educational efforts focus on two counties, which are selected through examination of county crash rate data. “We look at which counties would benefit from interventions to reduce crash rates, even by a small percentage,” Williams said. With the help of the GHSP grant funding, the Teen Safe Driving Program has been able to expand its services from Pitt County to Beaufort, Lenoir, Martin, Craven, Wayne, Nash, Greene, Duplin and Halifax counties, with hopes to further expand into Onslow County this year. “GHSP has been funding this project for more than a decade,” said Jennifer Delcourt, the vulnerable road users coordinator with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “This speaks to the impact of the project and the success of staff in reaching teens and parents with important traffic safety information in eastern North Carolina.”
According to data collected between 2016 and 2021, speeding, lane departure and distracted driving were the top factors in car crashes. To combat this, the program focuses on “5 to Drive rules for new drivers,” as developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which include no drinking and driving, buckling up, no use of phones while driving, no speeding and no more than one passenger at a time.
The Teen Safe Driving Program partners with high schools, as well as driver’s education programs, within the identified counties, to promote these safe driving practices for teenagers. “We do lunchtime education tables, partner with health science or P.E. classes, provide parent education curriculum and partner to bring the Cinema Drive interactive 3D movie experience to schools, which is an interactive driving experience that follows someone who has been drinking and driving. We have goggles and an interactive steering wheel, and you can pick out distractions as you drive with and without the goggles,” Williams explained. “The goal is to raise awareness that as a driver, you’re wielding tons of metal on the road, and you need to be your best self mentally.”
The program also provides targeted campaigns for teen drivers, including social media ads, billboards movie theater ads, mall campaigns and gas station TV ads. None of this would be possible without the funding from GHSP.
In 2023, the program achieved just over two million views in their mall campaign, 617 students in driver’s education classes, 7,168 students in lunchtime table education and 6,822 impressions via social media messages. These efforts have yielded positive results for the program. Teens are given pre- and post-intervention surveys to gauge their responses to the education, and there are also pre- and post-driver observations at the conclusion of driver’s education classes. “We usually see a change in behaviors, although it varies by county,” Williams said. “Last year we marked a 6% decrease in distracted driving in Pitt and Duplin counties, but the year before we recorded a 15-20% decrease in our counties of focus.”
Williams said that while it can be challenging to initially establish relationships with schools, once the partnership is established, the Teen Safe Driving Program is invited back year after year. Her goal is to continue to offer school interventions that result in safer driving behaviors, but she also has new ideas. “I want to work on targeted interventions for neurodivergent teens, like teenagers with ADHD or autism. We have so many teens who have trouble focusing already, and a teenager’s frontal lobe, which is responsible for making good decisions, isn’t fully developed,” Williams said. She also wants to establish a partnership with teenagers to create an advisory board for the program. “I’d like to think I’m ‘hip,’” Williams laughed. “But I would love to consult with other teenagers to get their input on what messaging reaches their age group.” Sue Anne Pilgreen, the executive director for the Safe Communities Coalition, the manager of the Pediatric Asthma Program and the manager of the ECIPP, echoed this sentiment. “Teens today aren’t the same as they were 12 years ago, and as they have changed, so has our program. We continue to focus on the historical distractions such as underage drinking and texting while driving, but we now know that mental well-being and substances such as marijuana can also impact teen driving.” Williams said consulting teens about what resonates most with them will help her find innovative and creative ways to reach and engage a teen audience.
Pilgreen championed Williams’s efforts to reach teen audiences across eastern North Carolina. “We are so fortunate to have D’Nise’s mental health background and expertise to better inform the education that we are offering, and to ensure that we are connecting with teens on a ‘real life’ level. My perception of a teens experience isn’t necessarily reality, and D’Nise knows that hers isn’t either. D’Nise is very intentional in bringing youth voices to her work, and structuring her programming and activities in a way that best impacts them.”
Williams emphasized that while the program’s focus on safe teen driving centers on a few counties each year, she is always available to speak to groups and do targeted programming and interventions. “I never turn down the opportunity to encourage kids to be safer,” she said.
Dr. Jacob Pierce
Fall is upon us, and along with the cooler weather and changing leaves, we are expecting to see an increase in respiratory viruses. While it might be too late for ECU football’s conference championship dreams, it’s not too late to increase your chances of staying healthy this respiratory viral season. Respiratory viruses may be an inconvenience for many of us, but they can be devastating for those with certain conditions. Fortunately, vaccines and treatments are available for the major respiratory viruses expected to be circulating this Fall and Winter.
Testing positive for influenza, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory viruses can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that we’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle it effectively. If you test positive, reach out to your health care provider immediately. For those who are a bit more vulnerable—like older adults, people with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system—getting early treatment really makes a difference. It can help keep symptoms from getting worse and get you back on your feet faster.
Medications available today for some respiratory viruses like COVID-19 can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of hospitalization. As an infectious disease physician at ECU Health, I have seen firsthand how devastating these respiratory viruses can be for at-risk individuals. This underscores the importance of acting quickly and taking advantage of these treatments when eligible.
Treatment is just one part of the equation; preventative measures remain as vital as ever. The 2024–25 COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are available this Fall, and staying up to date with vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you. We also now have FDA-approved RSV vaccines for all adults ages 75 years and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends the vaccine for adults ages 60-74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV.
It is important to recognize that some of the most vulnerable in our community – such as newborns or individuals on chemotherapy don’t have a strong enough immune system for vaccines to work. They rely on the healthy among us to get vaccinated and keep them safe. I know that some of you reading this may have concerns about vaccinations. I encourage you to discuss which vaccines might be right for you with your health care provider. I get my vaccines every year, not to protect myself, but to protect anyone in our community who cannot get them for whatever reason.
Additionally, basic hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and wearing masks in crowded or high-risk areas, continue to be simple yet powerful tools in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.
By staying informed, acting quickly when needed and embracing preventive measures, we can navigate this season safely and protect the health of our community. It’s not just about avoiding illness; it’s about doing our part to ensure the well-being of those around us. Together, we can make a difference in managing this year’s respiratory viral season and look forward to baseball season.
Dr. Jacob Pierce is the medical director of infection prevention at ECU Health and a clinical assistant professor at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
Stacey Greenway, director of cardiovascular disease management services at ECU Health Medical Center, was recently appointed as incoming president of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Greenway, who recently advocated for rural health care during AACVPR’s Day on the Hill, previously served as a board member for the organization.
“It is an honor to be chosen to lead AACVPR and work alongside my colleagues in cardiovascular care to advance quality and enhance patient outcomes,” said Greenway. “I am eager to provide health care professionals with the best tools and resources to improve patient outcomes and to advocating for policies that recognize the importance of our life-saving work. I also look forward to continued collaboration with health care providers outside of our field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab, as we work together to elevate cardiovascular care and provide the highest level of support to our patients.”
Greenway is passionate about advocating for patients and rural health systems in state and national policy and is a leader in cardiovascular disease management. With a background in multidisciplinary rehabilitation practices and public health, Greenway brings experience in clinical leadership and patient advocacy to AACVPR’s mission, which emphasizes advancing the quality of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation nationwide. AACVPR helps establish standards and advocates for cardiovascular and pulmonary care, addressing the physical, emotional and social needs of patients with chronic diseases. As incoming president, Greenway plans to drive initiatives that support clinical staff and enhance patient access to high-quality, evidence-based rehabilitation programs.
Candace Cahoon, the respiratory care manager for the Pediatric Asthma Program, presented in July at the National Association of Asthma Educators (AAE) annual conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The AAE is dedicated to providing quality education to a multidisciplinary group of asthma educators, and members include respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, social workers, nurse practitioners and others. Cahoon’s presentation is one way the Pediatric Asthma Program at Maynard Children’s Hospital strives to share its research, lessons learned and processes for establishing a national model for a pediatric asthma program in the United States.
Cahoon has worked with ECU Health for 10 years, and during that time she has continued her education from a bachelor’s degree in sociology and an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy, to a master’s in health education and several certifications.
The Pediatric Asthma Program, which has grown from serving two counties in 1995 to 29 counties today, aims to reduce emergency department and inpatient admissions for children with asthma, decrease school absenteeism and increase the quality of life for children with asthma in eastern North Carolina. It does this by offering asthma testing, asthma education, tools to manage asthma, access to community resources and medication assistance. Their work with eastern North Carolina public schools has been a particularly effective way to reach children in rural North Carolina communities.
The poster Cahoon presented was the collaborative work of the Pediatric Asthma Program’s entire team, and the goal was to educate others on how to establish and support a pediatric asthma program. “We’re one of the best programs in the nation,” Cahoon said. “We are ahead of the game in terms of what we address for our patients with asthma. I go to conferences and say, ‘we know this; we do this,’ so we are well-known in the state and nationally.” Sue Anne Pilgreen, the manager of the Pediatric Asthma Program, said Cahoon is the “teacher” of their team. “She is a lifelong learner,” she said. “While the content development was a team effort, Candace pulled it all together, submitted the abstract and ultimately showcased our great work.”
Cahoon shared that the Pediatric Asthma Program is now establishing its own professional conference: Pediatric Asthma Management: Providing Holistic Care to Rural Communities. The conference is scheduled for February 28, 2025 and will be held at the Eastern Area Health Education Center, with virtual and in-person capability. Cahoon leads the committee responsible for making the conference a reality. “We want to show how we are touching every single aspect of an asthmatic patient’s life,” Cahoon said. “We have worked to expand and grow our program over the past few years, and we’ve had countless people ask us how we ‘found’ our success, especially in such a rural area,” Pilgreen added. In answer to that, the conference will address key components involved in implementing a comprehensive asthma program, while also discussing the clinical components of how the asthma team treats patients with asthma and helps them transition to home. “We’ll have a case study that goes through the hospital or clinic and has a breakdown of testing, education, home visits and environmental assessments for the patients,” Cahoon shared. The team will also talk about Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) as a new treatment option for patients with asthma that combines in a single inhaler both a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist so it can be used as a daily maintenance and as-needed relief of asthma symptoms. “The overarching objective for the conference is to help participants to utilize clinical knowledge, skills and expertise to provide holistic pediatric asthma care in the community,” Pilgreen said. “We know this starts in multiple places, including the hospital bedside, schools, and primary care provider offices.”
Ultimately, attending conferences, as well as establishing a conference of their own, highlights and shares the innovative work of the Pediatric Asthma Program at Maynard Children’s Hospital. “It shows that we’re here and we can do this together,” Cahoon said. “We are more than willing to show how over the last 20 years we have put this program in place.” Pilgreen agreed: “The design of our program is unique. Having the opportunity to present our program model and outcomes at a national conference not only elevates our work, but it also gives others the tools to replicate our model in their area. Our goal is to increase the quality of life for children with asthma, regardless of where they live.”
This year, the ECU Health Medical Center’s microbiology laboratory upgraded its technology by adding the BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation (TLA) system. The new equipment improves standardization in laboratory processes, enhances lab efficiency and centralizes microbiology testing. This automated solution to laboratory challenges represents ECU Health’s ongoing pursuit of innovation, efficiency and process improvement.
The Kiestra TLA system is an end-to-end automated lab culture workflow from plate labeling, inoculation, incubation, plate reading, imaging, reading and follow up work, to maximizing staff productivity. “Previously, after incubating cultures, you took the plates out and read each one from the oldest to the newest, but if the culture wasn’t robust enough, the plate had to go back in the incubator,” Caryl Havasy, the system administrator of laboratory service lines, said.
Heather Duncan, the director of ECU Health Medical Center’s laboratory services, further explained the challenge. “Think about incubating plates like baking a cake in the oven,” she said. “The whole time the plate is out of the incubator, it’s not growing the organism, just like a cake stops baking once you take it out of the oven. This can delay an organism’s growth and delay the test results.”
Furthermore, reading plates was subject to human experience and error. The Kiestra, Havasy and Duncan said, takes photos of the plates and uses AI algorithms to see an organism’s growth before the human eye can detect it. “This technology means there’s no variation in how the sample is applied to a plate” Duncan said. That means there’s no delay due to rework, and there’s less room for error.
Acquiring the technology was a four-year process, which included establishing a business case, investing funds, working through construction to get the microbiology lab space ready, installing equipment and training lab technicians. The lab opened officially this past July, and on Oct. 8, the team hosted an open house to celebrate the new technology with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours for those interested in seeing the new equipment.
It was a great opportunity for Dr. Niti Armistead, the chief quality officer and chief clinical officer at ECU Health, to see the newest technology in action. “The Kiestra is an investment in our people, specifically our laboratory and microbiology team,” she shared. “These are highly trained professionals, and this technology takes away manual, inefficient tasks and allows them to use their skills and education to the fullest extent. This in turn drives improvement in safety with fewer manual errors, efficiency and professional fulfillment. It is another example of how we are advancing our vision to be the national model for rural health as it will be processing specimens from all of our hospitals.”
Jay Briley, the president of ECU Health Medical Center, also attended the event. “It’s exciting to see ECU Health continue to invest in cutting-edge technology like the Kiestra Total Lab Automation system. The system streamlines our processes, reduces manual errors, and allows our highly skilled lab professionals to focus on what matters the most: delivering timely, life-saving results,” he said. “The Kiestra TLA system is a testament to ECU Health’s commitment to innovation and the health and well-being of our patients.”
Andy Zukowski, ECU Health’s chief financial officer, highlighted the value of ECU Health’s investment in this new technology: “The Kiestra Total Lab Automation system represents significant innovation and value for ECU Health. By streamlining our microbiology lab’s processes, it enhances the patient experience and quality of care we provide all while improving throughout and cost savings. The long-term return on investment is clear, as it positions us to continue delivering innovative high-quality care while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
In celebration of the season, Maynard Children’s Hospital patients, families and team members had a chance to recognize Halloween and bring a sense of normalcy around the day.
Team members from across ECU Health and some community groups came together inside the children’s hospital to dress up and let the children see some of their favorite characters, like Mario, Woody and Buzz from Toy Story, and everyone from Inside Out.
Some tables set up inside Maynard Children’s Hospital even offered interactive games for the kids to play while they were picking up goodies from each team. Those involved said this is one of the most special events of the year, where teams can share a bit of normalcy with the youngest patients at ECU Health Medical Center.
Amanda Jones, a child life specialist at Maynard Children’s Hospital, said she’s grateful to work with a team whose role is to put a smile on children’s faces.
“That’s part of our role here, we try to bring some fun to Maynard Children’s Hospital,” Jones said. “Kids and their families have to be here, so we just try to celebrate holidays, celebrate milestones and bring some of their home to them while they’re in the hospital.”
Jones said while the event takes a lot of planning and organizing, the team member engagement makes it easy to pull together and generate excitement. After four years of hosting a parade outside of Maynard Children’s Hospital, the event moved back indoors this year for a more interactive experience for patients and families.
One of those patients was Aleksandra, who was dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast during the event. She said it made her day to see the Minecraft booth set up from one of the teams.
“It was fun to go trick-or-treating and see all the booths. There were so many different booths, it was just really fun,” she said. “Being able to do this with other people, who some of them might have the same condition as me, that was a good memory.”
Her mother, Lydia, said she was grateful for her daughter to have something to look forward to for Halloween while she’s in the hospital. For herself, Lydia said it was nice to see Aleksandra and so many other children light up as they went through the different booths.
“It’s wonderful that they put on an event like this so that all of the children who are missing out on Halloween get this experience,” Lydia said. “I love seeing them have the moment of just being a kid, wearing a costume and forgetting for a day that they’re in the hospital.”
Lydia said she had a great time watching her daughter, other patients and even parents interacting with an Inside Out booth, complete with a replica console from the movie.
Tara Stroud, vice president of Women’s and Children Services, said team members step up in many ways to be there for the patients and families served at Maynard Children’s Hospital and this event is a true example of that commitment.
“There’s something about being able to work in a children’s hospital and really give the child the experience of being a child, whether they’re sick or not,” she said. “It gives a heartwarming feeling to the team to know that we’re going to make a difference – whether it’s caring for them medically or it’s just putting a smile on their face.”
