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July 8, 2008

Community Relations Council urges HRMC employees to ‘Hang tight’

The newly formed Community Relations Council wants employees of Haywood Regional Medical Center to know the community supports the hospital and wants to encourage hospital employees to “Hang tight.” Furthermore, council members hope others within the community realize “Haywood Regional Medical Center is your hospital.”

The council, which was approved by the HRMC Foundation and governing board as a link to the community, has met twice. Members of the council include Claire Amason, Joan Barnes, Melissa Burnett, Lana Lambert, Laura Leatherwood, Bo Prevost, Janice Roush, Jeff Schumacher, Otis Sizemore, Jean Stokes and Donna Powers-Willson.

The purpose of the council is to develop and sustain public trust in the hospital by providing feedback and suggestions concerning HRMC issues and communication strategies and to serve as public ambassadors, liaisons and spokespeople on behalf of HRMC.

From the first two meetings of the council, members have agreed the community wants the hospital to survive and thrive. The community also wants to be reassured that HRMC will continue to be available to provide needed health care to the community.

“The attitude in the community is not nearly as negative as you might think. But, it is important that they understand the facts,” said Jeff Schumacher, general manager of Mountaineer Publishing. The council agreed that minute details are not important to share, but said it is important to provide updates about key issues, such as the progress of the search for a new CEO, and future affiliations for the hospital.

Members to the council may be suggested through the HRMC Foundation trustees, civic organizations or individual application. In addition, advisors to the council may be appointed to assist the work of the council.

For more information, contact Robin Tindall-Taylor, HRMC Director of Foundation & Corporate Communications, at rtindall@haymed.org or 454-9339. Applications can be obtained online at www.haymed.org.