Focus on Leadership
In the summer 2000 American College of Healthcare Executives "Regent’s Newsletter," Steven B. Lampkin, FACHE, Regent for Arkansas, was asked to discuss his philosophies on leadership. Lampkin, CEO of Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville, had just completed a transition to both a new community and leadership role and had much to share.

Conceptually, I view leadership as a blend of Vision, Structure and People. A leader must cast a vision for an organization, a special project or even his or her own future. Importantly, this vision must create a unity of purpose and direction for those involved. With that vision in place, structure is important to align the goals, strategies, resources and agendas to ensure that the organization moves in the desired direction.

The final dimension of leadership involves people. Personally, I have found that a collaborative approach within a team culture is a key ingredient of successful leadership. Fundamentally, I believe that we "lead" people and "manage" processes and things. In doing so, we must create an environment that brings out the best in people.

In my personal experience there are three essential principles for developing teamwork. First, I have found that with involvement comes commitment. An effective decision-making style, along with clear expectations and communications will create a sense of ownership by those on the team.

Second, the principle of interdependency calls for a spirit of collaboration. In an era of limited resources, we must all leverage our assets by turning barriers into bridges and building strong alliances with others.

Third, the principle of individual value brings a sense of personal contribution to team members. Delegation of the right things to the right people with commensurate authority and boundaries allows team members to make a significant difference in the achievement of the vision. Giving credit where credit is due, along with celebrating successful outcomes will engender a spirit of teamwork along the journey.

While there are many articles and books written each year on the topic of leadership, the fundamentals of Vision, Structure and People has served me well over the years. I trust that these basic "blocking and tackling" dimensions of leadership will be of value to you in your personal and professional lives.

Harry Ward Receives Distinguished Service Award
Harry P. Ward, M.D., chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, received the Arkansas Hospital Association’s 2000 Distinguished Service Award during the association’s annual meeting October 11 in Hot Springs.

Serving as chancellor since 1979, Dr. Ward retired in October. During his 21 years at the helm, he transformed UAMS into a nationally recognized institution through completion of more than $200 million of major construction projects such as the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, Jones Eye Institute, University Hospital Patient Tower, Biomedical Research Center, Education Building III, the Family Medical Center, expansion of the Outpatient Center, and the Donald W. Reynolds Center on Aging.

Arkansas Hospitals: Enhancing Quality and Trust
Arkansas Hospital Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show, October 9-12, 2000
The Arkansas Hospital Association’s 70^th Annual Meeting and Trade Show returned to Hot Springs for the first time in several years and was held in the beautiful new Hot Springs Convention Center and Austin Hotel.

Annual meeting attendees were inspired by keynoter Lance Secretan’s unique discussion of leadership and with Quint Studer’s colorful explanation of how his hospital became number one in the country for patient satisfaction. Community needs consultant Cecily Lohmar took a look at post acute care; political strategist Mark Allen discussed the upcoming presidential election, never realizing it would be history in the making; Carson Dye addressed the American College of Healthcare Executives breakfast; and Dr. Terry Yamauchi discussed preparations for bioterrorism.

In addition, participants also heard Bruce Lewis present an interesting look at technology’s future, and Boston Globe medical reporter Larry Tye talk about the relationship between hospitals and reporters during a medical crisis.

A highlight of the meeting was the annual AHA Trade Show. Now in its 13^th year, the Trade Show featured more than 100 exhibits of healthcare products and services from vendors and suppliers across the country.

Burford, Gentry Receive ACHE Regent’s Awards
At the October 11 American College of Healthcare Executives Breakfast, ACHE Arkansas Regent Steve Lampkin, FACHE, CEO, Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville, presented awards to two Arkansas hospital CEOs in recognition of their achievements in the healthcare profession.

The Senior Career Executive Award was presented to Jan Burford, CHE, President, CARTI, Little Rock; and the Early Career Executive Award went to Lee Gentry, CHE, President, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Walnut Ridge.

Assisting Lampkin with the awards presentation was ACHE Governor, District VI Richard Henault, FACHE, of Louisiana.

AHA 2000 Diamond Awards Presented
Winners of the Arkansas Hospital Association’s 2000 Diamond Awards were recognized at an October 11 luncheon during the AHA’s annual meeting in Hot Springs. The competition, cosponsored by the Arkansas Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations, is designed to recognize excellence in hospital public relations and marketing.  Diamond, Excellence, and Judges’ Merit Awards were possible in two divisions (hospitals of 175 beds or less and hospitals of more than 175 beds) in ten categories. The competition drew 126 entries from 25 Arkansas hospitals. Award-winning hospitals and entries are:

External Publications (newsletters or magazines published more than once a year for patients, community, physicians, etc.)

Diamond Award, CARTI, "CancerAnswers!"
Diamond Award, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, "Parenting in Arkansas"
Excellence Award, CARTI, "Focus Newsletter"
Excellence Award, Baptist Health, "The Leader"
Judges’ Merit Award, Conway Regional Health System, "In Motion Newsletter"
Judges’ Merit Award, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, "Pediatric Commentary"

Internal Publications (newsletters or magazines distributed to internal audiences such as employees, medical staff, volunteers, etc.)

Diamond Award, Arkansas Methodist Hospital, "What’s Happening"
Diamond Award, Central Arkansas Hospital, "The Central Messenger"
Excellence Award, Conway Regional Health System, "In Motion Employee Newsletter"
Excellence Award, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, "Vital Signs"
Judges’ Merit Award, Ozark Health Medical Center, "Vital Signs"
Judges’ Merit Award, Arkansas State Hospital, "ASH News"

Single Publication (Brochure, pamphlet, handbook, etc., designed to meet a specific need)

Diamond Award, CARTI, "Physician’s Referral Guide"
Diamond Award, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, "Winter Warmups"
Excellence Award, CARTI, "Festival of Trees Invitation"
Excellence Award, White County Medical Center, "Prime Times"
Judges’ Merit Award, Conway Regional Health System, "Wellness and Childbirth Calendar"
Judges’ Merit Award, UAMS, "Harold Hedges III, M.D. Endowed Scholarship"

Single Video (Video designed to meet a specific need such as patient information, hospital tour, etc.)

Diamond Award, Conway Regional Health System, "Geriatric Transitional Care"
Diamond Award, Baptist Health, "The Helen Beckwith Story"
Excellence Award, Conway Regional Health System, "Health & Fitness Center"
Excellence Award, White County Medical Center, "WCMC Services"
Judges’ Merit Award, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, "JRMC Annual Meeting"

Print Advertising (Newspaper or magazine advertising in any size, using one or more colors)

Diamond Award, Ouachita County Medical Center, "The Dog Ate It"
Diamond Award, UAMS, "Under Your Nose"
Excellence Award, Conway Regional Health System, "Exercise More Than Just Your Mind"
Excellence Award, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, "Tim Atkinson"
Judges’ Merit Award, Arkansas Heart Hospital, "fastER care"
Judges’ Merit Award, White County Medical Center, "Hospital Services"

Radio Advertising (Single advertisement or public service announcement that has been developed or commissioned for radio)

Diamond Award, Arkansas Heart Hospital, "Focus On One Thing"
Diamond Award, UAMS, "Patch"

Television Advertising (Single television advertisement or public service announcement developed or commissioned to promote a hospital service or program)

Diamond Award, Arkansas Heart Hospital, "Focus On One Thing"
Diamond Award, UAMS, "UAMS Brand"
Excellence Award, St. Mary’s Hospital, "Changing Women"
Excellence Award, St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center, "Dr. Hollis"
Judges’ Merit Award, Conway Regional Health System, "Fitness Center"
Judges’ Merit Award, Baptist Health, "Women’s & Children’s Services"

Outdoor Advertising (Copies of outdoor advertising such as billboards, benches, buses, etc., using one or more colors)

Diamond Award, Saline Memorial Hospital, "The Home Field Advantage"
Diamond Award, St. Bernards Regional Medical Center, "Mobile Mammography Unit"
Excellence Award, St. Bernards Behavioral Health, "Feel Alive Again"
Excellence Award, Baxter Regional Medical Center, "Suite Dreams"
Judges’ Merit Award, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, "Tim Atkinson"

Internet Web Site (A Web site design, developed or commissioned to promote a hospital’s programs and services)

Diamond Award, The Bridgeway, www.thebridgeway.com
Diamond Award, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, www.archildrens.org
Excellence Award, HSC Medical Center, www.hscmedicalcenter.org
Excellence Award, UAMS, baby.uams.edu
Judges’ Merit Award, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, www.jrmc.org

Campaign Advertising (Series of advertisements developed or commissioned to promote a hospital program or service)

Diamond Award, St. Mary’s Hospital, "Mercy Breast Center Debut"
Diamond Award, Baptist Health, "All Our Best"
Excellence Award, Helena Regional Medical Center, "Our Family Caring For Yours"
Excellence Award, St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center, "Physician Campaign"
Judges’ Merit Award, Ouachita County Medical Center, "Promoting Hospital Services"
Judges’ Merit Award, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, "Image Ads"

Continuous Survey Readiness Program
Arkansas hospitals (both accredited and not accredited) have the opportunity to join an exciting new program developed for all hospitals by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The Continuous Survey Readiness (CSR) Program enables hospitals to achieve a continuous state of survey readiness.

Program benefits include: consistent, timely accreditation preparation assistance from a dedicated regional representative and surveyor cadre; initial and annual educational workshops/seminars at a very low cost; quarterly consulting visits tailored to meet an organization’s specific needs; self-assessment tools; confidential discussions with JCAHO representative; and the potential to reduce expenses and consulting fees necessary for full compliance with JCAHO and other regulatory standards.

According to Russ Blackwell, CSR regional representative for Tennessee hospitals, at least 20 Arkansas hospitals must sign up for the program to co-venture with Mississippi hospitals to obtain a regional representative and survey cadre for the two states. Hospitals were urged to sign up for the program prior to December 1.