Kessler employees talk about change

by Julie Fink, Gazette Staff Writer

HAMMONTON—Since its takeover late last year, the Foundation of William B. Kessler Memorial Hospital has provided the employees of Kessler Memorial Hospital in Hammonton a sense of relief and renewed energy about their jobs and the future of the hospital.
“There is optimism among the doctors. I think things are more vibrant in the hospital. There is less doom and gloom,” David L. Weiss, DPM of Weiss Foot and Ankle Center said.
Weiss is also a member of the board of Kessler Hospital.
Allison Gibase, an RN for the Medical Surgery Unit has observed an overwhelming feeling of relief and excitement that there is still a hospital in town.
“A huge weight has been lifted off of everyone’s shoulders. Everyone is excited that they did not have to look for work out of town and that the hospital has survived and will continue to thrive,” she said.
“It was a major step for the hospital to get out of Chapter 11. All the employees feel more secure in their jobs and there is a very positive feeling throughout,” Alicia Porco, MRI and CAT scan scheduler said.
Kessler Security Guard Crescenzo Galli, feels that the employees are happier and the hospital is moving in the right direction.
“We are still here and the hospital is back on track,” he said.
According to Gibase, the census of the hospital has been up in recent months.
“The amount of patients seen has been going up and the hospital is heading in a positive direction,” she continued.
“We were on our death bed but now we are in recovery,” Weiss said.
Weiss feels the hospital is heading in a positive direction but difficulties still lie ahead.
Gibase is enthusiastic about one change that has been made since the Foundation has taken the reigns.
There has been an increase in internal conferences and workshops for the registered nurses to further their education and increase their exposure to up-to- date products and services offered in the field, she said.
Porco has noticed an increase in communication from the heads of departments, on up the ladder.
“There has been a more approachable feeling. The lines of communication seem to be more open, and they seem to be keeping us up to date on things,” she said.
Porco is also experiencing change on a personal front, she has been told her responsibilities will soon increase.
“I am a little nervous, but excited at the same time. To me, change is always a positive thing. They seem to be doing what is right for the hospital, patients and for us,” she said.
Although Galli has noticed some small changes since the Foundation took over, he still feels there is some work to be done with regards to open communications and visibility of the Foundation members.
“We really don’t get a chance to meet the people behind the Foundation. The employees should really know who is in charge,” he said.
“In general, everyone is happy that we are staying open and that we will be around for years to come,” Gibase said.
Porco stressed that for the upward trend to continue, the people of the community need to continue to use the hospital.
“We need everyone’s support to continue to do well,” she said.
Weiss said providing a high level of patient care will encourage the community to come in and use the services of the hospital.
“We need to maintain the business of the hospital by continuing to provide good care to the community. We need to keep the name of Kessler Hospital in the minds of the people as a place to come to receive good care and also keep the reputation solid,” Weiss said.