Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Summer 2018

The basic definition of an activities director is someone who is responsible for providing an activities program based on the needs of patients. But for Lisa Webb, Shannon Skilled Nursing Activities Coordinator, her job extends far beyond this description. The passion Webb has for her job is immediately noticeable. Her face lights up when she describes the duties of her posi- tion and the patients she works with every day. Webb is nationally certified and has more than 30 years of experience across the spectrum of adult care. She began her position in the Skilled Nursing Unit in December. “This setting is faster because you have limited time to work with patients and reach them,”Webb says. “It’s hard to pick my favorite part of my job—we are able to touch people in so many ways.” Webb is part of the Skilled Nursing Unit’s morning reports and group meetings each week. During the meetings, care plans are discussed for each patient, and Webb determines which activities might give them the most benefit. Activities can be done in a group or individual setting, based on the need of each patient. MEANINGFUL FUN “Sometimes, people might not see the value of an activities coordinator—they just see it as a fun job,”Webb says. “We do have fun Shannon On Demand is a new telemedicine service that offers patients the ability to see a doctor virtually anywhere without an appointment. This virtual service provides the option for a quick consult for minor medical needs. Access to Shannon On Demand is private, secure, fast and easy, and it’s available 24/7 from a mobile device, tablet or computer with a web camera. “This is the first service of its kind in our community and the 24-county area Shannon serves,” says Shane Plymell, CEO of Shannon. “This service gives patients immediate access to primary care from their homes, offices and many different locations, and it makes it easy for them to talk to providers about minor medical needs.” The service works much like a FaceTime or Skype face-to-face video chat. Patients need a good Wi-Fi connection, along with their computer or mobile device.The visits include consultations, diagnoses and prescriptions (when appropriate). Shannon On Demand features board- certified providers and advanced practice professionals, including members of the and that’s important, but we have fun with pur- pose. Our activities are meaningful and they are complementary to rehab. I’m constantly observ- ing each patient and seeing if they are having trouble completing an activity.” For example, making jewelry helps with hand strength and playing bingo works on hand-eye coordination, socialization, vocal cord use and decision making. Patients often interact and visit with one another during the activities, such as painting, and this hones their memory skills.They introduce themselves and work on remembering the names of other patients. Activities for an individual setting might include adult coloring pages and music, which aid in relaxation, and word games and reading, which help with mental strength. Webb learned of a patient who inherited her father’s domino set.Though the rest of her family knew how to play, she didn’t, so Webb taught her. She was able to continue this activity at home with her family. An- other patient learned inexpensive activities she could do with her grandchildren. “We are helping bring their dignity and ability back,” Webb says. “We are providing them with activities they can do at home with a family member or by themselves.” ‘OUR PEOPLE REALLY CARE’ Webb appreciates the support and encour- agement she gets from the Skilled Nursing Unit staff. “I am so grateful for the staff who help with a small budget,” she says. “I had a party recently, and I was surprised at the candy, cookies, cards and notes the staff brought for the patients. We have a great team, and we work to make a difference in each pa- tient’s life. Our people really care. Shannon people care. It is amazing.” A patient summed up Webb’s goal per- fectly. She had this to say about her experi- ence in a group bird painting activity: “You know, at 86 years old, I thought I was done making memories. But, that bird—that bird was memorable!” Shannon team. They can treat common health conditions, such as: ●  ● Cough. ●    Cold. ●  ● Sinus infection. ●    Flu. ●  ● Headache. ●    Pinkeye. ●  ● Respiratory infection. ●    Vomiting. ●  ● Fever. ●    Diarrhea. ●  ● Bronchitis. ●    Sore throat. ●  ● Sprains and strains. ●    Urinary tract infection. “Another great feature of Shannon On Demand is the ability to access the service 24/7 anywhere in the United States,” says Anna Pittman, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Shannon. “You do not have to worry about receiving great care or in-network care when you travel outside of San Angelo.” Parents may add children under the age of 18 to their account and seek a doctor visit on their behalf. The cost per visit is $59. Payment is collected via credit card at the beginning of the visit. Patients may file the visit with insurance if applicable. Getting started is simple. Visit Shannon OnDemand.com and register an account. It will save your information and have it ready for your first visit. The Shannon On Demand mobile app is also available for Android and Apple devices from the Google Play or Apple app stores. See a doctor virtually anywhere Active healing Summer 2018 3