SMH-Sarasota COS Newsletter – May 2025
Message from Kenneth Hurwitz, MD Chief-of-Staff, SMH-Sarasota
I hope everyone made it through the busy winter season without too much difficulty. Growth of the hospital system continues at a brisk pace. Expansion of the Venice campus last year helped relieve some of the capacity constraints at the main campus over the winter season. The Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute opened in April and will now bring the physician and nursing medical education and clinical research departments under one roof. The new advanced simulation center has to be seen to be believed. Senior administration has also moved to the new location there. Construction continues on the outpatient Cancer Pavilion on Waldemere Street, and funding has been approved to begin construction of the new SMH hospital in Northport. As we leave the snowbird season behind, it is time to start planning for this summer’s hurricane season. Please see the information embedded below. Thanks to all of you who have joined workgroups to start preparing for the conversion to the Epic EMR in late 2026. There is much work ahead on that project, but we expect it will pay off in the long run. If all of this leaves you feeling a bit stressed, please see the information below regarding a new provider Wellness committee. Please look over all the items below that may also affect your practice. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Thanks for all that you do.
#1 2025 Hurricane Season Preparation & Awareness
2025 Hurricane Awareness Week is the perfect time to prep for the season, the Hurricane Season officially begins June 1. The time to prepare is now, as experts are forecasting an active season with 13-18 names storms; 7-10 are projected to reach hurricane strength.
Please click on the link below to obtain more information and be prepare for this Hurricane Season
2025 Hurricane Awareness Week and additional Information
#2 Advanced Directives Education
Please click in the link below to have detail education provided by Risk Management Department regarding Advanced Directive.
Advanced Directive Education
#3 Upcoming Education Opportunities in May 2025
Please click the links below to view the flyers containing details about the upcoming CME opportunities in person and via Webex.
May 13, 2025, Venice Campus and May 16 Sarasota Building Resiliency Workshop
May 20, 2025, APP Committee Journal Club
May 21, 2025, Emergency Care Center M&M A Clinical Diagnostic Dilemma: a case of ischemic colitis and a deceptively low lactate level
May 22, 2025, Grand Rounds Chest Tubes: What, Why, Where and Management
May 23, 2025, Trauma Grand Rounds – Update on the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury: ACS Best Practices
Last Monday of each month – Neuro Critical Care Education Series
Save the Dates – Empower your Practice, Master the Legal Landscape July 29, 2025, August 19, 2025, September 16, 2025 and October 29, 2025.
#4 SBAR – Medical Records Documentation
Please click on the link below to see the SBAR education related Medical Records Documentation
SBAR -Medical Record Documentation
#5 Education Research Building Now Open
Please click on the link below to see the flyer and information related to the new Education Research Building now Open.
Flyer Education Research Building
#6 New Wellness Committee
A wellness committee has been formed by MedStaff for the purpose of supporting practitioners in delivering the highest quality healthcare while reducing stress and strengthening personal well-being. Guided by our mission, the committee will focus on initiatives that improve workflow efficiency, reduce documentation frustrations, enhance communication, and foster stronger relationships across all teams. Programs such as stress management education, communication tools, and efficiency-driven solutions will be developed. Look for a survey coming out soon to help us better understand your needs and shape our priorities.
Thank you,
Kenneth Hurwitz, MD
Chief of Staff