The Patient Access team at Temple Health played a crucial role in enhancing patients’ experiences during their visit. Recognized as the initial point of contact for patients, the team members were honored for their significant contributions during the annual Patient Access Week celebrations, themed “Empowering Tomorrow: Reaching New Heights in Healthcare Access,” from March 30 to April 5. The event also featured polka dots as a visual motif.
Gilda Chinnici, Senior Director of Patient Access, emphasized the importance of their work, saying, “By recognizing Patient Access Week, we’re not only celebrating our dedicated teams, but also raising awareness of the essential work we do every day.” She explained how recognition programs during this week help uplift staff morale and highlight their role in patient care.
This year, team members shifted their efforts from decorating their workplaces to launching a Giving Back Campaign. Shaquan Caldwell, an Outpatient Interviewer, suggested the initiative to Assistant Director of Patient Access Alexandra “Sandy” Correa, who organized the campaign. The campaign received overwhelming support from employees, resulting in numerous donations for both the TUH-Episcopal Campus’ Behavioral Health services and the TUH-Main Campus Neonatal ICU.
In addition to the Giving Back Campaign, Patient Access Week included various activities such as a raffle, pizza parties, themed days like Wear Red Day and Hawaiian Day, and even an Oscars-style ceremony. Participants enjoyed the events and the opportunity to bond with colleagues.
Chinnici noted the significance of the week, stating, “What truly made this Patient Access Week stand out wasn’t just the celebrations or even the success of our Giving Back Campaign. It was the camaraderie shared across our campuses and teams.” She stressed the importance of unity and appreciation among team members, adding, “In our fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get swept up in the day-to-day and forget to pause and say, ‘Thank you.’ This week reminded us of the power of showing appreciation: not just for the patients we serve, but for each other.”
Temple Health’s Patient Access professionals from various campuses came together to renew their shared mission and support each other in a week of festivities and reflection.
