The Complex Care Center helps bridge healthcare gaps in our community

The Complex Care Center helps bridge healthcare gaps in our community

As our community’s major destination and safety net healthcare provider, Lee Health is committed to ensuring access to care for every patient. The Complex Care Center at Lee Memorial Hospital helps us do just that by providing transitional care for patients following their discharge from the hospital. The team at the Complex Care Center includes hospitalists, pharmacists and licensed clinical social workers.

Patients may be referred to the Complex Care Center after their hospitalization if they do not have a primary care provider (PCP) or cannot see their PCP in a timely manner due to distance or lack of appointments. Patients may also be referred to the Center for wound care or infusion services, including IV antibiotics, blood transfusions or other IV medications.

“Our goal is to reduce how long patients need to stay admitted to the hospital, as well as prevent readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits,” explained Marinn Gregory, division director of practice operations at Lee Physician Group. “For example, a patient who got stitches at the ED could come to the Complex Care Center to have them removed. Or a patient needing daily antibiotic infusions could have that done at the Center rather than staying in the hospital.”

Larry Antonucci

Along with providing the transitional care our patients need following hospitalization, the team in the Complex Care Center helps connect patients with a primary care provider for ongoing follow up and care. If a patient requires additional follow-up from a specialist, the team helps set those appointments, too.

The Complex Care Center team provides the treatment, oversight of care, education and support for patients, helping them on their path. “It’s rewarding to see a patient newly discharged from the hospital leave the Complex Care Center in better health,” Marinn said. “We even ring a bell on their final day of treatment. Our team builds close relationships with people over time, which is why so many of us work in healthcare—to truly connect with our patients.”

Because many patients who visit the Center have needs beyond just those related to their health, the team created a program called Hope & Hygiene for Humanity.

“We serve patients who may be homeless, living in a shelter or just down on their luck,” Marinn said. “We recognized their need and started collecting items to help them. We collect hygiene products, clothes, shoes, umbrellas, bags—anything someone might need if they live in their car or a shelter. We have signs in our office so patients are aware of the program. They can ask for whatever items they need.”

As Lee Health’s president & CEO, the Complex Care Center is a point of pride for me and our entire health system. The team in the Complex Care Center focuses on providing the right care, exceptional patient experiences and excellent health outcomes for every patient they serve. Their kindness in creating the Hope & Hygiene for Humanity program is further proof of their commitment to their patients and our community. To learn more about the Complex Care Center, including the services they provide, visit our website at www.LeeHealth.org/our-services/complex-care ¦

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