Page 44 - Healthcare News Sep/Oct 2022

HEALTHCARE HEROES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
new patients, Shukla said he makes it a priority to truly connect with his patients.
“I always try to make a connection with
my patients because, if I’m able to make that connection, whether it’s with a sports team that they like or a restaurant that they enjoy or some type of hobby they like, I feel like we can relate
“They just met me just a
few minutes ago, so it’s really important that I build a trust and a relationship with them so that when I give them advice or we have what’s called ‘shared decision making,’ we can come with a good plan together. That’s why I’ll always spend the extra minute j”ust to know them a little better.
much better, and they can trust me. They met me just a few minutes ago, so it’s really important that I build a trust and a relationship with them so that when I give them advice or we have what’s called ‘shared decision making,’ we can come with a good plan together. That’s why I’ll always spend the extra minute just to know them a little better.”
Shukla currently works at all the hospitals in
the Baystate system — Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Wing, Baystate Franklin, and Baystate Noble — and became chief of the ER at Noble in March 2020, just as the pandemic was reaching Western Mass.
In each setting, and especially at Noble, he has been consumed with not only treating patients and making those important connections, but improving the overall experience.
“We try to look at the entire process — from when a patient walks into the waiting room all the way to when they go home,” he explained, adding that little things, such as having a greeter in the ER and having nurses, doctors, and other care providers working collaboratively so that patients don’t have to repeat their history and answer
the same questions over and over again, often add up to big improvements in service, patient- satisfaction scores, and statistics such as those concerning walkouts.
“The most dreaded word that most people
see in emergency medicine is ‘walkouts,’ which
is basically a person who registered but wasn’t actually seen,” Shukla said. “That’s a problem throughout the United States, so we work really hard in the Baystate Health system to bring those numbers down. Even one patient walking out troubles us.”
Meanwhile, throughout his career, and even more so during COVID, he has put considerable emphasis on outreach and educating the community, with the goal of helping people make better, smarter choices about their health and
Leah Martin Photography
Dr. Sundeep Shukla, seen here with his son, Deven, is one of the team physicians for the Springfield Thunderbirds, one of the many ways he is involved in the community.
well-being.
Indeed, he’s a frequent guest on area radio
stations and has
penned articles
Shukla
for several media
Continued on page A39
A Better Life Homecare would like to recognize two of our own! We thank you for your dedication, accountability and professionalism throughout all these years.
20 Maple St., 2nd floor | Springfield, Ma. (413) 209-8866
James Njoroge, License Nurse Practitioner, Skilled Nursing Program (A Better Life Homecare employee since 2015)
“James has been working relentlessly to serve our patients. He is a valuable member of our team, and we applaud the determination and effort he has demonstrated during his time with A Better Life Homecare. Loyal and ded- icated employees like him are the foundation to any successful company.”
– Nancy Ngaruiya (Clinical Administrator)
Cristina Shultz, Registered Nurse, GAFC program (A Better Life Homecare employee since 2017)
“Cristina plays a huge role in intake and admissions success within our GAFC program. Her dedication, professionalism and dependability create a huge impact in our department. Her flexibility and willingness to help makes the admission process much easier, which allows the rest of the team to work effectively.”
– Yamil Canales (Lead Case Manager)
NEWS & NOTES
HEALTHCARENEWS.COM
Stay Up To Date With The Latest Healthcare News
Delivered Straight To Your Inbox!
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! www.healthcarenews.com/healthcare-news-notes-email-sign-up/
A30 2022
2022 HEALTHCARE HEROES