Freeman Health System Prepares to Celebrate Lab Week

Hospital Laboratory Staff Responsible for 3.7 Million Tests Each Year

(Joplin, MO) – During Lab Week (April 24 – 30), Freeman Health System is recognizing the efforts of lab workers who make a difference in the lives of patients every day.

“Lab week is a wonderful time to praise the hard-working folks who provide answers to providers making treatment decisions,” said Karen Watts, Freeman Director Administrative Laboratory Services. “Mayo Clinical Labs conducted a study and found 60% – 70% of all decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results.”

Freeman’s laboratory services have grown with the addition of a Pittsburg oncology lab to existing labs at Freeman West, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute. Freeman has also increased its draw stations in the Bentlage Building, Freeman Women’s Center, Freeman East and Freeman West, as well as in the cities of Frontenac and Pittsburg, where a second draw station is coming soon. There are 135 members of the lab staff, which processes samples and runs tests 24 hours a day.

“At last count, Freeman West campus alone resulted 3.7 million tests a year,” said Watts. “This is a true testament to the phlebotomists, laboratory assistants, medical assistants, histology technicians, medical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory scientists/technologists who strive to improve the health of the community we serve at Freeman Health System.”

During Lab Week, staff will be treated to a special menu:

  • Monday – donuts
  • Tuesday – ice cream sundaes
  • Wednesday – pancakes
  • Thursday – pizza
  • Friday – potluck

About Freeman Health System

Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Reference:

Lisa Olliges, Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.434.3458

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