September 2015
CHS proposes the following implementation and action plan based on the prioritized healthcare issues
identified. The implementation of these initiatives will greatly enhance the overall health and well-being of
Clarendon County residents. The implementation goals do not cover all health needs but does cover the areas of
direct impact identified and supported by the research presented.
1. Cancer: This is the leading cause of death in Clarendon County. Currently, infusion therapy and radiation
treatment requires travel outside the County. CHS recognizes this creates a significant burden as well as
obstacle to compliance with care for patients and families while undergoing cancer treatment.
Action Planned: CHS is currently in the process of recruiting an Oncology Practice with 2 physicians.
This group will provide chemotherapy and infusion services to the residents one day per week.
Implementation Timeline: 3-6 months
Update for 2015: We continue to seek Providers to manage an onsite chemotherapy service. We have certified
chemotherapy Pharmacist on staff within our Pharmacy department and have the equipment necessary to
provide chemotherapy services when Providers are available.
Update for 2014: Outpatient Infusion Services began in 2011 and in the past 12 months all Infusion Center Nursing staff, as well as, Pharmacist have obtained Chemotherapy certification. The
addition of equipment in the pharmacy for the use of Chemotherapy agents makes the preparation complete. Recruiting of Providers to manage onsite chemotherapy is still in progress.
2. Cardiovascular Disease: This is the second leading cause of death and, thus, a major health issue.
Action Planned: As part of CHS’s expanded physician recruitment plan, one additional cardiologist will
be added as an affiliated agreement with one of the state’s premier cardiac programs. Additionally,
 Participation in the CHF outpatient program will be expanded to all include all patients regardless
of ability to pay.
 A newly revamped marketing campaign will include additional community education classes
facilitated by the hospital dietician.
 A new software program will be implemented into the home health program to evaluate
cardiovascular risk factors.
 Improved community education by incorporating Access Health televisions into primary care and
emergency room settings.
Implementation Timeline: 6-12 months
Update for 2015: Currently CHS has two Cardiovascular Providers, both board certified in the treatment of
cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. They provide outpatient clinical care and consulting care to
inpatients with cardiovascular disease. Clarendon Cardiac Rehab continues to provide outpatient services to all
persons in the community with cardiovascular disease diagnosis eligible for participation in this program.
Update for 2014: CHS Cardiac Rehab Program is offering outpatient services to all hospitalized patients with a cardiovascular diagnosis. The goal is to assist with compliance, better understanding
of the disease process and necessary steps to maintain health. Heart Healthy classes are offered to these patients, as well as the community, free of charge on a quarterly basis. Cardiovascular Risk
assessments have been implemented for all patients served by Clarendon Memorial Home Health nurses and the majority of CHS Community Clinic offices have Access Health televisions for
your viewing pleasure on your next clinic visit.
Mission: Exceptional quality healthcare provided with compassion and dignity.
September 2015
3. Respiratory Related Illnesses: CHS acknowledges the need to reduce lung related incidences in the
county. Part of the efforts will be focused on strengthening smoking cessation education efforts within
Clarendon County.
Action Planned: The CHS campus is a “smoke-free” campus.
 More stringent efforts will be implemented to enforce the no-smoking policy, to include removing
all smoking stations on campus.
 Additional smoking cessation classes will be offered to hospital employees and community
residents.
 The existing wellness program will be expanded with consideration given to discounting rates for
employees joining.
Implementation Timeline: 6-9 months
Update for 2015: Smoking Cessation education continues to be provided by the Clinical Pulmonary Specialists
to both inpatients and the community. In October 2015 smoking cessation medications will be added to the
formulary for the CHS employee insurance plan. Employee Wellness Program promotes smoking cessation
within CHS employee population. Membership drives for “The Zone” continue to occur in each Fall & Spring.
Update for 2014: A dedicated Pulmonary Clinical Specialist who is also a Registered Respiratory Therapist has been added to our staff and will provide onsite visits as well as a community smoking
cessation programs. Fitness programs are offered through “The Zone” with membership drives occurring in the fall and spring yearly.
4. Obesity Awareness: Clearly, this is a national issue that affects the health of individuals in many negative
ways and is a major health problem in Clarendon County.
Action Planned: CHS realizes there are many efforts geared towards increasing awareness and knowledge
for patients and county residents.
 Role of the hospital dietician will be expanded to include more community education sessions.
 Wellness staff will conduct a membership drive for The Zone to encourage more exercise.
 Implement Healthy Meal Plan options for Home Health patients and Cardiac Rehab patients.
 Revamp the hospital’s cafeteria plan to adopt a daily healthy options menu choice and portion
control alternative.
Implementation Timeline: 12-15 months
Update for 2015: CHS dietician continues to offer education to Inpatient, Outpatients and Community Residents
on the following topics: Weight Loss, Portion Control, Hypertension & Diet, Cholesterol & Diet, and Diabetes
& Diet. Community Classes are held 6 times per year with ongoing inpatient and outpatient education as
patients present. CHS cafeteria has implemented a “recipe rehab” and has revised all current recipes to promote
the lowest sugar, fat and salt content possible. This not only encourages health eating within our organization
but daily promotes the same wellness habits within the community as numerous residents utilize the cafeteria
daily. The cafeteria also offers “ready to go meals” as pre-packaged, portion controlled healthy options for those
on the go.
CHS has also implemented an employee health wellness program with various opportunities for staff members
to exercise, participate in education and incentive programs that promote wellness among the healthcare team.
Update for 2014: CHS has impacted this community’s eating habits by offering education on good choices, right portions and options for substitution. A joint effort between wellness staff,
employees, providers and our dietician have reached far and wide to impact our everyday eating and activity habits through community education, fitness membership drives, employee wellness
challenges and healthy meal options, even in the hospital cafeteria.
Mission: Exceptional quality healthcare provided with compassion and dignity.
September 2015
5. Diabetes: Healthcare providers indicate many diabetic patients are non-compliant with directives from
primary care physicians, fail to keep scheduled appointments, and/or do not take medications as prescribed.
This greatly impacts the health of patients and decreases the effectiveness and efficiency of the health delivery
system.
Action Planned: CHS will recruit a diabetic educator to conduct community classes. Also, CHS will
institute an outpatient follow-up process through the primary care practices and the hospital will assign a
clinician to conduct patient follow-up calls upon discharge.
Implementation Timeline: 6-12 months
Update for 2015: CHS Dietician continues to provide education to inpatients and the community. These classes
occur 6 times per year and as needed for inpatients. We have not been able to secure a Diabetic Nurse Educator
for our community but do continue to look for a provider in this role.
Update for 2014: CHS dietician in currently conducting quarterly community diabetes education classes. Last September we were unable to locate a Diabetic Educator to serve our area but within
the last 30 days we have been communicating with a company who may be able to facilitate this service to our community.
6. Ability to Pay for Medical Treatment: While CHS cannot address the individual healthcare
burdens of residents of the County; the hospital provides a significant amount of unfunded care to patients
within the hospital system.
Action Planned: CHS is working with a third party group to qualify non payers and uninsured patients for
additional assistance. The hospital will work with the rural health clinic to evaluate resources to ensure
health needs are being met. Also, as part of a required Proviso; CHS will evaluate the uninsured seen
through the Emergency Department for program eligibility. This will be an ongoing monitoring process.
Implementation Timeline: 12-15 months
Update for 2015: Currently all patients not covered by insurance plans are screened by a Financial Counselor
who has training in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace options. Persons identified as eligible for any plans
are assisted with the application process or referred to those within that system that can assist with the
application process. If patients are not eligible for coverage or refuse coverage they are offered a payment plan
to allow for gradual payment of the expenses associated with medical care.
Update for 2014: In 2013 DECO came on board at CHS. This program serves the uninsured through eligibility screening and assist with documentation support throughout the application
process. We also have been engaged in the Healthy Outcomes Program through the SC DHHS. This program serves the uninsured patients who are frequently treated in the Emergency
Department. It serves to aid with the identification of local Primary Care Providers, eligibility screenings for Medicaid or Insurance Marketplace vendors and other programs serving the uninsured
of SC. Patient Navigators are also serving our patient population through eligibility screenings and application assistance to identify those patients who may be eligible for services but are currently
not enrolled.
Mission: Exceptional quality healthcare provided with compassion and dignity.
September 2015
Unaddressed Healthcare Issues: Unfortunately, CHS is not able to address all of the healthcare issues
identified in this study.

Transportation. Clarendon County has no mass public transportation system and many patients face
difficulties in traveling to obtain health care services. CHS recognizes there are medical transportation
choices available to residents and a program provided through the Santee Lynches services but
obstacles still exists for many residents who need transportation for healthcare appointments inside and
outside of the County. Numerous groups, state and federal grants, have attempted to address the
transportation issue with little to no impact.
Follow-up: CHS will annually provide an update regarding its progress to address health needs as noted in
this document by publishing a report on its website (www.Clarendonhealth.com).
Mission: Exceptional quality healthcare provided with compassion and dignity.