Sumter’s Got Talent

If you’re not doing anything on Feb. 26th, you need to head on over to Patriot Hall. And if you already have other plans, you might want to reconsider and still join us. It’s time for the annual Sumter Arts Showcase, and I promise you will not find anything better.

For 13 years now, Miss Libby’s School of Dance has organized this Showcase to raise money for The Tuomey Foundation. And they have done an outstanding job! They have contributed more than $175,000 to hospital-related projects through the Sumter Arts Showcase and its generous sponsors, including the Sumter Junior Welfare League. This year, all proceeds are designated to enhance infant and newborn care in the nurseries at Tuomey.

The Broadway-style variety show is simply something you don’t want to miss. Of course, it has some of the best dancers in our community, but it’s even more than that. There is music, theater, comedy, the Sumter-Shaw Community Concert Band, Lakewood and Sumter high schools and the Alice Drive Baptist Church Choir. It has something for everyone.

And we all know “Miss” Libby Singleton, and we thank her for the wonderful vision and inspiration. And her co-owners, Seth and Jennifer Reimer, are doing an incredible job as the new kids on the block. This is their second year co-producing the show, and it just keeps getting better. (And we’ll never forget that this is the brainchild of former owner Debbie Bowen. We miss you Debbie!)

With more than 100 performers in the show, I’m certain you’ll find something you love. So make plans now to join us! If you want more information, or want to go ahead and buy your tickets now, contact The Tuomey Foundation at (803) 774-9014 or Miss Libby's School of Dance at (803) 469-8277. You will not be disappointed!

Top Marks for Tuomey

When it comes to grades, Tuomey just got an A+ on a major exam. And I could not be more proud of the team that led us there. Although it takes every single Tuomey employee to make the wheels turn, there are several folks who head up our Joint Commission survey – and we simply could not do it without them. Debbie Mixon, Lois McCracken and Gloria Bateman are incredible! And let me explain why.

You see, we go through an accreditation survey process every three years. It is more than you could ever imagine. And it is tough! We have four or five Joint Commission surveyors here on our campus for four full days. And they look at everything – and I mean EVERYTHING. From physician care to HR files and pharmacy charts to lab results and nurses’ reports. They look at ceiling tiles and fire walls as well as every step you take in the building. They talk to patients and families and employees and board members. There is probably not one square inch that they don’t look at, inspect or review. It is grueling!

And according to The Joint Commision’s website, there are “more than 17,000 health care providers who use Joint Commission standards to guide how they administer care and continuously improve performance. The Joint Commission is also the only accrediting organization with the capability and experience to evaluate health care organizations across the continuum of care.”

They survey us every three years. And these are surprise visits. We do have an idea of what quarter in the year they might come, but that’s about it. They simply show up on our doorsteps at 7:30 in the morning – and there they go – straight into the hospital!

So, as you can imagine, this is not something you prepare for overnight. You have to stay Joint Commission-ready, throughout the year. And everyone plays a role; every department has a set of guidelines specifically written for their areas. But someone has to be in charge and watch over everything. And that’s where Debbie, Lois, and Gloria come in. They keep us on our toes at all times. They are constantly reviewing policies, standards and guidelines. They can probably quote you chapter and verse on just about everything TJC looks at and reviews. I just can’t tell you enough about these ladies. I often brag about “Team Tuomey,” and I am always so proud of the work we do – so forgive me this week if I go on and on about the team we have here in Sumter. They just don’t come any better.

And just one more word about TJC before I stop for the week. As grueling as the process is, I’m glad they visited us. And I’m glad they keep us on our toes at all times. Because it makes us better – not for us – but for you and your families. When you need us, and you’re worried about a loved one, you know they are getting the best possible care. Safety guidelines are followed, quality care is a commitment, and the folks at Tuomey are always working to make things better. Not because we have to, but because we WANT to. It is part of “Doing the Right Thing.”