FARMINGTON – Franklin Memorial Hospital is hosting two patient-centered focus groups to gain insight on ways to improve access to health care for patients who are uninsured and underinsured. The focus groups will take place from 4:30–6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8 at LaFleurs Restaurant in Jay, and on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the White Elephant in Strong. Dinner will be provided for all who attend.
The groups will be facilitated by Tracy Harty, nurse navigator at Franklin Memorial Hospital, and Dalene Sinskie from Evergreen Behavioral Services.
“We really want to know what our patients are experiencing: getting the health care they need, finding a primary care provider, filling prescriptions, and how our financial assistance program is working for them,” said Harty. “I am working with our financial assistance team to better understand how we can provide the best care, at the right place and the right time, to best meet our patients’ needs.”
Anyone with an interest in these issues is invited to attend either session. Please RSVP to ensure your dinner. At the conclusion of the focus group, participants will receive a gas card to help offset their travel costs for attending.
“We really want to help patients take better care of their health,” concluded Harty. “We really need our patients’ input and suggestions as we plan for the future.”
To reserve your spot or for additional information, contact Harty at 779-2830. Space is limited.
The focus groups are made possible by Franklin CARES, a nurse navigator pilot program to improve health care coordination, access to health care, and integration of behavioral health care for uninsured and underinsured patients qualifying for free or discounted care under the hospital’s financial assistance policy. Funding for this program is provided through a payment reform grant from the Maine Health Access Foundation.
