Mid-Atlantic region gets going on UBTs

It's all about service

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2007

In the Mid-Atlantic Region, unit-based teams (UBTs) will be all about service—improving member service and improving employee service to one another.

The MAS LMP Service Team, which is taking the lead in getting UBTs going, is starting with health care teams that are already in place. This means physicians, as well as frontline workers and managers will play a leading role.

"We were already moving in the UBT direction with our primary care health teams, so that is the ideal place to start,"; said Ann Cahill, vice president of strategic services and compliance officer.

The LMP Service Team is assessing different departments, to build on what's working, and target what needs improvement.; They have held focus groups of labor and physician team members at the Marlow Heights and Silver Spring facilities, and will start assessments in four other centers soon.

The region expects to have 15 teams in place in six centers by the end of the year. Physician leaders now manage the primary care health teams, and a union co-lead will share that responsibility in UBTs . Both will work with and coach team members in reaching the team's service goals.

"No one should feel pressured to participate because of their position alone,"; advised Terrance Campbell, RN and UFCW Local 400 shop steward. "Natural leaders should step up or be identified for these teams."; Campbell, a co-chair of the LMP Service Team, offered ongoing support to unit-based teams. "I want them to know they are not out there on their own.";

Under the 2005 National Agreement, at least 15 percent of each region should be working in UBTs by the end of the year, and all KP work units covered by the agreement should transition to unit-based teams by 2010.

For more information see the MAS Inside KP website. (KP intranet)