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Ombudsman

About the Ombudsman

The Role of the Ombudsman

What Will the Ombudsman Do?

When to Contact the Ombudsman

How the Ombudsman Works

Independence of the Office

How to Contact the Office

About the Ombudsman

Sharon Lanier, RN, BS

The Ombudsman is an impartial dispute resolver who strives to see that ALL staff members at Munroe Regional Medical Center are treated fairly and equitably. This program enhances the overall productivity of Munroe by providing a confidential and impartial alternative for assistance with informal complaint resolution, problem solving and communication.

Sharon has been an associate at Munroe since June 1980. She is a Registered Nurse and prior to accepting the Ombudsman position in October 2000, she was a Clinical Educator in the Organizational Development department. Sharon is knowledgeable in employee relations, negotiation and mediation.

Sharon is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and Associate Member of the United States Ombudsman Association. Sharon is a Florida Supreme Court trained Mediator, currently completing her Master's degree in counseling.

Office of the Ombudsman hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Special appointments can be arranged, if needed, to accommodate shift workers.

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The Role of the Ombudsman

The Munroe Regional Ombudsman works to help resolve the internal problems of the organization and its people. The Ombudsman has a broad scope of discretion to look into issues in a confidential manner. In addition, the Ombudsman assists the associate with information resolution of problems. The Ombudsman is also mandated to make recommendations aimed at improving Munroe Regional.

The mission of the Ombudsman is to provide an avenue for all Munroe associates to confidentially voice and/or resolve concerns, issues and barriers.

To improve associate satisfaction by providing an alternative mechanism to:

  • Confidentially discuss concerns with an uninvolved, third party.
  • See those concerns in perspective.
  • Focus attention on underlying issues and barriers.
  • Explore options for resolving the concerns.
  • Enhance overall productivity and working relationships.

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What will the Ombudsman do?

The Ombudsman will start by listening to your concerns and then help you evaluate your situation, organize your thoughts, assess your feelings and decide what is important and relevant to your specific circumstances. Together, you will explore the options available to you.

Through these conversations, many individuals find ways to proceed without needing direct intervention by the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman can intervene directly, but will do so only with your expressed permission. The single exception to this is when there appears to be imminent threat or serious harm.

The Ombudsman's confidentiality and neutrality, the standard code of conduct for the Ombudsman, are absolute and non-negotiable. The Ombudsman cannot be compelled by you or by any person from Munroe Regional Medical Center to testify about concerns brought to his/her attention.

If you have any questions, please call (352) 368-3434.

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When to Contact the Ombudsman

  1. You are uncertain about taking concerns through other channels.
  2. You are not sure whom to see.
  3. Previous attempts to resolve a concern have not worked out.
  4. You want to take early and informal action.
  5. You want a neutral and impartial perspective.
  6. When you need someone to listen.
  7. When an awkward situation or uncomfortable feelings are bothering you.
  8. If you wish to work through an intermediary.
  9. When you are worried about favoritism or afraid of retaliation.
  10. When you think you have been treated unfairly, harassed or discriminated against.
  11. When you think someone has engaged in misconduct.

For example:

  • Discuss a problem off-the-record without any further action occurring that could identify you - unless the action is specifically agreed upon by you.
  • Explore alternatives for resolving a conflict.
  • Know what resources at Munroe Regional and in the community are available to you.
  • Explore ways to get issues or conflict to the surface without risk of retaliation.
  • Address an organizational problem that does not seem to be getting appropriate attention.
  • Speak to someone who understand or can get clarification of policies and practices of Munroe Regional but who has no stake in the outcome.

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How the Ombudsman Works

  • The Ombudsman will not reveal an associate's identity without that associate's authorization.
  • The office does not keep records for Munroe Regional or any other party.
  • The Ombudsman reviews each concern objectively and treats all concerned parties equally.
  • The Ombudsman does not make decisions, create or change policy,or mandate actions.
  • The Ombudsman may review any materials and speak with anyone at Munroe Regional to facilitate the solution of a problem.
  • The Ombudsman strives for a fair solution to the issue and for the observance of due process.
  • The Ombudsman may make inquiries regarding associate's concerns. If formal investigation or documentation is needed, the Ombudsman will help the associate to bring those concerns to the appropriate parties.

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Independence of the Office

The Ombudsman of Munroe Regional reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Ombudsman is independent of any Munroe Regional representative. The Ombudsman has direct access to the CEO, as needed, for the performance of his/her functions.

Please be aware that a concern communicated to the office of the Ombudsman does not put Munroe Regional on notice.

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How to Contact the Office

You can contact the Ombudsman's office by phone, fax, e-mail, through the Munroe Regional website (Internet) or the Munroe Regional Bulletin Board (Intranet).

Munroe Regional Medical Center Ombudsman: Sharon Lanier, RN, BS

Secure E-mail: ombudsman@mrhs.org

Intranet: Munroe Regional Bulletin Board

Internet: www.MunroeRegional.com

For an appointment, please call:

(352) 368-3434 Office
(352) 368-3438 Fax

 

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