The theme of National Healthcare Access Personnel Week, which is celebrated April 5 through 11, is “Going the Extra Mile – Paving the Road to Success.” During this week, Shore Health System is honoring its staff members who play an important role in helping patients access the healthcare services they need.

“Our access representatives are often the first point of contact when a person requires one of our services,” says Christine Fontaine, director of patient financial services for Shore Health System. “All of our staff members go the extra mile, every day, for everyone they meet.”

Bonnie Zajac, community wide access manager, says, “We are the smile people hear over the phone when they call to schedule an appointment and to pre-register for an upcoming procedure. We also provide upfront assistance with insurance and payment plans prior to service.”

Monte’ Blake, access manager responsible for the registration, telecommunication and financial counseling staff at The Memorial Hospital at Easton, Dorchester General Hospital, and the Diagnostic and Imaging Center in Easton, adds, “Our patients are the primary focus of everything we do. We strive to exceed our customer’s expectations and to make every patient experience unique and personal. Our mission is to identify the needs of all of our customers then to do everything we possibly can to satisfy their needs.”