EAST STROUDSBURG - Health Unit Coordinators also known as HUCs, have an important role in maintaining a hospital’s service and performance.  Due to the rapidly changing healthcare environment, the responsibilities of HUCs have expanded over time. HUC duties now include organizing the unit, maintaining medical records, processing physician orders, and orchestrating team-building and effective customer service. 

Joyce Murphy, a Health Unit Coordinator in the Pocono Medical Center Emergency Department, is a prime example of the value of an HUC to his or her unit.  Ms. Murphy happens to work in one of the state’s busiest emergency departments, which assists more than 80,000 patients each year.  She was recently recognized by Pocono Medical Center for her excellent work, consistent positive attitude, and leadership in training new HUCs as they are hired.  Ms. Murphy is the recipient of the 2008 Excellence Award as Health Unit Coordinator of the Year.

Ms. Murphy began her career in the healthcare field at Hackensack Hospital in New Jersey where she worked for 13 years.  She relocated to the Pocono region in 1987 and has been working in the Pocono Medical Center Emergency Department for the past two decades.  She explains, “I enjoy working in the Emergency Department because of the fast paced atmosphere and the challenges presented.”  

At Pocono Medical Center, the more than fifty HUCs are an integral part of the healthcare team.  They work each and every day to ensure that the unit is operating effectively.  This hard work and dedication inspired the Patient Care Services division to initiate the Annual Health Unit Coordinator Excellence Awards.  Friday, August 22, 2008 marked the second year of this event.  There were 95 nomination forms submitted for the HUC of the Year Award by medical staff, nursing, and various other auxiliary departments within the hospital.  In addition to Joyce Murphy receiving the 2008 Excellence Award, all HUCs were recognized for exemplary performance. 

Elaine Wheeler, interim Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at PMC, is proud of the work the HUCs do and is pleased to recognize each of them for their contribution to patient services.  “We have a wonderful team of HUCs that help our units run effectively and ensure that our patients receive first-rate care.”