Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have entered into an agreement with Winston-Salem Forsyth County Public Schools to transition the unified athletic trainer program for high school athletes to the school system effective December 1, 2012.
The transition affects four trainers employed by Forsyth Medical Center and six trainers employed by Wake Forest Baptist. The trainers were informed of the transition this morning.
Under the agreement, each medical center agrees to provide a one-time restricted grant of $250,000 –for a total restricted grant of $500,000– to the school system, specifically designated for the salaries of the athletic trainers and the costs associated with the program. In addition, the medical centers will continue insurance and benefits coverage for the trainers for 121 days until similar plans offered by the school system take effect.
“Wake Forest Baptist is and has been delighted to be able to help the school system in its effort to make trainers more accessible to its students,” said Thomas E. Sibert, M.D., president and COO. “This set of grants should allow for the transitional planning necessary to achieve school system goals and greater self-sufficiency.”
“We’re extremely pleased that we were able to work with the school system in order to find a way to continue this program, which has proven to be extremely beneficial,” said Jeff Lindsay, president, Forsyth Medical Center. “Physicians and staff from both healthcare systems will continue to offer training and expertise, and will play a valuable supporting role as the program moves forward under the supervision of the school system.”
The medical centers will maintain their relationship with Winston-Salem Forsyth County Public Schools and encourage existing physician volunteers to continue in their roles as team physicians and as consultants to the athletic trainers during athletic competitions. The medical centers will also design and provide educational opportunities and training for those involved in the athletic trainer program including coaches, training staff and those who would respond in an emergency. This training would likely include CPR and AED certification, continued training and refresher courses for athletic trainers, and help in developing written standards for communications between physicians and trainers. Finally, the medical centers, working with physician volunteers, will continue to offer school system athletes pre-participation sports physicals.
Under the terms of the agreement, which runs until June 20, 2013, the medical centers and the school system agree that they will meet before the end of the term to discuss their relationship for future school years.
The transition affects four trainers employed by Forsyth Medical Center and six trainers employed by Wake Forest Baptist. The trainers were informed of the transition this morning.
Under the agreement, each medical center agrees to provide a one-time restricted grant of $250,000 –for a total restricted grant of $500,000– to the school system, specifically designated for the salaries of the athletic trainers and the costs associated with the program. In addition, the medical centers will continue insurance and benefits coverage for the trainers for 121 days until similar plans offered by the school system take effect.
“Wake Forest Baptist is and has been delighted to be able to help the school system in its effort to make trainers more accessible to its students,” said Thomas E. Sibert, M.D., president and COO. “This set of grants should allow for the transitional planning necessary to achieve school system goals and greater self-sufficiency.”
“We’re extremely pleased that we were able to work with the school system in order to find a way to continue this program, which has proven to be extremely beneficial,” said Jeff Lindsay, president, Forsyth Medical Center. “Physicians and staff from both healthcare systems will continue to offer training and expertise, and will play a valuable supporting role as the program moves forward under the supervision of the school system.”
The medical centers will maintain their relationship with Winston-Salem Forsyth County Public Schools and encourage existing physician volunteers to continue in their roles as team physicians and as consultants to the athletic trainers during athletic competitions. The medical centers will also design and provide educational opportunities and training for those involved in the athletic trainer program including coaches, training staff and those who would respond in an emergency. This training would likely include CPR and AED certification, continued training and refresher courses for athletic trainers, and help in developing written standards for communications between physicians and trainers. Finally, the medical centers, working with physician volunteers, will continue to offer school system athletes pre-participation sports physicals.
Under the terms of the agreement, which runs until June 20, 2013, the medical centers and the school system agree that they will meet before the end of the term to discuss their relationship for future school years.
Media Relations
Paula Faria: pfaria@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-1279
Mac Ingraham: mingraha@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-3487