Mercer County Hospital's Social Services department is proud to offer many services to the patients, their families, and to the residents of Mercer County. Sue Sutton, Social Services manager, offers discharge planning for patients, referrals for homecare, medical equipment and hospice services, as well as nursing home placement. Sue also coordinates the Mercer Mobile Meals, as well as the Lifeline program and is a member of the Serenity Hospice Interdisciplinary Team.

Lifeline is a personal response system which links you to a 24 hour-a-day assistance at the touch of a button. A small, portable, personal help button is worn either on a neck chain, wrist strap, or clipped to clothing, If you need help simply push the button!

The department coordinates admissions to the Hospital's skilled care beds, as well as the 20 bed, long term care unit. Skilled Care admissions come from within our Hospital and surrounding hospitals. Patients may receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as IV therapy, depending on the care the patient requires. This benefit is covered by the patient's Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance. Mercer County Hospital's Extended Care Unit is a private pay nursing unit providing restorative and custodial care. This unit may be used as transition to home or nursing home. How long can you or your loved one stay? Two days, two weeks, or two years, depending on how long the need exists.

Sue is also responsible for the Education Department, providing training and in-services on topics such as; confidentiality, blood borne pathogens, fire and safety, and proper body mechanics. The Education Department also provides all training and updates for the rest of the Hospital, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Diabetes Updates, and Stroke Awareness training.

Sue, a 20+ year employee, thinks the best part of her job is "helping people" and that she gets to work with a great bunch of fellow employees. Her goal, along with the rest of the Hospital staff is to offer the best care and customer service that we can.