We want to help you get to know our regional and E.W. Sparrow Hospital leaders better. We’re showcasing short introduction videos and responses to questions that highlight who these leaders are, where they came from, and what their priorities are as part of the regional and local structure of University of Michigan Health. And you may learn a surprising fact or two about them!
Our next profile is on E.W. Sparrow Hospital Chief Operating Officer Kira Carter-Robertson. See her video below.
How would you summarize your new position?
Support and assist the president in providing leadership and operational oversight for UMH-Sparrow. Oversee operations for Acute and Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, Behavioral Health, Herbert-Herman Cancer Center, Laboratory, Mary Free Bed at Sparrow, Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Rehab, Pain Management, Public Safety, and Sleep Center.
What are your top three goals for the region or the hospital?
Improving culture and caregiver engagement, patient experience and getting back to being financially strong.
What is one thing you've learned about Sparrow and/or University of Michigan Health-West that surprised you?
As I get deeper in the weeds with E.W. Sparrow and get to know University of Michigan Health-West, I can see all the possibilities and opportunities on how we can support, learn, and grow together to enhance the quality of care we provide to the region. There are some things we do that can benefit them and vice versa. I am impressed with how University of Michigan embraces technology and looking forward to implementing new technologies at EWSH to improve throughput, handoffs and communication and improve overall efficiency for caregivers.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I have had the pleasure of serving in a variety of capacities at Sparrow over the last 23 years. I am looking forward to getting knee deep into the operations of the flagship campus in Lansing to assist in improving operations. Sparrow is the hospital my family and friends go to, and it is important to me to create a culture and outcomes that pass the “Loved One test.”
Where is your favorite place in Michigan to vacation?
Anywhere with a sandy beach and water. My go-to place is Silver Lake Beach in St. Joseph.
What book or movie did you last read or watch?
I had the pleasure of hanging out this past week with my nephew who was in town from Arizona, so I got a healthy dose of Rio 1 and 2 on repeat. Both a good message on being loyal and never giving up when you love someone or something. Definitely some good life lessons in the message.
Anything else, either personal or professional, that you’d like to add?
Outside of work, I like traveling (personal and mission related), baking and hanging out with family, which includes my 100-pound Rottweiler, Zion.