PCH/FMC Welcomes New Social Worker

Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center welcomes Abby Barrett, licensed social worker.

As PCH/FMC’s social services coordinator, Barrett provides psychosocial assessments and interventions for inpatients and outpatients. She also provides social service assistance to patients in the emergency department and critical care unit. She facilitates the hospital’s Caregiver Support Group and Bereavement Support Group.

“My goal as the social worker is to provide a sense of security to our patients by assessing and linking them with the community resources they need,” Barrett said. “I am proud to be part of a team that strives to educate patients so they can be more successful at home.”

Carolyn Sutton, licensed clinical social worker, will retire December 31. However, she will still be available by appointment for one-on-one psychosocial interventions for patients seen in the PCH/FMC Infusion Clinic. She will continue to facilitate the Cancer Friendship Group, which meets monthly at the hospital.

At PCH/FMC, Barrett will be part of a healthcare team approach that links primary care providers with the hospital’s dietician, discharge planner, diabetes educator, and other healthcare professionals.

“We are developing a patient-centered medical home model at PCH/FMC as part of a federal initiative,” said Ollie Smith, president and CEO of PCH/FMC. “Abby will be a key component of this new approach to patient care, which is designed to meet the patient’s complete physical and mental health needs.”

Prior to PCH/FMC, Barrett worked a number of years as social service director at Paris Healthcare Center and Pleasant Meadows Senior Living in Chrisman. She also served as residential services director at Tanner Place in Paris.

She earned an associate’s degree in liberal studies at Kankakee Community College, and a bachelor of science degree in social work at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. She is a licensed social worker in both Illinois and Indiana.

Originally from Watseka, Ill., she and her husband, Scott, reside in Paris with their son, Mason, and daughter, Ava. Scott is a funeral director and also serves as chief deputy coroner of Edgar County.

Barrett is a member of Bell Ridge Christian Church. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Council of International Fellowship-USA. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.