Bayhealth Spotlights Kristi Hunt, Supervisor of Bayhealth's Comcenter and Physician Answering Service

As supervisor of Bayhealth’s Comcenter and Physician Answering Service, Kristi Hunt is driven to support staff and provide understanding and compassion for people who call Bayhealth. Hunt has 11 years’ experience responding to calls coming into Bayhealth. “Compassion and empathy are what drives me to give 100 percent to Bayhealth and my team,” she said. “I was an operator for eight years in the Comcenter before becoming the supervisor. I think when you have sat in the same seat and performed the same job as the team you lead, you have a better understanding and respect for what they experience and how hard they work to provide great customer service. I didn’t want to just be a supervisor, I also wanted to be a leader and lead my team by example. Being able to step in, help when needed, and advocate for what they need to be their best is a huge part of being an effective leader.  Because I have been on the front line and answering calls, I’ve heard the stories, and I have heard the panic and fear in the caller’s voice, and it is important to keep that human side of yourself where you can put yourself in their shoes and understand and have compassion for what people are going through. Especially over the last year, the Comcenter has faced some very difficult challenges -- due to COVID-19 -- and coming together as a team to overcome those challenges. That means meeting people where they are and helping them navigate that fear and confusion, as well as supporting the staff who we know are under a great deal of pressure. It has been my mission over the past three years to provide an environment where the operators feel supported, appreciated and respected, and in turn it gives them the tools and desire to be their best both for Bayhealth and the department.”