MHS Ranks in Top 20% for Quality Mission
Transcription
MHS Ranks in Top 20% for Quality Mission
In This Issue: M I S S I O N H O S P I T A L July 9, 2010 Mission & Pardee Collaborate 2 A Network for Primary Care 3 What Are You Reading? 4 Pesky Summer Insects 5 Good Health Award 6 Prenatal Incentives 8 Q&A on Flu Vaccines 10 Total Awards Feedback 12 Volume 15 #13 Mission Launches Sports Medicine Program Mission recently launched a Sports Medicine Program, bringing together existing resources, highly-qualified physicians, local schools and the community. The goal is to provide a high level sports medicine program to ensure the optimal health and performance of Western North Carolina’s student, collegiate and active adults through the application of best practices in the field of sports medicine. The innovative model features Mission Hospital, private practice physicians, and Mission-employed physicians. Physicians include Dr. David Jarrett and Dr. Christopher Elder of Asheville Orthopaedic Associates; Dr. Jay Jansen, Dr. Bradd Burkhart, and Dr. Michael Shea of Blue Ridge Bone & Joint; Dr. Jay West of Carolina Hand; Dr. Charles DePaolo; and Dr. Jana Watts of Mission’s Rehab Services. Each physician will be assigned to a participating school in Buncombe and Henderson counties. For convenience, a single call line with a toll-free number will access services 24/7. This call center will process requests through a triage format which will match patients with participating physicians based on their type of school, injury, concern, or question. The program is available for both schools and the community. Support for each school includes sponsorship, an athletic trainer, supplies, education, special events and the Mission Sports Medicine Award presented annually. Community outreach will include a variety of educational opportunities through speaking engagements, news media, web-based interactions, community events, club organizations and Seth Fox of North Buncombe High School, center, received one of several Samsung laptop computers given by Mission to several area seniors the Asheville Sports Commission. who have excelled in both academics and sports. Fox is the son of Lisa Fox, a transcriptionist in our Health Information Management Department. He will attend the College of Charleston in the fall to major in biochemistry with a goal of attending pharmacy school in the future. Fox was joined at the awards ceremony by Jonathan Bailey (left), Mission’s VP of Orthopedics, Neurosciences, and Trauma Services. On the right is Dr. Jay Jansen, Sports Medicine Director. As part of the program’s kick-off, selected graduating seniors at participatContinued on page 11 MHS Ranks in Top 20% for Quality As a Mission staffer, you will be proud to learn that in the second annual Thomson Reuters’ 100 Top Hospitals Health System Benchmarks study, Mission Health System has been named in the top 20% of the 255 systems surveyed for demonstrating higher quality patient outcomes across the facilities in their system. Winners of this award outperformed their peers – they provided better care, followed standards of care more closely, saved more lives, had fewer patient complications, made fewer patient errors and had better overall patient satisfaction scores. Specifically, • The top health systems are providing higher quality care and have better patient outcomes. • Patients treated at hospitals in the winning systems are having better longerterm outcomes. • Patients treated at hospitals in the winning systems are returning home sooner. • Patients treated by members of the top health systems are reporting a better overall hospital experience than those treated in peer hospitals. • The top systems perform better even though they treat sicker patients. The study highlights the opportunity for system leadership to impact quality initiatives and increase value to the Continued on page 9 Mission and Pardee Collaborate to Expand Healthcare Services Facility to be built in Fletcher Mission Hospital and Pardee Hospital are collaborating on plans for a patientfocused, outpatient-oriented health campus which will improve access, quality and availability of cost-effective healthcare services to residents of south Buncombe and north Henderson counties. “Mission and Pardee have a very successful history of working together to advance quality healthcare and effectively serve our region. We’ve heard from residents and physicians in the south Buncombe and north Henderson area and after considerable collaborative planning, we are pleased to announce this exciting project that supports our common mission of enhancing healthcare in the region,” said Kris Hoce, President and CEO of Pardee Hospital. The proposed location for the collaborative health campus is along Hendersonville Rd., in the town of Fletcher, on the Buncombe County and Henderson County line. The project is currently being planned as a two-level, approximately 130,000 square foot building. In addition to wellness and prevention programs, proposed services include imaging, surgery, emergency, rehabilitation, pharmacy, lab and physician offices. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2011. “This health campus, which continues to evolve, is being designed by locally-based, communityowned hospitals to meet the specific healthcare needs of this growing area. When it is complete, it will provide high quality and convenient ‘one-stop’ service for outpatient healthcare needs. There will not be a health facility like it in western N.C., which makes the project even more exciting. Health and wellness programs will be an important part of our health campus, making it an excellent complement to the proposed Heart of Fletcher initiative that will include public spaces, such as greenways and parks, that promote healthy activities such as walking, running and cycling,” Hoce added. The project will also bring an economic boost to Fletcher, Rider noted. “While the scope of the project is still being finalized, early indications are that the project will create between 150 and 200 construction jobs. Once completed, there will be jobs created at this location that don’t currently exist, creating a ripple effect over time,” Rider said. “As we continue to refine plans, we are working with physicians who practice at our hospitals to create an outpatient environment that will enhance our focus on quality,” said Carleton Rider, Interim President and CEO of Mission Health System. “For the past two years, both hospitals have been recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the Dartmouth Health Atlas for providing high quality, low cost healthcare services to our region. Bringing needed services closer to the people of these communities is part of our commitment to increase access to care and improve the health of our region.” Pardee Hospital is the only hospital owned by the residents of Henderson County. Founded in 1953, it is a not-for-profit hospital licensed for 222 acute care beds and is the second largest employer in Henderson County. The hospital has several locations separate from the main campus, including an adult day services center, a health education center in the Blue Ridge Mall, home care services, a rehab and wellness center, various physician practices, and an urgent care facility. Mission Hospital, a 730-bed communityowned not-for-profit hospital founded in 1885, is part of Mission Health System. In addition to serving as the community hospital for Buncombe and Madison counties, Mission Hospital also provides tertiary care for Western NC’s 18 counties. Mission Selected for Heart Research Mission has been selected as a site for the Cardiothoracic Surgical Network, sponsored by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. by cardiac surgeons to evaluate newer therapies and techniques as they move from laboratory science to broad clinical use. The Cardiothoracic Surgical Network works with the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. With their support, the Cardiothoracic Surgical Network provides the infrastructure to develop, coordinate, and conduct multiple collaborative proof-of-concept studies and interventional protocols to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes. The network enables research teams led “Mission Health System is fortunate to have the necessary experience and infrastructure to support this important research,” said Susan Sutherland, director of the Research Institute. “Having a dedicated research team with demonstrable expertise and enthusiasm helped us immensely in the competition. We are pleased to have been selected as a research site and look forward to the collaborations that will be provided to us and our patients from this Network affiliation.” 2 • Scope • July 9, 2010 “Asheville Cardiology Associates and Asheville Heart have significant experience with clinical research and have been recognized nationally for their efforts,” said Dr. Mark Groh, the local principal investigator. “The benefits of participation in these trials are to improve patient care, both locally and hopefully nationally. Much of the work that has been done in these areas has resulted in peer reviewed publications and presentations. Through participation in trials, physicians at Asheville Heart and Asheville Cardiology Associates have access to the latest technology to offer to patients to improve outcomes.” Mission Building Primary Care Network A study by Mission Health System found that there is a significant shortage of primary care physicians throughout Western North Carolina. Family practice and internal medicine physicians and pediatricians are among providers of primary care. They diagnose and offer treatment for a variety of illnesses, from simple ailments to more serious, chronic conditions. Primary care physicians also serve as advocates for their patients, helping them to maintain their health and prevent disease. To address the shortage, the Health System plans to build a primary care network. Mission Medical Associates (MMA), the physician group practice of Mission Health System, is leading this effort. MMA employs more than 100 physicians in more than 25 medical specialties, from cardiology to wound care. Primary care practices that become part of MMA will further a strong tradition of care in the region that has been built through the efforts and successes of many primary care physicians. These private practices will continue to provide primary care to the citizens of Western North Carolina as they have done for years. In June, MMA announced that two primary care practices – Haywood Family Medicine and West Buncombe Family Medicine – would be joining its group. Haywood Family Medicine is led by David Mulholland, MD, and has served communities in Haywood, Swain and Jackson counties since 2002. West Buncombe Family Medicine is led by David Rogers, MD, and has cared for patients in Leicester, West Asheville, Erwin Hills and Madison County for 25 years. Drs. Mulholland and Rogers are board certified in family medicine. “Mission Medical Associates can support the work of physicians like Drs. Mulholland and Rogers by providing support services so they and their teams can focus on patient care,” said Marc Westle, DO, FACP, president and CEO of MMA. “We will also work to recruit physicians in areas of Western North Carolina that are most underserved. A strong primary care base is essential to serve the healthcare needs of more communities.” MMA is already working on plans for implementing the Cerner PowerWorks® practice management and EMR solutions at Haywood Family Medicine and West Buncombe Family Medicine. This technology will ensure that the practices meet the government’s meaningful use IT requirements and give them the ability to share patient information seamlessly with other healthcare providers. “Our alignment with Mission Medical Associates will increase our ability to continue to provide medical care – and to expand access to primary care – in western Buncombe County,” Dr. Rogers said. Dr. Mulholland said, “Our decision to join MMA is really all about taking care of patients. We wanted a partner that shared our commitment to quality, understood the health issues facing Western North Carolina, and could help our practice serve the growing needs of the greater Haywood County region. MMA fit all of our criteria.” The primary care expansion ties to the bigger picture of building an integrated healthcare delivery system. “This type of system includes a network of medical practices and facilities – from doctor’s offices to hospitals to pharmacies,” Dr. Westle said. “They share common computerized systems, quality standards, payment plans and other best practices that enhance the patient’s care experience. Primary care practices that join MMA will be an important part of the integrated delivery system Mission is building.” MMA is expanding its leadership team to support the growth plans. Jason Clapsaddle, who previously served as vice president of operations and COO for McDowell Hospital, has been named executive director of operations. He is responsible for the affiliation and operation of practices outside of Buncombe County and will work closely with the senior management of regional hospitals on collaborative initiatives to improve access to healthcare. Clapsaddle holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has more than 16 years of healthcare industry experience. – Kathleen DesMarteau Cline Classics Sale! More than 1,000 items at only $6 Men’s accessories, purses, scarves, jewelry, gifts for children! Up to 80% off retail! Memorial Lobby, Tuesday, July 27, 7 am - 7 pm Memorial Lobby, Wednesday, July 28, 7 am - 4 pm St. Joseph Conf. 1 & 2, Thursday, July 29, 7 am - 7 pm Cash, payroll deduction (with ID), VISA and MasterCard accepted Proceeds benefit projects of the Volunteer Organization Scope • July 9, 2010 • 3 Annual Scope Reader Poll: “What AreYou Reading?” Plenty here to keep you entertained this summer Summertime is a great time to catch up on reading. What could be better than a chair in the sun by the pool or hammock (with SPF 30 of course) and a great book? So what’s hot for summer reading among our Mission staff? This year, there are many new titles on the list. So take advantage of our area’s many wonderful bookstores and book exchanges, or simply take a trip to the public library before you go poolside or hit the beach. RECOMMENDED WRITERS Sherryl Woods: Sweet Magnolia Series Wendy Alec: The Chronicles of Brothers Series Stephenie Meyer: The Twilight Series Robin Carr: Virgin River Series J.D. Robb: In Death Series Sandra Brown Stieg Larsson: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, The Girl Who Played with Fire Barbara Kingsolver: Prodigal Summer, Animal Vegetable Miracle, The Poisonwood Bible Chris Bohjalian: The Double Bind, Secrets of Eden Sue Monk Kidd: The Secret Life of Bees, The Mermaid Chair Tom Brokaw: The Greatest Generation, The Greatest Generation Speaks: Letters and Reflections Sarah Addison Allen (local author): Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen Charles Frasier: Cold Mountain, Thirteen Moons Jeffery Deaver: Lincoln Rhyme Series OTHER HOT READS TO TRY, RECOMMENDED BY MISSION BIBLIOPHILES The Walk by Richard Paul Evans She-Rain: A Story of Hope by Michael Cogdill The Passage by Justin Cronin The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C. W. Gortner Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay The Postmistress by Sarah Blake Bless Your Heart, Tramp: And Other Southern Endearments by Celia Rivenbark Simple Abundance, a Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach Crazy Love by Francis Chan Love and War: Finding the Marriage You’ve Dreamed Of by John and Stasi Eldredge Second Glance by Jodi Picoult Eat THAT Cookie!: Make Workplace Positivity Pay Off...for Individuals, Teams, and Organizations by Liz Jazwiec The Overton Window by Glenn Beck Angelology by Danielle Trussoni The Liar’s Club: A Memoir by Mary Karr The Face Changers by Thomas Perry Vinegar Boy: Encounter Christ Through the Dramatic Story of Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale of Modern Faith by Marcus Borg If Only It Were True by Marc Levy The Chancellor Manuscript by Robert Ludlum The Amber Room by Steve Berry The Alchemist Paulo Coelho The Terror by Dan Simmons Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen The Help by Kathryn Stockett The Piano Tuner by Daniel Philippe Mason. Life of Pi by Yann Martel Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story by Richard Preston Gap Creek by Robert Morgan Reading is Good for You – Who Knew? We learn how to read when we are very young, and from that age onward it becomes an essential skill that we rarely think twice about. But there is more to reading than simply scooping up a paperback and picking up where we left off. Reading has the ability to change our lives in many different ways, and as such we should probably all try and make sure we incorporate it into our lives more than we actually do. For example, when did you last read for pleasure? It doesn’t matter whether it is fact or fiction, the effect can be the same – it lifts you out of your everyday life and into an alternative existence which can be very different from your regular daily routine. Fiction has the upper hand of course, because it has the ability to take you to places that may not even exist in real life. But reading can also be something of a luxury and a way of de-stressing in today’s busy surroundings. Even taking a paperback with you when you are waiting for your child to finish soccer practice can help you make your time more productive and give you a much needed break. So think about the benefits it before you say, “I just don’t have time to read.” A good book can be your best friend and a partner in health. 4 • Scope • July 9, 2010 Beware! Ticks and Mosquitoes Already Creeping In! Say it ain’t so! We’re barely into hot summer days and already Mission has seen one case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) and another potential case of LaCrosse Encephalitis. For the last four years there were an average of 664 cases reported in NC each year. Last year, a child in our region died of LaCrosse Encephalitis. Although both illnesses are usually treated successfully, they are potentially deadly. As you probably already know, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever results from a tick bite, while LaCrosse is spread by mosquitoes. Thankfully Lyme Disease has not become a danger in NC, but is prevalent in states such as Connecticut and the other Northeastern states that surround them. There were almost 29,000 confirmed cases and 6277 probable cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. in 2008; most of these cases are reported from the Northeast and upper Midwest. That’s good information to have if you plan to travel to these areas. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER Symptoms of RMSF are sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle pain, sometimes followed by development of a rash. The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment it can be fatal. It is the most severe and most frequently reported rickettsial illness in the United States. It is common in NC, which often reports the most cases in the nation. The disease is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a species of bacteria that is spread to humans by the bite of an infected American Dog tick. Ninety percent of RMSF cases occur from April to September. If you do find and remove a tick that is attached to your body, make sure to note the date the tick was removed so that you can tell your physician. Symptoms usually present about the 5-10 days following a tick bite. Exposure to ticks can be limited by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. People should also check themselves and their families for ticks anytime they are in tick-prone areas. Proper and prompt removal of ticks is the key to preventing infection. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks, getting as far forward near the head as possible and pulling firmly and steadily. You can make your backyard less tickfriendly by keeping your grass short and removing plants that attract wild animals such as deer, rodents and raccoons. Eastern equine encephalitis is found in the eastern part of the state. West Nile virus is found statewide. West Nile is the most common mosquito-borne illness reported in the US, however few cases have been determined to have originated from WNC. North Carolina reported the first human case of West Nile in 2008 in Guilford County. Symptoms of La Crosse include fever, headache, nausea/vomiting, and lethargy, but can include convulsions, tremors and coma in severe cases. Unlike a tick bite, you may not be aware that you’ve been bitten. LACROSSE ENCEPHALITIS LaCrosse is the most common mosquito-borne illness. LaCrosse virus is found mostly in Western North Carolina. Another mosquito-borne diseases, A Closer Look Did you know that Mission Hospital and the state of North Carolina Division of Public Health have worked together to help the CDC replenish their stock of LaCrosse virus for research purposes? If LaCrosse was suspected, the family and patient were interviewed to try to determine the location of the mosquito exposure. Then state entomologists were sent to that area to capture mosquitos positive for LaCrosse virus. The state/CDC set out “ovatraps” around the suspected area of exposure for capturing mosquitoes that possibly transmitted LaCrosse to the person in the hospital. Most cases are found in children under 16 years which may be more susceptible because of their increased outdoor activity, giving them more opportunity to be exposed to mosquitoes. In 2005, Mission’s Research Institute conducted a study with Chiron Corporation with the hopes of developing a vaccine for LaCrosse. At the same time, the CDC came to Mission to investigate a cluster of cases of LaCrosse in children from Transylvania County. The best way to “fight the bite” is to take a good look at your environment now to take away mosquito breeding grounds. Removing things like bird baths, old tires, planters, and even small containers can help reduce the umber of mosquitoes. PREVENTION IS KEY The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several repellents against mosquitoes – DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. According to the CDC, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years old. Repellents containing permethrin provide excellent protection against ticks but may only be used on clothing. Consumers should look for products that contain the CDC-recommended ingredients, and should read and follow all label instructions. Besides wearing protective clothing, it’s best to avoid the outside when mosquitoes are most active – usually early morning and dusk. All of these studies and investigations have lead to a stronger relationship between Mission and its partners at the state and national level. “Mission Hospital is the epicenter each year for LaCrosse cases. We have pediatric intensvists who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in treating this rare disease,” says Rachel Long of Infection Prevention at Mission. “Hopefully, Mission can be a part of a cure for something that affects us in a very personal way each year.” Scope • July 9, 2010 • 5 Celebrating Service Wanda McNabb Brian Moore Billie Plemmons Psych 5 South Karen Avedisian Food & Nutrition Strategic Planning Chassity Biddix Staffing Pool Radiology Sally Riddle SATU Melissa Emory Food & Nutrition Diane Carson-Lewis Labor & Delivery Tracie Engellau Oncology Eloine Kirkland John McDay Lori Fox HIM Transcription Susan Ramsey Rehab Inpt. John Unger CVRU Dorothy Allen NICU Victoria Bates Lab Pathology Nancy Bradley Surgical Preop Jeffrey Brooks Pastoral Care Timothy Buchanan Life Safety & Building Maintenance Richard Hentz Jr. John Rider Cheryl Roper Information Tech. Staffing Pool Nadezhda Fesyuk 4S Orthopedics Environmental Svcs. Stephanie Fowler Women’s Surgical 7 General Surgery Rehab Inpatient Catherine Jordan Mary Teague 6N Pulmonary Cherie Mason Adult Medicine MCSD Stanley McCall Life Safety & Building Maint. Mother/Baby Angela McIsaac Transfer Unit Tamara Pearson Transfer Unit Devonna Williams Valerie Austin Ashley Bailey Metcalf Robyn Bailey Brenda Bruce Austin CICU Administation Radiation Therapy IP Case Management Julie Rouse Operating Room Renal Medicine Kimberly Christenson Lisa Cotter Maria Roloff ED Admit Unit Kelly Rose Engineering Adrianne Cornett 9 Step Down Emergency Dept. Kevin Robertson Betsy Clarke Regional Transport Marjorie Prichard 5 Years Pharmacotherapy Finance Research Institute MCSD Dawn Cender Tammy Shell Clinical Trials - Tangi Suttles 9 Stepdown Psych 5 South Lynne Hampton Angie Howard Wendy Owenby Dale Sains Facility Dispatch CVPC Diversity HIM Transcription Carole Haines Emergency Dept. Michael Carter Kimberly Roper Lab Clerical Radiology Admin. Psych 5 South Teresa Mosely Yulia Fedun Catherine Sobremonte Barbara Thomas 15 Years Child Life ASC Human Resources Traci Simmons Jena Dennis Barbara Blankenship Elizabeth Buchanan OP Rehab Staffing Pool Engineering Lab Memorial STAT ASC Zachry Danner Donny Ducker Deborah Appleman Michelle Moore Lab Microbiology Cardiology Echo Paul Blair Tina Hughes 20 Years Sandra Moss Eva Cutshaw 10 Years 25Years Staffing Pool Andrea Rushlow Staffing Pool April Scharett NTICU Traci Shook Karen Sinclair NICU Staffing Pool Oncology Jennifer Umbarger NTICU Staffing Pool Kimberly Williams MSICU (MEM) CICU Sherrill Receives 2010 Good Health Award Retired legislator, community leader and healthcare advocate Wilma Sherrill, is the recipient of the 2010 Good Health Good Business Award given at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on June 21. Mission Hospital sponsors this award which is presented to an individual outside the medical community who has contributed significantly to making Buncombe County a healthier place to live and work. domestic violence legislation. Sherrill’s work in Raleigh addressed some of the most fundamental issues facing families in WNC: early childhood education and creating safe environments for families. Building on Asheville’s history as a center for health and wellness, Sherrill secured funding for a Health and Wellness Center at Wilma Sherrill, left, receives 2010 Good Health Good Business UNC-Asheville, and created a Award presented June 21 by Mission Board of Directors Vice camp to teach low income Chair Janice Brumit. Photo by Rebecca D’Angelo Photography. teenagers about healthy lifestyle For 12 years, Sherrill served in choices. Most recently she helped Women at Risk Program, a communitythe N.C. General Assembly. She has been secure a major gift for the new Mission based treatment alternative to incarceraa tireless advocate, particularly for women Cancer Center. tion for women. and children. • She was a champion of Smart Start. • Sherrill won critical support for • She led the effort to strengthen NC Western Carolinians for Criminal Justice’s 6 • Scope • July 9, 2010 Mission Meeting CLAS Standards for Linguistically Appropriate Services “Why don’t you speak English?” workplace diversity in language How does sensitivity to a patient’s Fortunately, we here at Mission are in English and data supports that often culture make a difference on the quality meeting these requirements. This is won- the non-native speaker scores higher on of treatment they receive? derful news, because as America becomes the standard grammar exam than the more and more diverse so will the face of native English speaker. Learning is not healthcare. the problem; speaking is. Last November, Scope told you about a new program Mission has adopted from the Department of Health and Human This is not to imply that we simply The second language learner, includ- Services Office of Minority Health called have no more work to do regarding work- ing Americans learning a foreign lan- CLAS, Culturally and Linguistically ing with people from different back- guage, speaks the new language in the Appropriate Services. By using these 14 grounds and cultures, says Carter. It is same manner their native language is spo- mandates, Mission strives to deliver serv- merely to acknowledge that for the most ken; thus the accent. The rhythm, intona- ices that are “form-fit” for patients of part we do provide a caring and respectful tion, and projection of their native lan- other cultures so that they consistently atmosphere for our patients and families. guage carries over to the second language receive the same quality of care we deliv- “However, I often hear comments in my and forms certain distortions in pronun- er. day to day encounters with people who ciation. It is insensitive to expect other- work here or may be visiting, about those wise. If simply hearing and mimicking or patients and their family members who speaking were the only requirement for on MissionOnDemand. The first four are for them English is not their first lan- learning a second language, there would mandatory: guage.” be no problems anywhere in the world. All 14 of these mandates can be found 1. Health Care organizations should ensure that patients/consumers receive A great example of this is foreign accents in the American workplace. Language mastery is considered to be a sign of intelligence by any dominate culture and second language learners have from all staff members effective, understandable and respectful care that is pro- Business success today requires a vided in a manner compatible with their diverse body of talent to implement new hearing because they could not communi- cultural health beliefs and practices and ideas, views and perspectives. In the past cate clearly. This is a stereotype. preferred language. European American males made up more than 60% of the work force, but that is been treated as simply stupid or hard of Americans have regional accents as 2. Health Care organizations should changing significantly causing an alter- well, and use words and phrases that implement strategies to recruit, retain ation of the image of the “typical occasionally are difficult to define. It’s all and promote at all levels of the organiza- American worker.” If trends continue, by relative, isn’t it? tion a diverse staff and leadership repre- 2050 the US population is expected to sentative of the demographic characteris- increase by 50% and people of color will tics of the service area. make up nearly half of the population. native English speaker and on the native One quarter of Americans will be of speaker of English. Perhaps some well 3. Healthcare organizations should ensure Latino/Latina descent and almost one in placed sensitivity and listening workshops that staff at all levels and across all disci- ten will be of Asian or Pacific Islander may become a required part of all plines receive ongoing education and descent, not to mention more women and American employee training in the training in culturally and linguistically people with disabilities in the job ranks as future. The future American worker (in appropriate delivery. well. the myriad forms they will appear as) is The responsibility is on both the non- going to have to accept, assimilate and re4. Healthcare organizations must offer and provide language assistant services, including bilingual staff and interpreter “WHY DON’T YOU ENGLISH?” SPEAK Clear communication is crucial. Some services, at no cost to each patient/con- American employees have a hostile atti- sumer with limited English proficiency at tude and a severe lack of patience when it all points of contact, in a timely manner comes to conversing with others with a during all hours of operation. heavy accent. Truth be told, many non- learn to communicate. Let’s just accept this as part of living on a planet that is hot, flat and crowded. Let’s accentuate the positive! – Michael Carter Mission Diversity Officer natives have received extensive education Scope • July 9, 2010 • 7 Get Your Baby Off to a Healthy Start FREE Employee Prenatal Incentive Program Would you be interested in a free program for pregnant Mission Hospital’s employees and their spouses? your pregnancy to qualify for the $100 incentive if you are in the Choice Plan. If you are pregnant with multiples or are having a second child, registration must be completed before your 16th week. Registration materials and program information will be sent to you by mail. As an expectant parent, you want what’s best for your baby. That’s what the Prenatal Incentive Program is all about. This innovative program was created specifically for employees and spouses who enrolled in Mission’s Health Plan. The Prenatal Incentive Program will help you make the best choices possible during your pregnancy – for you and your baby. Through your participation, your little one has a tremendous opportunity to begin life with a big advantage: better health. Our goal is to help you have a healthy, full-term pregnancy. Begin prenatal medical care during your first trimester (14 weeks) and continue with regular care throughout your pregnancy. COMPLETE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CLASS TRACKS: As a program participant, you will receive the following support: • Free childbirth education classes. You will be required to attend several fun and informative programs provided at no cost to you. Classes include “The ABCs of Pregnancy,” “Childbirth Preparation Series,” “Safe Babies Class” and a breastfeeding class. • $100 reward if you are in the Mission Health Plan. Upon completion of the designated classes and the birth of your child, $100 will be added to your Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to help cover the cost of your delivery. It’s easy to get started. When your pregnancy is confirmed, call One Call Scheduling at 213-2222, option 2, to register for your prenatal classes. Tell the scheduler that you are covered by the hospitals’ insurance plan and want to participate in the Prenatal Incentive Program. If you are a first time parent, this must be done before the 14th week of Track 1: First Pregnancy ABC’s of Pregnancy Childbirth Classes: At least 12 hours by a certified childbirth instructor Safe Baby Class Breastfeeding Class Track 2: Subsequent Pregnancy Childbirth Refresher class by a certified childbirth instructor Safe Baby Class if >2 years since last baby Breastfeeding Class if no instruction in the past It will take a commitment on your part to complete the Prenatal Incentive Program, but when you do, an opportunity for important benefits awaits both you and your baby. You get the pride and satisfaction that come with doing this for yourself and your child. And your baby gets the best chance possible for a great start in life. Questions? If you need assistance or have questions, call Linda Stoner at 213-8246. The bear went over the mountain to see what was bruin. But what he found was Mission Campus. Yes, a black bear was recently sighted on the Memorial Campus as well as the city street above and behind the St. Joseph Campus. To protect yourself, “look before you go.” A quick peek from behind a door is always worth the extra couple of seconds. Use the buddy system, especially at night. If you spot a bear, make a lot of noise and don’t run. Back away from the area. Use the emergency alert towers to summon support from Security, and make sure to report any on-campus sightings to Security. 8 • Scope • July 9, 2010 Mission and Quality, continued from cover communities they serve. The study group included every system with two or more acute care member hospitals, and, like all 100 Top Hospitals studies, used publicly available data and objective statistical analysis. Performance measures, which focus on clinical quality and efficiency, reflect aggregated data across the entire system, including critical access hospitals. We are in good company. Among those systems named to the list: Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Kettering Health Network in Dayton, and Scripps Health in San Diego. Mission was the only hospital from North or South Carolina to be named in the top 20% “High quality is something we have always strived for here at Mission, said Tom Knoebber, director of Performance Improvement. “Our recent partnership with the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and focus on Lean Six Sigma will allow us to move from a good hospital to a great hospital.” “By putting the needs of the patient first we will become even better,” says Dale Fell, MD, Mission senior vice president and Chief Medical Officer. “Our goal over the next three years is to become one of the top ten hospitals in the United States.” MERIT in Motion! Department MERIT In Motion Awards Cheryl Worley Wound Therapy Christopher Queen CNP Lab (EEG) Donna Smith Rehab Inpatient Leonard Todero Leslie Wunder Security Occumed/Staff Health Melinda Bryant Labor & Delivery ABOUT THOMSON REUTERS Robin Noland Pulmonary Medicine Thomson Reuters gathers information for businesses to leading decision makers in the fields of financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science, and media markets. It is considered to be the world’s leading source, gathering comparative data in over 100 countries. Ron Mangham Endoscopy Sylvia Johnson NTICU Tina Ford Equipment Distribution MERIT in Motion Awards Caroline Lieberman Rehab Inpatient Danielle Hartman Edwards Child Devel. To see a list of the winning hospitals and to read the 44-page abstract of the Health System Benchmarks Study, go to www.100tophospitals.com. Deborah Lunsford John Riggs Environ. Svcs. Respiratory Services Gail Nesbitt Environmental Services Gene Carter Social Work Glenda Smathers Care Management A Closer Look Heather Hooper Neurosciences Recognized for Quality Jermaine Aiken Helena Oneal Jo Persons • Mission’s leadership was invited to Washington, D.C. in 2009 to participate in a one-day symposium moderated by four of the country’s most celebrated healthcare experts.The ten hospitals invited represented hospitals that are achieving success in delivering high quality healthcare at a lower cost. • In 2009 Mission was named a finalist for the National Quality Forum National Quality Healthcare Award, recognized as finishing in the top four in the country.The award recognized healthcare organizations that are successfully using performance measures to drive quality improvements and patient care. Mission also received distinction as one of the Top 100 Heart Hospitals in 2000 and 2002-2007, as recognized by Thomson Reuters. Kari Turvin Kimberly Moore Lee Davis Linda Redmon Lisa Marcy Boykin • Also in 2007, Mission was named by Business North Carolina Magazine as one of the top three hospitals in the state for overall clinical excellence, especially in the areas of orthopedics, heart and vascular. Central Transport Child Development Neurosciences NTICU Lab General Mission Children’s Child Development Mary Williams Social Work Michelle Amy MSICU (CNTH) Natalya Malanka Sam Coble • In 2007 Mission was named one of the Top 50 Endocrinology Hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, based on data measurement indicators such as good patient outcomes as well as “reputational” ratings from experts around the nation. Psych Service Line Tara Johnson Environmental Services Neurosciences Spine Unit Tracy Toth Accounts Payable Trent Stamey Central Transport Yelena Botezat Environmental Services • In 2005 and 2006, Mission received the Premier Quality Award for treatment of heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. • In 2006, Mission was ranked among Top 50 Orthopedic Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report based on several measurement indicators such as good patient outcomes, use of technology, nursing care, and trauma treatment. • In 2004, Mission was recognized by the Commonwealth Fund as one of the four top performing hospitals in the nation.The study highlighted the practices at Mission that led to high outcomes including our formal commitment to quality; use of data, performance panels, and programs to achieve quality; leadership structure and physician involvement; a corporate culture of excellence; caliber of staff, processes for care delivery and having the right tools for high performance. Scope • July 9, 2010 • 9 Questions & Answers About the New Flu Vaccination Protocols As has been communicated via MOD and in the May 21 issue of Scope, Mission has chosen to adopt the CDC recommendations for mandatory flu shots this year. As we meet one-on-one with staff members to educate them about Mission’s revised immunization policy, we are hearing many of the same questions and concerns. Hopefully this Q&A will answer some of those questions and provide resources for learning more on your own. I’M STILL AFRAID THAT I WILL GET THE FLU BY TAKING THE SHOT. It’s important to remember that flu vaccine is made from dead virus, so you cannot get the flu from taking the shot. The flu vaccine provides immunity two weeks after you receive the immunization. This means that if you are exposed to the flu before immunity develops, it is possible to get the flu in that short window between getting the vaccine and before your immunity kicks in. If you become sick with the flu or any number of other respiratory viruses such as parainfluenza I, II, and III and even the common cold, you might assume that you have gotten the flu from the vaccine. LAST YEAR THERE WERE TWO FLU SHOTS. I’M CONCERNED ABOUT TAKING BOTH THE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AND THE H1N1 VACCINE. Each year, the most prevalent flu from the previous year is combined with two other strains of flu to make the vaccine to be offered. The H1N1 strain was, hands down, the most prevalent flu last year, so it is being used to make the vaccine for this year. This means that we will only have one vaccine this year unless another pandemic virus appears. SOME STAFF NEVER GET THE FLU EVEN WITHOUT AN IMMUNIZATION.WHAT IF I NEVER GET SICK? It’s true that healthcare workers tend to have very healthy immune systems because we are exposed to so many illnesses. While we may have hearty immune systems, that doesn’t mean that we never get the flu. We may still get a very mild and barely noticeable case. We might even think that all we have is a mild cold. That doesn’t mean that we’re not contagious and able to spread our germs to our already very sick patients. No one wants to be responsible for giving a patient, visitor, or staff member the flu unknowingly. So while we might not be feeling the effects of the flu, others could. For healthcare workers, being vaccinated not only helps keep us safe but also benefits others. It is not all about us. THE FLU VACCINE CONTAINS A MERCURY PRESERVATIVE. HOW CAN THAT POSSIBLY BE GOOD FOR ME TO PUT INTO MY BODY? Last year, Mission ordered both multi-dose vials, which contained preservatives, and single-dose prefilled syringes that did not require preservatives. This year, Mission has ordered only single dose vaccine in recognition that many of our employees have concerns about thimerisol, the mercury preservative used in multi-dose vials. Single dose prefilled syringes do not contain thimerisol. 10 • Scope • July 9, 2010 WHAT HAPPENS IF I DEVELOP A SERIOUS MEDICAL PROBLEM AS THE RESULT OF RECEIVING THE FLU VACCINE? If an employee has a problem that is the direct result of the vaccine, Workers’ Compensation will take care of the employee. IF WE HAVE AN EMPLOYEE WHO WORKS FROM HOME OR AWAY FROM THE HOSPITAL (SUCH AS AT RIDGEFIELD), WILL THEY BE REQUIRED TO GET THE FLU SHOT? Yes, all employees are required to get the vaccination. It is important for our community in that these folks may be required to come to the hospital in the event of a disaster. Though some of us may not have contact with the hospital, we do interact with fellow employees who do and they might carry it back. IF I HAVE AN APPROVED EXEMPTION, WILL I BE ABLE TO COME TO WORK DURING FLU SEASON? WILL I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK WHEN AT WORK? Staff members who receive an exemption will normally be allowed to work during flu season. You will not be required to wear a mask while working. Our Infectious Disease physicians tell us that using a regular mask, unless changed between patients and worn for a limited amount of time, will not provide the type of protection that is needed. Taking a mask from room to room may transmit infection rather than prevent it. In addition to the challenges of mask management, it would also be difficult to know which employees are exempt and should be wearing a mask. Depending upon the severity of the outbreak, it may become necessary to keep flu vaccine-exempt employees away from work. These staff members will be placed on leave without pay or allowed to use PTO until the worst of the outbreak has passed. WHAT ABOUT VOLUNTEERS? Volunteers are required to get the flu shot if they want to work. They are a little different than employees in that if they choose not to get the vaccine, they can simply not volunteer until the requirement is lifted at the end of flu season. WHAT ABOUT VENDORS AND STUDENTS, ETC? A grid has been developed by HR and Legal Services that outlines the on-boarding requirements for students, vendors and contract workers. Immunization requirements are mandatory for many categories. All categories requiring proof of immunization will be required to provide proof of influenza immunization during flu season. WHAT ABOUT OUR MEDICAL STAFF? The medical staff is reviewing a policy mandating flu vaccinations. Mission Medical Associates has already adopted such a policy. WHAT ABOUT MCDOWELL HOSPITAL AND BLUE RIDGE REGIONAL HOSPITAL? WILL FLU SHOTS BE MADE MANDATORY FOR THEM? Our affiliates have received copies of our policy and education plan. Both of our affiliates will decide what will work best for their facility. ISN’T MISSION CONCERNED THAT WE WILL LOSE EMPLOYEES WHO DECIDE THAT THEY JUST DON’T WANT TO TAKE THE SHOT? One of the reasons we are talking about this policy now is to be sure that all our employees have a chance to learn about the vaccine and become comfortable about the requirement. We hope we will not lose anyone. When Wake Med implemented a mandatory flu policy, they lost two employees. NURSES IN NEW YORK CHALLENGED THAT STATE’S REQUIREMENT THAT HEALTHCARE WORKERS TAKE THE FLU SHOT AND WON. HOW IS IT THAT MISSION CAN LEGALLY REQUIRE IT? In New York, the mandatory requirement was overthrown by the court because the state agency that required the vaccination did not have the authority to do so, not because mandating the vaccine was illegal. North Carolina is an employment-at-will state. Employers can establish a variety of requirements for employees as a condition of employment. Mission is within its rights to require vaccines as part of our employment policies. Mission already requires a number of other immunizations as part of its conditions of employment. Flu vaccine was simply added to the list of other requirements. Exemptions for medical reasons and religious reasons have been included in the policy. The medical exemption recognizes that some individuals cannot have the vaccine because they have allergies or medical conditions that prohibit taking it. The religious exemption was included to be sure that we provide legal protection for those individuals whose religious beliefs dictate that they may not take this vaccine. POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES? Now that the policy is signed, we are including the mandatory requirement as part of the offer of employment letter. Additionally, the requirement is being shared at all orientations. form of a letter from the employee’s personal physician documenting proof of medical complications. Requests for religious exemptions should be submitted in writing to Staff Health Services and should include documentation to support evidence of a pre-existing belief or doctrinal system. The request should also clearly explain why the immunization is contrary to the individual’s religious beliefs. These will be reviewed by a committee set up specifically for this purpose. All declination proof must be submitted within 30 days of being offered the vaccine in just a few months from now. Staff members who refuse to comply with the requested paperwork, and still refuse the shot, will become ineligible to work at Mission Hospital. CAN AN EMPLOYEE GET A FLU SHOT FROM THEIR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN? HOW DO THEY PROVE THEY WERE IMMUNIZED? If an employee gets a flu immunization from the health department or their primary care physician, a copy of the consent should be provided to Staff Health Services. YOU TALK ABOUT HOW THIS PROTECTS OUR WORKFORCE TO CARE FOR OUR PATIENTS. CAN YOU TELL US HOW MANY OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS WERE ACTUALLY SIDELINED BY THE FLU LAST YEAR? We don’t have the specific numbers of staff members who had to remain home sick with the flu (or flu-like symptoms) last year. This year, we will be better able to collect some data about illnesses as required by The Joint Commission and CMS through the Kronos scheduling system. We do know that last year H1N1 was the predominant strain of flu, but because we could not test for H1N1 routinely, we lack this data. It’s important to remember that with every staff member out sick, another must take their place. When many become sick, it stands to reason that we may not have a sufficient number of staffers to give excellent care to our patients (many hospitalized with the flu). That’s just another reason why we need to take steps now to insure that we have enough well employees to keep Mission running smoothly. WHAT ARE WE TELLING If you want or need additional information, be sure to click on the white banner on MOD and/or ask your department director to set up an education session for your department. The MOD site is updated regularly. WHEN CAN AN EMPLOYEE SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR AN EXEMPTION? Medical exemptions, such as an allergy to eggs, can be submitted to Staff Health Services now. These should come in the Sports Medicine Program continued from the cover ing schools received fully-loaded, Samsung laptops as Mission Sports Medicine Awards. The awards were presented to students who demonstrated high-performance in academics and sports. School; Thomas “Seth” Stewart of Charles D. Owen High School; Jamil Hawes of Asheville High School; Lauren Buckner of Enka High School; Kaitlyn Roy of Erwin High School; and Karlee Taylor of Reynolds High School. This year the honored recipients were Seth Fox of North Buncombe High “That was so awesome! I didn’t expect that at all,” said Fox. “This notebook is something I will be able to use every day. I love it!” To learn more about Mission’s Sports Medicine Program, visit missionhospitals.org and type “sports medicine program” in the search engine. Scope • July 9, 2010 • 11 Personalized Total Reward Statements Staff Idea Aids Patients Sharing successes, listening to feedback, communicating value In April, employees received their first annual Mission Total Rewards statements – personalized snapshots showing the value of their Mission pay and benefits. The Human Resources team received a lot of feedback, formally through the survey postcard included with the statements, and informally via in-person and email reviews and suggestions. We wanted to share the feedback and some interesting facts with all of Mission. FEEDBACK: PERSONALIZED STATEMENTS WERE VERY WELLRECEIVED Nearly 300 employees completed and mailed back their survey postcards as of May 18, 2010. This response rate, which represents almost 5% of the population receiving statements, is among the highest response rate recorded by our statement partner, Towers Watson. Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated they agree or strongly agree that the statement was easy to read and understand. More than half reported they found the statement “very useful.” Most importantly, 78% indicated they have a better understanding of the value of their total rewards at Mission after reviewing the statement. We also received some very good suggestions for improving the statement going forward. Specific suggestions we received which will factor into our project planning for future statements include: • Breaking out data on the spending account and other healthcare benefits in more detail • Providing more detailed definitions of key terms (such as gross earnings versus annual pay rate, for example), and • Providing electronic statements. INTERESTING FACTS: DID YOU KNOW… • The Human Resources team started and completed the Total Rewards Statement project in just eight weeks. 12 • Scope • July 9, 2010 • We sent personalized statements to 6,094 employees across the organization. • A regular paycheck is a very important reason why most of us work. But benefits and other programs Mission offers are sometimes a “hidden paycheck.” Their value is not as obvious or as widely known. Personalized statements are the most effective way of communicating total value. • Most Mission staffers are not aware of how we compare to other benchmark organizations. Human Resources benchmarks (compares) compensation and benefit programs at Mission to other similar healthcare organizations, other large employers and local employers. We do this to ensure our total rewards program remains competitive. Compared with this group of employers, our compensation program ranks in the 50th percentile. When you compare the competitiveness of our benefits, our total rewards program ranks in the 90th percentile. We are extremely pleased with the feedback we’ve received, and especially glad to know the personalized statements were helpful. But there’s always room for improvement, and we want to do all that we can to produce statements next year that you consider valuable. If you haven’t already done so, please fill out and mail back the survey postcard that came with your statement. Or, contact Human Resources at 213-5600 with your suggestions. Kathy Koye, BSN, RN, shows an inhaler and insulin bottle that will go home with the patient when the discharge nurse is prompted by the red stop sign reminder. Kathy Koye, BSN, RN, who works night shift on 9North Stepdown (NSD), recognized an opportunity for improvement and took action. Through her involvement with her unit’s shared decision making council and discussions with the council chair Bryanna Gibbs, BSN, RN, PCCN, Koye voiced her concern about expensive patient medications left behind on discharge. “Many of our patients are on Medicare, and it is hard to get replacement medications if Medicare has already paid for the medicine,” said Koye. “Home medications plus medicines like eye drops, insulin, and inhalers dispensed during the hospital stay often did not make it home with the patient. It concerned me, because many of our patients take a lot of medications.” She recommended placing a sign in the room of each patient who had home medications. The sign is a reminder to give those medications to the patient or family upon discharge. Leigh Angel, BSN, RN, Manager of 9NSD, designed a laminated red stop sign, attached by Velcro to the white message board in appropriate patient rooms. Since the implementation of the stop signs, Koye reports a decrease in the number of medications left behind. If you are interested in adopting the red stop sign reminders for your unit, contact [email protected] for more information. – Cherry Odom Fitness at a Modest Price Best Deal in Town! Mission’s Fitness Center welcomes new personal trainer It may be the best kept secret in town. Atlantis, a cable cross-over machine environment that gives people practical designed to strengthen arms and torso. keys to maintain and achieve great health and fitness. I know that improved health For less than the cost of a Starbucks But it is the personal attention from and fitness make a difference not just for coffee and a sugar-laden pastry, Mission the staff that makes the Fitness Center the individual, but for the lives they employees can get and stay fit in a well- come alive. They provide free orientations impact.” equipped gym on a 24/7 basis. So too can through a 45-60 minute Equipment Class members of the public, at a nominal cost. session in order to familiarize clients with Located in the Mission Rehab and Sports the safe operation of workout equipment; Mission employee in her fifties who has a Center on the second floor of Asheville help customize fitness routines for men hectic schedule as a hospital administra- Imaging at 534 Biltmore Avenue (across and women; and through the adjoining tor. Bored with her workout and looking the street from the Memorial campus) the Mission Rehab & Sports Clinic offer free for new and different ways to strength Fitness Center has a welcome sign open injury consultations and conditioning as train, she came to the Fitness Center to anyone 18 years or older needing help well as a Runner’s Clinic. For sports-relat- seeking guidance and found Kelly. with their workout, or who simply have ed injuries, Dr. Jana Watts, a sports medi- an ongoing desire to improve their health. cine physician, sees walk-in patients and Fees are $7 per month, or $3.50 a pay peri- patients by appointment. one-time $40 sign-up fee. It really is a goldmine opportunity, “Like most people,” says Kelly, “this client says she is very busy and has time constraints. I work with her to break od for hospital employees and $20 a month for non-employees. There is also a She is currently working with a “We have many talented, top-notch down the roadblocks that might prevent people who work here,” says Minton. her progress but at the same time, allow Aside from nearly a dozen physical thera- her the freedom to be who she is and pists that man the Rehab side of the facil- achieve what she wants to do.” says Fitness and Wellness Coordinator ity, there are two Fitness Center employ- Thomas Minton, PT, Cert. MDT, and a ees working with clients whose goal is to USA Cycling Level II Coach. promote their own health. “Having Alicia here adds a nice variety for those clients wanting more options,” says Minton. “This is a great service and a convenient way for people to stay well and fit The newest face at the Fitness Center is personal trainer Alicia Kelly. easy to come here and very inexpensive,” around the clock,” said Minton. “We have a good range of equipment, from cardio “We just want them to know it is so A collegiate level athlete originally said Minton. It is also safe, open 24 hours to new multi-gym equipment, along with from Charlotte, Kelly is a graduate of a day with membership card entry, has free weights, rowers, free motion training Montreat College in Black Mountain and good lighting, security cameras, and 911 machines, recumbent bikes, and locker joined the Mission Fitness Center staff in access; not to mention that the hospital is rooms.” May. Nationally just across the street. certified as a Considered well-equipped even by personal trainer For details on joining the Fitness non-participants (one private gym owner and group fit- Center call Thomas Minton at 213-0844, in Arden says the facility has a diversity of ness instructor or Alicia Kelly at 230-8903. Kelly is also good quality machines that strengthen through the available by e-mail at the entire body), the Fitness Center fea- Aerobics and [email protected]. tures a Cybex Free Motion training device Fitness that is often used by athletes to mirror Association of athletic movements, a Cybex Smith America (AFAA) she works with clientele machine used with barbells that has a that range from youth to senior citizens. – Marie Bartlett high degree of built-in safety to the user, and the largest piece of equipment: the “My goal is to provide a supportive Scope • July 9, 2010 • 13 Ask Dr. Sig Dear Dr. Sig, I have seen and read several impressive things about Mission going green and being more eco-friendly. I am very glad to see these things happening because taking care of our surroundings is very important to my family and me. Being around most days due to transporting my spouse to work, I notice things sometimes.Today was one of those days. Leaving the cafeteria while finishing up a 32 oz. drink, I realized how much styrofoam is thrown away here. Styrofoam is one of the things that never leaves the landfill. Why not save throw-aways for takeouts only?This would save a tremendous amount of trash as well as going a long way toward making Mission a more envirofriendly hospital. Thank you for the chance to share my idea and concern. According to David Edwards of Food & Nutrition Services, we do have more eco-friendly plans on the horizon but we are in the process of replacing the dish machines at both St. Joseph and Memorial.The new machines are more efficient in saving electricity, water and chemical cost.They will be installed the latter part of this year.When the new machines are fully operational we will be promoting the use of reusable items, thus contributing to a greener environment. Dear Dr. Sig, I know that we are talking to Transylvania Hospital and Angel Hospital about joining Mission Health System.What’s the latest? In both cases, we are in what’s called the due diligence process. In May, each hospital and Mission signed letters of confidentiality in which we agreed to share operational information. Mission executives are now reviewing documents from Transylvania and Angel. In turn, we will be submitting documents to Transylvania and Angel to review. So if you see vice presidents with stacks of papers to go through, you’ll know that they are working on the due diligence. Dr. Sig, I get very frustrated when I try to search MOD for information I need. Isn’t there something that can be done to make it easier? I checked with the Web Team, and they told me that they have been working with MedSeek, our web software provider, to improve the search function on MOD.The plan is to add Google search, which should improve your ability to get what you need more easily.The Web Team is presenting the test site to the Nursing Education Council for feedback in early August. Once they approve it, it will be implemented in September. Dear Dr. Sig., I am a RN and work nights. Last week a patient came up from the Vascular Lab and developed some complications. I was amazed to see two vascular surgeons come to check on the patient within just a few minutes; one who was not even the doctor on the case, Dr. Kirby. After things calmed down and I returned to the nurses station, I witnessed Dr. Kirby filling a water pitcher and then taking it back to the patient. Thank you, Dr. Kirby, for your thoughtfulness to our patients and their families. – Julie C. RN BSN I love to receive stories such as this one. Please continue to send them! Letter to Dr. Sig, Last month I dropped my debit card unknowingly and a couple of days later received a call from the Mission Community Pharmacy saying it was found there. Leslie Sipes was so kind to drop it off at my house knowing that she lived not too far from me.To the person who found my card, and of course Leslie, my utmost gratitude. It is so nice to work with a great bunch of folks who uphold our MERIT values, not to mention going beyond the call of duty....that’s something you don’t see every day. – Very Thankful 14 • Scope • July 9, 2010 Dear Dr. Sig, Well, since someone complained about the new elevators I’m gonna sound off about the antique A staff elevators.The UP/DOWN lights are burned out on some floors and often times both cars arrive and you have to guess which one to get on. Also, only the left side goes to Floor 1 which causes a crowd of stair avoiders to gather on the 3rd floor and push the down button 1100 times until they finally give up and board it going up and then they continue to peck at the buttons inside the car until it finally takes them to the 1st floor. Jokes have been made about this elevator being a de facto breakroom or possibly even a foreign embassy. My possible solution: make the left elevator down only and the right elevator up only. I am very glad that you asked. because it allows me to share the good news that the equipment to renovate those elevators is being manufactured as we speak. Renovations will be starting sometime around the end of July. Facility Services will also be checking on those up/down lights right away. Just a reminder: For any concerns of this type, and certainly faster service, please contact the Facility Dispatch line at 213-4121. Dispatchers are available 24/7 to serve your maintenance needs. Dr. Sig, In the Biltmore Parking Deck there are several parking spaces on each level that are clearly marked “compact cars only.” On more than two occasions I have parked in one of these spaces in my compact Volkswagon only to come out and find a full size SUV crammed in so close beside me that I have difficulty even opening my doors. An SUV is NOT a compact car! Point well taken. I guess they don’t mind a little extra paint on their doors. I know I would. Letter to Dr. Sig, TV is often a “hot button” customer service issue with patients.They watch certain stations at home and want us to find them on our system. As a busy nurse, it’s nearly impossible to keep people satisfied. People just don’t seem to appreciate that free phone and TV is not a standard practice in hospitals and many institutions charge by the day! Any suggestions? – Tearing My Hair Out Dear Hairless Nurse, It’s neither easy nor inexpensive to add channels to our offerings.The monthly cost to provide Direct TV to our televisions is $5,746. Adding one channel to both St. Joseph and Memorial would cost approximately $3,000 for the receivers and modulators and add approximately $600 per month (depending on the channel added) to our Direct TV invoice. I would be interested to know what channels are most in demand. Hey Dr. Sig! What’s going on at 345 Biltmore Avenue? There’s a brand new parking lot and a lot of construction going on. Earlier this year, it was discovered that the old parking deck was seriously compromised.The steel girders were badly corroded and the deck was unsafe for parking. Once the deck was removed, it became clear that there were significant structural problems with the lower level as well.The new parking lot is the most visible part of the work.The lower level is being expanded and there will be stairs leading up to the top level and main entrance to the building. In addition, new lighting will soon be added to the parking lot. Not only does it look great; it’s a much safer place to park. For staff attending computer classes at 345, it is very important that you park in your regular spot and take the shuttle. As attractive as the new lot is, it can’t accommodate both the staff who work in the building AND people attending classes. Staff and volunteers are welcome to submit ads for “scope it out.” Please include your name and contact information.The ads themselves must include your home e-mail or phone number – not your work contact info. No names will be printed. Listings will appear once in the next available issue of Scope.To repeat the ad you must resubmit it.The deadline for each issue of Scope can be found on the last page of each edition. To place an ad, mail it to Marketing and Web Services, e-mail [email protected] or fax it to 213-4812. All questions regarding ads should be directed to 213-4800. Cars and Motorcycles 2003 Chevy S10 Extended Cab: Red with camper cover, 68k miles, cloth seats, CD player, alloy wheels, good tires, looks good, runs great! Price reduced to $8250. Call 828-667-4386 or 828-242-0514. 1995 GMC Dump Truck: 5 speed transmission, 6.0 L (366 cu. in.) big block gas engine. No CDL required! All new tires! Off road type tires on rear. Steel dump is 7.5 wide, 13.5 long, 2 ft high with additional wood sides added.Will hold about 13 cubic yards. Great for mulch, brush, etc. Under 52k miles on speedometer. Muffler rattles. Asking $14,600. Call 828-645-7930. 2005 Chevy Suburban: 50,000 miles $17,800. Call 828-215-0342. 2008 Suzuki Burgman: Burgundy/Black, fully automatic, 60 mpg, great touring bike, lots of storage, 5k miles. Excellent Condition, cover included, ready for the road! $4850 Call 828-274-4718 after 5 pm. 1993 Cadillac Coupe de Ville: 4-dr sedan LIKE NEW! Perfect inside and out! 124K miles.You must see to believe. $4200 OBO Call 828-775-7221. 1965 Ford Mustang: Yellow, off frame, rebuilt. $14,000 OBO Call 828-776-4390 or email [email protected] 2001 Chrysler 300M: 4-door sedan. 105K miles.Tires are Michelin HydroEdge w/ 24,000 miles on them and full size spare. Blue exterior w/tan leather interior. Fully loaded, ABS Brakes, alloy wheels, automatic transmission, cassette player, cruise control, power heated seats and huge trunk. AC and CD player broken, some scratches on exterior and tear in front dash, drivers door clicks when opening $3,000. Call 828-6656967 or email [email protected] Homes and Land 6.8 Wooded Acres on Wonder Rd. in Leicester: 9 miles from Patton Ave. Several 1 level living home sites possible. Nice, quiet neighborhood. Divided into 2 lots of 3.4 acres each. Lot prices are $58,300 and $65,300 or $117,600 for all 6.8 acres.That’s only $17,300 per acre! Email [email protected] for pictures & information or call 828-645-7930. property now. $36,9900. OBO Call 828242-923 or email [email protected] House for Sale in Horse Shoe: Henderson County. 3/4BR and 3.5 BA. Convenient to Hendersonville, Brevard and Asheville Airport. Cape style home w/nicely finished walk out basement. Sits on 1.6 acres of wooded lot with mountain laurel. Fenced in area of yard for pets. Great home for spacious living or multigenerational family. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances. Walk in garage. Private neighborhood on cul-de-sac. Great schools. MLS# 463147 Asking $259,000, will consider all offers. Call 828-808-2194 or [email protected]. Housemate Wanted for Two Bedroom Asheville Home: Newly renovated in Chicken Hill area. No pets, non-smokers. References required. One month deposit, $600/mth plus 1/2 utilities. Call 828-6742935. Lovely Vacation Home in Cattail Creek: 1500 sq.ft. 3BR/BA. FSBO. Sits on 3.3 private and wooded acres. Open floor plan with bay window in kitchen and soapstone wood burning stove on native stone hearth. Wonderful front porch that overlooks the Mountain Range. Hiking trails/waterfalls/creek just minutes away from this mountain property. Come and enjoy the sights and sounds of life in the mountains. Asking $279,000. For information or appointment call 828-682-2495. Like New For Rent in Quiet Enka Neighborhood: 2BR/1BA at the end of beautifully wooded cul-de-sac in new quiet neighborhood of homes. Brand new construction, completed in 2009. Hardwood floors, ceramic tile, oak cabinets, all kitchen appliances are furnished, water included, W/D hookup, private carport, very clean. Enjoy end of street privacy with great convenient location to I-40 and to hospital. $750/mth. Call 828-713-7225. For Rent in Hendersonville: 20 to 25 minute drive to Mission. Great location, 2 minutes from town and shopping. Beautiful neighborhood. Level lot. 3BR/2.5BA, office, den w/fireplace, screened porch, 1 car garage, $900/mth. Call 828-891-5585. Lots in Weaverville: Beautiful views on south facing, gently sloping 1.3 acre to almost 2 acre lots with many hardwoods throughout. 1 level living home sites easily possible on all lots! New restricted subdivision 1.7 miles from Interstate I 26, Exit 15. Within 5 miles of Shopping in Weaverville! Nice building sites partially cleared. Contractor still has equipment on site, we could probably work out a good deal for some house site grading! Lots starting at $65,300. Email [email protected] for pictures and information or call 828-6457930. House for Rent Near Grove Park Inn: 3BR/2BA ranch with fireplace, hardwood, W/D hook-up, fenced back yard, private setting. Available 8/1, year lease, security deposit, no smoking. $1,500/mth. Call 828236-0431. Beautiful 16.2 Acres New Found Road Area: Quarter mile gravel road, electric underground, and cleared property. Many home sites available. Able to divide up into smaller acreage. Owner motivated to sell Apartment for Rent in South Asheville: 1200 sq.ft. 1BR, garage, deck, all utilities, cable, internet included. Best suited for one person. $750/mth. Call 828-2306006 before 9 pm. Large 2BR/1BA Apartment in Historic Kenilworth: Safe and quiet neighborhood. Close to hospital and Tunnel Rd. Gas heat and water included. Den, deck, hardwood floors, lots of windows and natural light. W/D. References and deposit required. No pets please. $700/mth. Call 828-318-2125. Household Pets Kenmore Elite High Efficiency Front load Washer and Dryer: Including pedestal drawer. $500 each Call 828-6454810 after 6pm. Golden Doodle Puppies: Ready July 12th. Championship bloodlines, CKC registered. Call 828-230-6427. Arctic Circle Chest Deep Freezer: Commercial grade. 55” x 27 1/2” Used for 9 mths. Purchase price of $1200. Asking $500. Call 828-649-1517 or email: [email protected] Little Tykes Thomas the Tank Youth Bed: Has toy box on front. Used very little. Complete with mattress. Call 828-2558666. Whirlpool Washer and Dryer: White. $150 for set. Call or text 828-216-4979. Miscellaneous Perfect Gift for Summertime Fun: Pawleys Islands Hammock and Stand. Never used. Still in box. $225. Call 828-545-8470. Dansko Pro Box Black Slip On: Size 7 1/2 W (37W). Barely worn; paid $89.99, will sacrifice for $45. Email [email protected] Elliptical Trainer: Hardly used. Digital readings with a fan, $300. OBO. Call 828242-2923 or email [email protected] Beautiful Black Smoke Female Persian Kitten and Very Light Eyed Himalayan Male: CFA registered, about 10 weeks old. Also adult Persians available to good responsible homes for a small reduced rate. Call 828-884-5967. Solid Black Female Cat: Rescued while pregnant. She had the kittens and all have been placed. I have 2 other female cats and she, “Bella,” cannot seem to adjust to the other cats. I have had her spayed but she needs a home with no other cats. She does fine w/my 100 lb. German Shepherd. If seriously interested please call 828-298-4616. Male Australian Shepherd: 2 years old, red merle. Free to good home. Current on shots, not neutered. Is housebroken and is a family pet.Would make great companion for outdoor hiking or just playing in the yard. Call 828-689-5332. Services Local Carpenter: Over 30 years experience. Call 910-603-3894. Bandpass 10” Speakers: In a box, will need an amp and wiring for hook up. $100 OBO Call after 7pm 828-772-1790. Got a computer problem?: Let me help you out. I can take care of all your computer needs. Half the price of the other Geeks. Call Ryan with Higgins Tech. 828-699-0949 higgins-tech.com or [email protected] 2008 Model Proform XP420 RAZOR Elliptical: Like new! Fan, digital read out. Didn’t use much $150 OBO. Call after 7 pm 828-772-1790 leave message. Massage Therapy: Great location, close to hospital with free parking. Nice office and wheel chair accessible. Call 828-2755497. Little Tykes Swing Set: 2 swings, a glider, covered sandbox, rope climb to the covered tower. Made of metal and hard plastic. Great for the mountains, no wood bees or splinters! $200. Call or text 828-216-4979. Sports and Recreation 2004 Sunnybrook Titan 5th Wheel: 4 new tires, central vac, great condition. Call 828-253-0868. 3 Full Face Mask Motorcycle Helmets: 1- $20, 2 - $40. Paid $125 each. Call or text 828-216-4979. Home Gym: 150 lbs in free weights. $120. Call or text 828-216-4979. 2002 Bumper Pull 2 Horse Trailer: Ramp load, emergency brakes, removable divider, lighted throughout including locking storage area. Sliding saddle racks and tire changing kit. Screened windows, fully enclosed.Wheel chocks. Good condition. $5000 firm. Call 828-242-5499. Playstation 2 Console w/Network Adaptor: One wireless controller, 2 memory cards, wireless guitar w/Guitar Hero 3 and 11 games mostly for teens. $75. Call 828-668-8357 before 9 pm. Four PSP Games: $20. Call 828-665-8357 before 9 pm. Scope • July 9, 2010 • 15 Kaleidoscope Welcome New Mission Staff! Emilee K. Norton, CNA I 6th Floor (SJH) Reta F. Roberts 7th Floor (SJH) Amy V. Sill, RN 7th Floor (SJH) Sandra T.Turbyfill, RN 7th Floor (SJH) Wendy L. Griffin Accreditation Services Ila H. Morrow, CNA I Adult Medicine Elke Bonnie ASC Heather K. Honeycutt, ASC Shirley F. Nesbitt, RN ASC Lori Webb ASC Suzanna M. Biro Care Management Admin. Joseph L. Mayfield Central Transport Abby J. Bates Child Development Center Mary Kimbler Collections/Cash Mgmnt Phillip J. Ruff Distribution Christian E. Rudisill ED Admit Unit Halley A. Ayers EKG Torre K.White EKG Amanda D. Brunner, RN Emergency Care Ctr Melissa J. Martin Emergency Care Ctr Mark Nussbaum Emergency Care Ctr Eleanor T.Wright Emergency Svc Line Rebecca A. Burnett Environmental Services Chris Johnston Environmental Services Nina M.Tehnilenco Environmental Services Tina C. Papakonstantinou Finance Francisco R. Diaz Food & Nutrition Sarah E. Kuspa HR-Light Industrial Pool Renaldo Baroupe-Qualls Human Resources Matt R. Peabody Information Technology Melanie E. Sprinkle Lab Patient Services Center Kelly M. McGoldrick Lab Phlebotomy Sharon R. Reagan Lab Phlebotomy Felishia R.Ward Lab Phlebotomy Anna S. Osborne Legal Services Bethany J. Kirby, CNA I MCSD Virginia H. Porter Medical Education Anna C. Gerhardt, RN Mother Baby Robert C. Barker, RN MSICU (CNTH) Beverly A. Devereux, RN Oncology Jennifer R.Wright, RN Oncology Angela Crawford Pharmacy Alexander J. DeLucenay Pharmacy Residents Wesley R. Dulaney Pharmacy Residents Kimberly S. Fordham Pharmacy Residents Lyndsey N. Hogg Pharmacy Residents William N. Rodgers Pharmacy Residents Annette M. Sajecki Pharmacy Residents Jeffrey R. Duckworth, Jr. Psych 5 South Kent M. Swoveland Radiology Transcription Laurie G. Preston-Lenk Rehab Inpatient Robert A. Disney-Coker Security Robert B.Whiteside Security Shian M. Ponder Administration Darrick G. Ballard Telecommunications Jessie L. Belt, CNA I Transfer Unit Rachel C. Lorenz, CNA I Transfer Unit Brenna E.Wingett, RN Transfer Unit Elizabeth A. Corbin,RN Womens Surgical M I S S I O N H O S P I T A L You can subscribe to receive Scope online. Sign up for eNews on a number of topics at www.missionhospitals.org/enews. © 2010 16 • Scope • July 9, 2010 Retirements Elaine Petty, registration representative in the Lab Business Office, is retiring with 37 years of dedicated service. She was honored with a reception on June 24. George H. Schissler, RN, of Adult Medicine, has retired with 29 years of service. Congratulations! Sympathy The Mission Family extends sincere sympathy to staff members and volunteers who have recently lost loved ones. If you or a co-worker has experienced the death of a loved one, and you would like to have it posted in Scope, please first contact Sr. Carmen Cruz of Pastoral Care at [email protected]. Mission Staffers Attend AHNA Conference More than 500 holistic nurses gathered to celebrate at the 30th annual conference of the American Holistic Nursing Association in Colorado Springs, Colorado from June 3 - 6. Mission Hospital’s Integrative Healthcare department was selected to present two breakout sessions. The first session, “Bark,Wag, Love: Starting, Funding and Sustaining a Pet Therapy Program in Integrative Healthcare,” was presented by Pam Hardin, Pet Therapy coordinator; Laurel Hunt, director of Grant Development with Mission Healthcare Foundation; and Lourdes Lorenz, RN, MSN, director of Integrative Healthcare. “Stepping Stones: Achieving an Integrative Healthcare Framework,” was presented by Lorenz, Denise Anthes, BSN, MBA; Cindy Barkei, BSN; and Kat Yarboro, BSN, PhD. All are Board Certified Holistic Nurses in the Integrative Healthcare department. 2008 and since then has seen approximately 12 patients with these conditions. He focuses on treating children with digestive system, liver or nutritional problems. Cardiologist Named Harvard Institute Investigator of the Month Harvard Clinical Research Institute (HCRI) has selected Jan Pattanayak, MD, of Asheville Cardiology Associates, as Investigator of the Month to be featured on the DAPT Study website. The DAPT Study is an independent, largescale study intended to determine the appropriate duration for dual antiplatelet therapy (the combination of aspirin and a second anti-clotting medication to reduce the risk of blood clots) to protect patients from stent thrombosis and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) following the implantation of drug-eluting coronary stents. In selecting Dr. Pattanayak for this honor, HCRI noted that his study site had “displayed an exceptional balance between meeting enrollment goals, maintaining current data entry and ensuring consistent communication” with the institute on study progress. Dr. Pattanayak joined Asheville Cardiology Associates in 2009. Before that, he was a fulltime hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts. He is a graduate of the New Jersey Medical School/University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, and completed his residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He completed his fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Bates Publishes Review in Seminars in Pediatric Surgery Dr. Michael Bates, a pediatric gastroenterologist with Mission Children’s Hospital, recently published a review in Seminars in Pediatric Surgery on the genetics of Hirschsprung disease and anorectal malformations.The review was authored with Erin Mundt, MS, a genetic counselor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Hirschsprung Disease is a congenital disorder. In children with this disease, the nerves don’t develop normally in the gastrointestinal tract. Anorectal malformations are congenital disorders where the anal opening does not occur where it should.The problem occurs in approximately two to five in every 10,000 live births. Dr. Bates’ research has shown that anorectal malformations also result from genetic factors. Dr. Bates joined Mission Children’s Hospital in Scope is published twice monthly for the staff, physicians, volunteers and friends of Mission Hospital. This publication is produced by the Marketing and Web Services Department, Mission Hospitals, 509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. Phone: 828/213-4800. Interim President and CEO The deadline for the next Scope is July 12 for a July 23 distribution. If you have a story idea, department news or an important announcement to share, send it to Scope at [email protected]. Editor Ads for Scope It Out should be sent to [email protected] or faxed to 213-4812. Carleton T. Rider Director of Marketing and Web Services Janet Moore Carole Donnelly Marketing and Web Services Staff Lindsay Brooks, Becky Brown, Ryan Chambers, Anna Dean, Kathleen DesMarteau, Merrell Gregory, Amy Partilla, Ryan Perry, Michelle Rabell, Kasey Rankin, and Alison Whipple Cartoonist Pete Adams