HospiTell - Backus Hospital
Transcription
HospiTell - Backus Hospital
STOPPING SEPSIS JOAQUIN LOOMS New tracking, reporting standards have begun this week / 7 Be prepared if the menacing storm comes knocking / 9 HospiTell The William W. Backus Hospital VOL. 44, NO. 40 Windham Community Memorial Hospital backushospital.org • windhamhospital.org OCTOBER 2, 2015 Addressing addiction HHC forum looks at ways to reach out to substance abuse victims Overdose Epidemic Forum panelist Bill Muskett, NREMT-P, RRT, Manager, Windham Hospital EMS Program, right, discusses how he has seen firsthand the impact of drugs on families in the community. At left is panelist Vicki Barbero, M.Ed., LADC, Director of Outpatient Services, Perception Programs, Inc. A weekly newsletter for East Region employees, volunteers, patients and friends. STORY, PAGE 5 HOSPITELL 2 October 2, 2015 Gift Shop BACKUS Items of the Week UCONN FOOTBALL EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT OFFER FOR HARTFORD HEALTHCARE EMPLOYEES, MEDICAL STAFF & VOLUNTEERS New dress shirts Cotton/linen blend. Four colors, four sizes.. $46.99 THREE DAYS TO SAVE! Spend your weekends with UConn Football this fall by taking advantage of our Hartford HealthCare Discount Days! WINDHAM NAVY N AV AVY Y USF SATURDAY, S ATURD TURDA AY, SEP SEPT. T. 26 $ 20 Trick or Treat! Halloween Woof & Poof dolls on sale now at the Auxiliary to Windham Hospital Gift Shop. BACKUS GIFT SHOP HOURS: MON. - WED. / 9:30 A.M. – 7:30 P.M., THURS. - FRI. / 9:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M., SAT. / 9:30 A.M. – 4 P.M., SUN. / 1 – 4 P.M. WINDHAM GIFT SHOP HOURS: MON. - FRI. / 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. $ SSAVE AVE $15 20 SAVE SAVE $15 EAST EA ST CAR CAROLINA OLINA FRIDAY, FRIDA FRID AY, OCT. OCT. 30 20 $ SAVE SAVE $15 HO HOW W TO TO ORDER 1 VISIT UC UCONNHUSKIES.COM/PROMOTIONS ONNHUSKIES.COM/PROMOTIONS 2 ENTER PROMO C CODE ODE HHC 3 SELECT Y YOUR OUR SECTION For For additional information, information, c contact ontact the UC UConn onn T Ticket icket Offic Office ea att 8 (M-F, 9am-4:30pm). 877-AT-UCONN 77-AT-UCONN (M-F, Upcoming Auxiliary vendor sales About HospiTell HospiTell is published each Friday by the Communications Departments of The William W. Backus Hospital and Windham Hospital. Employees, medical staff and volunteers can have HospiTell e-mailed to their homes by sending a request to [email protected] To submit news: E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 860-892-6964 Deadline: Wednesdays at noon Homecoming Hom Ho meco comi min mi ng SATURDAY, S ATURD TURDA AY, OCT OCT.. 17 Backus: HCI will be the featured dealer for the next Backus Auxiliary vendor sale Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the MOB/cafeteria alcove. Items include $7 scarves, accessories and more. Windham: Bag Ali will be the featured dealer for the next Auxiliary to Windham vendor sale Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the atrium. All sales by each auxiliary benefit the host hospital! HOSPITELL October 2, 2015 3 Keeping our focus on patients Dear Colleagues, While the governor continues to slash funding to hospitals and our local legislators scratch their heads in disbelief, I can’t begin to tell you how proud we are of our East Region team for staying focused on patient care and our communities. This focus comes every day and in many forms — from the boiler room to the bedside, in a health center or soup kitchen, from the waiting room to the operating room and increasingly outside the walls of our hospitals. This week, I have two examples of exemplary teamwork in the East Region — the Overdose Epidemic panel discussion on Sept. 29 at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic (page 5) and the Heart Walk on Sept. 27 (below) at Rocky Neck in Niantic. Neither of these venues are typical for healthcare workers, but both health issues (cardiology and mental health/substance abuse) rank highly in our recent Community Health Needs Assessment. There are also other similarities and themes I would like to highlight — both events required collaboration among various East Region organizations, both involved clinical and non clinical staff and both are parts of larger strategic initiatives. At the Heart Walk, Backus and Windham hospital staff members once again demonstrated their commitment to the community by walking side by side to raise funds and awareness about heart disease, which is the nation’s No. 1 killer and a strategic focus for our organizations. The East Region team raised more money than last year and ranked third in all of Eastern Connecticut for funds raised, behind only Electric Boat and Mohegan Sun. Our team members also served as role models for the community as they walked to the finish line, showing the benefits of exercise. At the Overdose Epidemic forum, a lively panel discussion before an au- Dave’s Desk Backus Cancer Survivors Day postponed Due to bad weather predicted by the National Weather Service, Backus Hospital has postponed its Cancer Survivors Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3. A rain date has not yet been determined. The decision was made for safety reasons. Hundreds of cancer survivors and their families were expected to attend the outdoor event. Walking tall dience of about 80 people received statewide media coverage and highlighted how a system like Hartford HealthCare (HHC) can be of enormous benefit to the community it serves. The panel, which included Windham, Natchaug and Rushford experts, as well as other community partners, is part of an overall effort to address the rising number of people in Eastern Connecticut abusing substances such as heroin, prescription drugs, alcohol and K2, also known as synthetic marijuana. Why do I bring up these two events? The point is that no matter what challenges or changes we might face in healthcare, community need is not going away. I am very fortunate to have a team that realizes this, and that is able to strategically focus no matter which way the headwinds might be blowing. Now, if only Connecticut politicians could do the same… That’s all for now, Dave n To watch a video of the event, visit backushospital.org. The Backus and Windham Hospital Heart Walk teams pose at the start of the 2015 Rocky Neck Heart Walk Sunday, Sept. 27. Company leader Shawn Mawhiney thanked all captains, walkers and donors for raising more than $7,000, the third most of any team in Eastern Connecticut. HOSPITELL 4 Dates set for East Region flu shot clinics The next flu season is on the way. As part of the influenza prevention program, all employees, volunteers and medical staff are required to receive a flu shot unless granted a religious or medical exemption. Those individuals who apply for and receive medical or religious exemptions will wear surgical masks during flu season when they are in areas where they may encounter patients. Those applying for medical or religious exemptions must have done so by Oct. 1. Individuals with existing religious and medical exemptions do not need to reapply. As a reminder, egg allergy is no longer a basis for medical exemption because of the availability of “cell-based” vaccine, which is produced without the use of hens’ eggs. All non-exempted staff members must be vaccinated by Nov. 3. To learn more about how to comply with the universal vaccination pro- October 2, 2015 Backus flu clinic dates, times Monday, Oct. 12 Tuesday, Oct. 13 Wednesday, Oct. 14 Friday, Oct. 16 Tuesday, Oct. 20 Thursday, Oct.22 Monday, Oct. 26 Friday, Oct. 30 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. noon - 3 p.m. 1 - 5 p.m. 1 - 4 p.m. 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. 6 a.m. - noon noon - 4 p.m. 8 a.m. - noon main lobby conference rooms 1, 2 Backus Outpatient Care Center main lobby conference rooms 3 Plainfield Backus ED HHC East System Support Office main lobby conference rooms 3 main lobby conference rooms 1 main lobby conference rooms 1 MOBILE CART VACCINATIONS (for off-shift personnel) Thursday, Oct. 1 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 4 - 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 4 - 8 a.m. Windham flu clinic dates, times Wednesday, Oct. 7 Thursday, Oct. 15 Monday, Oct. 19 Wednesday, Oct. 21 Tuesday, Oct. 27 noon - 4 p.m. 6 - 10 a.m. 3 - 7 p.m. 7 - 11 a.m. noon - 4 p.m. Griswold Room Griswold Room Griswold Room Johnson Room Griswold Room v v v Influenza vaccination deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 3. v v v gram, download the "Hartford HealthCare Influenza Prevention Program 2015-16” document, which is available, along with a set of FAQs, a calen- Fighting cancer on campus Backus Hospital partnered with Norwich Free Academy to promote breast cancer awareness and education. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, hospital outreach staff were at the school during lunch, handing out material on cancer. dar of upcoming flu vaccination clinics as well as exemption forms and instructions. Download them at www.hartfordhealthcare.org/flu. National PA Week is Oct. 6-12 Oct. 6–12 is National Physician Assistants Week — a week to celebrate the more than 100,000 certified PAs and their contributions to the nation’s health. Because of PAs, the healthcare system is stronger and more patients get access to high-quality, cost-effective care. We salute you all. October 2, 2015 HOSPITELL 5 Turning the tide against overdoses HHC forum addresses breaking down barriers with substance abuse victims Addiction is a growing health issue that is impacting a wider cross section of people in eastern Connecticut, but the problem is solvable with the right mix of collaboration, evidencebased treatment and coordinated care, a panel of experts said at Eastern Connecticut State University on Tuesday, Sept. 29. “The large homes with the fancy cars, they have drug problems too,” said Bill Muskett, Windham Hospital Emergency Medical Services Manager and a long-time paramedic. “Every town has different issues, different drugs, but it’s ultimately the same problem.” Muskett was one of five panelists who participated in the Overdose Epidemic forum, hosted by Hartford HealthCare (HHC), Windham Hospital and the HHC Behavioral Health Network. They discussed the science of addiction, their firsthand experiences, and how they can work together to deal with K2, heroin and prescription drug abuse in the Windham region. Willimantic became the focus of state-wide media attention this year after a rash of overdoses was credited to K2, otherwise known as synthetic marijuana. But despite perception, the issue of substance abuse is not contained to Willimantic, said HHC Behavioral Health Network Vice President of Operations James O’Dea, PhD, MBA, who moderated the event. “There are 169 towns and villages in Connecticut, and every community has people who are dealing with these issues,” O’Dea said. “This disease does not discriminate,” said Leah Russack-Baker, Ed.D, LADC, Director at Natchaug Hospital’s Quinebaug Program. COVER STORY Forum panelists Samuel Silverman, MD, Medical Director of Addiction Services, Rushford; can be seen in a video camera LCD screen during a community forum at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic — The Overdose Epidemic — about K2, heroin and prescription drug use. n To watch a video of the event, visit www.natchaug.org. A major barrier to addressing the issue of substance abuse is the stigma around addiction, said Rebecca Allen, MPH, of the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. “So many think it’s a moral failing,” Allen said, who has been in recovery from heroin since 1998. Samuel Silverman, MD, Medical Director of Addiction Services at Rushford, stressed that addiction is a disease where the brain’s pleasure centers get “hijacked” by substances. “Once the brain is addicted, it’s like a dry creek bed in the desert,” Dr. Silverman said. Silverman added that we tend to “dehumanize” people with addictions, and that needs to change. He applauded Allen’s achievements, including her graduation with a Master’s Degree while in recovery. “Pride is the antidote to shame,” Silverman said. A number of solutions were discussed including the widespread distribution of NarCan, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose; medication-assisted treatment using Suboxone; and clearer paths from emergency rooms to treatment programs. The answer, however, is not simple. “If there was one solution we would have figured it out already,” O’Dea said. But panelists agreed the first step is to start the conversation –whether it’s in your home with a child or family member, or in a public forum like the Overdose Epidemic, which included Hartford HealthCare and its community partners, all of whom vowed to work together on the substance abuse issues that affect Eastern Connecticut. The group is in the process of cataloguing existing resources in order to come up with an approach to curb the rising tide of people abusing drugs like K2, heroin, prescription drugs and even alcohol. "In order for change to happen we really do need to have uncomfortable conversations," Russack-Baker said. HOSPITELL 6 October 2, 2015 October East Region cancer events FRIDAY, OCT. 9 / 10 A.M. n Laura Beth Seder Memorial Golf Tournament, Mohegan Sun Golf Club, Baltic. Proceeds support Backus Breast Cancer Initiative. Contact Gen Schies for more information 860-823-6331 or genevieve.schies@ hhchealth.org. SATURDAY, OCT. 17 / 9 A.M. n Free Community Prostate Cancer Screening. Backus Hospital Ambulatory Medical Center, 326 Washington St., Norwich, off main lobby. Urologists will conduct prostate exam and a PSA blood test. Registration required. Call 860-892-6900 to register. SATURDAY, OCT. 17 / 11 A.M. n Relay For Life of Greater Windham County. Eastern Connecticut State University baseball stadium, Willimantic. To join or donate, go to relayforlife.org/windhamct and select “Join A Team” and select “Windham Hospital Healers.” To learn more, contact Bobbie Maschka, PT, at [email protected] or call 860-456-6797. SATURDAY, OCT. 24 / 10 A.M. 0 n Spook-a-Thon Sponsored by Panera Bread at Dodd Stadium, Stott Avenue, Norwich. Dress up to scare cancer! DJ entertainment, Haunted Locker Room and Dugout, Food Court, Batting Cages, Photo Booth, Face and Pumpkin Painting, trick or treat tables, and more! Contact Gen Schies for more information 860-8236331 or genevieve.schies@ hhchealth.org SUNDAY, OCT. 25 n Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk. Rocky Neck State Park, 244 W Main St., Niantic. To walk on the Backus team, contact Shawn Mawhiney at 860634-3383. The first 100 people to register will receive a Backus Yowie to benefit the Backus Breast Health Initiative. Get your Yowie on to fight cancer Specially made Backus Breast Health Initiative Yowies will be on sale at all Backus cancer events and at the Backus Boutique starting on Oct. 2. A Yowie is multi-functional rally wear that can be worn as a head wrap, bandana scarf, and much more. Proceeds will benefit the Backus Breast Health Initiative. Join in the ongoing mission to bring awareness to the community of the importance of early detection and the advances in treatment for breast cancer. You can take your support one step further. Send us a photo showing a creative way you or someone you know is wearing their Yowie and you might just end up on the Backus Facebook page. Please send photos to [email protected]. Prizes will be given to the most creative entries. Still truckin’ in Moosup More than 500 tickets were sold to the Jolly John “Keep You Truckin” Fund fundraiser that took place last Saturday at the Jolly John Mill in Moosup. Proceeds from the event help to support Backus cancer patients and their families. Backus blood drive Oct. 23 Backus will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, Oct. 23 — from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. in the main lobby conference rooms in the hospital at 326 Washington St. in Norwich. To make an appointment, call 860-823-6381 or visit redcrossblood.org HOSPITELL October 2, 2015 7 CMS severe sepsis reporting has begun Severe sepsis is the number one killer of hospitalized critically ill patients in the United States, and beginning Oct. 1, each hospital’s management of severe sepsis and sepsis shock will be a required core measure affecting its overall report card. The good news: Hartford HealthCare’s A.I.M. (Alert, Identify, Manage) Sepsis Collaborative — a team of providers and staff from all five HHC acute care hospitals — has been working for more than 18 months to create a single systemwide approach for identifying and managing the often deadly condition. Because there is no single symptom specific to sepsis, it is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages and survivors of sepsis have a 62 percent readmission rate costing more than $20 billion each year. East Region Physician Director of Performance Improvement Setu Vora, MD, is leading the A.I.M Collaborative. “With the new core measures for Setu Vora, MD, Physician Director of Performance Improvement and Medical Director of the Backus CCU, has been leading the A.I.M. (Alert, Identify, Manage) Sepsis Collaborative team to help establish a single systemwide approach for identifying and managing the often deadly condition. sepsis, there are more than 60 data elements required to be reported for each patient so it’s quite a labor intensive process for the hospitals and staff,” Vora says. “But we’ve anticipated this and started the process early across the system to meet these rigorous CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) standards.” CMS defines core measures as “tools that help measure and track the quality of health care services provided by eligible professionals, eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals within our health care system. The measures use data associated with providers’ ability to deliver high-quality care or relate to long term goals for quality health care.” Vora says early recognition is the key in the battle against sepsis. “Whenever there is an admission, whenever there is a change in the clinical status of a patient, whenever there’s an event that requires transfer to a different level of care, or whenever there’s a rapid response team activated, always think ‘sepsis’,” says Vora. National Food Service Appreciation Week begins Oct. 5 The week of Oct. 5 is National Food Service Appreciation week. We would like to acknowledge the Food & Nutrition employees at Windham and Backus hospitals for the hard work they do all year long. Thanks to each and every one of you for choosing Food and Nutrition in healthcare, caring for patients and serving families and hospital staff. — John Price, Todd Osowski, Tammy Kae, Janet Shaw, and Whitney Bundy BACKUS Deb Archambault Linda Arro Heather Ashcraft Frank Ball Alex Bernatonis Kim Blais-Normand June Bohara Giovanni Camacho Tim Caplet Rashid Changeux Huan Yi Chen Donnette Cullen Admilson Depina Katie Depolito Melinda Deschamps Crystal Devost Melissa Duca Adam Eaton Lee Estrella Luzminda Estrella Beth Falbowski Rachel Falbowski Katie Field Jennifer Fitts Luis Fragoza Joanne Gernhard Naomi Grant Marybeth Green Shannon Haynes Katrina Henn Sarah Hospod Jackie Houatchanthara Tammy Kae Wendy Kane Gary Komery Louise Labrecque Sheila Littlefield Carrie Lobacz Cassie Marion Susan McClimon Donna McLaughlin Juli McNally Laura Mendes Lauren Nichols Adam Panek Cindy Pasqualini Liz Pelletier Kit Peltier Dawn Perry Diane Reguin Cathy Schneider Steven Schroeder Janet Shaw Laurie Smiley Karrie Smith Joan Sommers Joe Spooner Tina Thomas Tammy Trainor Chris Warran Corrine Woodruff WINDHAM Joan Bart Louise Berry Gail Charron Jose Christian Juan Cuevas Justin Dubina Karen Dziekan Solinez Echevaria Farzad Faghri Lianne Gosslin Savannah Green Christie Harper Thuan Hartigan Amanda Hesselman Barbara Hinckley Kevin Howe Karen Laboy Lonnie Landry Deborah Linton Joann Marchand Jasmin Modesto Rasheda Monk John Price Lourdes Ramos Faith Roberge Stanley Rosenstein Albert Samuels Matthew Samuels Kassiah Sanchez Issiah Santiago Debbie Scott Rafael Torres Arely Vargas David Yantin 8 HOSPITELL October 2, 2015 Garden dedication slated for Monday, Oct. 5 Symposium attendees included, from left, Mike Luongo, Backus Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) member; Judy Levine, Backus PFAC member; Darlene Key, Backus PFAC member; Greg Post, East Region Patient Experience Coordinator; Mary Horan, East Region Director of Pastoral Services; Beth Kalbach, Backus PFAC member; Mike Cluney, Windham PFAC member; Mindy Kivlin, East Region H3W Facilitator; and Adrianne Levine, East Region Patient Experience Coordinator. Windham, Backus group attends PFAC symposium A group of Windham and Backus staff along with members of the hospitals’ Patient Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) attended a PFAC symposium hosted by the Connecticut Hospital Association on Sept. 29 in Wallingford. The title of the program was "Partnering with Patients for Better Healthcare". There were two keynote speakers as well as robust panel and breakout sessions that provided great information about PFACs and how to better utilize them as a resource to help and support the mission and vision of hospitals. As the summer turns to the cooler months of autumn, we are reminded that the seasons move us forward even when we are not always ready. It is during this transition that I invite you to join us for the Waugh Memorial Garden dedication ceremony at Windham Hospital to mark the passing of friends and colleagues. On Monday, Oct. 5, at 3:30 p.m., we will dedicate a memorial to Dr. Carl Washburn, who was our former resident psychiatrist. He was a member of the Natchaug staff from 2011 until his death in 2014. Following this at 4:15 p.m., we will remember our colleague Jane Diaz, a nurse of many years at Windham, who died in the spring. She not only brought healing through her hands as a nurse but created beautiful pottery as well. Please join me in bringing a bowl or cup or some token of her craft into our garden for this dedication time. Our garden dedications are informal and intended to celebrate the gifts our colleagues shared with us as members of our hospital team. I hope you can join us. — Rev. Mary C. Horan, MDiv, Regional Director of Pastoral Care HOSPITELL October 2, 2015 9 Hurricane help from Hartford HealthCare Be prepared... is a great motto for the Boy Scouts, but it’s important for everyone in a natural disaster — such as a hurricane. HHC East Region Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management Andrew Ellis has compiled these tips from many respected official sources. 1. Make a PLAN Plan before you act. It will help you prepare and assure family members Take time before the storm hits to discuss what to do with your family and neighbors. Find a safe space. Remember: sometimes — especially if you live on the coast or in manufactured housing — the safest space may not be your home but elsewhere in the community, such as a shelter. Talk about escape routes: Agree on where your family will go if you leave your home — a friend’s house in another town, a hotel, a shelter. Make a list of important phone numbers. Make sure any children know how and when to call 911. Think about what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate. Check your insurance coverage — flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners’ insurance. 2. SECURE your home Take time before the storm to keep your property safe. Bring in anything that can be picked up by wind — Lawn furniture — bicycles — lawn decorations Close windows, doors and any hurricane shutters. Shut off any propane tanks If the storm is imminent, turn refrigerators and freezers to coldest setting and keep closed as much as possible so food will stay fresh longer if power fails. The William W. Backus Hospital Windham Community Memorial Hospitalospital 3. Make a KIT Before the storm hits, make sure you have the supplies you may need Water — At least a 3-day of supply; plan on 1 gallon a day per person. Food — At least a 3-day supply of food that’s non-perishable and easy to prepare. — non-perishable packaged or canned foods and juices — foods for infants or the elderly — non-electric can opener — cooking tools — paper plates / plastic utensils First-aid kit Prescription drugs: 7-day supply Vehicle fuel tanks filled Toiletries / personal hygiene items / moisture wipes Flashlights Extra batteries for flashlight and radio Radio — Batteryoperated or hand-crank (NOAA weather radio, if possible) Phones — fully charged cell phones, with chargers Blankets / pillows / sleeping bags Clothing — seasonal clothes, rain gear, sturdy shoes Cash (some small bills) and credit cards. Keys: House, car, other Copies of important documents — insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card — put them in a waterproof container or a watertight re-sealable plastic bag Tools — keep a small portable set with you during the storm Map of area — for alternate routes if roads are closed Camera for photos of damage Special items as needed: — For infants/toddlers: food, diapers, wipes, toys — For the elderly: glasses, hearing aids, assistive devices, medications — For pets: food, carrier/ cage, collar, muzzle, leash, medications, ID, bowl — For family: books, games, recreational items HOSPITELL 10 Norwich GI Associates to hold basket raffle Norwich GI Associates will hold a basket raffle on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the café alcove at Backus to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Basket themes include Halloween Party, Holiday Dinner, Micro-brewery and more. Stop by and take a chance for a great cause. Backus cardiac support group meets next Oct. 14 Backus Café Menu The Backus Cardiac Disease Support Group will host its next session on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 6-7 p.m. in the hospital’s library. The support group is open to anyone who needs support in managing cardiac disease. If you have any questions, please call 860-889-8331, ext. 2128. The group meets on second Wednesday of each month. October 2, 2015 EAG weekly prize winner for Oct. 2 n Jane Chandley — Neonatal Practitioner Call Cathy Saunders at ext. 2105 to collect your prize. News from the Discount movie tickets n Discount Lisbon Landing Digiplex movie tickets are available through Cathy Saunders in Diagnostic Imaging or Donna McLaughlin in Food and Nutrition. The theater is now CarMike Cinemas, and we are pleased to offer the tickets for $7.50. About the EAG n The EAG is a small team of employees who plan and coordinate fun and discounted activities for all employees. Contact the group by e-mailing Donna McLaughlin at [email protected]. SATURDAY, Oct. 3 wing dings with sauce / chef’s choice / soup du jour / spinach / white rice SUNDAY, Oct. 4 stuffed shells with marinara / chef’s choice / soup du jour / mixed vegetables / garlic bread MONDAY, Oct. 5 ENTREES: eggplant parmesan / blackened salmon / grilled ham steaks with pineapple sauce / SOUPS: beef barley / carrot ginger / SIDES: spinach / peas and carrots / mashed sweet potatoes / rice pilaf TUESDAY, Oct. 6 ENTREES: grilled chicken caesar salad / bratwurst with caramelized onions on a roll / spaghetti and meatballs / SOUPS: polish garden / corn chowder / SIDES: steamed broccoli / bermuda blend vegetables / curly fries / garlic bread WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 ENTREES: chicken fajitas / montreal pork loin with gravy / panko crusted cod / SOUPS: chicken tortilla / tomato bisque / SIDES: fiesta corn / caribbean blend vegetables / mashed potatoes / mexican rice THURSDAY, Oct. 8 ENTREES: teriyaki flank steak / stuffed chicken breast with gravy / baked ravioli with tomato cream sauce / SOUPS: butternut apple / lentil and black bean / SIDES: malibu blend vegetables / oriental blend vegetables / jasmine rice / loaded mashed potatoes FRIDAY, Oct. 9 ENTREES: soft or hard shell beef tacos / fish and chips with coleslaw / chef’s choice / SOUPS: seafood chowder / italian wedding / SIDES: normandy blend vegetables / green beans / french fries / chef’s choice DAILY FARE: A variety of hot paninis, cold wraps and pizza specials are available on a rotating basis The Backus cafeteria is open daily from 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Hot food is served from 6:30 - 10:30 a.m.; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; and 5 - 6:30 p.m. HOSPITELL October 2, 2015 FREE COMMUNITY Prostate Cancer Screening Saturday, Oct. 17, 9am − 1pm Prostate examinations Backus Hospital, AMC office off main lobby Urologists will conduct a DRE prostate exam, and a PSA blood test will be drawn. PSA results will be available in a week. Men who have not seen a urologist within the past year are eligible for this free screening. 11 Kudos for great customer service A few days ago, I got on the elevator with Adriana from Windham Public Safety. There was a woman in a wheelchair and her daughter was standing behind her inside already. Adriana noticed the patient’s shoe was untied. She pointed this out and asked if she could tie it for her. The woman and her daughter were both delighted and said “yes.” Adriana then bent down and tied her shoe. This was a great experience for our patient and a staff member who truly cares! — Rebecca V. Putnam, Volunteer Services Manager and Job Shadow Coordinator, Windham Hospital Windham cardiac group meets Oct. 15 Registration required. Call 860.892.6900. The Windham Hospital “Healing Hearts” Cardiac Support Group will meet on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Room on the first floor. This month’s topic is “Healthy Fall and Winter Foods and Herbs” presented by Michele Maclure, a culinary herbalist from Thyme Traveler Herbals and Creations. Healing Hearts meets on the third Thursday of each month. Registration is not required. Please call Teresa LaFleur at 860456-6103 with any questions. ENTREE: grilled chicken caprese / SOUPS: lentil and beef vegetable / soup du jour / SIDES: mediterranean couscous / fresh green bean sauté / SANDWICH: steak rancho wrap with onions, peppers, seasonings and rancho sauce TUESDAY, Oct. 6 ENTREE: meat or vegetable calzones / spaghetti with marinara, meat or clam sauce / SOUPS: cream of spinach / soup du jour / SIDES: garlic bread / peas with mushrooms / SANDWICH: grilled chicken caesar pita pocket WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 ENTREE: coconut crusted cod / chicken and lentil stew / SOUPS: cream of broccoli cheddar / soup du jour / SIDES: garlic and cheddar mashed potatoes / steamed baby carrots / SANDWICH: grilled chicken cordon bleu panini with ham, swiss and dijon mayo THURSDAY, Oct. 8 ENTREE: general tso’s chicken / egg roll / SOUPS: spicy pork and mushroom / soup du jour / SIDES: stir fried vegetable / white rice / SANDWICH: flank steak tacos with pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese and chipotle ranch dressing FRIDAY, Oct. 9 ENTREE: crab cakes / SOUPS: new england clam chowder / soup du jour / SIDES: brown rice / chef’s choice vegetables / SANDWICH: roast beef grilled panini with swiss SATURDAY, Oct. 10 ENTREE: chicken pot pie / SOUP: chicken noodle / SIDES: green beans / chef’s choice / SANDWICH: grilled chicken bacon ranch panini SUNDAY, Oct. 11 ENTREE: coconut and mango crusted tilapia / SOUP: minestrone / SIDES: spanish rice mixed vegetables / SANDWICH: BBQ burger topped with onion rings and cheddar BREAKFAST: Served weekdays only and includes a variety of hot items including oatmeal, cream of wheat, yogurt bar, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries and a breakfast sandwich (Selection varies by day) Sumner Cafeteria Menu MONDAY, Oct. 5 The Sumner Cafeteria open from 6:30 - 10:30 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; 2 - 2:30 p.m. and 3 - 6:30 p.m. Hot food is served from 6:30 - 9:30 a.m.; 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; and 5 - 6:30 p.m. HOSPITELL 12 October 2, 2015 GENERAL STORE General Store is a free classified ad section for the benefit of East Region employees, retirees, medical staff and volunteers. We welcome your submissions by the hospital Intranet, fax (860-892-6964), mail or by e-mailing [email protected]. The deadline for submissions to be included in each Friday’s HospiTell is Wednesday at noon. HospiTell will include community events for not-for-profit organizations based in eastern Connecticut that are open to the public and free of charge. We do not accept ads for real estate, firearms or personal ads. Please do not list hospital phone numbers or hospital e-mail addresses for responses. You must submit your item weekly if you want it to appear more than one week. To have HospiTell e-mailed to you, or for questions about the General Store, please call Ginny James, Backus Corporate Communications, at 860-889-8331, ext. 4211, or e-mail her at [email protected]. FOR SALE 1999 MERCEDES — CLK320C, Convertible, good condition, 60,000 miles, asking $8,500. Call 860-439-1913. MISC. ITEMS — Double size electric blanket, like new, $15. Double sized sheets, $10. Typewriter stand, $10. Two older file cabinets, $15 each. Lawn roller, $10. Call 860-822-8578. WANTED WOMEN TO PLAY ICE HOCKEY — Connecticut College, Monday nights, September through March. Experience preferred, beginners welcome. Call Karen at 860-303-3484. CRAFTERS — Craft, Hobby and Product Show sponsored by the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Saturday, Nov. 21. Call 860-942-8283. EVENTS NORWICH RUSSIAN FESTIVAL — Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Orthodox Church of The Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, 364 Canterbury Tpke., Norwich. Russian food, silent auction, children’s games, vendors, tag sale. PARK CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL — Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Park Congregational Church, 283 Broadway, Norwich. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent de Paul Place Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. Community and church tag sale, craft vendors, basket, raffle, bake sale, children’s games, bouncy house, free coffee, blood pressure clinic, food available. Call 860-8873747 or email parkchurchnorwich@ netzero.com for more information. FACES at FAHS — Saturday, Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Finnish Hall, Route 169, Canterbury. Free admission, handicapped accessible, artists, live music crafts, tours of the Hall, refreshments available. Call 860-9742760 or email [email protected]. HARVEST FESTIVAL — Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Voluntown Baptist Church, 52 Main St., Voluntown. Rummage sale, children’s games, harvest snacks, fritters, caramel apples, country store, live music. For every non-perishable food donation, children will receive tickets to play the children’s games. BULLY BUSTERS WALK — Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to noon, meet at United Congregation Church, 87 Broadway, Norwich. Picnic after the walk, entertainment, prizes awarded. Ages 17 and older $10, ages 17 and under $5, free for ages 6 and under. GRISWOLD BARBECUE — Saturday, Oct. 3, 4-6 p.m. at the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department, Route 138, Griswold. Tickets are $8 adult, 1/2 chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, roll, dessert and $4 for children, quarter chicken and all of the above. The fire department is willing to deliver to Backus employees for ten orders and above. Call 860-376-3246. GRISWOLD RECREATIONAL PROGRAM — Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-7 p.m. Exercise class, low impact aerobics, weights, Pilates, bring mats and weights, open to surrounding towns. Call for more information 860-376-4741. WOMEN’S CITY CLUB OF NORWICH — Wednesday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. trip to New York City. Bus pick up at Norwich Holiday Inn commuter parking lot, tickets $45. Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. Call 860-6081596 for tickets and more details. GRISWOLD BICENTENNIAL HEALTH FAIR — Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to noon at Griswold Middle School, 267 Slater Ave., Griswold. Activities include Backus Hospital Health Van, Bone Density screening, Brown Bag Medication Review, Farmer’s Market, Blood Pressure Measurements, United Community & Family Services, American Ambulance, Portion Distortion Food Review, Medication Disposal and more, all ages welcome. CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS — Saturday, Oct. 10, Sunday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saint James Parish, 95 Route 2A, Preston. Crafts, silent auction, lunch, baked goods, vendors. KRIPALU YOGA — Tuesday/Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Norwich Recreation, 75 Mohegan Road, Norwich. Session I: Oct. 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 and Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12. All levels welcome, bring mat, water bottle, yoga postures, flexibility, calmness, strength, renewed energy, instructor: Cheryl Hughes. Norwich residents: $50, five day pass or $85, ten day pass, non-resident: $60, five day pass or $95, ten day pass, drop-in: resident $12 or non-resident $15. Call 860-823-3791. FALL BOOK SALE — Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich. Great variety of gently used fiction and non-fiction books, CDs, and DVDs. Sponsored by the Friends of Otis Library. drawings, free parking, pavilion, picnic tables, bathrooms and water for the horses. Email Loree at [email protected] for a flyer, registration form or questions. FLEA MARKET & HARVEST FESTIVAL — Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Divine Providence Church, Silver/Golden St., Norwich. Vendors, Country Kitchen, Sweet Shoppe, Treasure booth, Polish luncheon, Pierogi, Golabki, kielbasa, potato pancakes, soups, sandwiches, crepes. Vendors wanted, call 860-887-8781. SPOOK-A-THON — Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dodd Stadium, Norwich. Dress up to scare cancer, funds benefit local families served by the Backus Hospital Cancer Center through the Connecticut Sports Foundation. Costume prizes, haunted locker, face painting, photo booth, balloon artist, bouncy house, lunch vendors and more. $5 donation per person at the gate. View www.SpookathonCT.org. ATTENTION HORSE RIDERS — Shetucket River Pleasure Trail Ride and the Friends of Shetucket River Valley are assisting the Town of Sprague in purchasing and conserving open land to be added to the Sprague Land Preserve for recreational use. Ride the trails on Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m., rain date is Saturday, Oct. 24. Pre-entry is $25, event day is $30. Lunch served between 12-2 p.m. for $10. Raffle prizes, THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S WORKFORCE & COMMUNITY EDUCATION — Offers Allied Health training in CNA, EMT, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Billing, Coding, Veterinary Assistant, Computer Soft Skills and more. Visit our website for all \fall 2015 courses www.trcc.commnet. edu/Div_WorkforceEducation/Courses. shtml or call us at 860-215-9028 for a program brochure. Chamber meeting offers glimpse at Windham’s future Cary Trantalis, East Region Vice President, Clinical Services and Operations, gave a presentation about the future of Windham Hospital during the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Economic Development and Infrastructure Summit at the Windham Golf Club in North Windham on Sept. 30. Trantalis highlighted the hospital’s Cornerstone Services Plan, which inTrantalis cludes a continued commitment to services including 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, cardiology, oncology, a progressive care unit, inpatient and outpatient surgical services, women’s health services, diagnostic imaging, and community benefit programs.