Volume 4, Issue 46 - December 22, 2011
inCommon - Saint Joseph Health System's Electronic Employee Newsletter

Top Story

SJE Earns National Award for Excellent Patient Satisfaction – Fourth Year in a Row!

Saint Joseph East has earned a national “Excellence through Insight” award from HealthStream Research for outstanding patient satisfaction in its outpatient-cardiology unit (cardiac cath lab), an honor it has received four years in a row!

To qualify for an Excellence through Insight award, a hospital must have been a patient satisfaction-tracking client of HealthStream Research in 2011 and scored in the 75th percentile or higher. The award will be presented at HealthStream’s Annual National Conference in March. Only six percent of the 625 medical entities who utilize HealthStream will receive an award in 2012. Saint Joseph East was chosen for receiving the highest ratings in outpatient care from among HealthStream’s clients, as well as exceeding industry standards.

In May of this year, both Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East received Excellence through Insight awards during HealthStream’s 2011 conference in Nashville: Saint Joseph Hospital was recognized for overall emergency department satisfaction and Saint Joseph East was recognized for overall outpatient satisfaction as well as overall satisfaction for their outpatient-cardiology unit (cardiac cath lab).

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News

Happy Holidays from Saint Joseph Health System!

Employees throughout Saint Joseph Health System will receive a $25 Wal-Mart gift card* once again this holiday season. Ask your manager if you haven't received your card. Saint Joseph would like to wish you the very best as you celebrate with your family and friends! We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication to furthering our ministry and hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season.

*Note: Per the IRS, SJHS is legally obligated to deduct taxes for the gift cards.
You will see the tax deduction on your pay statement on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011.

Non-Clinical Offices Closed Monday in Observance of Christmas

Non-patient care departments throughout Saint Joseph Health System will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, in observance of Christmas and Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year's Day.

Kentucky Newco Update

The partners and sponsors of what, for now, is referred to as “Kentucky Newco,” are continuing the meticulous detailed planning for integrating Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare, Saint Joseph Health System and University of Louisville Hospital | James Graham Brown Cancer Center. The official closing of the merger is pending state and Church approvals.

Read the latest news in Partnership Progress:
• Employee Benefits in Calendar Year 2012
• Newco to Adopt CHI Connect to Integrate Business Systems
• Focus on Youth Seeks to Break Cycle of Domestic Violence
• Answers to the Questions You’ve Been Asking
• Meet Newco: University of Louisville Hospital

You can access Partnership Progress on CommOnline at news.sjhlex.org
as well as employee questions & answers.

Reader Reward Winner

Congratulations to Larry Robinson at Saint Joseph - Martin for winning the Reader Reward Challenge in the fall issue of Common Thread. Larry will be awarded his new iPad 2 just in time for Christmas! Thanks to the 298 employees who entered the contest. You can share your story ideas and read past issues of the magazine at CommOnline — Saint Joseph Health System’s official news site at news.sjhlex.org.

Nursing Annual Report

The Saint Joseph Health System Nursing Annual Report for fiscal year 2011 was published to recap recent nursing accomplishments throughout the system. It is an impressive collection of milestones. Check it out on CommOnline at news.sjhlex.org.

Free Clinic is now ‘Saint Joseph Continuing Care Clinic’

The name of the Saint Joseph Free Health Clinic has changed to the Saint Joseph Continuing Care Clinic. It has moved from the Parker House (1590 Harrodsburg Road) to the Saint Joseph Office Park (1401 Harrodsburg Road), Building B, Suite B 370, in Lexington.

Why the change?
The clinic’s name was changed because it is now part of the Saint Joseph Health System Physician Enterprise. The clinic continues to care for its current patients and increasingly obtain referrals from Saint Joseph facilities for patients being discharged needing primary care and who do not currently have a primary care provider.

How does this affect patients?
Currently, patient referrals from Saint Joseph facilities have kept the clinic’s schedule fully booked. Thus the clinic is not able to take personal referrals, but still takes physician and agency referrals. Patients must have an appointment as walk-in visits are not accommodated.

Has the mission changed?
No, the Saint Joseph Continuing Care Clinic’s mission has not changed. The clinic continues to provide primary care to uninsured and underinsured patients.

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Continuing Care Clinic is to extend the mission of Saint Joseph Health System by providing health care and promote wellness of body, mind and spirit to the underserved in the Commonwealth, thereby contributing to healthier families and communities. This service extends the mission of Jesus Christ through implementation of the core values of Catholic Health Initiatives.

How to reach the clinic:
Continuing Care Clinic Phone Number: 859.313.4555
Message Line (for scheduling or canceling an appointment): 859.313.4157
Medication Refill Phone Number: 859.313.3455
M: 1-6 p.m. | T: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | W: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Th: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | F: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Questions? Contact Rose Rexroat, Manger, Virtual Care and Community Service, 859.313.1109.

Physician Enterprise Update

In spring 2010, Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) partnered with our physicians to create the Physician Enterprise to improve our ability to care for patients across central and eastern Kentucky and make that care more affordable. Today the SJHS Physician Enterprise includes more than 100 physicians, practicing in SJHS clinics and hospitals. Watch for regular Physician Enterprise spotlights in inCommon.

Spotlight On: Robert Farrell, MD
Along with performing bariatric surgery at Flaget Center for Weight Loss Surgery, Robert Farrell, MD, also is a general surgeon with Bardstown Bariatric and General Surgery. Dr. Farrell is a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, is a board-certified surgeon with the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow with the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Farrell is available for all types of general surgery with many performed laparoscopically, including: Abdominal Surgery, including appendix, stomach and spleen; Breast Surgery; Colon and Rectal Surgery; Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy; Hernia Surgery; Gallbladder Removal; Oncologic Procedures; Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery; Trauma and Critical Care; Vascular Procedures; and Pediatric Surgery.

Flaget Center for Weight Loss Surgery recently opened a satellite office in Danville. For more information, call 502.350.5492 or visit FlagetWeightLoss.com.

Social Media Policy

Saint Joseph Health System is implementing CHI’s new system-wide policy for the use of social media to ensure consistency with our Core Values and brand, and compliance with our Standards of Conduct, other appropriate policies and state and federal laws and regulations across the system.

The policy will also ensure that all use of social media at Saint Joseph Health System and throughout CHI supports our strategic objectives, such as increasing employee engagement; raising community awareness of Saint Joseph Health System and our initiatives; and attracting fundraising opportunities.

The policy applies to anyone who works at Saint Joseph Health System, including employees, contracted or temporary employees, volunteers or trainees. The policy covers the use of social media at work and away from work when an individual’s relationship to Saint Joseph Health System is known, identified or presumed. It also provides general requirements and expectations for the use of social media, such as:

  • Social media use must comply with our Standards of Conduct, Core Values, all other
    policies and cannot interfere with work or violate any laws.
  • Social media may not be used to disclose confidential information, post non-protected statements or engage in activity that is illegal or inconsistent with our Standards of Conduct or Core Values.
  • CHI issued email accounts may not be used for non-work-related social media activities.
  • An employee cannot use social media to speak on behalf of Saint Joseph Health System, unless the employee is an authorized spokesperson.
  • Employees must obtain written approval to use CHI or Saint Joseph Health System photos or videos in social media.
  • Social media may be used for appropriate, business-related purposes per Saint Joseph Health System policies and procedures.
  • The creation of any CHI or Saint Joseph Health System social media sites must be
    approved by Marketing and Communications.
  • Posts made to Saint Joseph Health System social media sites become the property
    of Saint Joseph Health System.

Any violations of this policy will be investigated in conjunction with the applicable policies and procedures and will follow our existing disciplinary policies. The new Social Media Policy can be found on Inside CHI/About CHI/National Policies and Procedures/Communications.

We’re Live on Social Media:

Our social media sites are new ways for CHI and Saint Joseph Health System to communicate with patients and their families, communities, policymakers and news media as well as members of the CHI and Saint Joseph Health System family. Employees are encouraged to follow, join or subscribe to our presence on these sites.

SafetyFirst

Safety Focus: Patient Handoffs

Safety events are the leading cause of injury and harm to our patients. While we know that no one intends to hurt patients, an outside study of our hospitals and care sites revealed that a serious safety event occurs on average about every eight days.

The goal of our SafetyFirst initiative is to become a highly reliable organization by preventing avoidable harm to patients and staff. We aim to reduce the number of serious safety events to zero by the year 2020. By working together, we can eliminate unsafe habits and practices and make lasting improvements that protect us all.

Safety Behavior: 5Ps for Patient Handoffs
How do you make sure patient handoffs are safe and seamless? Learn and adopt the 5Ps for patient handoffs: Patient/Project, Plan, Purpose, Problems and Precautions.

  • Patient/Project: What will you be handing off? For example: Mr. Campbell, who just had knee replacement surgery, is being moved from surgery to the medical-surgical floor.
  • Plan: What needs to happen next?
  • Purpose: What is the desired end state? How will you help make sure that the patient handoff is complete and critical information about the patient communicated?
  • Problems: What do you know about the patient that is different, unusual or complicated about this patient? For example: Mr. Campbell is a diabetic and has been struggling lately to keep his blood sugar levels under control.
  • Precautions: What could be expected to be different, unusual or complicated about this patient?

Case in Point: A 58-year-old female is referred to a surgeon for gall bladder removal. The family physician is aware that Dilaudid is preferred since the patient does not respond to Morphine. This information is not included in the consultation order. Morphine is used for pain. Post-op, the patient is found screaming and writhing violently, resulting in restraints. After experimenting with another narcotic, Dilaudid is administered and the pain is controlled 8 hours after surgery.

Watch for more information about safety and error prevention techniques to put into practice as part of the SafetyFirst initiative!

Upcoming Mandatory Training:
Beginning in January 2012, every staff member will attend mandatory safety and error prevention training. No matter where you work — from ambulatory surgery to accounting or from health information to housekeeping, you can help find and fix safety problems. You can sign up for the classes via LEARN. Search for “SJHS SafetyFirst—Everyone’s Role in Preventing Errors.” Managers are encouraged to help enroll their employees in these mandatory classes. Learn more about the SafetyFirst initiative.

 

Events

Digital Thermometer Drive for Baby Health Service

Baby Health Service would like to provide digital thermometers to parents when they visit the clinic. Baby Health Service provides free medical care to children without medical cards or insurance. Most parents are on limited income and can’t afford to buy a thermometer. Donations are needed! Please consider donating a digital thermometer. You can drop off donations at Baby Health Service, next to Saint Joseph Hospital (1590 Harrodsburg Rd.)

Education

Upcoming LEARN Assignments

Check your LEARN account regularly for your assignments, so you are not past due on mandatory training! Modules that are currently assigned are:

Course Name Dates Offered Affected Employees

SJHS SafetyFirst — Everyone’s Role
in Preventing Errors

 Jan-June 2012 All employees must attend this onsite training; register through LEARN.

All assignments are mandatory unless marked optional.

Feedback

True Compassion When It Was Needed The Most

Dear Saint Joseph - Jessamine:
I want to share with you a story of what a great group of workers that exist here at SJJ. When I got married to my wife in 2006, we had hoped to have a family early. By 2010, we had doctors telling us that we might never have children. To help relieve the loneliness that my wife and I felt, we adopted two Papillions (dogs). The male was named Cooper and the female was named Bella. We had resigned ourselves to the fact that these dogs were going to be our children.

You can imagine the joy and elation that we felt when we learned that Penelope was on the way in October of 2010. Our faithful Papillion children shared in our joy and happiness as well. When Penelope was born, both Cooper and Bella were faithful guardians. Wherever Penelope went, these two surrogate children of ours were never far behind.

During the past week, Bella began to consider it a game to steal Penelope's pacifiers and run with them. I had placed all of her pacifiers but two out of reach. These final two were in Penelope's bassinette. Saturday night while I was at work, Bella slipped into the bassinette and stole both pacifiers and apparently chewed them out of sight. She swallowed parts of both.

When I got home Sunday morning, Bella had become ill and managed to regurgitate one of the pacifiers but the second was causing a blockage. She was X-rayed and it was discovered that it was where the small intestine meets the large intestine. The doctors recommended that we give her eight hours to eliminate them naturally and they would give her fluids for the dehydration in the interim. I was called on the way to work and told that she needed to have a small surgery to remove the lodged piece as it had not moved. I gave the OK without a second thought.

At 9:45 p.m. on Sunday night, my wife was called at home and told that due to complications with either the anesthesia or the antibiotic, Bella had died. My wife called me and I immediately felt guilty. I called the vet and I was told that it was a hopeless case and that my decision probably saved her pain.

It was very hard for me to show my tear-stained face in the ER so I called and explained that I had a loss in my family. Everyone in the ER was more than happy to draw the blood so that I would not embarrass myself. Once the patients and families began to thin, I moved to the ER to tell them about the death of Bella.

Most people I grew up around and previously worked with would have laughed at me and made snide remarks concerning my great emotional attachment to this little animal that I considered my surrogate daughter. The compassion and kindness shown to me is more than I could have ever hoped.

This facility has a top-notch, great group of kind and caring people. I am very fortunate to be working here at SJJ and I know without a doubt that my co-worker family here are a huge reason for why I feel so blessed. I wish there was some way to give love awards to everyone that worked here Sunday night into Monday morning. My heartache was greatly alleviated by the compassion and concern shown.

In this life of people worrying about debt ceilings, job security, public image, and so forth, it is very encouraging to know that SJJ has such a talented and caring group of individuals that take the proper perspective on the pain felt by others and make the world better as a result.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone that took compassion on myself, my family, and my dilemma without casting judgment or ridicule. You are the reason that God's love is so very evident by your kind words and deeds.

Thank you,
Jason

Special thanks to the SJJ ED staff members on duty that night:
Heather Olivera, RN, Patsy Fields, RN, Susanna Moberly, RN, Kristen Longino, RN, Shauna Staton, EDT, Shelby Mesch, EDT

Photo Gallery

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS: 
Share your photos of events and celebrations! Email them to KaraFitzgerald@sjhlex.org.

Berea Chamber Awards Greg Gerard, SJB

Saint Joseph - Berea President Greg Gerard (third from left in back row) was named "Man of the Year" by the Berea Chamber of Commerce and also received the Chamber's Corporate Partner Award on behalf of the hospital.

Celebrating Endoscopy ay SJE

On Nov. 30, Chris Mays, Lee Clark, Deb Bryant and Eric Little celebrated the spectacular accomplishments of the Saint Joseph East Endoscopy Department which has seen an extraordinary growth in volumes while maintaining exemplary patient satisfaction scores.

Celebrating Vicki Aispuro's 30 Years of Service

On Nov. 30, Eric Gilliam, Deb Bryant, Denise Hundley, Margaret Brindley, and numerous radiology staff members surprised Vicki Aispuro (CT scan tech) in order to recognize and celebrate her 30 years of service to Saint Joseph. (Vicki’s first day was Nov. 30, 1981.)

Simulation Center Opens at SJE

On Nov. 16, the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, along with The Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East, hosted a demonstration and reception for the opening of the Simulation Center. More than 30 donors, board members and staff attended to meet the new high-fidelity manikins: "Noelle" and Baby "Hal." Foundation Board Chair Teresa Wallen stated, “This was an excellent opportunity for board members and donors to observe first-hand their donor dollars at work. We were extremely pleased with our board support for the event.” In July, the Foundation Board unanimously approved a request to donate $67,000 to The Women’s Hospital to purchase the simulators.

The Simulation Center, located on the 2nd floor of Saint Joseph East, offers unique learning opportunities for health care providers across the continuum of care. The Simulation Center is composed of two simulation labs and a control center/conference room for audiovisual debriefings. The simulation experiences offered are reproduced to help participants experience real life situations in a controlled environment. This allows the learner to practice clinical skills and improve proficiency, therefore improving the quality and safety of the care delivered to patients. The simulation center is a fully-equipped hospital room with advanced resuscitation equipment, medications, and hemodynamic monitoring capabilities.

For more information, or to schedule a course, please contact Susie Smither in the Saint Joseph Education Department at 859.313.2187.

Saint Joseph Foundation Celebrates 23rd Annual S*T*A*R*S Gala

Almost 300 loyal supporters of the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation enjoyed an evening of dining, dancing, live auction and entertainment provided by Superfecta at the 23rd Annual Evening with the S*T*A*R*S (Saint Joseph Associates for Renowned Service) Nov. 12 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington.

The Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation along with the S*T*A*R*S committee and Ken D. Haynes, president of Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph - Jessamine RJ Corman Ambulatory Center, were extremely proud to honor Nurses’ Choice Award Winners William R. Banks, MD, PhD, Physician of the Year at Saint Joseph Hospital; Gary M. Morlier, MD, Physician of the Year at Saint Joseph East; and Joan H. Weber, Outstanding Community Volunteer. The Lexington Clinic was the presenting sponsor with proceeds from the black-tie optional event benefitting the Foundation’s mission and outreach programs that build healthier communities.

S*T*A*R*S President Jane Warner said, “Each year, the committee strives to exceed the previous year’s goal and this year is no exception. Philanthropic partnerships with the community allow Saint Joseph to continue its ministry and mission began by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth over 130 years ago. We work hard to ensure that Saint Joseph patients and families receive the highest quality of care possible for mind, body and soul. Special thanks to my committee members: Sally Blake, Leslie Fannin, Helen O. Hamilton, Sara Haynes, Anne E. Hoskins, Tracy Kostelic, Kathy Sartini, Alice Stewart-Kain, Marilyn Todd and Teresa Wallen.”

“The S*T*A*R*S committee really put together another successful fundraising event this year," said Barry A. Stumbo, President/CEO, Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. "The S*T*A*R*S have hosted this annual gala since 1989, and have raised almost $900,000 over the last 23 years. We extend our gratitude to all of our sponsors, those who purchased tables, and our loyal volunteers." Stumbo also announced that long-time Foundation employee Pat Campbell will be honored on the Saint Joseph donor wall as a Lifetime Member thanks to the generous donations of the S*T*A*R*S committee and friends.

Left to right: Barry A. Stumbo, President/CEO Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation; Joan H. Weber, Outstanding Community Volunteer of the Year;
Ken Haynes, President, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph – Jessamine

Left to right: Barry A. Stumbo, President/CEO Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation; Gary Morlier, MD, 2010 Nurses' Choice Award Winner at SJE;
Ken Haynes, President, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph – Jessamine

The attendees enjoyed the music of Superfecta.

Holiday Events in Berea

Christmas Parade
Employees and their children rode the Saint Joseph - Berea float through Berea during the Twilight Christmas Parade. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Lights for Life, the float was pictured on the front page of a local newspaper.

"Hannah," pet of Misty Naze of the self-pay team was one of the four dogs who dressed in Christmas finery to ride the Saint Joseph - Berea float.

Sheila Chasteen's daughter, Brooklynn, received a Christmas kiss from Bella the boxer, on the Saint Joseph - Berea float.

Christmas Breakfast

Rex Music (left) prepared to help serve the 40th Annual Christmas Breakfast at Saint Joseph - Berea. On hand to greet staff were Santa Greg Gerard and Elf Chris Schweighardt.

Christmas Bazaar

Betsy Drew and Yvonne Cain (left to right) spoke with local artists Jimmy Lou Jackson and Dinah Tyree about their work during the Shop Berea Christmas Bazaar where Saint Joseph - Berea employees enjoyed local Christmas shopping at work. The artists donated $100 of their proceeds to the SJB Foundation.

Judy Gabbard (left) made a purchase from Berea's Tater Knob Pottery at the Christmas Bazaar.

Left to right: Kim Davis, Chris Schweighardt, Judy Gabbard and Ginger Barrett browsed the Shop Berea Christmas Bazaar.

Holiday Events in Bardstown

Employee Christmas Dinner
Flaget Memorial Hospital held its annual Employee Christmas Dinner at Old Kentucky Home Country Club Dec. 2. Around 200 employees celebrated the season together. Additionally, a catered meal was provided to 2nd/3rd shift employees at the hospital who were working and couldn't attend the dinner.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Nativity Blessing
Flaget Memorial Hospital held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Blessing of the Nativity Dec. 5. The Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral Youth Choir provided the music for the service. During the celebration, VP of Mission Ben Wiederholt, President Sue Downs and Foundation Board Chairperson Bill Conway spoke to attendees. Members of the community also toured the cancer center, birth center and digital mammography following the service and reception.

Door Decorating Contest

Surgery was the overall winner of this year's door decorating contest at Flaget Memorial Hospital.

 

Holiday Meal at SJE

Saint Joseph East employees were treated to a complimentary holiday feast, which is an annual tradition at the Lexington campuses, prepared by nutritional services and served by leadership.

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Family Christmas Hour at SJE

The Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East hosted holiday celebrations Dec. 8 & 15 for employees, families and the community that included live music, free food, holiday cheer and visits with Santa Claus.

Carol O'Connell (left), unit manager of labor/delivery and antepartum, and Denise Hundley (right), administrator of women's care at Saint Joseph East

Persistent Praise provided the Christmas music Dec. 15.

A Reflection on the Fourth Week of Advent

Advent is an annual journey, a spiritual passage in the winter months from deep darkness, absence and despair to the very presence and incarnation of the Holy One here with us in the Birth of Christ. We move from darkness, to the glorious light of the dawning of salvation, remembering the promise Jesus made to us: “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Consider this story. The little boy was only four the first night that he stayed over at his grandmother’s house. When bedtime came and his grandmother turned off the light and closed the bedroom door, he quickly slipped out of bed and ran out of the dark room. They repeated the process a few times before the grandmother quietly offered, “Would you like to learn to see in the dark?” Of course, he did. So she directed him to shut his eyes tight and count to 40. She promised that when he opened his eyes, he would be able to see. He wasn’t sure he could believe her, and he could barely count to 40, but he tried it and it worked. His patient and loving grandmother had prepared him to face the dark and deal with it.

Likewise, the ancient music of the Psalms glorifies God who comforts us and gives us courage to accept the darkness and to welcome the light.

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Surely the darkness will cover me, and light around me turn to night.
Darkness is not dark to you, O Lord. The night is as bright as the day;
darkness and light to you are both alike.

The experience of being health care givers can bring us to the edges of darkness — both our own and that of others. In those dark places where there is suffering and sadness, we might feel the desire to run away. We call out: Be our light in the darkness, O Lord.

There are many in our communities who cry out for comfort. Rarely does someone come through our doors because everything is going well. How might we be the light, ever so faint, to help another person to be a little less afraid? Through our work we are a light that shines in the darkness. In these final days of Advent, as the days get shorter and the darkness of night appears to overwhelm the light of day, let us sit, let us wait, and let us welcome the darkness. It is as though we are waking up from a deep sleep, and we are flooded with the absolutely loving light of the Lord, our God. The Gospel of John assures us: A light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall not overcome it.

May your Advent journey lead you to a renewed and joyful experience of the birth of Christ our Savior. A blessed Christmas to you. —Dave Ebenhoh, The Catholic Health Association