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Volume 2, Issue 33 - November 13, 2009 |
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Flaget Memorial Awarded $84,000 Grant to Expand Dental Services at Community Clinic Flaget Memorial Hospital has been awarded a grant of $84,000 by Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) to expand free dental care services at the Nelson County Community Clinic (NCCC), which offers free medical care, dental care and medications to area residents unable to pay for care. The funding will be used to purchase much-needed dental equipment, dental instruments, supplies and anesthesia, and to expand dental services. The funding also gives the clinic the ability to provide education and preventive oral care. The NCCC has provided free medical care and medicines to uninsured workers since 2006, when it was opened with a $277,000 grant from CHI’s Mission and Ministry Fund, and with generous in-kind donations from the community. The clinic is an outgrowth of the Nelson County Healthy Community Initiative, which began in 2003 with a planning grant from CHI. For more information, visit www.Flaget.com or click here to read the full news release regarding the grant. |
 In this Issue:
NEW Check out Gene Woods' latest blog entry. Click on the image above or visit www.SaintJoseph |
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Annual Enrollment is Underway! Annual enrollment for Saint Joseph Health System facilities is underway and ends on November 20, 2009 (exception: Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling; see details below**). Reevaluate your benefits and make changes that best fit your and your family’s needs. This year, some of the new components of CHI’s Healthy Spirit program will launch. The benefit and program changes you will see for 2010 place an emphasis on preventive care and staying healthy, as well as cost sharing between the employee and Saint Joseph Health System. You should have received your Open Enrollment packet from CHI at your home. This packet includes an annual enrollment notice and a personalized worksheet. If you have not received your enrollment packet, please contact the HR/Payroll Connection Support Center at 1.888.450.9450. Also, you can still review the LEARN modules that have been assigned to you to learn more about the changes to the medical, dental and vision benefits. You can also visit www.SaintJosephHealthSystem.org to learn more (under “Saint Joseph Employees,” click on “SJHS Annual Enrollment 2010” and look for your facility). This year, enrollment for benefits is online through HR/Payroll Connection on Inside CHI. The following online tools are available to help you decide what plan is best:
**Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling Annual Enrollment Details: Annual enrollment for Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling is underway and ends on November 16. The annual enrollment process is the same as in the past years. Reevaluate your benefits and make changes that best fit your and your family’s needs. Packets are available through the Human Resources Department and any employee who has a question regarding annual enrollment should call the Human Resources Department. You can also review the LEARN modules that have been assigned to you to learn more about the changes to the medical, dental and vision benefits. Plus, you can visit www.SaintJosephHealthSystem.org to learn more (under “Saint Joseph Employees,” click on “SJHS Annual Enrollment 2010” and look for your facility). Latest HealthTube Video Addresses Medical Plan Changes If you have not yet seen the second HealthTube video—Change is in the Air—watch this 3-minute video about medical plan changes for 2010 (located on Inside CHI: About CHI/CHI Healthy Spirit/HealthTube Videos). HealthTube videos support the CHI Healthy Spirit initiative, a system-wide effort to create a healthy workplace—physically, financially, mentally and spiritually. Also, remember to read the second issue of Spirit, CHI’s new magazine that is mailed directly to your home. The current issue focuses on medical plan changes for 2010 and how you can save money (you can read the issue online at Inside CHI: About CHI/CHI Healthy Spirit/Spirit Magazine). Discounted Massage Services for SJHS Employees As part of the Saint Joseph Health System Wellness Initiative beginning in January, 2010 (watch for more details soon!), Saint Joseph Health System employees will get a discount at “Massage Envy” on massage services. The discount includes: • With membership to Massage Envy, the employee will receive one free 60-minute massage every month. The membership fee is $44 dollars per month, a $5 discount off the regular $49 per month fee. This is a $60 savings to Saint Joseph Health System employees. • Additional massages are $39 for 60 minutes. • If a massage is not used during any month, it rolls over to the next month and massages are not “lost.” • Massage therapy can qualify as a medical expense. Your Saint Joseph Health System Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can be utilized for massage services with a valid physician’s order. According to the IRS, qualifying medical expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness. Some examples include stress, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Ask your physician for more information or refer to CHI Connect for information regarding your FSA. • Other benefits of the program include family add-on discounts, retail discounts, discount pricing on any two or more massages in the same month, standing appointments, etc. • For more information regarding Massage Envy or to find a location, visit www.massageenvy.com. • Discounted massage services are also available at Saint Joseph Healthy Living Center at the Beaumont YMCA in Lexington. Contact Teresa McCord for more information at 859.219.0530. Fayette County H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph Hospital (SJE/SJH) continue to work with the Fayette County Public Health Department during this time of limited H1N1 vaccine. SJE/SJH have received a very small amount of H1N1 vaccine and have offered, free of charge, to direct patient care providers of high-risk patients in its emergency rooms and women's services. The next shipment of H1N1 vaccine that SJE/SJH receives will be offered to direct patient care providers in other units such as critical care, oncology and med/surg. The Fayette County Public Health Department distributes the H1N1 vaccine to SJE/SJH and it will continue to be offered to direct patient care providers. Because the vaccine that has been distributed to SJE/SJH is very limited, please consider attending one of the Fayette County Public Health Department H1N1 Influenza Clinics listed below. If you go to the influenza clinics, you should be immunized as long as the health department has vaccine. For additional information, call the help line at 877.843.7727. November 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. December 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. December 6, 1-5 p.m. December 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. December 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Watch Your Mailbox! Watch for the Nov/Dec issue of Common Thread to arrive in your home mailboxes. The new issue celebrates the spirit of the holiday season and highlights the wonderful work of our fellow Saint Joseph Health System family members, including Barbara Baumgardner, a registered dietitian with the Appalachian Outreach Program who coordinates gifts and other holiday needs for dozens of families across eastern Kentucky every Christmas. When you receive your copy, make sure to take the Reader Reward Challenge for a chance to win a $75 Visa gift card. You can share your story ideas for upcoming issues at www.SaintJosephCommonThread.org. You can also read past issues of the magazine at this site.
United Way Drive in Berea Please remember to turn in your signed United Way pledge card even if you choose not to contribute. The Saint Joseph - Berea department with the greatest percentage of campaign sign-ups will receive a pizza party. The Early Bird Deadline for pledging is Friday, November 20. Eligible employees will have names drawn for winners of three $50 Wal-Mart gift cards. Foundation/United Way Employee Campaign THANK YOU to all employees who participated in the “LIVE UNITED” Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation Employee/United Way Campaign. Campaign Totals: Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East & Saint Joseph - Jessamine This year’s campaign is up 31% in donations from last year! 65 employees donated to the “HOURLY CLUB”; donating ONE HOUR of pay, per pay period to the Foundation. In addition, 90 employees donated $500 or more to the Foundation to become members of the “PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE.” These recipients will receive a “President’s Circle” pin and attend a luncheon with Ken Haynes, President/CEO of Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph - Jessamine. Saint Joseph – Mount Sterling This year’s campaign is up 5% in donations from last year! Two employees donated to the “HOURLY CLUB”; donating ONE HOUR of pay, per pay period to the Foundation. YOUR participation will help meet the needs of many critical programs and services that benefit employees and thousands of patients and their families in central and eastern Kentucky, such as the Appalachian Outreach Program, Employee Emergency Financial Assistance Fund, the Free Health Clinic, Patient and Family Assistance Fund or the Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Program.
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Celebrating the Life of William Pratt, M.D. Saint Joseph - London is hosting a “Celebration of Life” for Dr. William Pratt, Friday, November 13 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Keavy Road (across from Lowe’s in London). If you plan on attending, please call Kathy at 606.878.4313 to RSVP. Flaget Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar & Luncheon Enjoy lunch, baked goods, crafts and raffle prizes at the Flaget Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar & Luncheon on Friday, November 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch at 11 a.m., carry outs available), at United Methodist Church Family Life Center (corner of 2nd & Flaget-enter from 2nd Street). Raffle tickets are available at the door; the drawing will be at 2:00 p.m. All proceeds will be used for the Auxiliary’s scholarship program and special projects of the hospital such as the recently completed Flaget Fitness Park which is open to the community. Celebrating Our One-Year Anniversary of Being Smoke-Free Saint Joseph Health System is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its tobacco-free initiative on Friday, November 20! There are several events planned throughout our facilities next week. Listen for details in your Daily Line-Up meetings. Every smoker is encouraged to participate in the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 19. Below are a few items to note. SAINT JOSEPH - MARTIN • A proclamation will be signed by the Floyd County Judge Executive declaring next week as the Great American Smokeout. • On Thursday, November 19, a prayer service will be held at 1:15 p.m. in the front lobby recognizing the anniversary and the employees who have quit tobacco use since the tobacco-free policy took effect. • On Thursday, November 19, a booth will be set up in the front lobby with tobacco-free materials to encourage everyone who uses tobacco to go "cold turkey" for the day. • Radio advertising will thank the community for supporting Saint Joseph - Martin's tobacco-free campus. SAINT JOSEPH - LONDON • Cold Turkey Day is Wednesday, November 18 in the main lobby. The Laurel County Health Department will help distribute information and have a carbon dioxide machine and "tar jar" display. Employees who stop smoking for 24 hours get a chance to win turkeys. • Great American Smokeout, Thursday, November 19 (click here to learn more.) The American Cancer Society will host a booth and distribute information in the main lobby. Stop by to learn more about Free and Clear's Quit for Life Program. • Free "Absence makes the heart grow stronger" T-shirts are being given to those who have quit smoking since the campus went tobacco-free last year. FLAGET MEMORIAL HOSPITAL • Flaget is partnering with the health department to provide information and materials on smoking cessation including Cooper Clayton and Free and Clear's Quit for Life program, effects of secondhand smoke, smoke-free Nelson County initiative, and general materials on the Great American Smokeout. • Employees who smoke are invited to sign a commitment card stating they will go without cigarettes for 24 hours and every employee who signs the commitment form will be entered into a drawing to win a free turkey.
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Spirituality, Health and Healing Workshop There will be an opportunity for interactive group time for employees to share their faith with others and refreshments. Three contact hours will be awarded. For more information, contact Chaplain Judy Donohue at 859.967.5676. Saint Joseph Hospital LEAD Classes Saint Joseph Health System leaders are invited to participate in the following LEAD (Leadership, Education And Development) classes. To register for any of these classes go to www.SaintJosephHealthSystem.org, click on Education and Events Calendar, and choose Leadership as a category. Click on the desired class. Leading from the Heart Working Together-Diversity Resolving Conflicts Within Your Team New Leader Orientation Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have recently welcomed many new leaders to the organization. There will be a “New Leaders’ Orientation” Day on Friday, November 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the PC Lab of the Keeneland Health Education Center in Building D. The focus of the day will be hands-on leadership tools and the accessing of resources available to them. Leaders will also be directed to attend further LEAD courses. Please register by calling Educational Services at 859.313.2187. Excellence in Staffing Seminar Saint Joseph Hospital Kathy Douglas, RN, MHA, will lead this seminar. Kathy is president of the not-for-profit Institute for Staffing Excellence and Innovation, CEO of the Global Nursing Network and CNO for Concerro, Inc., offering technology solutions that support excellence in staffing. Kathy has more than 25 years of leadership in health care technology; for the past eight years she has devoted her time to understanding and designing solutions for health care staffing that consider sustainibility and value across stakeholder groups. Kathy is a frequent speaker on topics related to staffing, author of many published articles and has a column on staffing in Nursing Economics. LEARN and Complimentary CE Nearly all clinical staff members are required to complete a certain number of CE hours each year. Complimentary CE, available exclusively through the “Hospital Direct” tab of the LEARN e-Learning Center, provides access to more than 50 continuing education courses for nurses, pharmacists, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, case managers and physicians. Free CE courses are available to you for assignment through the standard assignment tools and for student self-enrollment through the catalog and Hospital Direct tabs. Check it out! Grant funds for these continuing education activities have been provided by Action Products, Aspect Medical, B. Braun, Baxter, Cardinal Health, Covidien, Encision, KCI, Medegen, Oridion, Pyxis, and Stryker Orthopaedics. |
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Thursday, November 19, is the 34th Great American Smokeout. It was inaugurated in 1976 to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for one day. Now, 39.8 percent of the 43.4 million Americans who smoke have attempted to quit for at least one day in the past year, and the Great American Smokeout remains a great opportunity to encourage people to commit to making a long-term plan to quit for good. The Quit For Life Program has resources available to help smokers quit. With its FREE confidential counseling, your chances of quitting for life are eight times greater than trying to quit on your own. Saint Joseph Health System employees can enroll for FREE! Call 1.866.QUIT.4.LIFE or visit www.quitnow.net (1.866.784.8454). Saint Joseph Health System is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its tobacco-free initiative on Friday, November 20! Why Quit? No matter how old you are or how long you've smoked, quitting will help you live longer. People who stop smoking before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years in half compared with those who continue to smoke. Ex-smokers enjoy a higher quality of life with fewer illnesses from cold and flu viruses, better self-reported health, and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia. • 20 minutes after quitting: • 12 hours after quitting: • 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: • 1 to 9 months after quitting: • 1 year after quitting: • 5 years after quitting: • 10 years after quitting: • 15 years after quitting: HOPE through the Holidays Hospice of Nelson County Social Worker Starr Caldwell and Hospice Chaplains Dixie Kimberlin and Phyllis Bowling will discuss ways to help you cope with these emotionally difficult times. Join them on Thursday, November 19, 7-8:30 p.m., in the rear of the 111 N. Third building (Hospice office). Hospice of Nelson County is a service of Flaget Memorial Hospital. For more information, call 502.350.5570. Free. Diabetes Lunch & Learns The Saint Joseph Diabetes and Nutrition Center is hosting upcoming Saint Joseph - Berea Saint Joseph East Saint Joseph Hospital November is Diabetes Awareness Month Diabetes is a chronic disease which means people will have it for life. For a person with diabetes, research shows that a person is at much greater risk for long term health problems affecting the heart, kidney, eyes, nerve, vascular and feet. The good news is that diabetes is a controllable disease. It is a lifestyle disease because lifestyle changes are needed to help control it. To help control diabetes, the following is recommended: Saint Joseph Health System is on the cutting edge in helping people with diabetes. The Diabetes & Nutrition Center (DNC) provides both inpatient and outpatient education and consultation for people with diabetes. Call 859.313.2958 to learn more. |
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Saint Joseph – London: A Letter to the Housekeeping Supervisor “I just had to make a comment about what happened while my mother was a patient in recovery. I was sitting at her bedside and had nothing interesting to do but watch the employee across from us clean a patient room. “I have been a nurse since 1989 and have worked in hospitals and physician offices and I have to say I have never seen a room cleaned as professionally and detailed as what I saw. I have one thing to say: I would actually feel totally comfortable to sleep in the area I saw cleaned. I was so impressed I just had to ask him his name and his supervisor. So THANK YOU Travis Owens for making me believe these rooms are truly cleaned!” Way to go Travis! And way to go John Feltner for supervising such a great staff! |
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Daisy Award Winner Congratulations to Melissa Walters, RN for being named a recipient of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Saint Joseph - London. Melissa is a registered nurse on the medical-surgical unit. The award is part of the Daisy Foundation’s national program to recognize the super-human efforts of nurses, and is in place throughout Saint Joseph Health System. Honorees receive a certificate of commendation, a Daisy Award pin, and a sculpture hand-carved by the Shona Tribe in Africa titled “A Healer’s Touch.” In addition, the nurse’s unit is treated to cinnamon buns. The next deadline for nominating a deserving registered nurse for the "Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses" is Monday, November 30. You can complete & submit your nomination online at www.SaintJosephNurses.org, or look for the Daisy Award brochures and nomination boxes throughout the hospitals. If you have questions, call Paula Keally at 859.313.4776.
Congratulations to the first quarter, fiscal year 2010 recipients of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses listed below! Watch for more spotlights in upcoming issues of InCommon. Carrie Clark, RN, ICU South, Saint Joseph Hospital |
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1st Annual Saint Joseph - London Clinical Education Day Saint Joseph - London held its 1st Annual Clinical Education Day October 30 at the London Country Club. Fourteen physicians were involved with the program, including Lt. Governor Dr. Dan Mongiardo. Approximately 160 nurses, physicians, paramedics, dietitians, pharmacists, respiratory techs, allied health and social workers participated in the day long event, co-sponsored by Saint Joseph - London, the medical staff and Southeastern Kentucky AHEC.
'Remembering Our Babies' in Bardstown The “Remembering Our Babies” service sponsored by Flaget Memorial Hospital was held Sunday, October 25 at the hospital. This service is held in honor of those whose lives have been touched by the loss of an infant during pregnancy or shortly after birth. It offers a time of reflection for those in various grieving stages in the community and unites everyone touched by a loss. A candle light vigil was held during the service and a balloon release immediately followed in the serenity garden.
Chili Cook-off at Saint Joseph - Berea The 3rd Annual Chili Contest was held at Saint Joseph - Berea to raise funds for the United Way. There were nine entries this year. Competition was fierce with e-mail challenges flying back and forth between entrants in the days before the contest. Third prize was tied by President Greg Gerard and Lab manager Sandra Rose. Second place went to Karen Andrews of the Self Pay Team. First prize was taken by Joanne O'Kane, Pharmacy manager. Joanne is a member of the SJB Weight Watchers at Work class. She made her chili healthy as well as delicious-with a Weight Watchers points value of 5.
Fall Festival in Mount Sterling Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling (SJMS) employees were invited to a fall festival and participated in a pumpkin decorating contest just before Halloween. Employees donated
Boo Fest in Mount Sterling Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling (SJMS) participated in the 4th annual "Boo Fest" at Easy Walker Park on October 29. SJMS employees Elsie Byrd, Serena Hayden and Cindy Clark passed out hand sanitizer to 1,300 children.
Halloween at Saint Joseph - London
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