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Volume 2, Issue 10 - April 3, 2009 |
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Raising the Bar
The winning hospitals were announced in the March 30 edition of Modern Healthcare magazine. More information on this study and other 100 Top Hospitals research is available at www.100tophospitals.com. |
In this Issue:
Blog Update! Check out Gene Woods' latest blog entry. Click on the image above or visit |
Saint
Joseph East (SJE) and Saint Joseph - London
(SJL) were just named two of the nation’s “100 Top Hospitals”
by Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions
to improve the cost and quality of health care. The award recognizes
hospitals that have achieved excellence in clinical outcomes, patient
safety, patient satisfaction, financial performance and operational
efficiency. This is the third time SJE has been recognized with this
honor and the first time for SJL. Earlier this year, SJL was named a
“100 Top Cardiovascular Hospital” in the nation by Thomson
Reuters.
The
winners were identified through an in-depth analysis, the Thomson
Reuters 100 Top Hospitals: National Benchmarks study. The study
evaluated 3,000 short-term, acute-care, non-federal hospitals. Based
on the findings, if all Medicare inpatients received the same level
of care as Medicare patients treated in the winning hospitals, more
than 107,500 additional patients would survive each year; nearly 132,000
patient complications would be avoided annually; and the average patient
stay would decrease by nearly half a day. 
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‘Ask the CEO’ Questions & Answers Gene
Woods held an “Ask the CEO” event prior to his recent system-wide
Town Hall meetings to gather Saint Joseph Health System
employees’ burning questions, several of which he answered during
those meetings. Below are his answers to additional questions that were
submitted prior to the meeting. Watch future communication for answers
to more questions. Q. What steps will Saint Joseph Health System take to improve employee benefits during these difficult economic times? Will the new PTO policy be readdressed in this new strategic plan? The new policy seems to punish everyone (by taking away hard earned sick time) and still allow for manipulation of the system. As a health care organization, shouldn't the care of our employees be just as important as the care of our patients? A. SJHS and CHI provide a very competitive benefit program within our industry. The recent 6.5% pension plan credit is a great example of our excellent benefits. While some companies may be able to offer more, it is important for us to provide a program that provides protection for illness and disability, savings opportunities for retirement and other benefits that are affordable. It is also necessary to provide benefits that we can afford so that our ministry remains viable for the long term. We’ve seen recent examples in the news of industries that have employee benefit programs that are financially unsustainable. When companies can’t compete financially, this can lead to layoffs, bankruptcy, etc. So we all need to look at how we can continue to keep our organization financially strong. When Saint Joseph Health System went live on CHI Connect, we had the opportunity to select from standard PTO Plans. Since CHI has dozens of hospitals, the goal is to reduce the number of plans to reduce the complexity of administering so many different programs. The plan we selected matched up as best we could with our former plans. All plans that have EIB (Extended Illness Bank) have some waiting period. In Kentucky, the waiting period is 24 hours. Some CHI plans have waiting periods up to 40 hours. Based on your feedback, we are looking further into the impact of PTO (Paid Time Off) and EIB (Extended Illness Bank) on our organization. The goals of the plan are to provide flexibility for people to plan their vacation and holiday time and to provide disability income protection in the event of an extended illness. We do however acknowledge that the waiting period is not popular and feels punitive to people who never abuse the system. Some employees have suggested that we create an incentive for people who don’t abuse the time off benefits, and we are evaluating such a program or something similar. We will keep you posted of further developments. Q. Based on the current economic crises, is there any possibility we may have a salary increase in 2009? A. Notwithstanding the freeze in salary increases many organizations have implemented, as we finalize our fiscal year 2010 budgets, we are planning for an average salary increase of 3% contingent upon continuing solid financial performance. We know how hard employees are working to further the ministry, and it is important for us to reward and recognize that effort, notwithstanding the economic challenge we face in the country. Reusable Cups will Save You Money & Help the Environment
An average of 2,500-2,750 fountain drinks and coffee drinks are sold per week at Saint Joseph Hospital. At Saint Joseph East, approximately one third to half of that number are sold. By utilizing the reusable tumblers, 357-393 Styrofoam cups will be saved per day from going to the landfill from Saint Joseph Hospital alone. In addition to the added waste in the landfill because of the Styrofoam products, it is important to note that Styrofoam does not break down easily, and it releases chemicals when it gets wet that contaminates water that touches it, thus contaminating the water supply. Here is another interesting fact: By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent of all samples of human fat tissue taken as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Human Tissue Survey. Researchers found that Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities, and even carcinogenic effects. Please assist Saint Joseph in its continued efforts to “Go Green” and to help be protective of our environment. Listen for more news about how the Saint Joseph Health System “Working Green, Living Green” Team is making positive changes for Mother Earth. Reader Reward Challenge Winners Announced
Visit www.SaintJosephCommonThread.org to read past issues of the magazine and to submit your story ideas. Look for the next reader reward challenge in the May/June issue. Saint Joseph Celebrates National Patient Access Week Saint Joseph Health System is celebrating National Patient Access (Registration) Week by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its registration staff. The Patient Access team at each of our campuses plays an important role in service excellence. They are the first and often the last impression patients have of Saint Joseph Health System. Patient Access staff members work in Central Admitting, ER registration, outpatient diagnostic registration and the cashier’s office. They greet and register patients, obtain demographic and financial information, medical insurance information, pre-register all patients to minimize wait time and escort patients throughout the hospitals. The department also offers financial counseling to patients. Next week, April 6-10, please take a moment to thank the Patient Access team at your hospital for their commitment to providing our patients with quality service excellence. TLC
Service Grows Saint
Joseph - Berea's TLC Cart is making its way through the halls
every weekday. If an employee at Saint Joseph - Berea would like to
provide the service
to appreciative visitors, patients
and fellow staff, he or she can make a request to their manager and
schedule a shift by calling Katie
Heckman at 859.986.6535. TLC stands for "Touch, Love and Compassion"
and the idea behind the cart is to spread compassion and cheer around
the hospital by offering people puzzles, books, magazines, poetry, scripture,
small toys,
drinks and healthy snacks ... and a Trivia Bee Team Members are 'Know-it-Alls' Congratulations to Saint Joseph - London’s Trivia Bee Team for coming in second place at a Trivia Bee sponsored by the local Adult Literacy Council. The Trivia Bee has quite a following each year. Congratulations to team members Robert Brock, Chris Williams and Ron Horn. |
The
cafeterias at Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East and
Saint Joseph - Berea are now selling reusable insulated
cups for $7.00 each. These cups display the Saint Joseph Health System
logo, as well as the “Working Green, Living Green” logo.
By purchasing this item, all employees will then be able to buy refills
at a decreased rate of $0.49 cents. Currently the charge for a 16 oz.
drink is $1.14 and the charge for a 20 oz. drink is $1.19. With this
said, you will be able to recoup your cost within 6-7 drink purchases.
listening
ear. Remember not to give any food or drink to patients. Next
week marks the one-year anniversary of this service! |
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Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shelter at Easy Walker Park. Employees' children (12 and under) can participate. If you would like to help please call Cindy Clark (859.498.7746) or Tammy Imel (859.498.7744). 'Relay for Life' Bake Sale Challenge Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling is holding a departmental challenge during a Relay for Life fundraiser bake sale on Thursday, April 9. Each department or area may enter an Easter Basket, wreath or any kind of spring décor. The items will be raffled and the department raising the most money will receive $50.00. Please let Lynn Lockridge or Phyllis Byrd know if your area is planning to participate by Monday, April 6. Entries should be submitted to Phyllis (859.498.1220) by Wednesday, April 8. Mid-Continent University Information Events in Lexington A representative from Mid-Continent University will host information tables at Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East next week to discuss the programs offered by the school. The 18 to 24-month programs are ideal for employees in all areas/departments including nursing, business office, medical records, clerical and support staff. You can take one class at a time, one night per week, and still be classified as a full-time student. Classes are held in Lexington and online. Grants and financial aid are available. Visit with the representative during these times:
Saint Joseph East Saint
Joseph Hospital 20th Anniversary Gala The Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling Foundation 20th Anniversary Gala is on Saturday, April 18 at the Clay Center. This annual event will benefit the Foundation, which supports many community programs and services. For ticket information, contact Chris Peck at 859.497.8855.
Saint Joseph - Martin will have a booth in its front lobby on Friday, April 24 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. to support Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month. Blue awareness ribbons and information pamphlets will be distributed and a drawing will be held for prizes. Friday, April 24 will also be designated as Wear Blue Day to show support for Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness. A group photo will be taken at 2:00 p.m. Judy Salyer has blue ribbons for staff to wear this month to show their support. You can reach her at 606.285.6580. Attention Gardeners! Perennial Starts Needed for Diabetes Fundraiser
Step Out to Fight Diabetes The Lexington Step Out to Fight Diabetes walk is Saturday, May 30 at the Keeneland Race Course. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., the warm-up is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. Events include a health and wellness fair, a kids' play area and refreshments. If you’d like to sign up for the Saint Joseph Health System team, visit http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=5850&team_id=359978. If you can't make it to Lexington, and want to participate or help in some way, contact Karen McKnight at 859.313.4282. |
Easter
Egg Hunt
Wear
Blue Day
The
Saint Joseph Diabetes and Nutrition Center will hold
a Mother’s Day flower and garden sale on May
7-8 at Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East with
all proceeds going to the Lexington Step Out to Fight Diabetes walk
sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. They need contributions
of perennials from your gardens to include in the sale. In previous
years, hostas, hen and chicks, unique daylilies, and numerous flowering
perennials have sold very well. Extra vegetable plants and herbs are
also needed. Pots can be provided and the center's staff can pick up
your donations. If you are interested, please contact
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The Cooper/Clayton Method to Stop Smoking A new class starts April 21 and runs for 13 weeks on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Beaumont YMCA in Lexington. This program is free and open to everyone in the community. The Cooper/Clayton Method to Stop Smoking, a proven successful 12-week program, involves nicotine replacement, nicotine reduction and behavioral modification. Call the Saint Joseph Healthy Living Center at 859.219.0530 to sign up.
The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Saint Joseph East is excited to offer expanded options in bariatric services. In addition to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and medically supervised weight loss program, the Center now offers Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding. Anyone interested in learning more about weight loss options are encouraged to register for their FREE information seminars. Upcoming dates include April 6, April 27 and May 18. Please contact the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at www.SaintJosephWeightLoss.org or at 859.967.5520 if you have any questions or to make reservations for their next information seminar. |
Center
for Weight Loss Surgery’s Expanded Services
& Introductory Seminars |
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‘Customer-focused Communications’ for Leaders
• Listening Skills This workshop was developed to strategically support Saint Joseph Health System's current move to service lines and the need to create new skills sets and competencies among key stakeholders, especially as it relates to communications with our medical staff. Saint
Joseph Hospital Basic Medical Library Information Skills Class
Saint
Joseph - Mount Sterling Saint
Joseph Hospital
Saint Joseph East Register online at www.SaintJosephHealthSystem.org (education & events calendar). For additional information or other research instruction, call Laurie Henderson at 859.313.1677. Working with the Blind The Kentucky Office for the Blind is holding a free workshop for Saint Joseph Health System employees to learn about working with the blind and visually impaired. Earn 2.0 CEU's. Saint
Joseph Hospital |
Customer-focused
communication skills are essential to the success of leaders in a highly
competitive market. This interactive training session will provide role-modeling
and tips to develop and enhance leaders’ skills as they market
services to the medical staff and community partners:
Get
hands-on experience in using Saint Joseph Health System’s medical
information resources, including the Virtual Medical Library. This course
is open to anyone interested in using these resources for work, study
or research. Also, it's a good way to learn about resources for consumer
health and patient/family information. |
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"Just wanted to let you know that your love and support during this difficult time is so greatly appreciated. The flowers you sent were spectacular, and we know Mom would have loved them. On behalf of our family, we thank you!"
J.M. and S.N. |
Dear
Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling |
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Holy
Week Reflection Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Holy Week invites us to tap the passion inside each of our hearts. The passion of this Holy Week, found in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, is the passion to forgive and be forgiven. It is the passion to rid ourselves of resentments toward those who have hurt us. It is the passion to let whatever residue of guilt or shame that lingers in our souls be wiped away. During this week, we remember how we are redeemed as God’s beloved through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In these holy days, may we know God’s passion and rediscover our own. Ask yourself: What if I didn’t just “get by” each day, but instead, started to live with real passion? About Holy Week: We begin Holy Week with the triumphal procession of Palm Sunday (April 5), when Christ entered Jerusalem and the people laid palms on the road before Him. Holy Thursday (also known as Maundy Thursday, April 9) is the day that we celebrate the Last Supper, at which Christ instituted the Mass and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Holy Week culminates on Good Friday (April 10) when we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross, the act that brought salvation to all who believe. The Triduum, the three days before Easter Sunday (April 12), are when we we commemorate Christ's Passion. |
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Birthday Celebration Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling is now celebrating employees' birthdays each quarter by serving a Birthday Breakfast. Those employees with birthdays in January, February and March attended the first celebration on Tuesday, March 31.
Kelly Haskins, outpatient surgery
Theresa Fraley, coding
Laneata Trent (left) and Paulette Howard, patient access, and President Jim Heitzenrater Doctors' Day Facilities throughout Saint Joseph Health System celebrated Doctors' Day on Monday, March 30. Below are a few snapshots of celebrations at Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling and Saint Joseph - London.
Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling: Heather Barnett, credentials coordinator, Dr. Taufik Kassis (voted "Best Dressed" by employees) and Jim Heitzenrater, president.
Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling: Dr. Jeff McGinnis was voted "Most Charming" during a Doctors' Day contest.
Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling: Heather Barnett, credentials coordinator, and Dr. Randy Jones (voted "Dr. Congeniality" by employees).
Saint Joseph - London: Dr. Aqueel Mandviwala enjoyed a scrumptious Doctors' Day breakfast prepared by Saint Joseph - London's Chef Terry Crist.
Saint Joseph - London: Dr. Padmini Veeraraghavan
Saint Joseph - London: Dr. Thomas Moore
Saint Joseph - London: Dr. Olakunle Ajayi |
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