DCMH NEWS SCAN Insight to Monthly Happenings & Highlights at DCMH
Decatur County Memorial Hospital
Volume VI Issue VI
November 2011
DCMH Cancer Care Receives Commendation From National Organization The Oncology Department and Cancer Care Program at Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) has been granted a three-year accreditation with commendation by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. The Commission on Cancer accreditation is achieved by just 25% of the hospitals in the United States and Puerto Rico. The accreditation was received following an onsite evaluation by a physician surveyor, during which DCMH demonstrated a commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program. This includes cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement. In addition, DCMH received a compliance rating for all other standards. Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care. Applying for and maintaining Commission on Cancer accreditation is a voluntary commitment that ensures patients have access to the full scope of services required to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate and support cancer patients and their families. Cancer patient data from each Commission on Cancer accredited program is reported to the National Cancer Data Base, a joint CoC and American Cancer Society Program. The data is regularly used to monitor and improve the quality of patient care delivered through the programs. For more information regarding the accreditation or the cancer program at DCMH interested persons may call the Oncology Department at (812) 663-1301.
Holiday Cookbook Sales The Hospital Foundation launched the holiday sales of its firstever cookbook on 11-11-11 with a “recipe cutting” at 11:11 a.m. officially kicking off sales of the 1st books. The event allowed attendees to sample recipes from the cookbook, and participate in other special events. The cookbook offers a great gift option and features nearly 300 recipes from Hospital Staff, Physician’s Offices and the Hospital Auxiliary. The books arrived in early November and over 200 have been sold receiving great reviews! The hardcover book includes a professional dust jacket and sells for $20. Proceeds from the special book have been dedicated to a new medical/ surgical unit at DCMH. Books are available in the Auxiliary Gift Shop at DCMH, at the Tree City Medical Partners switchboard, in the Hospital Foundation office, at the Morning Breeze reception desk and through a special site available at www.dcmh.net/cookbook. Books may even be shipped through the site to the address of choice with a gift card included. For more information phone the Foundation office at (812) 663-1220.
Spirit of Women Activities On Monday, November 14, Spirit of Women hosted a program on Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. A total of 125 women were provided transportation to Indiana Downs for a magical evening. Chef Greg created numerous dishes, all paired with appropriate wines. DCMH Respiratory Therapist, Marcus Allen, spoke on the respiratory system and the main disorders associated. Baxter pharmaceuticals representative James Fancher spoke specifically on the Alpha 1Antitrypsin Deficiency which is often misdiagnosed as Asthma or COPD. With the help from the lab, 93 Spirit of Women members and employees participated in the free screening made possible by Baxter Pharmaceuticals. The 3rd annual Cheesecake, Champagne and Cheer will be held on December 8 and December 9. It will be held again at the Hampton Inn. This event is free to our members as our Christmas gift to them. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and Spirit of Women is asking for travel toiletry donations that will be given to the Bread of Life.
Flu Vaccine Program Successful Decatur County Memorial Hospital undertook a new initiative this year following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and American Hospital Association. As a result, 98.5% of the DCMH employees have received flu vaccines with the remaining 1.5% wearing masks for patient protection from possible transmission. In all, DCMH administered over 4,000 flu vaccines throughout the County this year with $10,000 in support received from the Hospital Foundation and $1,500 from the Decatur County Community Foundation.
Employees Complete Management Program Congratulations to Aaron McElhoe, Facilities Director, Amy Wickens, HR Director and Thomas Ebbing IT Director. All will complete the IHA Management training in December following multiple weeks of intensive classes.
Shopping Online Benefits DCMH During the holidays more online shopping is conducted than at any other time of year. The Hospital Foundation is reminding local residents that they can benefit the Hospital Foundation and Decatur County Memorial Hospital by starting their shopping online at www.igive.com/4dcmh. Over 900 merchants will donate a percentage of the purchase to the Hospital Foundation at no extra cost to the shopper! Plus, between now and the end of the year the Foundation receives a $5 bonus for each sign up and also another $5 at the time of your first purchase. A convenient browser button can track a shopper’s purchases and automatically credit the Hospital Foundation each time you shop. The Hospital Foundation has been successfully partnering with igive for more than 5 years and earned nearly $1,500 through the effort. If you have questions on the service feel free to call the Hospital Foundation office at 663-1220.
Additional Sponsors Added to Spring Gala Event The Hospital Foundation’s popular spring gala event has attracted two more major sponsors!! Arbor Grove Village has agreed to be a Platinum Sponsor of the event with a $10,000 contribution and Morning Breeze has agreed to sponsor the “Mardi-Draw” activity with a $6,000 contribution to the event. Both sponsorships will include tables at the gala. The Steering Committee planning the 2012 Hospital Foundation Gala event will meet again on Tuesday, December 6, at 4:00 p.m. in the OB Conference Room and interested persons are welcome to attend. This 5th annual, popular event is slated to be held at The Commons facility in downtown Columbus on Friday, April 13, 2012. The facility has been reconstructed and offers additional space and the theme will be “A Magical Masquerade.” Watch for more details to be coming soon at the event’s official page located at www.dcmh.net/gala. Those wanting to be a part of the event planning may do so by phoning the Hospital Foundation office at (812) 663-1220. News Scan News Scan is a monthly publication highlighting important activity at DCMH and is provided for the news media, board of trustees and the community. The publication may be accessed online at www.dcmh.net under ‘About Us.” Quotes within the document are available for publication and photos are available in a jpeg format. Questions regarding the information presented here may be directed to Linda Simmons, DCMH President & CEO, 812-663-1170 or to David J. Fry, Director of Community Relations, david.fry@dcmh.net or 812-663-1220.