Sisters of Charity Hospital
Connections
News and announcements for associates, patients, and their families August 2018
Note from Marty Boryszak, President & CEO Both of our campuses had a busy start to the summer, as we were diligently preparing for the Joint Commission (JC) survey visit, which took place at the end of June. Despite the challenging change in survey methodology, I am proud to say that our teams at both sites did a phenomenal job. From a results perspective, the number of findings was similar to our last survey, despite a more challenging process. We were given a 10 day clarification window to provide information to the JC regarding any findings that we did not agree with. I am happy to report that based on the clarifications, the survey was no longer considered “conditional” and that the JC will not be revisiting either of our campuses. I'd like to specifically thank Jill Bennett, our Director of Quality and Patient Safety and her team, all of our associates and the countless CHS leaders across Quality, IT, Human Resources, Nursing and our Medical Staff, for all of their assistance and support. As anyone in Buffalo knows, our summers are the best, but often too short. I encourage you to take a break and get outside when you can to enjoy the warm weather. There are food trucks on-site on pay day Thursdays through September, picnic tables around both campuses and a wellness walking path (maps available in the Administrative office). Enjoy!
Sisters Metabolic Center for Wellness Now Open In July, Sisters of Charity Hospital opened the Metabolic Center for Wellness at the St. Joseph Campus in Cheektowaga. The center is a valuable new resource for patients in WNY who are overcoming a wide range of health challenges. Within the 6,000-square-foot facility, patients will have access to the equipment, resources, and clinical professionals to help them overcome the debilitating effects of obesity, the challenges of preparing for, and recovering from orthopedic procedures, as well as returning to lasting cardiac health. Services offered in the facility include: •
Bariatric & Nutrition Support Services
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Cardiac Rehab Phase II
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Occupational Therapy
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Outpatient Physical Therapy; Including Wound Care
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Industrial Rehab
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Speech Therapy; Including Modified Barium Swallow Testing
This unique facility will play a key role in Catholic Health’s leading Bariatric Surgery program, which is ranked among the best in the Northeast and is a Blue Center of Distinction. Endocrinology Services, an important part of the metabolic and bariatric program, will be provided at the Caritas Building, located adjacent to the St. Joseph Campus, later this year.
Hospital Happenings Congratulations Goes To.... Congratulations to the Stroke Teams at Main Street and St. Joe's for being awarded the 2018 Stroke Silver Plus Award from the American Heart and American Stroke Association. Hospitals that receive this award have successfully demonstrated high quality care and outcomes for stroke patients. Outstanding job by all on educating and creating awareness among our staff and patients.
Welcome Dr. Thatigotla Please join us in welcoming Bala G. Thatigotla MD, FACS, MRCS, FASMBS, CHCQM. Dr. Thatigotla is a board certified surgeon who specializes in Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery. Dr. Thatigotla sees patients at Trinity Bariatric Surgery and also performs general surgery at both Sisters Hospital Campuses.
Community Recognition
VOA Update: Areas of Focus and Next Steps In January, associates were asked to participate in the Voice of the Associate (VOA) survey to help us gain insight into associate satisfaction and engagement. We had over 70% of Sisters associates participate in the survey and share their voice on topics that range from workplace satisfaction, recognition, communication and associate engagement. The survey results have been processed by our survey administrator, Press Ganey, an independent company that partners with more than 50% of all U.S. hospitals. Areas of focus and key drivers of engagement have been identified for each ministry and managers and directors of departments with 10 or more associates will have access to data that will allow them to drill down to unit/department specific information that will assist in identifying areas that are in need of attention. Beginning this month, Unit Practice Councils (UPC's) will be engaged to discuss areas of improvement based on VOA data and identify recommendations and solutions which will be presented to the Sisters Leadership Team for action and resolution. If your unit doesn't currently have a UPC, your manager will be forming one. If you would like to join your unit's UPC and get involved in improving the environment on your unit and also within the hospital as a whole, please see your manager.
Medical Staff News
Residents 2017 - 2018, Class Photo
As we wish our residents congratulations and farewell, we welcome our new 2018 residents! Our incoming resident class has students from all over the globe and we are honored to have them in the Sisters Hospital and Mercy Hospital resident programs. Welcome!
Upcoming Events August Birthday Luncheon with the CEO @ SJC: Friday, 8/23, 12:00pm, Community Room @ MSC: Monday, 8/27, 12:00pm, Marillac Room
From L to R: Jennifer Gorman, RN, Mother Baby; Amy Creamer, Coordinator of Perinatal Bereavement Services; Dr. Jamie Obst, OBGYN; Christine Scott, Executive Director of WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network.
The WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network hosted their annual 'Evening to Remember', an event that recognizes physicians, nurses, volunteers and organizations for their outstanding dedication to the WNYPBN and our bereaved community. Congratulations to Jennifer Gorman, RN, Mother Baby and Dr. Jamie Obst, OBGYN, for being honored for the outstanding patient and family care they provide to bereaved families.
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Ice Cream Sale @ MSC: Thursday, 8/23, 11:30am - 1:30pm, 4:30pm - 7:30pm, Cafeteria SJC Ice Cream Sale held on 8/9 raised $488! To benefit St. Vincent DePaul, Gerard Place and Helping Hands Fund Food Truck Thursdays 'Pay Day Thursdays' at both campuses through September Lunch @ MSC & SJC: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Dinner @ MSC: 5:00pm - 7:30pm Overnight Cafeteria @ MSC Wednesday, 8/29 - Thursday, 8/30, 12:00am - 1:30am Scrub Sale @ MSC Tuesday, 8/28 & Wednesday, 8/29, Marillac Room