News, announcements, and vital information for associates, their families, and friends of Kenmore Mercy Hospital. ll/Winter 2016 Septem ber Fa 201 3
Tonawanda Student Names Surgical Robot SAM the robot officially joined Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s minimally invasive robotic surgery team. The name was supplied by 11-year-old Jonathan Dickson, who won the hospital’s “Name the robotic da Vinci® Surgical System Contest.” SAM is an acronym for Surgical Associate Machine. Mark Keller and Curtis Underwood work as a team in the Surgical Services Department.
LOVE Award Recognizes Associates Great Deeds
Each quarter an associate is recognized by Kenmore Mercy for their terrific commitment to our mission and values with our LOVE Award. So far this year, we have received over 27 nominations from patients, families, and associates highlighting worthy nominees. In July, the 2nd Quarter LOVE Award was presented to Gary Zogaria, a security guard at our Ken-Ton FamilyCare. Gary’s nomination noted his “listening ear” and willingness go the extra mile to provide assistance to patients, associates, and community members.
Zogaria
“Gary’s friendly presence helps to promote a sense of hospitality and welcome to our patients as they enter the clinic,” said Joseph Mazzawi, vice president of Mission Integration.
The 3rd Quarter LOVE Award was presented to Curtis Underwood and Mark Keller, Environmental Service attendants who typically work as a team in the Operating Room. The two were nominated as a pair by over 25 associates from the Surgical Services Department out of a strong appreciation for their dynamic team effort, hard work, and joyful spirits regardless of what may be happening.
Jonathan’s winning entry was selected by a panel of Kenmore Mercy’s surgical staff and its robotics committee with feedback from the Facebook community. He is a sixth grader at Tonawanda Middle School in the City of Tonawanda. On November 13, Jonathan took the da Vinci robot for a “test drive” alongside
Jonathan Dickson got to test drive the da Vinci system alongside Dr. Cywinski.
colorectal surgeon, Matthew Cywinski, MD and members of the hospital’s surgical services department. As of October, Kenmore Mercy’s has completed more than 100 surgeries using the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical technology. They have been using the da Vinci system since February 2016.
New and Improved Kudos Program Rolled Out Praise and recognition are essential to an outstanding workplace. Kenmore Mercy Hospital associates have voiced their opinion through various surveys that this is a priority to them.
Kudos have served as a means to provide that “pat on the back” to individuals who have gone above for many years. Most recently, however, the program was remodeled with new incentives and multiple levels of prizes for associates and volunteers. The new list of prizes include cafeteria drink vouchers, candy, flashlights, cafeteria lunch vouchers, sport water bottles, umbrellas, gym bags, jackets, and much more.
Other changes were made to the vouchers to help better identify recipients, too. Associates may also keep their vouchers after they have been recorded and redeemed.
Kudos recipients should turn their vouchers into Administration (room 4002) between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to either collect their prizes, or have their vouchers recorded, stamped and returned.
Nurse assistant Denise Walker turned in Kudos she had earned over the years for a fleece.
Night, weekend, or offsite associates, volunteers, or physicians, may call 4476103 to make arrangements for the exchange of their Kudos vouchers for prizes. “Associate feedback about Kudos was valuable in helping us to roll out this improved program. I hope it will provide our associates, physicians, and volunteers with more of the positive recognition that they have earned and deserve,” noted Dawn M. Cwierley, public relations manager.
Associate Engagement
News from Jim Millard, President & CEO Thank you to all of our associates and volunteers who attended our recent associate forums. It was wonderful to see so many of you engaged and interested in the future of the hospital.
Twice a year we host these forums to highlight our recent initiatives and to discuss our future goals. In particular, these forums are meant to give you a better understanding of Kenmore Mercy’s priorities of Associate Engagement, Patient Experience, Clinical Integration, Operational Effectiveness, Nursing Excellence, Surgical Services and our Orthopedic Campus of Excellence.
Anne Schukraft, a physical therapist at Kenmore Mercy’s AthletiCare. She recently earned certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Spine through the McKenzie Institute.
Schukraft The McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients all over the world for back, neck and extremity problems. Judy Fratini was winner of the 2016 Outstanding Surgical Technologist Award. Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms for surgery; sterilize and supply equipment; prepare patients for surgery, such as washing incision cites; help surgeons and nurses during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies.
Drew Hemler, a nutrition receptionist, recently passed the National Examination for Registered Dietitians and has earned the designation of registered dietitian. He also recently graduated with his Nutrition degree and is pursuing his Master’s degree. Nadeem Hussain, MD, medical director of Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s Medical Rehabilitation Unit, was honored by hospital associates with the 2016 Doctor of Distinction Award.
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Fratini
Throughout Kenmore Mercy’s 65 years, our focus has been on how we can best respond to the needs and challenges of our patients and the community. The foundation of our ministry has always been our associates. It is your clinical expertise, your compassion and your dedication that has allowed us to consistently provide high quality care and an excellent patient experience.
It is important for us to acknowledge your hard work and to highlight the good things that you’re doing. Associate recognition, appreciation, and engagement are high priorities for us.
Some of these efforts include years of service recognition events, Doctor of Distinction Awards, Daisy Awards for extraordinary nurses, Hospital Week events, Nurses Day celebrations, enhancements to our Kudos Program, quarterly LOVE (Living Our Values Effectively) Awards, annual volunteer recognition dinners and award presentations.
There are also birthday cards and gift shop certificates, associate satisfaction and culture of safety surveys, Forums with the Administrative Team, Lunch and Learns, Mercy Day Celebrations, summer picnics and Christmas luncheons, holiday cards and gift cards, and so much more. You are, and always have been, the heart and soul of Kenmore Mercy Hospital. These many events and activities are there to show our appreciation, and to provide you with opportunities to celebrate with and to recognize one another. I encourage you to take advantage of all we have to offer. As always, thanks for all you do for our patients and for Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
Hospital Celebrates Pet Therapy with Blessing
Hemler
Dr. Hussain
In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Kenmore Mercy put a new spin on its traditional blessing of the hands on October 4, hosting a blessing of the paws for its therapy dogs. Across the country, many communities hold a special ceremony called the Blessing of Pets on this date.
Currently, Kenmore Mercy has six therapy dogs that visit regularly with their handlers. The dogs bring love and comfort to patients, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
“The dogs aren’t just for the patients, either,” added Lynn A. Overbeck, CAVS, director of Volunteer Services for the hospital. “They are a great way
Father Bob Schober blessed the therapy dogs, including Bella, shown here.
for the hospital staff, many of whom see sorrow throughout their day, to unwind. Doctors, nurses, administrators and so many other disciplines, look forward to the dog visits.”
Volunteers Recognized for Committment Currently, Kenmore Mercy Hospital has approximately 270 active volunteers that help to serve our hospital community. Volunteers include those that work at the hospital, the McAuley Residence, Auxiliary members, and student volunteers. Collectively they served 50,137.4 hours in 2015.
Last year the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Auxiliary also presented the Foundation with a check for $55,000.
The total amount came from many different volunteer sectors including $20,000 from Gift Shop sales, $10,000 from the Sewing and Craft group, and $25,000 from atrium sales and special events hosted by our Ways and Means.
The Commitment to Excellence Pin This pin is given to volunteers who live our value of Excellence every time they serve: Jean Hoagland, auxiliary member, clerical, patient advocate, and sewing group member JoAnn Scime, auxiliary member, sewing group member, and clerical Charlene Vitale, front desk volunteer Carmen Stasio, transport volunteer Gloria Jean Hennessy, transport volunteer
Nancy Faery, Lynn Whelan, Kate Zippier, and Wendy Mack helped prepared food at Friends of Night People.
During a recognition ceremony, Kenmore Mercy Hospital and the McAuley Residence honored the following individuals with awards. The Heart of Gold Pin This pin is given to volunteers who serve with a heart of gold: Mary Jane Kubala, surgical waiting room volunteer Gail Fechter, pet therapy program with her dog, Sydney Matthew Lepovich, front desk Volunteer Richard Keffer, eucharistic minister
The Caring Hands Pin This special pin is for a volunteer whose caring hands are always helping others: Carol Sikorski, volunteer since 2012 in multiple areas of the hospital Peg Gruber, chairperson of the Gift Shop and auxiliary member Patrica McCarthy-Hohl, eucharistic minister Carol Tato, eucharistic minister Betty Borden, eucharistic minister
Living Our Values
By Joseph Mazzawi Vice President of Mission Integration
Chief operating officer Walt Ludwig presented Peg Gruber with award.
The Helping Hands Pin This pin is given to volunteers who use their hands to help others: Nancy Lagatutta, Gift Shop volunteer Jean Martin, auxiliary member, Gift Shop volunteer Betsy O’Brien, front desk volunteer Jeannie Blais, front desk volunteer, and special projects
Upcoming Holiday Activities Christmas Tree Blessing/Medical Staff Associates of the Year Awards Friday, December 2 at 12:30 p.m. in the Atrium Holiday Appreciation Lunch Tuesday, December 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and from 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 14 from 12:30 to 1:30 a.m.
*December 13 is also Ugly Christmas Sweater Day! Sport your ugly Christmas sweater to support our Helping Hands Fund that helps our own associates in need.
As we approach the end of the year there is much for us as a community to be grateful for including the generosity of our fellow associates. In addition to providing a compassionate ministry of caring and healing to our patients and their families here at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, many of you generously give of your time, talent, and treasure in the community. In particular, I would like to express my gratefulness to all of our associates the past two years who have supported our charity of choice, Friends of Night People, financially through payroll deductions or by volunteering time at their Community Kitchen and Food Pantry. Over the past two years we have contributed over 224 hours, $2,682.72 from payroll deductions, and numerous donations through our collection barrels. Thank you for your commitment to those in need and embracing our deep roots.
As we look ahead to 2017, we will now partner with Gerard Place and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Gerard Place provides transitional housing for homeless single parents and their families and empowers those parents through education, employment, vocational training, life skills classes and counseling. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves those in need through food assistance, operating a discount clothing and appliance store, meals at their dining hall, and much more. Once again a quick and easy way to support our community partners will be through payroll deductions, and be on the lookout for announcements for ways to donate and serve. Thank you for all the ways you contribute to our culture of generosity.
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Nurses Make Great Catches Several Great Catches were made by Kenmore Mercy nurses this last quarter, making the difference in patients’ lives. Irene Haefner, BSN, RN, CDE, diabetes educator, was honored by Catholic Health in September for making a catch that is leading to new documentation.
Haefner In the case of her patient, current protocol was followed throughout Emergency Department triage process and admission to an inpatient unit. However, something was still off with this blood sugar. The patient requested a consult with Irene, which led to the making of several phone calls, review of the chart, and ultimately getting the insulin regime back on track.
The important catch, however, was that the current electronic patient record doesn’t flag a patient’s use of an insulin pump for diabetes management, unless a specific line of questioning takes place. New education has since been rolled out in the ER and updates will soon be made in Soarian to ensure this is identified.
In addition, registered nurses Michelle Marella and Rachel Reichard were recognized at the Kenmore Mercy level for great catches. Michelle, who works in the ICU,
caught a potential potassium chloride medication error before it reached the patient. Michelle’s keen eye noticed that their current stock was 20 mEq per 50 ml, when 10 mEq per 50 ml had been ordered.
Rachel,who works on the 2 West Patient Care Unit, also caught a potential medication error before it reached the patient. She prevented a nursing student who was working with multiple medications from administering the wrong dose.
Marella
Reichard
Thanks to both Michelle and Rachel’s attention to detail, serious medications error were avoided. The Great Catch program is a Quality & Patient Safety initiative designed to help Catholic Health catch and avoid situations that have the potential to cause harm to our patients. Often, a great catch begins with having a questioning attitude and a willingness to speak up when something doesn’t seem quite right or a situation presents itself that has the potential to cause harm to a patient or associate. This is a positive and proactive way to make improvements resulting in a safer work environment for our patients and associates.
School Supply Drive Helps Local Students
At the end of August, the hospital hosted a school supply drive to support the clinic’s pediatric patients in need.
The supply drive is just one more way that our associates live our mission.
Hospital Helps 43North Winner Test New Device To Sanitize Cell Phones
Washing our hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer is one of the most effective ways to kill germs and prevent the spread of colds, flu and other infections, but what about our cellphones? Because we touch our phones every day, they can be a breeding ground for all sorts of germs and bacteria. In our continuing efforts to prevent the spread of any infections, Kenmore Mercy Hospital has teamed up with a Buffalo-based healthcare startup – CleanSlate UV – to trial a new device that uses ultraviolet light to safely disinfect smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.
The UV technology is designed to kill germs without harming devices not suitable for normal cleaning techniques such as soap and water or disinfectant wipes.
The CleanSlate UV unit, which is about the size of a toaster oven, sits at a nursing station or near the entrance of a nursing unit allowing staff and visitors to clean their mobile devices in-between patients or before visiting loved ones. The unit’s ultraviolet light emitting technology can sanitize mobile devices in about 30 seconds. Kenmore Mercy has been trialing the system in its Surgery Department and Intensive Care Unit.
Thanks to the generosity of Kenmore Mercy associates, 56 pediatric patients from Ken-Ton FamilyCare had a great start to their school year.
Associates at Ken-Ton FamilyCare set up a “store like” environment for the patients to go through and pick up school supplies.
Patient Safety & Experience
As a sign of appreciation, the student patients put together a thank you card with their names and handprints as seen above.
By supporting patients in need, they help create a strong foundation for growth and education in the future.
“Like all Catholic Health hospitals, Kenmore Mercy places a high emphasis on standard infection control protocols, including proper hand washing, wearing protective gloves, using the most effective disinfectants, and the careful use of antibiotics,” said Lisa McCabe, Catholic Health director of Infection Control. “We are, however, always looking for new technology to enhance our infection prevention efforts.”
Last year, CleanSlate beat out nearly 11,000 applications to win one of six $500,000 secondplace prizes in the local 43North business development competition. They recently received $300,000 in follow-up funding based on their progress over the past year.
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