February 27, 2020 Osteoporosis Clinic Now Open Page 2 Online Grief Support Available through Excela Health Page 2 Learn About the Meds to Beds Program Page 3 Blood Pressure Volunteers Needed for Wellness Checks Page 4 In the News Employee Engagement Dates to Know New Faces
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5
Volume 3 Issue 6
Black Tie for Hope Raffle Basket Sale The Excela Health Westmoreland/Frick Hospital Foundation will host Black Tie for Hope, a fundraising event on Saturday, March 28 with all proceeds benefiting state-of-the-art cancer care treatment at Excela Health. In support of this major fundraiser the committee will host a basket raffle sale at each of the main Excela Health campuses. Stop by and enter for your chance to win a variety of baskets, including gift cards, dining experiences, and much more! Tickets are 5 for $10 or 20 for $20. (Cash only) Winners will be announced and contacted Monday, March 16, by phone, and baskets will be available for pickup at the Excela Health Marketing Office, 226 Donohoe Road, Suite 111, Greensburg. 3/6, Corporate Services Center, Main Lobby 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/9, Excela Square at Latrobe, Outside the Community Room 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/10, Excela Square at Norwin, North Entrance Atrium Lobby 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/11, Westmoreland Hospital, Main Lobby 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/12, Latrobe Hospital, Main Lobby 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/13, Excela Square at Frick, Near Cafe/Elevators 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet Carol OBryan- Open Heart Communicator By 7 a.m. Carol OBryan, former nurse with Excela Health, has arrived at Westmoreland Hospital to start her volunteer shift as an Open Heart Communicator. She is one of five volunteers who serve as liaisons between the operating room and families while patients undergo open heart surgery. The Open Heart Communicator meets the family once the procedure has started. During this introduction the communicators explain the process, the role they serve, and connect with the patient’s family. At that point the volunteer will go back and forth between the operating room and the waiting room, updating the family at milestones. The goal of the program is to keep the families informed during surgery and to let them know that they are not alone. “I always talk to them about the process, when they make the incision, and if they go on bypass I explain what happens.” OBryan said. The program does not replace the physician communication, but enhances it. Ellen Katter, Director of Volunteer Services, explains that human contact and compassion are what matters most during these times. OBryan said “I have had several times where there are people here in the waiting room by themselves, and it’s difficult for them. There is no one there for them to share their anxieties.” Katter explains how the program keeps patients and families at the center of our care, and is currently expanding and looking for more volunteers. It is an advantage to have medical experience, but not a requirement. Compassion however, is required.
1
In the News Magnet Recognition: What it means for Excela Health. What it means for the patients we serve. Our Magnet journey represented a paradigm shift at Excela whereby we moved our nursing focus from one centered primarily on structure and process to one that put at the forefront indicators for clinical quality, patient satisfaction and the overall nursing environment. We no longer simply examine “what we do.” Now, we ask, “What difference have we made?” Read more. Regional Health Care Systems Set a National Pace in Elder Care Charity Patterson, a registered nurse who is board certified in gerontology, is among the staff at Excela working to ensure older patients maintain their dignity and abilities when they are hospitalized. Read more.
2
Osteoporosis Clinic Now Open Recently Excela Health began an Osteoporosis Clinic to help patients with existing fractures or patients at risk of a fracture. Many people are unaware of the link between fractures and osteoporosis. If you are over the age of 50 and are diagnosed with a fracture, there is a good chance that it may be related to osteoporosis. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to prevent fragility fractures. Some things that can help are a balanced diet, exercise, medications, and the team at Excela Health’s Osteoporosis Clinic. The clinic utilizes three different locations for the convenience of our patients and our dedicated nurse coordinator will help guide you through your journey with osteoporosis and your treatment. Patients can be referred through AllScripts or can self-refer to the clinic by calling 724-689-0429. The Osteoporosis Clinic locations are within Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offices at 410 Pellis Road, Excela Square at Frick and Excela Square at Latrobe.
Smoke Free During Work Hours Effective November 19, 2020, approximately 9 months from now, the policy on Excela Health Tobacco Free Campuses will be strengthened. Tobacco use and tobacco smoking alternatives such as e-cigarettes or vaping by Excela Health employees will be strictly prohibited during the employees’ shift or work hours. This update will help to promote a healthier environment for our patients, visitors and staff. Employees looking to manage the craving of tobacco during work hours or to quit a tobacco habit are encouraged to take advantage of tobacco cessation options offered by the Excela Health Well-Being Center. To visit the Intranet page, click here.
Online Grief Support through Excela Health Throughout life everyone experiences grief, and it can be difficult to handle. “Grief and loss always have a defined beginning, but never a defined end” said Maureen Ceidro, Excela Health Home Care & Hospice Bereavement Counselor. In an effort to provide easily attainable resources for those dealing with grief, Excela Health has a dedicated web page for grief support. Visitors to the page can browse a video library with topics including coping techniques, age-specific grief guidance for youth, dealing with compassion fatigue and more. Along with the videos, the page includes information about an online support group available on Facebook Groups that anyone can request to join. A listing of all in-person support groups offered by Excela Health is also available on this page. Click here to visit the page.
Employee Engagement Learn About the Meds to Beds Program “The Meds to Beds program offers patients and their families the option to receive prescription medications delivered directly to them during their hospital stay. The program gives patients the opportunity to leave the hospital and travel home without the stress of an additional stop to pick up non-maintenance medications. It also affords them the opportunity to ask any last minute questions pertaining to these medications, thereby decreasing post discharge office calls.� Christopher Bellicini, DO Orthopedic Surgeon Learn more.
March Exercise Calendar Now Available The Excela Health Well-Being Center offers a variety of classes to all employees, spouses and the community. A one-time fee of $20 will cover all classes for a year. Classes include yoga, chair fit, body sculpt and more. View the March exercise calendar here or visit the Well-Being Center intranet page.
Nursing Awards and Recognitions Nominations Now Open Its that time of year again! Nominations are being accepted for Cameo of Caring, Friends of Nursing, Nurse Resident, Outstanding Care Team Member and Advanced Cameo of Caring. The due date for all nominations is March 1. Click here for more details and to nominate.
Kudos & Recognition Thank you Dr. Lance Brunton, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Dr. Brunton performed my hand surgery and was absolutely amazing! He was so kind and informative I highly recommend him!
Department/Service Line Recognitions National Athletic Training Month National Nutrition Month National Recruitment Month National Soical Workers Month 3/1 to 3/7 National Social Work Week 3/6, Employee Appreciation Day 3/8 to 3/14 Patient Safety Awareness Week Want to have your department/service line recognized? Click here to submit information.
Share Your Story Have something that you would like to share with the Excela Insight staff for future editions? Email information to insight@excelahealth.org
3
In the Community Blood Pressure Volunteers Needed for Wellness Checks Excela Health is currently in need of volunteers to take manual blood pressures at upcoming Wellness Checks. Click here to view dates. This is a great opportunity if you are looking to provide service to your community and their health needs! Volunteers will receive a $10 gift card. Please contact Laura Denner at 724-689-0211 or ldenner@excelahealth.org if interested in volunteering.
Save the Date: CORE Mark your calendar to raise awareness and educate for organ donation with Excela Health and CORE. More details to come! April 2, System Flag Raising Ceremony at Frick. April 17, National Blue and Green Day
Dates to Know Ideal Protein
Egg-Stravaganza
Spring into Bingo
The Excela Health Weight Management Center is now an independent authorized clinic for Ideal Protein, a structured diet intervention weight loss program. Attend an information session to learn more: • 3/9, 4 to 5 p.m., Westmoreland Hospital
Children ages 0 to 9 are invited to enjoy an egg hunt, light refreshments, treat bags and more! • 4/4, 10 a.m., 890 Weatherwood Ln. Greensburg Sponsored by Excela Health Home Care & Hospice and The Rehabilitation Center at Greater Pittsburgh. RSVP by April 1 to Tammy Dunnivan at 724-837-8076 or tdunnivan@greaterpittsburghrn.com
Spring into Bingo! Jackpot wins: regular $200; “X” $300; coverall $1,000; 14 regular games $50; four single quickie games $75, and three special games $100. All proceeds benefit the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary. • 4/26, Doors open at noon, lunch served noon to 1:30 p.m. and bingo at 1:30 p.m., Youngwood Fire Hall, 104 South Second St., Youngwood To purchase tickets, contact Maureen, 724-244-4343
Café Conference Room 2
• 3/17, 4to 5:00 p.m., Westmoreland Hospital Conference Room D
• 3/25, 4 to 5 p.m., Westmoreland Hospital Café Conference Room 2
Click here for more details or call 1-877-771-1234 to RSVP.
4
New Faces Latrobe Hospital
Home Care & Hospice
EPIC Rehab: Allison Dixon, Physical Therapist
Home Care: Carolyn Pellis, RN June Steimer, Certified Nursing Assistant
Westmoreland Hospital Behavioral Health Services: Catherine Sichmeller, BSN Inpatient Physical Therapy: Kami Kubler Lizik, Speech Pathologist
Excela Square at Norwin Environmental Services: John Carfang, Environmental Services Technician
Excela Square at Latrobe Outpatient Rehabilitation: Brittany Marks, Physical Therapist
MedCare Equipment Company Greensburg: Jeannette Errett, Customer Service Associate I Amber Geary, Customer Service Associate I Jacqueline Naser, Reimbursement Specialist I Mark Suttles Jr., Delivery Technician Heritage Valley: John Deller III, Clinical Respiratory Therapist
Welcome to Excela Health Recent new hires after completing new employee orientation on February 10.
EHMG Family Medicine: Delmont Family Medicine Alynda McLaughlin, LPN Excela Square Latrobe Family Medicine Sandra Garris, Medical Assistant Hospitalist: Frick Alyssa Codrick, Physician Assistant III Internal Medicine: Youngwood Nicole Collins, LPN Obstetrics and Gynecology: Greensburg Kelli Leonard, Patient Information Coordinator Sports Medicine and Orthopedics: Greensburg, Pellis Road Virginia Karadeema Weygandt, Medical Assistant Gastroenterology: Greensburg Carla McClintock, Nurse Practitioner
5