Excela Insight: Year in Review 2019 by Independence Health System

New YEar, New Resolutions!

January 3, 2019

January Hot Jobs The Employee Referral Program is a great opportunity for current Excela Health employees to earn extra income as well as contribute to the success of the health system. All positions are eligible for the bonus and all employees, except Human Resources and director level and above, are eligible. Bonuses are paid after the candidate has completed six months of employment*. The following positions have additional referral bonuses, making them Hot Jobs for January 2019:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Full-Time Medical Assistant - $1,500 Full-Time EHMG LPN - $1,500 Full-Time EHMG RN - $2,500 Full-Time Clinical Nurse Coordinator (BSN) - $1,000 Full-Time Behavioral Health RN (Hospital) – $2,500 Full-Time Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - $1,000 Full-Time Environmental Services Tech - $1,000 Full-Time Acute Care Registered Nurse (Hospital) - $2,500 Full-Time SSU/PACU Float Registered Nurse (Hospital) - $2,500 Full-Time RN Cath Lab (Hospital) - $1,500 Full-Time OR RN (Hospital) - $3,000 Full-Time Registered Nurse (Home Health) - $2,500 Full-Time Surgical Tech - $1,000 Full-Time Physical Therapist (Home Health) - $1,000 Full-Time CRNA - $3,000

*For more information and to learn how to refer a candidate, visit Employee Resources on the Intranet.

Carolyn Loucks, Exercise/Wellness Specialist from Excela Health Well-Being Center, discusses how your 2019 New Year resolutions should incorporate more exercise into your weekly routine. Loucks explains that exercise helps to control weight, combat health conditions and diseases, and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. It also helps to prevent stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and arthritis while also improving mood, boosting energy and promoting better sleep. The recommendation for moderate physical activity is 30 minutes per day, five to seven days a week. For vigorous physical activity, exercise is recommended 20 minutes per day, three to five days a week. Before starting your 2019 exercise routine, talk with your doctor for advice and feedback. To find out how you can establish a routine, keep on track with your routine, and how to set realistic goals, check out the Well-Being Center under Employee Wellness on the Intranet.

Lean Green Belt Program Congratulations to the newest Lean Green Belts; Bonnie Barnhart, Quality; Daniel DeNezza, IT; Tara Elkin, Imaging; Julie Muir, HR; Kelly Neubauer, ED; Chanserey Pich, ED; Elisah Rehard, Business Intelligence; Matthew Rubin, Value Based Performance; Kelcie Shaw, IT; Kelly Shriver, OET Team; Jessica Spiker, Quality; Hanna Crovak, Call Center; Cheryl Destefano, PT and Patricia Lebin, Home Health. If you are interested in the program contact Christine Kennedy at ckennedy@excelahealth.org or Michael Pry at mpry@excelahealth.org for information.

January 17, 2019

Grief Support Groups

Life can feel overwhelming after the loss of a loved one. For many, it is a time of feeling alone and powerless. In a safe and supportive environment, our Bereavement Counselors invite you to share your stories with others who grieve. Excela Health offers complimentary bereavement support groups throughout our service area. There are groups specific for those who have lost a loved one to cancer, those who are further along in their grieving process, those who are starting their grieving process, and those who wish to use art and exercise as ways to cope. Support groups are listed under classes and events on www.excelahealth.org. For additional information, call Excela Health Homecare & Hospice at 724-689-1800 and ask to speak with a bereavement counselor.

New Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Provider

March 28, 2019

April is National Donate Life Month The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is a federally designated, not-for-profit organ procurement organization. CORE works closely with donor families and designated healthcare professionals to deliver the gift of hope by coordinating the surgical recovery of organs, tissues and corneas for transplantation. In 2018, Excela Health was highlighted as a top performer in multiple categories in the HAP Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. Take advantage of National Donate Life Month in April to register as an organ donor. Registration can be simple and fast. Read more at www.core.org or www.donatelifepa.org. Check out April’s Lifelong Learning article on organ donation, featured in Health-e-Tweeter each Wednesday in April.

Employee Engagement Survey NOW OPEN Employees are able to access the survey from their email or visit https://www.smdlink.com/employeesurvey/Excela/default.aspx to access. Please note, you will be asked to provide your employee ID in order to use this link because it is a generic link. An outsourced survey company receives the results, so your answers remain confidential. New hires will have the opportunity to participate through the orientation surveys. To read about improvements that have occurred as a result of the last MAKING ENGAGEMENT survey, go to the HAPPEN Featured News post Be Engaged, Be Heard on the Intranet. YOUR FEEDBACK IN ACTION

Employee Engagement Survey 3/25 - 4/8

Points of Pride: Kathryn Crovak Kathryn Crovak, Nurse Manager at Excela, uses the Points of Pride Award System to show her fellow co-workers that they are valued parts of her team, and even for people who are not directly reporting to her. Crovak uses Points of Pride to exemplify her staff’s work that goes “above and beyond” their already excellent work ethic. This system enables her to send out personally created cards for a detailed gesture that showcases the great services and attitude of the staff. She also recognizes those not reporting to her specifically. Employees appreciate the personal cards given out for great work, and they know how much she appreciates them. sSe is always trying to brighten someone’s day by using the Points of Pride Award system, but she says there is not enough time in the day to do it all! To recognize and appreciate one of your staff members, visit Points of Pride on the Intranet page.

Vol. 2 Issue 13

INSIGHT April 11, 2019

Egg Hunt! Since our hunt for four leaf clovers had more than 100 responses we decided another contest had to happen! This month we are having an egg hunt! In this edition of Insight, you will find eggs hidden throughout. Once you have found them all, email EMA@excelahealth.org with your answer. The first three with the correct response will win a prize! Good luck, and happy hunting!

Hit the Weight Loss Jackpot! Take part in 12 weeks of support, motivation, fun and weight loss! Compete in teams of four to nine co-workers, family members or friends to lose 6 percent of your total weight. Connect to the interactive dashboard and free mobile app to gain tips and support from HealthyWage coaches, chat with your teammates, and check your personal and team stats. All teams who average a 6 percent weight loss will win a share of the jackpot! Lose weight and gain a healthier lifestyle in a fun and effective environment. The fee is $23.33 per month for three months ($70 total and participants must complete the full 12 weeks). The challenge starts April 22, 2019. To join visit: http://bit.ly/2UJdPHH. For questions, contact HealthyWage at info@healthywage.com.

New treatment techniques at Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

Westmoreland Auxiliary Scholarship Recently the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary awarded five scholarships to aspiring health care professionals from local high schools. Congratulations to scholarship recipients Tiffany Bruzda, Zoe Ann Manolis, Zach Sheffler, Luke Sternick, and Jirapach Moongdee. To read more visit, http://bit.ly/2WGcNZI.

To view the album of photos visit, http://bit.ly/2wSp1UC.

Excela Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services has multiple techniques to improve muscle recovery including ‘cupping’. Cups are placed on inflicted areas and suctioned on. This increases blood flow to the area and can be effective in improving pain, mobility and muscle recruitment. Talk to your physician or physical therapist to see if this treatment may be right for you. To learn more about Outpatient Rehabilitation Services and locations visit: http://bit.ly/2KeaLyd.

Employees of the Month Recognition: April

Excela Health celebrates nursing School Alumni

Congratulations to the following employees: • Shannon Mack, Latrobe 2 East • Hannah Ellenberger, Latrobe 2 East

Vol. 2 Issue 24

INSIGHT MAY 2, 2019

Ask the Trainer

Hot Jobs! The Employee Referral Program is a great opportunity for current Excela Health employees to earn extra income and contribute to the success of the health system. All positions are eligible for the bonus and all employees, except Human Resources and director level and above, are eligible. Bonuses are paid after the candidate has completed six months of employment*. The following positions have additional referral bonuses, making them Hot Jobs for May 2019: • Full Time Acute Care Registered Nurse (Hospital) - $2,500 • Full Time Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (Hospital) - $2,500 • Full Time Clinical Nurse Coordinator (BSN) - $1,000 • Full Time CNC Behavioral Health Inpatient - $2,500 • Full Time CRNA - $3,000 • Full Time EHMG LPN - $1,500 • Full Time EHMG RN - $2,500 • Full Time Environmental Services Tech - $1,000 • Full Time Registered Nurse (Home Health) - $2,500 • Full Time Medical Assistant - $1,500 • Full Time Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - $1,000 • Full Time OR RN (Hospital) - $3,000 • Full Time Physical Therapist (Home Health) - $1,000 • Full Time Registered Nurse Cath Lab (Hospital) - $1500 • Full Time Registered Nurse Nursing Home Support Behavioral Health - $2,500 • Full Time SSU/PACU Float Registered Nurse (Hospital) - $2,500 • Full Time Surgical Tech - $1,000

Therapy Dog of the Month April’s Therapy Dog of the Month is Golden Retriever Apryl. Apryl would have turned 5 years old April 9, but sadly, she passed away in late February. She loved visiting patients at Excela Latrobe Hospital on select Sundays with her owner Wendy Cernansky. Along with Excela, Apryl also enjoyed visiting Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Forest Hills Elementary School, where her human sibling, Malena, is in sixth grade. Apryl will be missed by her family and patients she visited. The joy she brought them will not be furgotten.

Vol. 2 Issue 15

*For more information and to view additional criteria, visit Featured News on the Intranet.

View the full gallery of 2019 honorees on the Excela Health Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2PcvKRL

Changes to the Employee Referral Program Beginning July 1, 2019, employees will no longer be required to fill out a form for referrals and the Survey Monkey link will be closed. If your referral candidate mentions your name during their interview you will receive the referral bonus. This change was done to simplify the process and make it easier for employees.

New Faces

Vol. 2 Issue 5

Dexter is a Shih Tzu/Maltese mix, who splits his time between Excela Square at Norwin and Westmoreland Hospital. Dexter loves his time as a therapy dog, but he THERAPY DOG hasn’t always been one. He had February 2019 originally belonged to a senior who had passed away and that is when he came into his “furever” family. It was when his new owner was watching the movie “The Notebook” that she realized Dexter has the qualities and DEXTER personality to become a therapy dog! Shih Tzu/Maltese Mix

Owner: Kelsy Wunderlich Facility: Excela Square at Norwin and Westmoreland Hospital

Free Nutrition Counseling! The Well-Being Center offers a variety of classes to empower individuals with the personal knowledge and skills to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Nutrition counseling is one of the classes available through the Well-Being Center. Free one-on-one sessions with registered dietitians are available to all employees, spouses and dependents. These sessions promote weight management, heart health and balanced nutrition. They also specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating and eating disorders. The Well-Being Center offers five different locations with a variety of times to accommodate your schedule. If interested, contact the Well-Being Center for further information at 724-830-8568. *Nutrition counseling will earn you 25 points towards wellness.

MyExcelaDoc has been refreshed with the inclusion of Press Ganey Star Ratings along with philosophy of care statements. After a patient completes their anonymous Press Ganey survey, the comments are reviewed to protect their privacy. Once the comments are approved they will be displayed on the physician’s MyExcelaDoc profile. MyExcelaDoc can still be accessed through myexceladoc.org, or by going to excelahealth.org and selecting ‘Find a Physician’ from the options on the left hand side of the page.

Calling All Grads! We will be honoring employees who have recently earned degrees and their offspring (sons and daughters or stepchildren) who are graduating from high school, college or technical school. The graduation gallery will be posted for all to view on Featured News and EMA. Please email a photo to EMA@excelahealth.org and include the following: first and last name of graduate, department of employee, graduation school and/or degree and future plans.

Employees of the Month Recognition: February Congratulations to the following employees: • Judy Lewis, Primary Care Penn Township • Dr. Ian Zack, Latrobe Hospitalist • Rita Martin, PCU • Aissa Akou, Laboratory • Sharon Barbrow, Laboratory • Lucy Byers, Marketing

Vol. 2 Issue 18

Excela Health Well-Being Center Mountain View Medical Park 200 Village Drive Greensburg, Pa 15601

Have you noticed a change to the excela health logo?

INSIGHT MAY 16, 2019

Kindness MovemenT Buying a coworker a coffee, offering a patient your umbrella when it's raining and helping an elderly woman cross the street are all acts of kindness. When Excela Health nurses decided to start a “kindness movement” at Excela Health, they enlisted the help of the Well-Being Center to spread the word and to encourage others to pass along kindness. A “kindness card” was developed and it was distributed at the Leadership meeting held in early May. Departments will be receiving the cards, and will be encouraged to use them as a reminder to the recipient to pay it forward. If you experience one of these acts of kindness (giving or receiving) please share the story at ewellness@excelahealth.org. To order more kindness cards visit the Well-Being Center on the Intranet.

Drug Free Sport International, a worldwide provider of drug-use prevention services for athletes, established the Drug Free Sport Continuing Education Award to recognize selfless work of the athletic trainers who ensure the health and safety of their athletes. Megan Smith, Excela Health Assistant Athletic Trainer at Seton Hill University, is one of five recipients for 2019. Congratulations to Megan!

The logo and corporate branding are being updated to reflect a more contemporary and visually appealing look. The tagline has also been updated to align more closely to our mission of “improving the health and well-being of every life we touch.”

Do you know someone who has proudly served our country or would be proud to serve our community? Invite them to the Excela Health job fair, Saturday, July 13, 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ramada Inn, Greensburg. Managers will be conducting on-site interviews.

Welcome 2019-2020 Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residents! Welcome to the incoming class of Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residents; top, left to right; Kyle Covert, MD, Saltsburg Family Medicine; Kathyrn Rickard, DO, Excela Square Latrobe Family Medicine; Hannah Aucoin, DO, Excela Square Frick Family Medicine; Matthew Witte, MD, Excela Square Latrobe Family Medicine; and Tyler Watson, DO, Excela Square Frick Family Medicine, and bottom, left to right; Alaina McClarren, DO, Excela Square Latrobe Family Medicine; Evelyn Jung, DO, Saltsburg Family Medicine; and Jessica Witte, MD, Excela Square Latrobe Family Medicine.

YEAR IN REVIEW

These changes will come as “rolling” refresh, it is not intended to change overnight. We will not dispose of printed materials in stock nor will we change out signage that is not in need of replacement. The desire is that our refreshed look is implemented timely, appropiately and most importantly, cost effectively.

Journey to Magnet

The news we have all been waiting for is here! On Wednesday, June 26, Helen Burns, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, announced Excela Health has been granted a site visit from Magnet! This is a very exciting announcement and is the next step in the process of becoming Magnet Certified. Congratulations to all involved in the process, and look for more details in the coming weeks regarding the surveyor visit.

Vol. 2 Issue 26

Vol. 2 Issue 27

INSIGHT March 14, 2019

St. Patrick’s Day Contest In this week’s edition of Excela Insight, we are celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a contest! On the front and back of this week's edition, you will find shamrocks of all sorts of sizes, but just how many are there? Be sure to look closely! The first person to email the correct response to EMA@excelahealth.org will win a prize!

Meet EMma: Therapy dog of the month Employee Engagement Survey March 25 is the start of the Employee Engagement Survey! This survey is open to all employees of Excela Health, it will be sent to them in their email, and also can be found on the Intranet. The results of the survey lead to changes in the organization. Since the last survey, improvements to communication, employee recognition, opportunities for personal finances, and the Excela environment have been implemented. Watch Featured News leading up to the survey for these top 10 improvements.

MAKING ENGAGEMENT HAPPEN YOUR FEEDBACK IN ACTION

Vol. 2 Issue 7

Employee Engagement Survey March 25 - April 8

We will be honoring employees who have recently earned degrees and their offspring (sons and daughters or stepchildren) who are graduating from high school, college or technical school. The graduation gallery will be posted for all to view on Featured News and EMA. Please email a photo to EMA@excelahealth.org and include the following: first and last name of graduate, department of employee, graduation school and/or degree and future plans.

Excela Health Latrobe Family Medicine Residency Hosts visitors from Japan Excela Health Latrobe Family Medicine Residency Program was the first stop Monday on a statewide tour by representatives of the Japan Association for Development of Community Medicine (JADECOM) coordinated by Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. The purpose of the visit which took Japanese physicians from Pittsburgh International Airport through Amish country in York and Lancaster counties is to learn more about how rural U.S. communities meet healthcare needs and to foster opportunities for international exchange in settings such as Westmoreland County for Japanese physicians in training. Yumiko Radi, director of operations, Jefferson Japan Center and Robert Motley, MD, professor and vice chair, Community Medicine and co-director of the Physician Shortage Area Program at Jefferson; Mike Semelka, DO, FAAFP, Chair, Excela Health Department of Family Medicine and Program director, Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency, and Daniel DiCola, MD associate professor of Family and Community Medicine at Jefferson as well as a faculty member of the Latrobe Family Medicine Residency, fielded questions from the group before touring the facility, including a stop by the Empathy Collection.

INSIGHT MAY 30, 2019

HR Update- PTO Payout PTO sell back for those who elected before December 31, 2018, will be paid on June 6. No action by the employee is required if eligible. Employees who did not elect by Dec. 31 are not eligible for 2019 program. Election for calendar year 2020 will be open in November and communicated at that time.

Excela Health Sports Concussion Program Offering Free Baseline ImPACTTM Testing The Excela Health Sports Concussion Program is offering free baseline ImPACT testing for the first 250 athletes ages 6 to 11, June 2 to August 9. After free testing has been exhausted there will be a $25 charge. To aid in the continued health and well-being of our youth, a state-of-the-art concussion program is offered to reduce the risk of concussion while keeping people active and involved. Those looking for a higher, more comprehensive baseline in addition to the ImPACT test, a $30 full battery of test including eye tracking, balance and gross motor speed is available. Appointments can be made by phone, 724-689-1070.

Vol. 2 Issue 20

Meet Emma, a German Shorthaired Pointer mix, who is eight years old and the March Therapy Dog of the Month. Unlike other dogs, Emma is not interested much in toys or food, but does enjoy a game of hide-and-seek with her owner Rhonda. Emma also does not like to be dirty, wet or cold, so she can be found in a raincoat or winter boats in cold weather. She enjoys being a therapy dog and bringing comfort to patients at Excela Square at Norwin and also to the students at Seton Hill University. For information on joining the furry team of therapy animals go to: http://bit.ly/2Isf7lj

Vol. 2 Issue 11

On July 16, Washington EAP Services released a new online seminar free to Excela Health employees. The session identifies strategies to be more effective and more satisfied with both home and work lives. To access the webinar, go to http://bit.ly/2SkJvPU, login using the password “excela” and click on “work-life” in the upper right corner.

NOW OPEN: Get Your Excela Gear! Refresh your Excela wardrobe through the online Excela Health Corporate Store! You can order your Excela merchandise including ladies’ apparel, men’s apparel, warm-up jackets and more. The store will remain open until July 31. Orders are expected to arrive the week of August 26. To view the store, visit: www.excelastore.com.

Dr. Courtney Floyd Kudos to Dr. Courtney Floyd for ensuring a positive patient experience! “She's a very great doctor!! I would highly recommend her. She's patient and kind. She has good bedside manner, and I have always been seen in a timely manner.” -Happy Patient

Excela Insight: Graduation Edition Congratulations to the graduates of 2019! Whether graduating from high school, college, graduate school or medical school, the well-earned success these graduates have achieved will accompany them in their prosperous futures. Join us in honoring their accomplishments by checking out the 2019 graduation photo album, http://bit.ly/2NKGKZs.

Vol. 2 Issue 29

Fred Rogers taught children (and adults) how to handle life … and death … as part of his television programming. Excela Health Home Care & Hospice in collaboration with the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media and Seton Hill University is addressing grief in our Neighborhood using the teachings of Mister Rogers as a guide. A conference held May 23 at the Rogers Center serendipitously coincided with Gov. Wolf’s designation of the date as 143 Day in tribute to Pennsylvania’s kindest native son. This fall, Excela Health Hospice will begin offering Neighborhood Kids, a series of grief groups for children, which will include art therapy and pet therapy and be held in the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services outpatient area at Excela Latrobe Hospital.

Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society Scholarship Recipient Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society presented this year's first place scholarship of $2,500 to junior volunteer Karsyn Vallorani, daughter of Jimmy and Becca Vallorani of Latrobe. Karsyn sings in the Greater Latrobe High School Choir, has sung the National Anthem at GLHS athletic events, and was a high school cheerleader. In addition, she coached youth cheerleaders, volunteered as a 6th Grade Camp counselor and at the West Point Baseball Field in the concession stand. During her time as a junior volunteer at Excela Latrobe Hospital, Karsyn worked 299 hours in several areas. It was this experience that helped her make career plans. Karsyn will attend WCCC to earn her associate's degree as a radiology technician and hopes to then work for Excela Health. She plans to work while earning her bachelor's degree in radiology.

Vol. 2 Issue 22

Marketing Tools Update

New EAP Online Seminar: Managing Pressure and Balancing Priorities

July 18 2019

Proud to serve, Proud to hire

Nominations Now Open for 2019 Cameos of Caring Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Cameos of Caring, Friend of Nursing, Nurse Resident and Outstanding Care Team Member. The Cameos of Caring® program, created in 1999, honors exceptional nurses who demonstrate excellence in nursing care, serves as an advocate for both patients and their families, and embodies the essence of the nursing profession. Overall, Cameos of Caring® recognizes the versatility that a nursing career offers and the fact that nurses shine in many different facets of care. The Cameos of Caring goal, simply put, is to honor outstanding nurses for their dedication to quality patient care, increase public awareness of the nursing profession by highlighting its career rewards, and recruit a new generation of nurses to offset the nursing shortage. For more information, go to ‘Awards and Recognition’ under ‘Nursing’ on the Intranet. All nominations are due on or before March 1.

Points of Pride

Tammy Vogel, MSN, RN, Director Nursing Services and Quality at Latrobe Hospital, is one of Excela Health’s top Points of Pride nominators. Tammy uses Points of Pride as a way to recognize staff by giving thanks, offering “thinking of you” cards as needed, and as a way to celebrate great teamwork and accomplishments. She notices positive changes in staff behavior and attitude when she uses Points of Pride. They are thrilled to be recognized, thankful, and ready to shop when awards are given. Vogel also says that great teamwork during emergency situations has been recognized when staff has gone above and beyond. For example, when recovery efforts turn to preparing a patient and the family for death and/or dying, staff has been recognized for providing emotional support to the patient, family, and each other. To recognize someone for his/her hard work, celebrations, or moments of need, visit Points of Pride on the Intranet

Grief in Our Neighborhood

Athletic Trainer Recognized by International Organization

View the full gallery of 2019 honorees on the Excela Health Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2PcvKRL

Your total compensation statement provides a snapshot of all benefits and rewards you receive as an employee of Excela Health. This statement shows the full value of rewards you earn beyond your base salary. Excela Health is committed to taking care of you and ensuring that you are rewarded competitively for your contributions and performance. To view your total compensation, follow these steps: 1. On the Intranet, navigate to Ultipro, listed on the left hand side of the screen, and log in. 2. In Ultipro select ‘Menu’ in the upper left-hand corner. 3. Under ‘Menu’, go to the ‘Myself’ section. 4. Within ‘Myself’, select ‘Total Compensation’ under the ‘Pay’ category.

Calling All Grads!

On the Move: Well-Being Center

We will continue to share with you ways in which we are updating our look, but through it all, we want you to remember that Excela Health as a healthcare organization and you as an Excela Health employee are the genuine representation of our brand. While marketing campaigns help tell our story, it’s how each of us showcases the great care available at Excela Health each and every day that is the true testament to who we are and what we stand for.

Biweekly you can see the ‘New Faces’ of Excela Health! This publication lists out who has been recently hired, where they are located, and their title. It is currently published on the Excela Mobile App (EMA) and will now also be featured in Insight. Welcome to the New Faces at Excela! Click here to read.

Meet Dexter, February's Therapy Dog of the Month

The Excela Health Well-Being Center is moving to Mountain View Medical Park. They will begin working at their new location on Monday, August 5. Those who have Biometric screenings scheduled at their Jeannette office in August should report to the new location.

July 3, 2019

June 27, 2019

acceptance begins here

Excela Square at Frick- Open House You’re invited to “Treasure Your Health” during the Excela Square at Frick Open House! On Wednesday, February 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., join in the excitement of the new Excela Square at Frick Family Medicine and Excela Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offices. Norvelt Family Medicine and Main Street Medical have come together in one practice called Excela Square Frick Family Medicine. Expansions have also taken place in our Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offices to better serve patients. In addition, Dr. Rajni Madaan, Internal Medicine, will be joining in a separate suite on the third floor of Excela Square at Frick with her new practice name, Excela Square Frick Primary Care.

February 14, 2019

Star Ratings!

The Well-Being Center exercise physiologists and registered dietitians are here to help! “Ask the Trainer” is a new initiative to answer your questions along your fitness journey. Email your fitness or nutrition questions to ewellness@excelahealth.org and answers will be posted to Featured News as well as the Well-Being Center Facebook Page.

Welcome in the new year’s fitness goals with four employee wellness gyms to fit your time and location needs. The wellness sites are located at Frick Hospital, Latrobe Hospital, Westmoreland Hospital and Excela Square at Norwin. Benefits include extended hours, circuit training sessions and personal training. The gyms require a six-month membership of $5 per pay, and include access to any of the locations listed and are open Monday through Sunday. If a membership is paid in full for the whole year, a $50 reimbursement will be put back into your paycheck as Wellness Initiative. To find out more, visit the Well-Being Center on the Intranet, or call Norene at 724-539-6385.

Now with Press Ganey

On April 16, Washington EAP Services will release an online seminar free to Excela Health employees. The session explores the understanding of resilience and looks at techniques for becoming more resilient. It also points out that the first step is acknowledging one’s own feelings. To access the webinar, go to http://bit.ly/ExcelaEAP1, login using the password “excela” and click on “work-life” in the upper right corner.

Latrobe Hospital Respiratory Department has moved from the 3 west wing to the ground floor (the space previously used as Dr. Mills’ office suite). This move comes in preparation for the remodel of 2 west and south back into inpatient care. The new space once completed will be more convenient for patients receiving care from the pulmonary function lab.

Take a trip with the Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society to Tuscany and the Italian Riviera, April 17 to 24, 2020. Have a chance to see iconic cities such as Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pissa. Lodging will be convenient and kept at two locations, a Tuscan estate and a four-star hotel on the Italian Riviera. There are only 40 spots available for this trip, so reserve your spot soon! For pricing and more details visit, http://bit.ly/2F8Cnk8.

On June 8 and 9, Excela Health was honored to be a part of Pittsburgh Pride. Volunteers worked to inform attendees of services available at Excela Health and to promote a healthy life. At Excela Health our mission is to improve the health and well-being of EVERY life we touch. Acceptance begins here.

Graduates of the Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospital Schools of Nursing recently celebrated their all-class reunion! Many nursing careers started in Westmoreland County.

Vol. 2 Issue 3

Points of Pride offers one way to thank a colleague. Amanda Cowher of the Call Center has been the recipient of a Points of Pride award twice – “The first time was when I helped initiate a code for a coworker who had a heart attack in the office. Most recently I received a recognition for working in the office alone during a very busy time for a few weeks in a row.” With her points she was able to purchase an Amazon Echo in the Points of Pride store. “The award made me feel very appreciated for my hard work and quick thinking.”

On the Move: Latrobe Hospital Respiratory Department

Visit TUscany and the italian riviera with lahas

June 13, 2019

Step Up Your Health Care Experience With Excela Health

Become a certified medical assistant through CareerStep with Excela Health. This program is designed so that you can go at your own pace, and can be completed in as little as 4 months, or up to a year. Included with the program are online classes and simulations, you will learn Microsoft Office, healthcare structure, documentation, reimbursement and more. Excela Health commits $3,500 to your education. You’ll commit three years of employment in exchange. Find the full details on Featured News on the Intranet.

EAP Webinars

Excela Health now offers a dedicated web page with online resources for those dealing with grief. Visitors to the page can listen to an Excela Health Home Care & Hospice grief counselor discuss the different struggles of grief and offer support. Along with the videos, the page includes information about an online support group utilizing Facebook Groups that anyone with a Facebook profile can request to join. Visitors can also find a listing of all in-person support groups offered by Excela Health. To visit the page, go to excelahealth.org and search ‘grief’ or click the computer.

January 31, 2019

Points of Pride Recognition

Online Grief Support Resources Now Available

INSIGHT

“Friendly staff was able to see me right away with broken arm. I appreciated the convenient scheduling and prompt service. My family has always trusted Dr. Bisignani and his care. He is experienced and knowledgeable in his field of expertise. He is friendly, personable and makes you feel comfortable. Thank you!”

Excela Health offers an Employee Assistance Program through Washington EAP Services. The services provided offer solutions to balance your life, work and wellness. This program is available at no cost to employees or household members and is private and confidential. Topics range from childcare and family support to legal and financial resources. You can access these services on the Intranet, located under Employee Resources, follow the link at the top of the page to the Washington EAP Services website. .

Vol. 2 Issue 1

Find Out Your Total Compensation

Employee Gyms

Unplug and Recharge While ensuring patient health and safety is the top priority of Excela Health, employee health is also important. The Well-Being Center will be hosting “Unplug and Recharge”, a series of 15-minute sessions to be offered at each campus once a week during the noon lunch hour. Join them and let go of what is draining your battery and recharge with gentle stretching, relaxation techniques, meditation or breathing exercises. For more information, visit Employee Wellness/Well-Being Center on the Intranet.

August 1, 2019

Welcome Dr. Marlo Marcheleovich Welcome to Marlo Marcheleovich, DO. Dr. Marcheleovich received her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA, and is a graduate of the UPMC McKeesport Family Medicine Residency. She joined Drs. Jill Constantine and Kathryn Bender in Jeannette on July 1. Prior to her healthcare career path, she taught chemistry in the Penn-Trafford, Franklin Regional and Norwin school districts. Dr. Marcheleovich is accepting new patients of all ages at Excela Health Family Medicine Jeannette. To schedule an appointment, visit http://bit.ly/2MqEe8y or call 1-855-ExcelaDoc.

Journey to Magnet Excellence Previously, Helen Burns, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, announced that Excela Health has been granted a site visit from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet appraisers! The visit has been scheduled from September 30 to October 3. Beginning the process of the Magnet application required an extensive number of narratives and documents about Excela Health and nurses and clinical teams to be submitted to the ANCC. Having completed their review, the stories are now available for employees to read. The stories can be found by following the link at the top of the Intranet homepage. The login required will be the same username and password one would use to log in to the Excela Health computer system.

During the process of the brand refresh, tools and platforms for employees are being updated on a rolling basis. Employees can now find updated fax cover sheets, letterhead, PowerPoint templates and the standard email signature on the Marketing and Communications Intranet page under Communications, Communication Tools. Please be mindful and use any letterhead or fax cover sheets that you may already have printed in your area before using the new ones. Email signatures can and should be updated as soon as possible. To update your signature, follow these five simple steps: 1. Open Microsoft Outlook 2. Select ‘File’, then ‘Options’, then ‘Mail’ 3. Choose ‘Signatures’ from the list and select ‘New’ when the dialog box opens 4. Copy/paste one of the standard email signature examples and update the information as it pertains to your role – you will have to copy/paste logo separately 5. Click OK twice to save your information

KUDOS! Happy New Employee

Maureen Ceidro

“I just want to take a minute and say that I am so happy that I made move and left the I gaveasaI’ve total of Maureen is athe dear soul... lovely andjob loving... 10 years to. The month I have been with Excela has experienced many Health Home Caregoing & Hospice been great. I with feel like I fitExcela right in, I don’t dread to work and actually look forward to it. They have trusted caregivers. me with projects and have added projects onto my plate which I love! I feel appreciated! I plan to continue my education and move right on up as I have done with every single position I have had before…”

Vol. 2 Issue 31

“Bem vindo” to Dr. Ryan Abegglen!

August 22, 2019

Excela Health Day at the Fair Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun should stop! On August 19, nearly 100 employees and their family members visited the Westmoreland Fair to celebrate Excela Health Day! That evening visitors to the Excela booth could get their blood pressure checked by volunteers from the orthopedics group, learn about career opportunities from Excela Health Home Care & Hospice as well as be educated on stroke awareness. As the evening continued the Excela Health team huddled together for the annual group photo. Thank you to all who enjoyed the event with Excela Health!

Welcome to Dr. Ryan Abegglen, a new addition to Excela Health Surgical Specialists, practicing at Excela Square at Latrobe. Dr. Abegglen joins Excela after finishing his surgical residency at UPMC Mercy. Along with his surgical expertise, Dr. Abegglen brings a unique skill, he is fluent in Portugese! Dr. Abegglen’s schooling spanned the country, beginning with his undergraduate degree at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. Continuing at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington D.C. where he began medical school. He then transferred to the Pittsburgh area with his wife Heather where he completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Abegglen enjoys spending time with his wife, who is a paediatrician at UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics, and their two children. His philosophy of care reflects his focus on his family, “I strive to treat my patients in a way that I would want and expect my family to be treated in the same situation.”

Finding Financial Freedom On August 20, Washington Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services released a new online seminar, free to Excela Health employees, providing a guide to financial stability. This session offers suggestions on controlling expenses and how to create a recovery plan for growing debt. To access the webinar, visit http://www.washingtoneapservices.com/ using the password “excela” and navigate to the “Living” tab, then click on “Financial”. If you visit the Progressive Care Unit at Frick Hospital, you may just be lucky enough to be in the presence of royalty! Sarah DuBrul is an Excela Health volunteer in the PCU and also happens to be the 2019 Westmoreland Fair Queen! Be sure to congratulate her Royal Highness if you see her!

Vol. 2 Issue 34

Refer a Friend, Get Money in Your Pocket!

September 5, 2019

Welcome Dr. Vinod Kudagi Dr. Vinod Kudagi, interventional cardiologist, has recently joined Excela Health Cardiology. Before coming to Excela Health, Dr. Kudagi was a part of St. Luke's University Health Network where he held the fastest door-to-balloon record of 13 minutes! Door-to-balloon time is a key performance quality metric in the treatment of heart attacks and is the procedure that reopens the artery. Dr. Kudagi completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT. From Connecticut, he went on to complete a cardiac imaging fellowship at Saint Francis Hospital, Roslyn, NY, a cardiology fellowship at Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, and an interventional cardiology fellowship at Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY. With three cardiac fellowships, one might assume that Dr. Kudagi always planned to be in the cardiology field, but that would be incorrect. Dr. Kudagi began medical school with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. While Dr. Kudagi was still in med school, his father died of cardiac arrest. It was at this time that he developed a passion for cardiology and wanted to be able to care for cardiac patients. When not working, Dr. Kudagi enjoys spending time with his family.

The Employee Referral Program is a great opportunity for current Excela Health employees to earn extra income and contribute to the success of the health system. All positions are eligible for the bonus and all employees, except Human Resources and director level and above, are eligible. Bonuses are paid after the candidate has completed six months of employment. Some positions have additional referral bonuses, making them Hot Jobs for September 2019. To view a full listing of Hot Jobs click here.

Be Prepared for Back to School Germs! School is back in session and that means that germs are back as well! The Westmoreland Outpatient Pharmacy is here to help. Employees can place orders for over-the-counter (OTC) medications and pick them up at the pharmacy. For employees not located at Westmoreland Hospital, medications can be delivered to Frick or Latrobe Hospitals at no additional cost and picked up at their respective pharmacies. Visit the Outpatient Pharmacy intranet page for more details.

Winner of our Signature Contest! Thank you to those who participated in our signature contest! Our lucky winner is: Kelcie Shaw Still need to update your signature? Follow these directions: https://bit.ly/2YLy0CA.

Say “Boo” to the flu! It's time to begin preparing for our systemwide flu vaccination program and for all employees to mark their calendars for their opportunities to receive a flu shot to be in compliance with this condition of employment. As was previously announced, beginning with the 2019 flu season, vaccination is mandatory for all employees with limited exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Excela Health has a stellar compliance rate each flu season, and we expect a similar response this year, too. To view the list of times and locations click here.

September 26, 2019

a fresh perspective on breast cancer awareness Join Excela Health to celebrate women and learn about breast cancer awareness through art and artistry of our physician/health care speakers. Due to the popularity among employees for the event in 2018, this year there will be a special employee-only event on October 30, at the Greensburg Country Club. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the program will begin at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy an artful presentation on Excela Health's perspective on cancer care and will paint their own fall-themed masterpiece using watercolors. Registration is $10 per person with 100% of the proceeds benefiting state-of-the-art technology for the advancement of breast care at Excela Health. Seating is limited, RSVP by October 19 here. For any questions please contact Laura Denner at ldenner@excelahealth.org. For more information click here. Attendees at last years event were able to create their own sunflowers to represent hope!

Vol. 2 Issue 36

Help Welcome the Magnet Appraisers to Excela Health The time we have all been waiting for is finally here! On Monday, September 30, 7:30 a.m. the Magnet appraisers will be arriving! The appraisers have “read the book” now they are coming to “see the movie.” Please arrive promptly at 7:30 a.m. at Westmoreland Hospital Main Lobby/Front Circle to participate and line the sidewalks as they arrive via trolley.

12 hours of opportunity! During the month of October, Walk-In Wednesday hours will be extended from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.! Women will be able to walk-in to our mammography sites for their screening mammo. No appointment needed. No doctor’s orders needed. Looking to schedule your mammo? Click here.

Vol. 2 Issue 39

More Than 400 Women took part in Excela Health's Breast Cancer Awareness Event!

excela ladies night out: celebrating hope

October 3, 2019

Awareness Begins Here According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will have some form of breast cancer in her lifetime. October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is a time to raise awareness about breast cancer and early detection. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should initiate yearly screening mammography at age 40. At the Excela Health Breast Center, we offer state-of-the-art mammography suites for both screening and diagnostic mammograms. Excela is dedicated to providing the most efficient and advanced technology available, screening every woman using 3D mammography technology. In an effort to make the process of scheduling a mammogram even simpler, women can now request an appointment online. Excela also offers Walk-In Wednesday, with extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the month of October, a no-appointment opportunity to get a routine mammogram as an alternative to scheduling a mammo. Remind the women in your life to schedule their appointment! “At Excela Health, we are committed to breast health and excellence in every way. Every patient receives the highest quality of care, latest technologies and compassionate guidance throughout their journey. We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment for our patients, during this challenging time” -Sharon Goldstein, MD, FACS Director of Excela Breast Center

Join Excela Health to celebrate women and learn about breast cancer awareness through art and artistry of our physician/health care speakers. This special employee-only event is on October 30, at the Greensburg Country Club. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the program will begin at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy an artful presentation on Excela Health's perspective on cancer care and will paint their own fall-themed masterpiece using watercolors. Registration is $10 per person with 100% of the proceeds benefiting state-of-the-art technology for the advancement of breast care at Excela Health. Seating is limited, RSVP by October 19 here. For any questions please contact Laura Denner at ldenner@excelahealth.org. For more information click here.

3D mammo: Every women, every time. Dr. Corinne Lynch, radiologist, discusses the lifesaving difference a 3D mammogram can make in a woman’s life. Learn why Excela Health has made this technology the standard of care for every woman, every time.

EEK! A Spider Contest Winner! To celebrate the Halloween season last week we held a frightening good contest! Last week’s edition was taken over by spiders of all shapes and sizes, and we had readers submit their guess as to how many there were. All correct responses were entered in a drawing to win four tickets to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium! The lucky winner was Cindy Hyatt from Latrobe Hospital Laboratory.

Over a span of two nights, one specifically for community members and one for Excela Health employees, 400 women gathered to learn about breast cancer from an artful presentation. “It’s been said that medicine is a blend of art and science, and tonight we pair personal creativity with collective knowledge in a discussion of a health topic that is of particular interest to women,” said Dr. Carol Fox, Chief Medical Officer for Excela Health. Attendees heard from a number of speakers including Dr. Sharon Goldstein, Breast Surgery; Dr. Becky Hwang and Dr. Amy Kreutel, Radiology, as well as Nurse Navigators Sheila Farina, MSN, RN and Carrie Horner, MSN, RN. Together the events generated nearly $10,000 with 100% benefiting the state-of-the-art technology for the advancement of breast care at Excela Health.

PTO Sell back election form When you awake to frosted windows and only a few leaves remain on trees, you know the year is quickly coming to an end. This also means the opportunity to elect for 2020 PTO Sell Back. Employees with a minimum of 80 hours in their PTO bank on December 14, 2019, are eligible to participate in this program. For more details click here.

Happy New Employee “I just want to take a minute and say that I am so happy that I made the move and left the job I gave a total of 10 years to. The month I have been with Excela has been great. I feel like I fit right in, I don’t dread going to work

Awareness Begins Here

Vol. 2 Issue 39

Vol. 2 Issue 43

About About.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2/3 Welcome to Excela Health.. . . . . .4/5 In the community.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 memorable moments.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 lights, camera action.. . . . . . . . . . . .8 New additions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 kudos and awards.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10/11 special editions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Insight Staff

Cody Ambrose, Patricia Buhl, Thomas Chakurda, Laura Denner, Amy Filer, Robert Firment, Emily Funyak, Robin Jennings, Heather Mueller, John Munsch, Zoe Scripter, Keri Sciullo, Madison Veneri, Lindsey Yowan

INSIGHT

About

About Excela Insight

Excela Insight is a weekly publication that can be found on the Intranet and the Excela Mobile App (EMA). Insight features news and updates from across the system. Within editions employees can find Kudos to Excela Health staff, Excela Health in the news, upcoming on-site events and more! Past editions can be found on the Marketing page of the Intranet under Employee Publications.

Excela Insight by the numbers Reads: 20,733 Stories: 211 On-site Events: 99 Community Events: 65 Editions: 52 In the news: 52 Kudos: 43 Special Editions: 4

Welcome to excela health

Ryan Abegglen, MD

Michael Culig, MD, MMM

Kerra Doyle, DO

Jeena George, MD

Excela Health Surgical Specialists

Excela Health Cardiothoracic Surgical Specialists

Excela Health OB/GYN

Excela Health Family Medicine

Mary Elizabeth Kovacik Eicher, MD

Vinod Kudagi, MD

David Lee, MD, FACC

Marlo Marcheleovich, DO

Excela Health Interventional Cardiology

Excela Health Family Medicine

Excela Health Neurology

Welcome to excela health

Ronald Pellegrini, MD, Sc.D

Robert “Bobby” Reed, MD

Samara Rubin, MD

Rehab Shabana, MD, FACOG

Physician Advisor for Excela Health Cardiovascular Services

Excela Health ENT

Excela Health OB/GYN

Hiroyuki Tsukui, MD, PhD Excela Health Cardiothoracic Surgical Specialists

In the community Excela Health Surgical Staff

In April, staff members and their families of Excela Health Surgical Specialists participated in a “Stop the Bleed” training course with instructors from the Penn State Fayette Center for Community and Public Safety.

Donated Clothes

During the month of May, more than 20 boxes of newly-purchased, donated clothes were packed to be used at Excela Health hospitals for patients who were unable to leave the hospital in the clothing that they arrived in, such as domestic violence victims. Excela Health emergency department nurses were in attendance to take the clothing back to the three hospitals. This program is continuing with clothing and items to match the season.

Excela Health Day at the Fair

On August 19, nearly 100 employees and their family members visited the Westmoreland Fair to celebrate Excela Health Day!

Excela Health at Camp Focus

In August, Excela Health Registered Dietitian Dawn Davoli had the opportunity to represent the health system at Camp Focus, a camp designed for students who benefit from school-based therapy from Excela Health Behavioral Health Services. Dawn’s goal was to provide students with information regarding a healthier lifestyle by reducing sugar intake.

More than 400 women took part in Excela Health’s Breast Cancer Awareness event! Over a span of two nights in October, more than 400 women gathered to learn about breast cancer from an artful presentation. Attendees heard from several speakers from Breast Surgery to Radiology and Breast Health Nurse Navigators. Together the events accumulated nearly $10,000 to benefit the advancement of technology of breast care at Excela Health.

Memorable Moments Black Tie for Hope

This year’s event, held on March 30, hosted by Westmoreland/Frick Hospital Foundation was dubbed Black Tie for Hope. The casino-themed event featured a life-size Operation game and many others to support Excela Health’s state-of-the-art cancer care services.

Grief in our Neighborhood

This year Excela Health Home Care & Hospice collaborated with the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media and Seton Hill University to offer a new program titled Neighborhood Kids. This program includes a series of grief groups for children such as art therapy and pet therapy and is held in the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services outpatient area at Excela Latrobe Hospital.

Grief Video

change to the Excela Health logo

Be prepared for back to school germs!

In early September, the Westmoreland Outpatient Pharmacy began offering the opportunity for employees to place orders for over-the-counter medications for pickup at the pharmacy. For those who are not located at the Westmoreland Hospital, medications can be delivered to Frick or Latrobe Hospitals and picked up at their respective pharmacies. Since announcing over-the-counter meds the pharmacy now also offers CBD and pet medications.

Journey to Magnet® Excellence In the beginning of August, Helen Burns, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, announced that Excela Health was granted a site visit from the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® appraisers to be scheduled from September 30 to October 3. On December 20 it was announced that we had received Magnet® recognition!

In early July, Excela Health began its course toward a brand refresh with a new logo to better reflect a more contemporary and visually appealing look, as well as an updated tagline to align with our mission. The “rolling” refresh has been a key part in representing how we showcase the great care we offer and what we stand for as an organization.

Lights, Camera, action Take Five with Dr. Zelkovic

At the end of January, Dr. Zelkovic, Excela Health bariatric surgeon, was featured on WPXI-TV’s ‘Take Five’ news segment to discuss different types of weight loss surgeries at Excela and qualifications for such surgeries.

Volunteer Stories: Vic

In August, we featured Westmoreland Hospital Emergency Department volunteer Vic Bryer for his several years of putting smiles on patients faces in stressful times. He began volunteering after his wife died to give back to others in the community and continues to enjoy bringing comfort to all he meets.

What is Lymphedema

In August, Andrea Shafran, physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist with Excela Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, discussed lymphedema. Her discussion includes causes of the disease and how it can be treated.

Unplug and Recharge at your desk!

Beginning in September, Unplug and Recharge was made available as an online session to provide stress guidance through a convenient, digitalized platform. Betty Minerva, RN, Holistic Stress Management Instructor from the Excela Health Well-Being Center, hosts this 15-minute video to help relieve the body from daily tension and strain.

Expert Care Begins Here Excela Health began running a new TV commercial in November to highlight the tertiary-level care we provide to our patients. It features our numerous accreditations and awards in design, programming and excellence in fields such as stroke intervention, orthopedic surgery and cardiothoracic surgery.

New Additions

New Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

In January, Excela Health began a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Washington EAP Services. The services are available to provide employees with solutions to balancing life, work and personal wellness. Topics range from childcare and family support to legal and financial resources.

MyExcelaDoc now with Press Ganey Star Ratings! Starting in May, MyExcelaDoc was refreshed with the inclusion of Press Ganey Star Ratings along with anonymous patient comments. This update also included physician philosophy of care statements now visible on profiles.

Excela Square at Frick – Open House

February 13 marked Excela Square at Frick’s community open house themed “Treasure Your Health”. The open house celebrated the joining of Norvelt Family Medicine with Main Street Medical to become Excela Square Frick Family Medicine. Dr. Rajni Madaan also moved into a separate suite on the third floor with her new practice name, Excela Square Frick Primary Care.

Online Grief Support resources available In March, Excela Health Home Care & Hospice started offering a webpage dedicated to providing online resources for those dealing with grief. The page includes videos and links to our support group on Facebook for users to discuss the different struggles of grief.

Ideal Protein In August, the Excela Health Bariatric Center became an independent authorized clinic for Ideal Protein. This program follows a ketogenic approach with dieters consuming adequate protein while reducing calories and restricting carbohydrates.

John Sphon named ceo In December, Excela Health’s national search process concluded, and the Excela Health Board of Trustees voted to appoint John Sphon as permanent Chief Executive Officer. During his time as Acting Chief Executive Officer he demonstrated his skills at connecting with doctors, nurses, staff, volunteers and auxillians.

Kudos and awards 2019 ICU Design Citation Award

This past February, the Westmoreland Hospital Intensive Care Unit was granted the 2019 ICU Design Citation Award for its outstanding design of patient rooms, interactive patient care system and dome lighting outside rooms for lessened noise alarms. This is all accompanied with a family-stay waiting room and sleeping area for overnight stays.

Home Care & Hospice In August, Hospice volunteer Ed Washburn and Excela Health Cardiology Supervisor Nancy Gombos delivered their 500th birthday celebration. The duo bakes and delivers birthday cakes to bring a moment of joy to patients in our hospice program.

Excela Health Nursing Experience

Excela Health nursing goes above and beyond to ensure involvement in the community and excellent patient care at any moment. In May, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Helen Burns, was recognized with the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medal for Distinguished Service for the expertise and guidance she provided at Pitt-Greensburg as it developed its new nursing program. In November, Jamie Kimmick from acute care and Melissa Townsend from ambulatory care were recognized as exceptional caregivers at the Cameos of Caring ceremony in Pittsburgh. Additionally, Traci Fick, Vice President of Patient Care Services received an honorable mention for Leadership from the Pittsburgh Magazine 2019 Excellence in Nursing.

Kudos and awards Excela Health honored in 2019 HAP Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge In September, Excela Health was highlighted as the top performing health system in the 2019 HAP Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge to increase awareness of the need for organ and tissue donors. Westmoreland, Latrobe and Frick Hospitals were recognized as platinum hospitals.

Healthiest Employer

Once again, Excela Health has been recognized as one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, signifying Excela as an exemplary leader for the effectiveness of their population health and well-being initiatives. Excela Health was also recognized as the healthiest employer in Western Pennsylvania. Applicants were evaluated across six categories: Culture and Leadership Commitment, Foundational Components, Strategic Planning, Marketing and Communications, Programming and Interventions, and lastly Reporting and Analytics.

Excela Health nationaly recognized

Excela Health was once again awarded for its national recognition in clinical skill and high-quality patient care by the U.S. News & World Report for 2019-20. The award deemed Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital to a Best Regional Hospital – Pittsburgh and was specifically recognized as a top performer in knee replacement, heart failure and COPD treatment. Excela Westmoreland was one of 569 hospitals selected of the nearly 4,500 reviewed based on performance in delivering outstanding care.

Excela Health has received System Magnet® Designation! On Friday, December 20, Helen Burns, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer and John Sphon, Chief Executive Officer received a call from the Commission on Magnet® Recognition congratulating Excela Health on their magnet recognition. The call was taken live at Frick Hospital and was streamed live to Westmoreland Hospital and Latrobe Hospital. This accomplishment is no small feat for Excela Health, and all employees should feel proud of this accomplishment. Look for more information as we continue to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Special Editions 2018 Employee of the Month Edition

In February, the 2018 Employees of the Month were invited to attend a breakfast that included an activity asking the honorees to build an object with various “trash” items. This activity helped each individual solve a puzzling problem similar to what Excela employees accomplish every day at work, as stated by Laurie English, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.

Service Awards 2019

In April, Excela Health recognized more than 500 employees during the 2019 Service Awards celebrations, honoring individuals with anniversaries in 5-year increments at various receptions and a dinner for those marking a quarter century or more of service this year. Among those celebrated, Bernadette “Bunny” Wallace was celebrated for her half century dedication to Excela Health, beginning as a pediatric nurse at Latrobe Hospital to now serving as a nurse for Neurosurgery and Joint Works. Congratulations Bunny and to all of those recognized!

2019 Graduation Album In mid-July, the Excela Insight team released the 2019 Graduation Album featuring graduate photos submitted by Excela Health employees. Whether graduating from high school, undergraduate, graduate or medical school, these grads have achieved well-earned success that will accompany them in their prosperous futures. Check out this year’s graduation photo album here!

Thankful Edition A few days before Thanksgiving, the Excela Insight team issued the Thankful Edition of Insight. This edition included a sampling of positive comments that were collected from a wide range of sources such as Google Reviews, Press Ganey, Facebook and feedback to Excela Health. These items provide just a small idea of what we do here at Excela Health and how it positively affects the lives we touch. This Insight Special Edition is proud to present a huge “thank you” to all parts of our hard-working team!