www.ormc.org
An award winning newsletter for Orange Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers
February 2017
From The President & CEO Thank you to everyone who has been working diligently on reducing Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding. This is a top priority and must remain a focus. We have identified many areas throughout the hospital that have been instrumental in successfully Scott Batulis reducing the number of patients we President & CEO are holding in the ED for inpatient beds. Additionally, we have not been on ambulance diversion since January 16. This is excellent progress and a huge improvement! In January, we created a 12-bed Clinical Decision Area (CDA) within the main hospital’s Same Day Surgery (SDS) area for observation patients throughout the hospital. The result has been a more coordinated level of care for the observation patients while freeing up inpatient beds and allowing us to admit ED patients more quickly. We have also implemented a Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) in the ED triage area from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily. This is a new emergency patient care program in which a provider participates in the triage process and can quickly assess a patient’s condition. At this point, the provider can either treat and discharge a patient or recommend more acute care. We have added back into operation and are staffing three patient rooms on 5 West. Additionally, we have identified enough alcove spaces on various med/surg units to increase inpatient capacity by 21 beds. These areas will be slightly renovated and equipped with a bed, television, nightstand and a curtain. While this is a practice recently sanctioned by the NYS Department of Health as a way to handle overcrowding, it will be used only in extreme situations.
The majority of admitted patients holding in the ED require telemetry monitoring. Efforts are in place to be sure best practice criteria are being followed for telemetry inpatients in an attempt to free up telemetry beds more quickly. When inpatients remain in telemetry care past what is appropriate for their condition, it limits the number of telemetry beds available for the patients holding in the ED. It is necessary for everyone to support the telemetry criteria to maximize the use of these beds. Case management has increased their hours in the ED and we have had success with discharging inpatients earlier in the day. We are also looking at creating a Discharge Lounge. This would be a designated area in the hospital where discharged patients could wait for transportation home allowing their room to be cleaned and prepped for the next patient. There are concentrated efforts on reducing length of stay and readmission rates. These areas have a significant impact on inpatient bed capacity, which ultimately affects ED overcrowding. We have also increased awareness about our Urgent Care services in the new Outpatient Building at Orange Regional and also in Monroe near Stop & Shop, in an attempt to educate our patients and the community about when to use Urgent Care versus the ED. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to improve the health of our community.
Scott Batulis, President & CEO
Orange Regional “Goes Red” On February 3, Orange Regional staff and the Cardiology Department “went red” in support of the American Heart Association's Wear Red Day. Supporting the fight against women's heart disease and stroke is a long standing tradition at Orange Regional.
GHVHS Medical Group
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Update
February 2017
Welcome New Physicians Michael E. Hoffman, MD, joined ORMG and CRMG to provide urological care. A Board-certified urologist, Dr. Hoffman received his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, NY. He's held a residency in general surgery at Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Center in New York, NY and also held a urology residency at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. He is a member of the American Urological Association and Endourological Society. Michael can be reached at mhoffman@ormc.org.
Kausar Nazir, MD recently joined ORMG as a hospitalist. She is Board-certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Nazir completed a residency at UND Family Practice Center in Bismarck, ND and graduated with MBBS from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. Kausar can be reached at knazir@ormc.org.
Dr. Chavez Carey Advocates in Albany Dr. Joseph Chavez Carey was in Albany with Friends of Recovery - New York advocating for substance use recovery services yesterday. A big thanks to our whole group, seen here with New York State Senator John J. Bonacic.
URGENT CARE REMINDER FOR YOUR PATIENTS AND YOU
Patient Accolades Patient Gives 5-Star Review Of Orange Regional Medical Group
Open at ORMC in Middletown and at the Stop & Shop Plaza in Monroe
"...Everyone I had contact with was friendly and informative. We were in and out quickly. I have never liked going to other urgent care facilities in the past. Orange Regional has changed that for me. This is the ONLY place I will go."
Ask about MyChart, our Electronic Health Records system. View your health summary, test results, and pay your bill online.
- Anne Richardson Facebook user -2-
Middletown
Monroe
845-333-7271 Daily, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
845-333-7837 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Leading The Way Dr. Lisa Oldham, RN has been appointed as Vice President of Nursing Operations. This new leadership position at Orange Regional reports to the Chief Nursing Officer. Dr. Oldham has responsibility for nursing operations, including the staffing office, clinical supervision and bed flow; the medical-surgical division; the women and children’s division and the critical care division. Dr. Oldham joins Orange Regional from the Institute for Family Health of New York; a large multispecialty medical practice where she served as the Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Operations. Prior to that, she has served as a nurse leader at a number of hospitals including Hackensack University Medical Center for 24 years, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center and St. Michaels Medical Center. Dr. Oldham serves as adjunct faculty at Felician College and William Patterson University. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from William Patterson College and her Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Kennedy Western University/Cappella University. She is Board-certified in nursing administration. Lisa can be reached at loldham@ormc.org.
NEW EMPLOYEE REWARD AND RECOGNITION PROGRAMS The Reward and Recognition Committee has developed two new programs to recognize the exceptional service provided by any member of our hospital family which includes employees, physicians, volunteers and medical group staff. In The Moment Program is an on-the-spot, real time recognition tool used by leadership to thank staff when ‘caught in the act’ of providing exceptional service. If you receive a “You were caught BEEing exceptional” coupon, you are eligible for a monthly gift card drawing. Just drop your coupon in a “Honey Pot” located in the Main Campus Cafeteria, Pavilion Café, Outpatient Rehabilitation or Outpatient Behavioral Health. Coupons will be collected monthly and a winner will be drawn and announced. BEE Award, celebrates any member of our hospital family who demonstrates excellence in their interactions with patients, visitors, colleagues and the community. Individuals are nominated for this award. BEE stands for Being Exceptional Every day and anyone can be nominated for this monthly award. You can nominate a fellow employee, volunteer and or physician. Patients and families can nominate a member of our hospital family, as well. Email your nomination, with as much detail as possible, to BEEaward@ghvhs.org. It’s that simple! Monthly BEE winners will be selected based on being a caring professional, providing exceptional customer service, delivering services based on standards of excellence and who go above and beyond. BEE of the Year will be selected and celebrated during Hospital Week. You can also access the BEE Award information via Orange Regional’s intranet home page or on our Web site, www.ormc.org through the “For Employees” portal at the bottom of the homepage or under the “Patients” tab in the top navigation bar. -3-
February 2017
Welcome New Employees Ineh Ajang Kelsey Allen Heemin An Luzdary Aviles Joshua Baez Amanda Balch Paula Basile Maria Battipaglia-Nieves Hailee Brown Keith Buccieri Tara Byrne Adrian Cole Marsha Dixon Robin Drake Carolyn Estes Theresa Fiedler Natalia Girardi Thara-Angy Gourdet Katherine Graf Virginia Hambrick Kathleen Iozzino Morgan Jacobsen Jazmin Jamal Brianni Johnson Sebrina Jones Michelle Kent Anthony Knowles Vivian Kyeraa Charles Kyere Cheryl LaFiandra Giovanni Laboy Megan Lask Tayler Malcolm Natalia McCafferty Kenneth Milo Shanna Moran Michael Musselwhite Bonnie Nadolny Jean Narod Margarita Nieves Jahaira Ordonez Licha Pasare Amanda Pastor Stacy Phelps Promesa Primus Shannon Quinn Shanita Reynolds Michelle Romero Timothy Rush Lisa Schmidt Timothy Shoeman Chelsea Soto Shanise Taylor-Ramdeo Marie Gessie Vertus Alfred Youngblood De Fa Zhu Jessica Zukor
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February 2017
Simulator Laboratory Relocates To Conference Room 6 Offers more space for staff education and debrief
Orange Regional’s Interprofessional Learning Simulation Laboratory has recently relocated to Conference Room 6 on the ground level of the Hospital at the Main Campus. The relocation offers more space and a dedicated area for staff and students to debrief on their practice sessions. The space currently houses an adult manikin affectionately named “Sami”, and soon hopes to expand with the addition of a hi-fidelity pediatric manikin. Orange Regional first introduced the SimMan 3G during the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Simulation Laboratory in April 2016. SimMan3G is an advanced high-fidelity human patient simulator that can display neurological and physiological symptoms. The simulation learning lab is designed to provide clinical staff members and students a place to continue their education and training with SimMan 3G. Simulation training has proven to be an effective learning tool in improving patient safety and reducing procedural complications and hospital-acquired infections, while building confidence and encouraging collaborative teamwork amongst healthcare providers. Interested in simulation learning? For more information, contact Interprofessional Education Specialist and Simulation Education Coordinator, Michele Aeberli, MSN-Ed, RN-BC at maeberli@ormc.org.
Non-Invasive Pain Management During Labor The Rowley Family Birthing Center is pleased to announce it is the first in Orange County, and one of the first in New York State, to offer nitrous oxide as a pain management alternative to laboring mothers. Among the many benefits of nitrous oxide to women in labor is the ability to move around more freely than with an epidural anesthetic which blocks pain below the waist. Nitrous oxide is a colorless and tasteless gas made for inhalation to provide analgesia during painful procedures. It has a long history of safe use in other countries during labor and delivery. It is self-administered through an ondemand flow delivery system, and can be used in all stages of labor without affecting the baby. When the mother stops inhaling the gas, the effects wear off very quickly. Nitrous oxide has also been used effectively for postpartum procedures immediately after delivery. For more information, contact Clinical Nurse Specialist, Raizie Lutwak at rlutwak@ormc.org. -4-
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February 2017
Nurse Of Distinction Committee Selects 2016 Nominees And Finalists In conjunction with an 1199SEIU joint labor management project, outstanding nurses from Orange Regional will represent our organization at an annual gala in May, better known as the “Academy Awards for Nurses,” at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott. Each year, one winner is selected in each of the following categories: nurse of distinction, nurse leader, preceptor and novice nurse.
The following semi-finalists will represent Orange Regional in Brooklyn in May:
Congratulations to the following nurses for being selected by Orange Regional’s Nurse of Distinction Committee, as a nominee in the following categories:
Novice:
(less than two years as a practicing RN) David Aguasca – 4 West Martin Goldberg – 4 West Robert Stein – 3 North Ericka Vollano – ED
Novice
David Aguasca
Preceptor: Virginia Grieb – SICU Kristina Keppler – Rehab Tiffany Phillips – Rehab Nicole Siegel – 3 North
Leader:
Preceptor
Deborah Szulewski – DI Linda Prioleau – Bone and Joint
Virginia Grieb
Nurse of Distinction: Karen Cole – Cardiac Cath Lab Linda Dickman – Same Day Surgery June Maniaci – Rehab Vicky Monti – 5 West Maggie Swyka – PACU
Nurses were nominated by their peers and leadership in recognition of their skills and dedication to their profession, patients, co-workers and the organization. From the list of nominees, semi-finalists in each category were selected. Semi-finalists across New York State will be interviewed by the New York City nursing committees and will compete against other New York institutions for the top honor in each category.
Leader
Linda Prioleau
To learn more, contact Same Day Surgery Registered Nurse and 1199SEIU RN Contract Administrator, Linda Dickman, at 333-1065 or ldickman@ormc.org.
Nurse of Distinction Linda Dickman
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February 2017
Orange Regional Welcomes NeighboRx Pharmacy Conveniently Located in the Outpatient Building
Orange Regional welcomes NeighboRx Pharmacy, a community pharmacy offering patients and employees access to their prescription medications.
The pharmacy offers patients onestop shopping following procedures or treatments by eliminating an extra step when they’re heading home to continue their recovery. This is a unique opportunity to provide patients with on-site education about their medications that coincides with the doctor’s visit, typically resulting in improved outcomes and safety.
The new public pharmacy is a convenient option for patients, employees and the public. It offers a full range of prescription medication services, including personalized pharmacist services, and carries over-the-counter medications and medical supplies including walkers and rollators; diabetic supplies; wheelchairs; knee, arm, wrist and ankle braces; crutches; bath and safety supplies. Hospital employees receive a 20 percent discount on all over-thecounter items.
The pharmacy is led by Rory Garland who is also the managing pharmacist. NeighborRx is located in the Outpatient Building at Orange NeighboRx Pharmacy Technician, Regional Medical Center at 707 East Lisette Baskerville, NeighboRx Main Street. The pharmacy is open Pharmacy Owner and Pharmacist, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Rory Garland, and NeighboRx on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There Pharmacy Technician, Brittany Galdanes. is free prescription pick-up from your home and delivery in Middletown and The pharmacy is staffed by professional surrounding areas. registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. They accept most major prescription drug plans including Patients may access pharmacy 1199 Benefit Fund insurance and also Empire Insurance. services by calling (845) 333-7250 or by visiting Future plans for the pharmacy include fulfilling and www.neighborxpharmacy.com/ormc. delivering discharge medications to inpatients before they leave the hospital. They also plan to fulfill and deliver prescription medications directly to patients upon leaving the Orange Regional Primary Care and Urgent Care offices.
Spring Forward Easier With The Help Of Our Sleep Center With Daylight Savings Time ending on March 12, we're about to “spring forward.” This means our days get longer and our sleep might get a little disrupted. To learn about the effects and impacts of Daylight Savings Time, common sleeping problems, and when to seek help, visit www.ormc.org/sleepcenter.
Auxiliary Vendor Sales Program The Orange Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to continue its Vendor Sales Program. Kid's Stuff Auxiliary Raffle Sales Leslie's Jewelry Haz Sheets
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ORMC ORMC ORMC ORMC
Conference Conference Conference Conference
Center Center Center Center
Lobby Lobby Lobby Lobby
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February 2017
Healthy Food Drive
Orange Regional, in partnership with Eat Smart New York – a Cornell Cooperative Extension program, collected healthy food donations from January 3 to January 20. The Nourish Your Neighbor healthy food drive stuffed a van on January 20 with boxes of donated healthy food items. All of the food was donated to the RECAP Emergency Food Pantry and will assist in feeding local families in need.
After the holiday season, the shelves of our local food pantries quickly become bare. These donations will help those in need by providing nutritionally dense foods that foster better health. Orange Regional would like to send a special thank you to all staff and community members who made our first Nourish Your Neighbor healthy food drive a success.
“Little Hats, Big Hearts”
Orange Regional partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA), in connection with The Children’s Heart Foundation, for the “Little Hats, Big Hearts” Program during February/American Heart Month to help raise awareness for congenital heart defects. Every baby born at Orange Regional during February received a little red hat. American Heart Month aims to raise awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of American men and women, and Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness Week, February 7 – 14 focuses on congenital heart defects, the most common type of birth defect in the country.
Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart present at birth. They result when a mishap occurs during heart development soon after conception and often before the mother is aware that she is pregnant. Defects range in severity from simple problems, such as "holes" between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as complete absence of one or more chambers or valves. The AHA put a call out to knitting and crocheting enthusiasts in December, and little red hats came pouring in from all over the region. Some parents of children born with congenital heart defects sent hats in, as well. Some donated hats in memory of those lost to heart defects.
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At Orange Regional, we realize that for patients to feel their best, they need to look their best. That's why we created the Healing Boutique located within the Spagnoli Family Cancer Center. Inside patients, their families and visitors, will find our friendly and knowledgeable staff and a variety of products to help with recovery.
February 2017
The boutique offers a warm and inviting atmosphere equipped with top of the line apparel and accessories. Come on in and see us. For more information, contact Gift Shop Coordinator, Colleen DeSimone at cdesimone@ ormc.com.
Save The Date Blood Drive
Y2Kids Career Fair
First Wednesday of the month 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 20 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The American Red Cross Donor bus will be located outside of the Main Campus Entrance.
Stewart International Airport, Newburgh
National Dress in Blue Day
Orange County Senior Expo
Friday, March 3
Saturday, April 22
Raise awareness about colon cancer, celebrate survivors and show your support for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by wearing blue!
Promenade at Middletown 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Interested in participating? Email dmohansingh@ormc.org.
Celebrate Life Half Marathon
March of Dimes March for Babies
Sunday, March 12
Sunday, April 30
Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Run begins at 10:00 a.m. Rock Hill, NY
Woodbury Common Premium Outlet, Central Valley
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Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.