CONNECTIONS January 2019
An award-winning newsletter for Orange Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers
From The President & CEO
I regularly receive positive letters from patients, their family members and friends describing their experience and the care we provided. I look forward to these letters and the stories they tell about how our employees, physicians and volunteers made their experience wonderful. These letters mostly outline how patients were cared for with kindness. They often highlight how employees treated them with respect, how some went out of their way to make them feel comfortable, how caring others were to their family members, how certain employees demonstrated such compassion and empathy when difficult news was given and how pleasant it was to be acknowledged by a smiling caregiver. Patients who write about positive experiences want us to know that we have some staff members who take time to really listen to them and some who go above and beyond to make them feel welcomed. Our 2018 Employee of the Year is Dax Krueger. Dax is a great example of someone who always makes a great first impression and who does his part in providing an exceptional experience. Dax is kind, caring and thoughtful every day. He greets everyone with a smile and a hello. He rarely forgets a name and is willing to help anyone at any time. Employees, patients, family members and visitors have complimented Dax’s consistent hospitable manner. One of the many examples of Dax providing excellent customer service is when he realized that a patient was in the wrong area of the hospital and personally escorted her and her family to where they needed to be, reassuring the patient not to worry - they would not get lost with his guidance. Dax did not leave the patient lingering. He did not provide directions. Instead, he led them. His simple action had a profound positive effect on a patient’s experience with us. “His act of kindness and concern for others is what being part of the ORMC team is all about,” said his co-worker. “Dax is the nicest, most cheerful employee I have ever come across at Orange Regional,” another co-worker added. “He always greets you with a huge smile and a big ‘hello, how are you?’ ” Dax’s respect for his co-workers and patients is paramount and for this we honor and congratulate him. Sincerely,
Scott Batulis, President & CEO
IN THE NEWS ORMC Delivers First Baby In 2019 Orange Regional delivered the region’s first baby, Ariella Susana Rojas, just 12 seconds after midnight on New Year’s Day. Registered Nurse, Sue Babb, who recently retired after 42 years with the hospital, helped deliver the little bundle of joy.
CONNECTIONS
Greater Hudson Valley Health System Medical Group Update Welcome New Providers
Andrea Macado, NP Post-Acute Care
Andrej Assa, MD Hospitalist
Rekha Sivadas, MD Infectious Disease
Maria Noa, NP Urgent Care
Arielle Gelardi, NP Trauma
A Notable Milestone
It is with extreme pride that we announce the 20,000 th patient visit to the Monticello Urgent Care! This accomplishment comes less than 18 months after opening our beautiful Monticello office. We could not have done it without the great teamwork of CRMG Primary and Urgent Care. A special shout-out to Sam Berger, FNP-C who treated the 20,000 th patient!
Congratulations
Samer El Zarif, MD
Aamir Gilani, MD
Murali Krishna, MD
Samer El Zarif, MD, Aamir Gilani, MD and Murali Krishna, MD contributed a chapter in the McGraw Hill textbook Critical Care Examination and Board Review. The topic of the chapter is 'Analgesia, Sedation, Delirium, and Coma'. 2
JANUARY 2019
Welcome New Employees Dan Anglero Taylor Archard
Being Exceptional Everyday Employees of the Month Celebrated
Kristi Babcock Sarah Bowens Fannie Cham
Congratulations to our November 2018 BEE Award Winner, Maria Rivera (left) - Front Desk Receptionist at Orange Regional Medical Group Urgent Care/Primary Care and to our December 2018 BEE Award Winner, Melissa Richards (bottom) - Nursing Assistant, 4 North. Thank you for all that you do for our patients. We're honored for their dedication to delivering exceptional service to our patients. They demonstrate on a daily basis what it means to be exceptional every day.
Diedrian Clarke Vanessa Cortazar Jennifer Desir Felipe Espitia Cadena Anthony Faso Shanae Green Aysha Hinton Christine Kelly Hannah Kondrat Svitlana Koroleva Kristin Kruse Latisha Mapp Owusu Mensah
November BEE Award Maria Rivera
Lois Munoz Kasandra Rivera Harold Robinson Dennis Rolon Maureen Rose Sara Sarantapoulas December BEE Award Melissa Richards
Lyndsey Sheehan Kami Stufflebeam Britnee Tanner Cheryl Thomas-Harcum Angela Todd-Williams
Orange Regional Medical Center was featured in the HANYS 2018 Pinnacle Award Publication that includes best-practice quality and safety nominations from across the state. The two initiatives highlighted were: “Enhancing Recovery, Outcomes and Experience of the Total Joint Replacement Patient” and “Transforming Emergency Department Delivery Using a Hospital-wide Throughput Program.” 3
Joan Turck Tekesha White
CONNECTIONS
Warrior Kids Program Graduates 1,000 Children
The Orange Regional and Catskill Regional Warrior Kids Program graduated over 1,000 local students through a four-week healthy lifestyles curriculum. Both hospitals partnered with community entities to implement a fun and memorable program that combines education and movement. The program teaches the importance of making healthy behavior choices with a mission of childhood obesity prevention. Each week, the discussion focused on a different component of the “5-2-1-almost none” model:
Using the model, GHVHS Director of Community Health, Amanda Langseder, collaborated with educators and youth development staff to support the program and provide it to youth throughout the school or camp day. It was easily incorporated into the goals of partner programs like the American Heart Association, Ayo Fitness, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Eat Smart New York, Healthy Schools and Communities and Public Health. For more information on the Warrior Kids Program or community health initiatives, contact Amanda at 333-7327 or alangseder@ghvhs.org.
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FE A T TI Y E C N O T R N E R
Week 1: Five or more servings of fruits & vegetables every day Week 2: Less than 2 hours of screen time every day Week 3: 1 hour or more of physical activity (play) every day Week 4: Drink almost no sugary beverages
Flu Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Flu season is here and this year we are taking additional steps to prevent the spread of flu in our hospital and to our patients.
adhere to rigorous infection control guidelines and policies every day to ensure a clean environment for patients, staff and visitors. These practices are especially important during flu season. Antiseptic wipes are located in patient rooms, work stations, hallways and other treatment areas and are easily accessible to hospital employees responsible for sanitizing medical equipment and surface areas.
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While an annual flu vaccine remains the single best method for preventing the flu, a surgical facemask, worn by employees provides added protection to patients, employees and visitors. Orange Regional offers the flu vaccine to all employees and also provides employees with surgical facemasks, as required by the New York State Department of Health. Vaccinated employees must have a green dot on their ID badges. All unvaccinated healthcare employees must wear a surgical mask upon entry into the Hospital. Masks are available in clinical unit clean supply rooms and in the Occupational Health Department. As always, our hospital enforces universally-recognized precautions to prevent the flu. These include hand washing, the use of hand sanitizers, placed conveniently throughout the hospital, as well as goggles and gowns. In addition, we 4
Yet, despite all these precautions and proactive steps, the flu virus still manages to infect individuals. Employees suffering from the flu are instructed to stay home while sick and return to work 24 hours after their flu symptoms end. Visitors who suspect they may have the flu are advised to not visit the hospital. The signs and symptoms of the flu include:
• Fever or chills • Cough • Sore throat • Runny nose
• Body aches • Headaches • Fatigue
• Vomiting/ diarrhea
(very tired)
For more information about when and where to get your flu shot, please call the Occupation Health Department at 333-2060.
Coming Up Daisies
JANUARY 2019
Congratulations to Orange Regional’s recipients of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, Bill Dickel, RN; Sarah Hendryk, RN; and Patrick Wilcox, RN. Thank you to these wonderful, compassionate caregivers! DAISY Award honorees personify Orange Regional’s remarkable patient experience. Nurses who demonstrate nursing excellence by providing exceptional patient care in a progressive, dynamic and healing environment can be nominated and winners will be recognized as outstanding role models within our nursing community. To nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award, visit www.ormc.org/daisyaward.
Good Catch Awards Pharmacy Employees Tabitha Yeager, Brett Gurda and Gerard Haber received Good Catch awards for their proactive patient care measures. We like to recognize those who take an active role in ensuring the quality of care at Orange Regional. A good catch occurs when corrective action and/or timely intervention prevents an incident or medical error from happening. Nominations are judged by the Patient Safety Sub-committee. For more information about the Good Catch Award, contact QA Data Coordinator, Katie Haun, at 333-1294 or khaun@ormc.org.
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CONNECTIONS
Season Of Giving
Our hospital bustled with holiday visitors and donations throughout the month of December. Thank you to our own employees and all of the thoughtful community members for helping Orange Regional make the holidays a little brighter for our community. Orange Regional staff took the continuum of care "Beyond the Walls of 707" by hosting a holiday gift collection to benefit families in need. Through their generosity, 30 families were reached which equates to 200 individuals and over 500 gifts distributed. The outpouring of support for this initiative by our staff was incredible.
Nuclear Medicine Department members volunteered at the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley in Cornwall. Members spent time packing and sorting food to be distributed to the local area food banks. From left to right: James Lee, Carly Fasano, Benson Egbuta, Paulette Ewanciw, Shiv Cheema, Raina Rabinowitz and Mark O'Brien.
LEGOLAND New York's LEGO Santa visited Orange Regional to bring holiday cheer to patients, employees and guests.
We, again, welcomed a visit from the Town of Wallkill PBA and the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Thank you for spreading cheer throughout our hospital.
Feel Good Concert Series
In December, we welcomed Carmine Pace who performed a “Feel Good Concert�, as did the Aloha Ukulele Group. These performers provided a joyous holiday atmosphere that filled our cafeteria with favorite holiday songs.
Carmine Pace
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Aloha Ukulele Group
JANUARY 2019
Inpatient Rehabilitation Department Holds 50th Anniversary Party For Patient
On December 14, members of the Rehab Unit staff went above and beyond the call of duty to hold a 50th anniversary party for a patient and his wife. The patient had limited mobility due to Parkinson’s disease. The patient’s wife had mentioned to several staff members how she really wanted to be able to dance for their upcoming 50th anniversary. She shared that their wedding song was "Moon River." Upon hearing this, staff in the Rehab Unit took initiative and arranged a surprise anniversary party with a cake and asked the patient’s wife to come in for Family Training at 1:00 p.m. on December 14 in preparation for the patient to return home. The couple ate lunch together in the dining room and then came to the gym where they were greeted and celebrated. While in the gym, the therapists had the patient in the parallel bars and started a serenade of "Moon River." The therapists were able to assist the couple as they danced safely within the parallel bars to their wedding song. It was something that would not have been possible without the assistance of the entire team. Many staff members came to participate in their celebration, many shedding happy tears. The staff also purchased an anniversary cake to honor their anniversary. The event was planned and financially supported by the staff through their own means and time. They truly went above and beyond to provide this special couple an anniversary to remember with photography provided by Marketing to commemorate the occasion. Additionally, staff previously arranged for Senior Marketing Specialist, Lauren Kropf-Zuckerman, to assist by taking pictures of the couple’s party to help commemorate the occasion. The compassionate and generous staff included: Cathy Barillo PT, DPT Rhonda Gorish, OTR Jeanine Folkl, OTR
Connie Eagan, PTA Kelsie Krieger, RN Lisa Enright, RN, Case Manager
Janet Lamy, SLP Brianne Germain, RN Norma Pagan-Vazquez, PTA
Auxiliary Donates $10,000 To Women’s And Children’s Services Department The Orange Regional Medical Center Auxiliary recently donated $10,000 to the Hospital’s Women’s and Children’s Services Department. The Auxiliary hosted its 2018 Annual Tricky Tray at the Church of St. Joseph in Middletown, where it raised the funds in a record-breaking event. The Mission of the Auxiliary is to render service to the Medical Center and its patients as well as assist in promoting the health and welfare of the community. The sole purpose of this Auxiliary is exclusively for charitable purposes. If you are interested in becoming a member or to make a donation, call the Foundation at 333-2223 or visit www.ormc.org/foundation.
Left to right : Bill Dauster, Foundation President; Ellen Hammer, Auxiliary VP; Scott Batulis, President & CEO, Greater Hudson Valley Health System; Janet Formisano, Auxiliary President; Teresa Taylor, Tricky Tray Chair; and Sue Sisco, Auxiliary Treasurer.
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CONNECTIONS
Blood Drive
First Wednesday of the month 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Movement for the Body & Mind
Donor bus will be outside of the Main Lobby entrance.
Circle of Hope Family Support Group
FREE education and support group for those with a loved one struggling with addiction. In partnership with the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Orange County, the ORMC/CRMC support group helps family members or loved ones who are caring for an individual struggling with a substance use disorder. Family Support Navigators will be available to offer information about support for guidance and treatment. All meetings are free and confidential and verbal participation is not required.
The Live Well, Be Well Program is proud to offer a class for the body and mind to our employees.
DATES: Tuesday, February 12, 19, 26
This body and mind practice will include many different aspects, such as meditation, exercises, stretching and breathing. Benefits have been found to have a positive effect on overall health such as improved flexibility and decreased stress.
LOCATION: Outpatient Building, Conference Room A & B, 2nd floor
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Susan Garcia, RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) is the owner of Grass Roots Yoga. Susan’s mission is to provide students with a positive and nurturing experience. ATTIRE Please be sure to wear comfortable clothing with little restriction. You will want to have adequate room to move your arms. Stable shoes are also recommended.
ORANGE COUNTY GROUP 1st Tuesday of every month 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Auxiliary Vendor Sales Program
Community Health Education Center 110 Crystal Run Road Middletown, NY 10941
Sales take place on the ground floor of the Main Campus in the Conference Center Lobby.
SULLIVAN COUNTY GROUP 2nd Saturday of every month
Angie's Gifts Inc. February 11
10:30 a.m. to Noon CRMG Urgent / Primary Care 38 Concord Road Monticello, NY 12701 For more information, contact Andrew Oni Community Health Coordinator at 845-333-7324 or aoni@ghvhs.org
TIME: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
SIGN UP/REGISTRATION: Call 845-333-2317 or email rforget@ghvhs.org COST: $30 for 3 week series. Pre-Registration is required, minimum of 15 people needed to start! ITEMS TO BRING: Water, yoga mat or towel Chairs are available
Jazzy Traveling February 13 Boutique Eleanor Jewelers February 14 Kitty’s Silver February 20 Exchange Scrubs Nyack
February 27
Scrubs Nyack
February 28
Connections Newsletter For more information about Connections or to make a submission for consideration, contact Senior Marketing and PR Specialist, Lauren Kropf-Zuckerman at 333-2363 or lzuckerman@ghvhs.org. 8