CONNECTIONS December 2019
An award-winning newsletter for Orange Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers
From the President & CEO
Thanks to everyone who helped out during our recent snowstorms. The preparation, planning and teamwork enabled us to handle a serious situation very smoothly. Well done!
I’d also like to praise the efforts of our Hospital family who pulled together to provide Thanksgiving Day meals and holiday gifts for those in our community who truly needed help and support this holiday season. Our Hospital’s mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. However, we went above and beyond patient care by offering support to help many homeless children and others in need – right here in our
community. Our collective generosity made a huge impact. Thank you! With another year behind us and a new year ahead, we enter a time of reflection and anticipation. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for another great year. We have much to be thankful for and to celebrate. I hope all of you and your families had a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year! Sincerely,
Scott Batulis, President & CEO
New Body-Weight Support System Orange Regional recently installed a new body-weight and balance support system that advances and accelerates positive inpatient physical rehabilitation outcomes and protects patients from falls by helping to compensate for weakness and decreased balance. The system is the only one in Orange County that offers fall protection and dynamic body-weight support, allowing patients to practice functional activities such as walking, sit-to-stand, getting up from the floor and climbing stairs. “I’m thankful to Orange Regional for having such advanced technology,” said inpatient physical rehabilitation patient, Yrma Paredes-Flores, who was among the first to use the new system. “It has restored my confidence and allowed me to heal faster so I could get home to my family sooner.” The system is used for inpatient physical rehabilitation sessions by therapists within our 24-bed acute rehabilitation unit. It was funded by the Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation, and assists with treatment of stroke, neurological disorders, orthopedic and trauma injuries, post-surgical, limb loss, head injury, spinal cord injury and medical decondition.
Rehabilitation Patient, Yrma Paredes-Flores
Therapists assist patients by comfortably harnessing them into the body-weight and balance support system. During a rehabilitation session, the harness moves along a ceiling-mounted track to provide fall protection and dynamic body-weight support, all while monitoring the patient’s movements. To learn more about the body-weight support system, visit www.ormc.org/inpatientrehab.
CONNECTIONS
Greater Hudson Valley Health System Medical Group Update Pediatric Services Announced Orange Regional Medical Group now offers Pediatric Services on the fourth floor of the Outpatient Building. Pediatricians serve as the primary care provider for infants, children and adolescents. General pediatricians are responsible for:
• Performing age-appropriate health screenings • Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, injuries and other disorders that affect children • Ensuring that children are achieving developmental milestones • Performing evaluations to detect developmental or behavioral disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder) and developing care plans to address these problems
• Educating parents/caregivers about well-child care, including immunizations and counseling parents/caregivers about all aspects of their child's health
• Working with parents/caregivers to foster healthy lifestyles • Advocating for the welfare of children, educating those involved in the care of children, and effectively communicating with parents/caregivers, other physicians, teachers and social workers on issues of child welfare
Services are provided by Pediatrician Pooja Chandra, MD of Orange Regional Medical Group. Additional Pediatric Services include wellness visits; immunizations; sick care and injuries; newborn visits; lab and x-ray; school and sports physicals; nutrition information and screenings, including dental, hearing, lead, nutrition, tuberculosis and vision. To learn more about Pediatrics, visit www.ormc.org/pediatrics. To schedule an appointment, contact our Pediatric Department at 333-7575. About Pooja Chandra, MD, Pediatrician Dr. Chandra obtained her medical degree from National Medical College, Tribhuvan University in Birgunj, Nepal. She completed her Residency in Pediatrics at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, NY. Dr. Chandra is a Pediatrician at Orange Regional Medical Group in Middletown.
Good Catch Patient Safety Award The Good Catch Patient Safety Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates their commitment to keeping patients safe by “speaking up” to prevent a potential patient safety issue. A Good Catch is defined as an event or circumstance that has the potential to cause an incident or medical error, but that did not actually occur due to corrective actions and/or timely intervention. Beginning January 2020, there will be a new “team” award. We will be recognizing the department or nursing unit that submits the most nominations each month. The department/nursing unit will be recognized with a team trophy that they can showcase for that month. The trophy will be passed on to the next monthly team winner. So, we encourage you to get your nominations in. It’s very simple to nominate a colleague or even yourself.
Go to the GHVHS hospital intranet and you will see this on the homepage:
Click on the baseball glove under “Resources”
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Click the “GHVHS Good Catch Nomination Form”
Complete ’s it! That the form and submit
DECEMBER 2019
Orange Regional is a recipient of five Healthgrades® 2019 Women’s Care achievement awards and recognitions, including three new honors for 2019. It’s the only hospital in New York State to be recognized with three Women’s Care 2019 Excellence Awards and a five-star achievement in every Women’s Care category. Healthgrades recognized Orange Regional with the 2019 Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award™, Gynecologic Surgery Excellence Award™ and Labor & Delivery Excellence Award™. The Hospital is also a Five-Star Recipient for Vaginal Delivery and C-Section Delivery, marking the fifth and third consecutive years, respectively, that Orange Regional has received these recognitions. Additionally, we are a 2019 Five-Star Recipient for Gynecologic Procedures and 2019 Five-Star Recipient for Hysterectomy. For more information on Women’s Health, please visit www.ormc.org/women.
As part of a series, Becker's Hospital Review is hosting its 3rd Annual Health IT, Clinical Leadership & Pharmacy Conference, which will take place May 19-21, 2020 in Chicago. Our very own Chief Nursing Officer, Lisa Oldham, was interviewed and will speak in spring 2020. Way to go Lisa! Lisa Oldham
We congratulate Complementary Therapies Coordinator, Judy Maloy, who was selected as Employee of the Month. Judy became aware of a stressful work situation and realized staff could benefit from a reiki session. She voluntarily kicked into action and provided this relaxing therapy to alleviate stress. Orange Regional’s Be Exceptional Everyday (BEE) Award recognizes and celebrates employees for providing extraordinary, compassionate care. To make a nomination, email BEEAward@ghvhs.org. 3
Welcome New Employees
Ineh Ajang Shayanne Anderson Geraldine Ariosa Dawn Baldwin Ruth Barber Dunlavey Penny Lane Bonete Kaitlin Brown Monique Canada Katelyn Caragine Alexis Colletti Alexandra Costa Chelsea Crawford Meagan Demundo Edward Flowers III Kadhri Forgie Cindy Garcia Jason Gillego Rory Halpin Ashantai Hicks Amanda Hidalgo Briana Leonard Jazmin Lucas Carror Sandra Martin Camille Mcghee Rachel Morgano Samantha Newton Courtney Nutt Gilbert Ortiz Douglas Orton Lauren Pecorale Corey Pierson Yaneke Richards Madeline Rosado Lexia Rosario Amy Russell-Parliman Roukeyatou Salifou Francis Santiago Kiara Simonson Selvon Singh Charlotte Smith Chelsea Smith Paul Tompkins Rafael Vega
DECEMBER 2019
INSIDE OUR HEALING ENVIRONMENT
The Impact of Aesthetics on Healthcare When Nina Favata walks through the facilities that make up the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, she’s seeking to transform the way we experience healthcare. Through her eyes, she sees possibilities to change space from a clinical feel to one of comfort.
Organizationally, when there is an effective therapeutic environment, costs go down because patient outcomes are improved, length of stay may be reduced and staff is more satisfied and productive. Specific healing design elements within GHVHS’s facilities include:
Nina oversees the Healing Environment Program for our healthcare system. As Director of Interior Design and Aesthetics, about 90 percent of her responsibilities result from listening to feedback and requests from our staff pertaining to creating and maintaining a healing environment.
• Exposure to nature, such as views to the outside, •
interior plants, exterior gardens, a sculpture garden and art with a nature theme Soothing colors and textures, natural light, pleasant sounds and cleanliness
• Reduction of environmental stressors such as noise,
Nina’s vision of a healing environment is one that is both nurturing and therapeutic.
glare from lights and poor air quality
• Comfortable rooms with a home-like feel
“Creating a universally appealing atmosphere with imagery that evokes the positive feelings of being at home symbolizes comfort to all of us,” Nina says. “There’s a real need for the Program. Aesthetically, we’re building momentum as we continue to connect healing with art.”
These and other elements create surroundings that help calm patients and strengthen their ability to cope and recover. Within GHVHS, we find the same holds true for the well-being of our staff. For more information on how to help maintain our healing environment, contact Nina at 333-2385 or nfavata@ghvhs.org.
Studies have shown that well-designed healthcare environments help reduce a patient’s anxiety and stress, speed up recovery and provide a sense of well-being. They have even been known to help reduce a patient’s need for pain medication. 4
CONNECTIONS
“
When you come here in an emergency situation and have to wait for a period of time, it’s nice to look around. The design, from photos to custom cabinets, tells a story. Some of it even reminds you of home, and that helps to make you feel more comfortable.
” - Roberto Vazquez Visitor - Same Day Surgery Waiting Room
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Global Reception for Good Health The Global Reception for Good Health, hosted by the Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation, was held on November 7 at Brotherhood Winery. The global-themed reception featured food stations from around the world, and paired international cuisine with Brotherhood’s wines. Live Brazilian jazz artists entertained the 200 guests. Over $50,000 was raised to benefit the Patient Experience Fund. Thank you to all who contributed. Thank you to the Employee Event Committee for its Contribution to the Global Reception for Good Health Ann DiAgostino Jamie Ackerly Stephanie Bonanno Regina Bueno
Kyra Carr Chris Costello Colleen Culwell Philip DeLeon
Brenda Duff Charlotte Durma Kathy Flessa Dana Hendrickson
Naomi Lippin Carol Mills Dianne Moore
Melanie Pinto Chris Stimpson
Thanksgiving Beyond the Walls of 707
Gift Bags for Infusion Patients
The outpouring of generosity from staff displayed during the Thanksgiving "Beyond the Walls of 707" initiative was tremendous. In partnership with Mid-Hudson Migrant Education Tutorial and Support Services (SUNY New Paltz), County Kids Food Pantry and Middletown School District, Orange Regional was able to donate over 55 Thanksgiving dinner baskets to families in need. The baskets were filled with a complete Thanksgiving dinner and a $25 gift card for the family to purchase an entrée of their choice. Thank you to all who participated to help make the holiday special for those less fortunate.
Stephanie Bonanno, Breast Center Navigator, and the Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation accepted gift bags for infusion patients at the Spagnoli Family Cancer Center from PEDAL Goshen owner, Cindy Waltzer, Lauren Friedman and Barbara Martinez (not pictured). The gift bags – purchased through a fundraiser held by Cindy – contained thoughtful items such as hats, blankets, coloring books, colored pencils and even some snacks. Thank you for your generosity, ladies. For more information about charitable giving, call 333-2333 or visit www.ormc.org/giving. 6
DECEMBER 2019
Veterans Day Tribute
Peace, Love and Benefits
In honor of Veterans Day, Orange Regional held a special tribute for employee, volunteer and community veterans.
Flu Shot Reminder
Employees Observe Mental Health Awareness Day by Displaying What Makes Them Happy
The flu has been declared prevalent in New York State. Vaccinated staff must have a purple dot on their ID badge. All unvaccinated staff must wear a surgical mask upon entry to the Hospital. It is not too late to get vaccinated. For more information, contact Occupation Health at 333-2060.
The Human Resources Department held its Annual Benefits Fair on November 15. This year’s theme was “Peace, Love and Benefits”, and Human Resources staff dressed up in 60’s clothing as they helped employees navigate many different vendor booths and information. Vendors varying from Sam’s Club and Aflac to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, set up booths throughout the fair to share useful information and free goodies to Orange Regional staff. The fair featured an impressive array of prizes, and participants of the Benefits Fair Scavenger Hunt were entered into a raffle for a chance to win. For more information about health benefits, contact your Human Resources Business Partner at x1900.
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CONNECTIONS
Blood Drive
First Wednesday of the month 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The donor bus will be outside of the Main Campus entrance.
Soothe Your Soul with Morning Meditation The Pastoral Care Program is pleased to offer morning meditation to employees, patients and visitors. This new service is offered Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. in Orange Regional’s chapel. Begin the day by cultivating inspiration, spiritual nourishment and community. Each session, approximately ten minutes in length, has time for silence, spiritual reading and reflection, meditation and quiet prayer. Readings and practices are drawn from scripture and spiritual and devotional materials. Set your intentions for the day by attending this new and important session. For more information, contact Deacon Richard Trapani at rtrapani@ghvhs.org.
Auxiliary Vendor Sales Program Sales take place on the ground floor of the Main Campus in the Conference Center Lobby. January 15 - Nuts Plus
January 24 - D and D Jewelry Designs
January 17 - Simple Treasures
January 29 - Applause Fashions
January 23 - Nuts Plus
January 30 - Magnolia and Vine
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