Connections - March 2020

CONNECTIONS March 2020

An award-winning newsletter for Orange Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers

From the CEO

As we continue to address the concerns and impact of COVID-19 within our community, I'm proud of your relentless dedication to protect our patients and each other. A very special thank you goes to leaders and frontline staff who are working long, hard hours to deliver exceptional care to our patients.

Exceptional care not only includes medical attention; it also includes being a calming force to others in the midst of panic, caring for those who are lonely and showing extra compassion to patients and colleagues who are having a challenging time coping with the situation at hand.

From the onset of this pandemic, we’ve strategized and have taken all actions to ensure that our patients and employees remain safe. Make no mistake about it; every minute of every day, we are focused on the safety of our patients and staff. While this current health crisis has taxed our normal operations, I can assure you that we are doing everything in our power to provide our staff and our community with all that is needed to do our jobs and care for our patients.

We have established many ways to communicate through the COVID-19 crisis. A FAQ Bulletin Board is available on the intranet within the COVID-19 information box. Feel free to read through the information and ask a question. A daily briefing goes out to all users and recaps the important messages of the day.

A 24/7 hotline has been established. Call 333-8888 for any needs and/or questions you may have. The Command Center sends out regular updates via text messaging and emails to keep you informed of new developments. All executive team members are rounding on the floors to check in and answer questions you may have. Executive Leadership hosts a conference call twice a week to update all staff on the COVID-19 situation. Keep in mind, your supervisor is also available to you for valuable information. You should be reaching out to them for department-specific questions.

Recently, we added Respect and Civility to our list of values.

Regarding other people’s feelings and wishes is extremely important and necessary in our line of work, as is being nice, polite and courteous. With tensions running high and continuous change currently, we must be certain we are upholding these two important values now more than ever.

Please remember that the COVID-19 situation is ever-changing.

It is everyone’s responsibility to be alert for new information. I have the utmost confidence in our abilities to see this through.

Thank you again for all that you are doing for our community, our patients and each other.

Sincerely,

Brian Tew, CEO Orange Regional Medical Center

We’re One of America’s 250 Best Hospitals – Again!

We have achieved the Healthgrades® 2020 America’s 250 Best Hospitals™ Award for the second year in a row!

This distinction places us among the top 5% of nearly 4,500 U.S. hospitals assessed for clinical outcomes.

“Orange Regional Medical Center has a culture of continuous improvement and provides the highest quality care to the communities we serve,” said Chief Executive Officer Brian Tew. “I commend all physicians and hospital staff members for their continuous commitment to quality.”

CONNECTIONS

Greater Hudson Valley Health System Medical Group Update Telehealth is Here!

We are now serving new and established Medical Group patients in an exciting way: Telehealth.

Telehealth is covered by most insurance.

Telehealth is available during the medical group's regular office hours. To make a Telehealth appointment with a doctor, call (845) 333-7575.

Patients, during phone or video visits from the comfort and safety of their own home, can now receive exceptional patient care. That means no travel to a doctor's office and brief wait times, if any.

To learn more, visit https://www.ormc.org/telehealth and https://www.crmcny.org/telehealth

It is important to let patients know about this alternative access to care. We encourage you to discuss Telehealth services with all patients and explain that it is available across all services lines in primary and specialty care, if appropriate.

COVID-19 Information We have established many ways for employees to communicate through the COVID-19 crisis.

• A FAQ Bulletin Board is available on the intranet within the

‘COVID-19 Information’ box. Feel free to read through the information and ask questions.

• A daily briefing goes out to all users and recaps the important messages of the day.

• A 24/7 hotline has been established. Please call 333-8888 for any needs and/or questions you may have.

• The Command Center sends out regular updates via text messaging and emails to keep you informed of new developments.

• All executive team members are rounding on the floors to check in and answer questions you may have.

• Executive Leadership hosts a conference call twice a week to update all staff on the COVID-19 situation.

• Keep in mind, your supervisor is also available to you for valuable

information. You should be reaching out to them for departmentspecific questions.

The latest organizational information can always be found on the intranet under ‘COVID-19 Information.’ It is every employee’s responsibility to stay informed.

Foundation Creates Emergency Coronavirus Fund

Coping with Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic 5 Tips to Help You Relax The global outbreak of COVID-19 has affected nearly everyone in the world. It could forever change the way we live, relate, interact and respond to our surroundings. Our mental health is probably taking some hits, as well.

According to Greater Hudson Valley Health System (GHVHS) Community Health Program Coordinator, Andrew A. Oni, MA, it’s important to know that increased anxiety can produce physical symptoms. This becomes a psychosomatic illness, a term to describe an illness with physical symptoms caused by emotional factors. A heightened level of anxiety worsens our ability to deal with a situation.

During this time, please utilize ways to cope with anxiety. Here are some simple tips to help you relax: 1. Limit time spent on social media and watching news sources.

2. Spend time during meals to engage in positive conversation with family.

You can join the fight against the virus by making a gift to our Emergency Coronavirus Fund, which will be used for the specialized equipment we need to keep fighting this dreadful disease. We need to keep our staff safe so we can continue to care for neighbors and loved ones. Donations large and small make a difference. To make a donation, visit www.ormc.org/emergency-fund 2

3. Call loved ones and friends – we are practicing social distancing not social isolation.

4. Meditate, try yoga and exercise as much as you can.

5. Rest.

Stay safe and healthy!

MARCH 2020

Organizational Changes Debra Beakes was promoted to Senior Administrator of Nursing. She is responsible for nursing organizational structure and leadership, both clinically and operationally.

Gene Bernieri was promoted to VP Ancillary Systems with increased oversight of the ORMC Pharmacy and system-wide Laboratory departments.

He is also responsible for Environmental Services and Security system-wide, and Nutrition and Food Services at Orange Regional.

Sam Paglianite has joined us as Senior Administrator of Major Design & Construction. His responsibilities include Facilities system-wide, Healing Environment and Real Estate.

Debora Snyder was promoted to VP Nursing. She is responsible for Behavioral Health Services system-wide, and at Orange Regional, OB/Pediatrics, Clinical Decision Areas (Observation Care) and the Emergency Department.

Rosemary Baczewski, Chief Clinical Officer, participated as a panelist in Modern Healthcare’s webinar on “Using quality data to improve patient care.”

William Dauster, CFRE, Foundation President, was elected to the Orange County Citizens Foundation Board of Trustees. He began his two-year term on January 1.

Congratulations on the completion of our DNV Triennial Accreditation Survey Process. Our three-year survey is different from our annual survey process, as it has more surveyors and a larger focus area. Plus, this year ORMC underwent our ISO certification and the BHU opt-in survey at the same time as our accreditation survey. Our organization received exceptional results. The surveyors were very complimentary of all staff they came into contact with.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey process.

Orange Regional received special recognition for its diabetes education program by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The ADA's Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational services meet the National Standards for Diabetes SelfManagement Education and Support (DSMES). Our program promotes quality DSMES for people with diabetes by certifying that services adhere to the national standards.

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Welcome New Employees Richard Ancona Nichole Anderson Justin Avery Gina Bala John Boland Amanda Bonilla Keanu Carmona Victoria Caroli Nicole Copeland Greylis Diaz Janice DiMaio Donald Dinsmore Katie Enderes Jenee Fairfax Ricardo Frias Ana Garcia Thomas Griffin Taylor Gurda Miriam Guzman Meghan Hart Daisy Hernandez Twyla Hernandez- Cisneros Danielle Holmes Jude Kassebaum Cynthia Kuhens Kahrell Kyer Shayna Malave Ariana Maldonado Afusat Manliki-Burgos Emilia Martinez Shatima Miller Marissa Molina Alvin Morales Jacob Motz Michelle Moultrie Nora Mulcahy Laura Niejadlik Analine Ochoa Robert Pasols Cristian Perez Alexa Perez Kyla Philippe Briana Piscitelli Jaret Randell Ketty Regis Shakira Riley Sean Roach Jalayne Robinson Nearco Rodriguez Michael Sedlack Jessica Spears Tiffany Steinhilber Kelley Walton Toyya Yarber

CONNECTIONS

A Culture of Care and Compassion The letter below is from a patient who appreciated the fine service delivered by all staff.

felt following my recent visit, “I just wanted to express the appreciation I staff was very professional, in January, for a procedure that I had. The a few times, and each time respectful and pleasant. I’ve been a patient and respect ­— from medical, your service was done with professionalism services.” food and cleaning staff. Thank you for your Sincerely,

B. Ruzzi

Histology Day Celebrated On March 10, also known as Histotechnology Day, Orange Regional celebrated the grand opening of its newest addition to Laboratory Services, a Histology Department. Histology plays an important role in diagnosing patients.

It helps physicians get visual insight from human cells and tissues at a microscopic level. This service is effective in providing information useful for:

• Diagnosis (what kind of disease) • Prognosis (the predicted nature of disease) • Identifying effective treatment options • Measuring effectiveness of treatments Having an on-site Histology Department improves the health of our community by providing physicians with faster results for all our patients. For more information, contact Histology Department Supervisor Becky Romero-Marte at 333-0094 or bromero@ghvhs.org.

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MARCH 2020

Good Catch Awards Justin Alvis, Marco Andalis, Anne Dale and Joanne Segui received Good Catch Awards for their proactive patient care measures.

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.

Justin Alvis

Marco Andalis

Anne Dale

Certified Nurses Day Orange Regional celebrated Certified Nurses Day on March 19 by honoring its Board-certified nurses. This year, more than 450 nurses were recognized for their professionalism, leadership and commitment to excellence in patient care.

Board certification of nurses plays an increasingly important role as it assures high standards of care for patients and their loved ones.

While a registered nurse license provides general nursing practice, the requirements to be certified necessitates extensive education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse.

Orange Regional encourages national Board certification. We congratulate our Board-certified nurses for their dedication and commitment to higher education.

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Joanne Segui

CONNECTIONS

NICU Graduate Hall of Fame We recently unveiled our new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Graduate Hall of Fame.

This project was created to spotlight the strong and spirited children who spent their first days of life in our NICU, and to provide hope for families that currently have a child in the unit.

Each graduate’s photo captures their individual personalities and is paired with a description of their aspirations in life. Thank you to our graduates and their families for being a part of this special project!

Employees Dress in Blue

On March 6, Orange Regional's staff participated in Dress in Blue Day in collaboration with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Wearing blue brings awareness to colorectal cancer, supports the mission to end the disease and honors all who are impacted by it.

Foundation Events Update The June 22 ORMC Golf Tournament is rescheduled to

The May 13 ORMC Foundation Donor Reception is rescheduled to

SEPTEMBER 14.

NOVEMBER 5 AT CITY WINERY. 6

Children of the Staff Art Exhibition

MARCH 2020

The Gallery at Orange Regional Medical Center hosted an art exhibit celebrating the extraordinary talent and enthusiasm of young artists.

“We often hear about our staff’s children and their creativity, so it was natural that we extend an invitation to display their treasures as part of our rotating art exhibits at the Hospital,” said Director of Interior Design and Aesthetics Nina Favata.

“Our intention is to lift morale and validate this source of pride for our staff which goes beyond our hospital walls.”

Children of the Staff Art Exhibition featured colorful paintings created by children of Orange Regional Medical Center staff.

The vibrant exhibit included everything from spaceships and hearts to ballerinas, waterfalls, landscapes and pet portraits.

Exhibits are made possible through our Healing Arts Program at Orange Regional.

For more information on the program, visit www.ormc.org/art.

GHVHS Provides Free Childcare Services for Employees During COVID-19 Crisis We are providing free childcare services for our employees working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As soon as this situation began to impact our region, we worked quickly and collaboratively to bring this important resource to our employees at a time when it’s needed most,” said Greater Hudson Valley Health System President & CEO Scott Batulis. “We don’t want our employees to have to worry about the care of their children while they’re needed to care for patients during this crisis.”

Located in our outpatient facilities away from the hospitals, the GHVHS employee childcare program is for ages 5-12 and is being operated by employed staff from the System’s Volunteer Services and Human Resources Department, many who have early childhood education backgrounds. The program follows strict guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and New York State Department of Health to make sure all employees and children stay safe.

Upon drop off, children have their temperatures taken and are only allowed to attend if they are well. Immunization records are also necessary for each child accepted into the program. The space is cleaned several times a day, and toys, which were purchased new especially for the program, are appropriately sanitized regularly. Social distancing is practiced and children are educated on the importance of hand washing. Community support for the program has been tremendous. GHVHS would like to sincerely thank employees who donated new toys and books, as well as the Bruderhof community for their compassionate donation of beautiful, handmade children’s furniture to the childcare program.

For more information, contact dropindaycare@ghvhs.org

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CONNECTIONS Words cannot express how truly grateful our staff is for the outpouring of generosity from community members who have donated so many items we need to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic — food, supplies and monetary contributions.

Comfort in a Time of Concern

Special thanks includes, but is not limited to: Costume Armour, Inc. Dana Distributors DeStefano's Olde Erie Dr. George Papageorge, DDS Fidanza Family Properties Fuel4Life Home Depot Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center (HVAMC) Middletown Teacher's Association Minisink Codette Troop 512 and Brownie Troop 771 Napoli’s Pizza Olive Garden The Red Dot Kitchen, New York Tony & Nicks Italian Kitchen Toothopia Pediatric Dentistry Wallace Energy Walmart Middletown To make a donation, please visit www.ormc.org/emergency-fund

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.

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