INSIDER
Together we make a difference. July 2016
SEMC Celebrates 150 Years
From a small house in West Utica to a 201-bed medical center, SEMC staff has been providing care to our community for 150 years. | Page 3
MVHS Honors Employees with Awards
MVHS Begins Appraisals of Downtown Properties
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Page 6
Inpatient Pediatric Care Consolidates to St. Luke’s Campus Page 10
Table of Contents
3 | SEMC Celebrates 150 Years SEMC staff has been providing care to the community based on its founders’ examples for 150 years.
4 | German Experts Visit MVHS to Review Organ Donation Procedures MVHS hosts experts from Berlin to establish standards between Germany and the United States.
5 | MVHS Honors Employees with Distinction and Scholarship Awards
6 | MVHS Begins Appraisal Process of Downtown Utica Properties MVHS is moving forward with appraisals of downtown properties that will be impacted by the new hospital project.
7 | Sewing Group ‘Pillow Ladies’ Recognized by State and County Leaders
7 | MVHS Awarded Gold for Healthcare Advertising 8 | News in Brief
9 | MVHS Participates in Relay for Life Event
9 | Health Support Services Changes Name
10 | Inpatient Pediatric Care Consolidation at St. Luke’s Campus 11 | Super Sim Lab Boosts Realism to Training Programs for Nurses and Physicians 12 | Upcoming Events 12 | Staff Announcements
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Starfish
Stories Starfish Stories are about caregivers, protectors, companions and champions. They acknowledge special, and sometimes life-changing, moments that make a difference for our patients, residents, their families and our coworkers. The following stories are about those individuals and teams who inspire us to always do our best. Andrea Johnson, DO – Hospitalist St. Elizabeth Campus Words cannot express how much I appreciate the care I received from Dr. Andrea Johnson and all the staff at St. Elizabeth. Dr. Johnson’s sweet and caring attitude comforted not only me as the patient, but gave comfort to my wife and family, as well. She was very, very thorough and I can’t say enough about her positive, caring attitude. She made me laugh and improved my spirits so much that my visitors could barely believe I was sick at all. She sure impressed me and I’m hard to impress. I was close to waking up on the other side of the dirt and Dr. Johnson is the reason I didn’t. Everyone at St. Elizabeth – all of the nursing staff and the housekeepers in the ED, in the ICU and in room 375 – were all wonderful and made me and my family feel so comfortable. I used to go to the VA and to Albany for all my medical care, but they’ve lost me as a patient now. The people at St. Elizabeth have made all the difference. I work at my local library, and when I shared my story with the people there, several of them joined in to say how much they appreciate Dr. Johnson. She’s a great ambassador
for St. Elizabeth in our community and you should give her a big pat on the back for her awesome attitude and great work! Keith Gerlach, a grateful patient CMI: Cooperative Magnetic Imaging St. Luke’s Campus My 4-year-old daughter, Isabella, had an MRI with contrast at CMI on the St. Luke’s Campus. There were three employees who provided exceptional care and attention to my daughter. During the MRI, they played her favorite music and, when needed, they spoke directly to her over the microphone/intercom system and in person while administering the contrast via her left arm. Isabella was treated with respect and was included in her care. When the MRI was done, my daughter was greeted with a sign that read “Good Job Isabella,” a stuffed animal and a snack. Their actions were kind, heartfelt and genuine. The three employees that tended to my daughter should be acknowledged as role models in their profession. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the employees for a job well done and appreciated. Our entire experience has been memorable for the right reasons. Thank you again. Melissa Milham-Wilkosz, PT, DPT
Patients were cared for by the Sisters of St. Francis in St. Elizabeth Medical Center’s original home on Columbia Street in Utica.
SEMC Celebrates
150 Years By Sandra Fentiman
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t. Elizabeth Medical Center (SEMC) was founded as St. Elizabeth Hospital by the dedicated women of the Sisters of St. Francis on December 12, 1866. They selflessly gave their entire lives to keep the hospital operating, providing needed care for those in Utica and the surrounding areas – regardless of their ability to pay. Although only a few Sisters work with SEMC today, the community recognizes the Sisters and their predecessors for their continuous efforts over the decades. The Medical Center has a rich history, with origins dating back to a small house on Columbia Street in West Utica, given to the Sisters of St. Francis by the Franciscan Fathers. In 1883, one of the founders, St. Marianne Cope (then Mother Marianne), left Syracuse with six Sisters to help treat patients with Hansen’s disease on the island of Moloka’i in Hawaii. No doubt, she is the person who
personifies SEMC the most to the public. St. Marianne Cope was in the spotlight, both locally and worldwide, when she was canonized and named a saint in 2012. Over the decades, the hospital established St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, built the present hospital in 1917, opened a School of Radiography, a Family Medicine Residency Program, a Trauma Service and much more. In 1964, SEMC was the first area hospital to build a Psychiatric Unit with 20 beds. In 1996, the School of Nursing became the College of Nursing and the hospital changed its name to St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Also during the 1990s, St. Elizabeth and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH) collaborated to bring cardiac services to this area, with help from the community. The hospitals continued working together in the Diabetes Education Program and the Regional Cancer Center.
In 2014, the hospitals announced their affiliation as the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) and now look forward to a future that includes a new hospital for the Mohawk Valley. Because of its history of affecting the lives of so many in our region, SEMC was inducted into the Mohawk Valley's Healthcare Hall of Distinction – Class of 2016 on May 18, honored for its impact on the region during its 150 years of operation. Sponsored by The Genesis Group and The Medical Societies, the recognition honors outstanding healthcare professionals for their commitment to excellence in the workplace and community. “It’s a wonderful tribute to the Sisters, our medical staff, employees and volunteers,” said MVHS President/CEO Scott Perra, FACHE, while noting the sesquicentennial. “You’ll hear about more activities to celebrate the anniversary in coming months.” v
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German Experts Visit MVHS to Review Organ Donation Procedures By Christina Polowicz
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he St. Luke’s Campus of MVHS recently hosted experts from the Deutsches Institut für Zell und Gewebeersatz GmbH (DIZG), known in English as the German Institute for Cell and Tissue Replacement, a non-profit organization that provides transplantable musculoskeletal tissue and skin grafts to recipients in need within the international community. DIZG, headquartered out of Berlin, Germany, is a sister company to the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, the nation’s leading tissue bank that connects donors with surgeons and transplant recipients. Dr. Matthias Löwel, the head of Quality Assurance and Mr. Zhivko Zhivkov, group manager of Tissue Donation, visited the St. Luke’s Campus as a part of a mulDr. Matthias Löwel (left), the head of Quality Assurance and Mr. Zhivko Zhivkov (right), group manager of Tissue ticenter tour to ensure that Donation, discuss organ donation procedure with Susan McKinstry, BSN, RN, nurse clinician at MVHS. tissue donation procedures at affiliate hospitals are conducted within As a community hospital, MVHS’s Organ tinue to be placed in the garden in memory the necessary sterile, surgical conditions reDonation Program had three consented of our organ, tissue and cornea donors. quired to comply with accepted transplantaorgan donors, 10 consented tissue donors Every 10 minutes, someone is added to tion standards. The focus of the visit was to and 12 consented cornea donors in 2015. the national transplant list. On average, 21 prepare for a full audit later this year when This rate is similar to other community hospeople die each day in the United States the DIZG returns to New York. pitals in Central New York. MVHS continues while waiting for a transplant. Being part of “DIZG seeks to establish standards beto sponsor the Donate Life Flag Program, in a national register saves lives. More than tween Germany and the United States for which a “donate life” flag is raised in respect 10,000 New Yorkers are currently on the organ donation,” said Dr. Löwel. “Generally, for all organ and tissue donors. The flag is waiting list because need far exceeds the we are looking to make sure there is proper flown for one week and then returned to the supply. MVHS is committed to ensuring that hygiene, that there are procedures in place Center for Donation and Transplant, which families of each potential organ, tissue and for entering and exiting the operating room then presents the flag to the family in honor eye donor are informed of their options to and temperature control in the morgue.” of their loved one. donate in a manner that encourages discreDr. Zhivkov added, “We also review MVHS also received recognition for its tion and sensitivity with respect to circumdocumentation and how recovered tissue rose donation that was placed on the 2015 stances, views and beliefs of the patient and is packaged,” noting that MVHS carefully Donate Life Float in the 126th Rose Bowl the patient’s family. documents the temperature and persons in Parade in Pasadena, California. Individuals who are interested in organ, and out of the facilities on a comprehensive The Donor Memorial Garden at the St. tissue and cornea donation may enroll in log. These visits help prepare organizations Luke’s Campus continues to flourish with the New York State Donate Life Registry by for the official audit that occurs every two to beautiful flowers and plants that are cared visiting www.health.ny.gov/ through the NYS three years. for by our volunteers. Donor plaques conDepartment of Motor Vehicles. v
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MVHS Honors Employees with Distinction and Scholarship Awards
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uring National Nurses Week in May, MVHS honored 29 employees with Nurse and Caregiver of Distinction and scholarship awards. The following employees were honored:
Nurse of Distinction Award • Mary Akins, RN – PACU, Faxton Campus • Shelly Forrester, RN – Education Services • Clarissa James, LPN – Whitesboro Medical Office • Michelle Jaramillo, RN – New Hartford Medical Office - Medical Arts • Sheila Jayakumar, RN – Neuro/Pediatrics, St. Elizabeth Campus • Christine Menard, RN – St. Elizabeth College of Nursing • Mary Jo Parker, RN – Herkimer Medical Office • David Volz, RN – Dialysis, Faxon Campus • Peg Ward, RN – Emergency Department, St. Elizabeth Campus
Caregiver of Distinction Award • Lindsay Coffin – Psychiatric Assistant, 2A, St. Elizabeth Campus • Terri Genther – Unit Secretary, Clark North, St. Luke’s Home • Cora Jackson – Care Attendant, Peri-Operative Services, St. Luke’s Campus
Scholarship Awards Bice Nursing Scholarship • Malinda Lynch, RN – Sixth Floor, St. Luke’s Campus Dolores Martellotto Nursing Scholarship • Rose Wright, RN – Maternity, St. Luke’s Campus The Faxton Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Award • Inna O’Connor, RN – AC 3, St. Luke’s Campus • Jennifer Darling, RN – Sixth Floor, St. Luke’s Campus • Kimberly Bonvicino, RN – Nurse Manager, AC 3, St. Luke’s Campus • Marilyn Bohling – Fitness Instructor, Wellness Center, Faxton Campus
Irene Defazio Advanced Nursing Scholarship Bachelor’s Level • Taylor Webster, RN – Education Services Master’s Level • Shalynn Cozza, RN – Education Services Lucy M. Kellogg Relief Society Scholarship • Kayla Panko – Nurse Tech, Neuro/Pediatrics, St. Elizabeth Campus • Taylor Beach – Nurse Tech, Neuro/Pediatrics, St. Elizabeth Campus Marjorie Lockwood Scholarship • Kaleigh Miller – Care Attendant, Sixth Floor, St. Luke’s Campus Marianne Guiney Nursing Scholarship • Alexandra Roberts – Nurse Tech, PCU/4A, St. Elizabeth Campus • Bikash Regmi, RN – Sixth Floor, St. Luke’s Campus Shirley Tibbitts Pye Memorial Scholarship • Sarah Jacopino, RN – Neuro Sciences Group Medical Office • Shannon Perez – Patient Care Tech, Dialysis, CRCCS Medical Executive Nursing Scholarship • Brianne Godlewski – Care Attendant, AC 2, St. Luke’s Campus • James Pollard – Care Attendant, ICU, St. Luke’s Campus
Denise Taurisano & John Weakley Awards The annual awards recognize two MVHS employees for significantly fostering a healthy and positive work environment with excellent customer service, professionalism, responsiveness, compassion and a caring nature. The awards are named after Denise Taurisano, a SEMC Radiology employee, and John Weakley, a volunteer and greeter at FSLH. Both Denise Taurisano and John Wekley exhibited all of these qualities toward their coworkers and toward their patients. They were an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of working with them.
John Weakley Award Mary Beth Dowling, BSN, RN ICU Manager, St. Luke’s Campus Nomination: Mary Beth approaches each day with a positive attitude, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of humor. She is patient centered as an advocate who goes the extra mile. She brings the interdisciplinary team together whenever needed and has done a great deal of work around palliative care with her team, which has allowed many patients and families to reduce their pain and anxiety and allow patients to die with dignity. She truly is a caring, compassionate professional. She embraces her leadership role wholeheartedly and strives to lead from the core values of MVHS, embodying the mission and vision.
Denise Taurisano Award Lisa Rocci, RN, Lead Supervisor of the Transfer Center, St. Elizabeth Campus Nomination: On a daily basis, Lisa displays great customer service to patients, families, physicians and employees. Lisa is always available to help solve any problems. She goes above and beyond with the professionalism she displays. She is very well respected by all employees and especially physicians. If you call Lisa for anything, she is right there to help or find you the help you need. As a house supervisor, this is so important for her peers to know she can be counted on. Lisa has a warm, compassionate side to her. She has seen almost everything in her 35 years of service. Lisa’s caring nature is another great quality about her. She is a loyal, well-respected, caring individual — she resembles a lot of the characteristics that Denise Taurisano had. v
Save the Dates St. Luke’s Home is celebrating its 20th anniversary during the week of August 22-26, 2016. Check the intranet and Daily Ops for more information.
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Hospital Draft/Conceptual Drawing - April 2016
MVHS Begins Appraisal Process of Downtown Utica Properties
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VHS announced in May that it is moving forward with the appraisals of the downtown properties that will be impacted by the new hospital project. The health system solicited proposals from certified appraisers to evaluate the properties and a letter was mailed to downtown property owners that informed them of the anticipated process. “We want to begin the valuation of the downtown properties as the process will take some time to complete,” said Scott H. Perra, FACHE, president/CEO of MVHS. “In the meantime, MVHS continues to work on the funding plan for the project, which we hope to have completed in the next 60 to 90 days.” The property areas that will be appraised and evaluated include several city blocks south of the Utica Memorial Auditorium, bounded by Oriskany Street to the north, properties abutting Columbia Street to the
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south and Broadway to the east, as well as State Route 12 to the west.
“MVHS continues to work on the funding plan ... which we hope to have completed in the next 60 to 90 days.” Scott Perra, President/CEO
Four appraisal firms were selected, and it will take approximately three to six months
to complete the appraisals. After the properties are appraised, MVHS representatives will meet with each property owner to review the appraisal, likely to take place in the first quarter of 2017. “The appraisal process and the offers that would follow will be contingent on a New York State (NYS) approval of a Certificate of Need (CON) for the new hospital,” stated Perra. “We are currently working with the NYS Department of Health (DOH) on the final plan for securing the $300 million and the process it wants us to follow moving forward to complete and file the CON.” MVHS officials cautioned property owners that there are multiple steps and approvals with the DOH before any offers can be made or any work can begin on the properties. Tentative plans include offers on the properties in early 2017 and any work on the sites may begin sometime in 2018. v
Sewing Group ‘Pillow Ladies’ Recognized by State and County Leaders By Sandra Fentiman
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embers of the St. Elizabeth Heart Pillow Sewing Group, who refer to themselves as the “Pillow Ladies,” were recognized twice this spring for their years of sewing heart-shaped pillows for patients who have had open heart surgery at SEMC. The pillows help recovering surgical patients by providing a comfortable method for them to have chest support when they move or cough. The group creates the pillows for patients in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit entirely from raw materials. In 2015, the Heart Pillow Sewing Group made 825 pillows for patients, donating 645 hours. In May, they were recognized for this work by the Oneida County Office for the Aging and Continuing Care when they were presented with a certificate as a 2016 Older American Awards Honoree at a ceremony at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro, New York. They also received certificates that day from the offices of New York State legislators, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi and Senator
From left, front row: Linda Kurtyka, Jean Saint-Amour, Carole Nunziata, Theresa Jadlowski, Margaret Lalonde. Second row: Emily Gaffney, Jane Kosuda, Helen Harrington, and SEMC Volunteer Director Grace Garro. Back row: Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, Patient Advocate/ Volunteer Coordinator Catherine Southwick-Lee. Missing from photo: Joan Carroll, Diane Szlachtowski and Lucy Zohne. Joseph Griffo, with Assemblyman Brindisi inviting the group to visit the Capitol in
Albany for a tour and to sit on the floor of the Assembly on June 2. v
MVHS Awarded Gold for Healthcare Advertising
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VHS has been awarded a Gold Award in the Healthcare Marketing Report’s 33rd Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards for the recent branding campaign created by the Marketing and Communications team. MVHS’s entry to the contest included the new “valley” logo, the brand presentation book and the “Together We Make A Difference” video, which featured several staff members. This year, over 3,700 entries were received, making 2016 the largest Healthcare Advertising Awards competition and one of the ten largest of all advertising awards. A national panel of judges reviewed all entries based on creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and overall impact. The MVHS logo, presentation book and video are all available on the intranet at intranet.mvn.local/makeadifference. v
Dr. Kevin McCormick is featured in the “Together We Make A Difference” video, which can be viewed on the intranet at intranet.mvn.local/makeadifference.
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NEWS IN BRIEF SECON Graduates 89 New Nurses The St. Elizabeth College of Nursing (SECON) graduated 89 new nurses on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Of the 89 graduates, 75 attended weekday classes and 14 participated in the evening/ weekend program. The 110 th graduation ceremony was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica. MVHS welcomed 43 of the graduates into nursing positions within the system.
CMN Hospitals Telethon Aired The 25th annual FSLH Foundation Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals Telethon aired Wednesday, June 1, 2016, on WKTV NewsChannel 2. The Telethon raised $502,262, which will be used to support programs, services and equipment that benefit Maternal Child Services at FSLH. With funds from the 2016 Telethon, the staff at FSLH has identified the need for a portable neonatal heart monitor for dedicated use in the Labor and Delivery Unit. This monitor ensures that the staff is following the current American Academy of Pediatric guidelines for neonatal resuscitation. You can continue to support CMN at MVHS by purchasing a Miracle Home Makeover ticket for $100 in cash. Visit www.faxtonstlukes.com/mhm for more information.
MVHS Employees Earn Certifications Tara Millson, MSN, RN, CIC, received her certification in Infection Prevention from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). Certification represents the commitment of an infection preventionist and an institution to the continued improvement of infection prevention and control functions as Tara Millson well as their contribution to healthcare and patient safety. Millson began working at Faxton Hospital in June 2003 and moved to St. Luke’s Campus in 2004. She began working in Infection Prevention in 2014. She received her associate in applied science from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in 2003, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013 and a Master’s of Science in Nursing in 2015, both from Western Governors University. Millson is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Infection Prevention from Loyola University with an anticipated graduation date of July 2018. Korinn Chaffee, BSN, RN, OCN, CN-BN, received her certification in Breast Patient Navigation from the National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. Certification validates a medical professional’s knowledge and skills in navigating a breast patient through his or her breast cancer/care continuum. Chaffee began working at FSLH in 2004 as a registered nurse on the Korinn Chaffee Inpatient Medical Oncology Unit and the Outpatient Infusion Unit. She was named navigator for the Breast Care Program at MVHS in 2015. Chaffee earned her associate degree in business from MVCC, her associate degree in nursing from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Keuka College. She is certified in oncology, chemotherapy and biotherapy.
Medical Insurance Resource Posted If you are a MVHS non-union employee with MVHS-sponsored medical insurance through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, there is a Domestic Providers & Services Directory on the intranet under Human Resources that is a valuable resource when determining what services are covered under the domestic tier. The medical insurance plan features a tier of coverage that is specific to dis-
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counted services provided at FSLH and SEMC. The discount applies to all domestic care, which is defined as services provided by a FSLH or SEMC-employed provider, or services billed by FSLH or SEMC as outlined in this directory. Please refer to the Summary of Benefits and Coverage for your plan for more detailed information on costs and coverage.
Team members at the survivor and caregiver reception
Team members at the MVHS tent
MVHS Participates in Relay for Life Event
By AJ Wiswell
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embers of the SEMC and FSLH Relay for Life Teams represented MVHS at the 2016 Relay for Life at Mohawk Valley Community College Saturday, June 11 through Sunday, June 12. Together, the MVHS teams raised more than $12,000 for cancer research and support, which was donated to the American Cancer Society. Fundraisers were conducted throughout the
year at MVHS and at the Relay for Life event. All cancer survivors at the event were invited to participate in the opening lap at noon followed by a caregiver lap and a survivor and caregiver reception. The popular Luminaria Ceremony was held on Saturday evening, followed by a bagpipe-led lap around the track surrounded by illuminated luminary bags. The Relay for
Life Teams at MVHS welcome any employees interested in participating in the event next year to be in touch with current members. Visit www.relayforlife.org/uticany or contact Karen Wahl at 315-801-3014 or kwahl@mvhealthsystem.org, or Sheilah Kittle at skittle@mvhealthsystem.org, kazoogranny@gmail.com or 315-624-5792 for more information. v
Health Support Services Changes Name By Sandra Fentiman
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s of Friday, July 1, St. Elizabeth Health Support Services (SEHSS), a Franciscan Companies affiliate of SEMC, changed its name to Mohawk Valley Health Support Services, Inc. (MVHSS). “Our medical equipment and respiratory care services support the needs of patients across our communities,” said Ryan Thompson, MVHSS executive director. “This name
change reinforces our commitment to providing quality services to all MVHS member organizations, not only to SEMC.” MVHSS, located at 3899 Oneida Street, Washington Mills, has served the Mohawk Valley region for nearly 20 years. It offers an array of medical equipment for the home including oxygen, CPAP equipment, nebulizers, power chairs and scooters, wheelchairs and
walkers, easy-lift chairs, bathroom safety devices, hospital beds, orthopedic items and compression stockings. MVHSS can be reached at 315-737-0310. “Our products and services allow patients to remain in the homes they love,” Thompson said. “We are proud to offer that peace of mind and needed support to people in the Mohawk Valley.” v
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O Ava Joanne was born and cared for at the St. Luke’s Campus in March 2016.
Inpatient
Pediatric Care Consolidation at St. Luke’s Campus
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n Friday, July 1, 2016, MVHS consolidated inpatient pediatric care to the St. Luke’s Campus. MVHS pediatricians are still on call for any pediatric patient who may arrive at the Emergency Departments (ED) at the St. Elizabeth Campus or the St. Luke’s Campus. Pediatric patients will still be treated at both EDs. Consolidation helps us support improved clinical quality and provide more efficient services for our patients and their families. One of the goals of our hospital affiliation is to centralize services and care whenever possible, building on our expertise, and making the best use of our resources. Since the affiliation, we have consolidated endoscopy services at the St. Luke’s Campus, cardiac services at the St. Elizabeth Campus, and the primary care offices under the MVHS Medical Group. • MVHS pediatricians are on call for any pediatric patient who may arrive at the ED at the St. Elizabeth Campus or the St. Luke’s Campus. Pediatric patients will still be treated at both EDs. • SEMC is the area’s designated Trauma Center. Pediatric trauma will continue to be treated at SEMC. Pediatric outpatient surgery will also continue at SEMC. • FSLH is the area’s CMN Hospital. Donations from the community are used to enhance care for children in our Emergency, Pediatrics and Maternity Departments, as well as for outpatient care for Hearing and Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy and at our MVHS Medical Group primary care offices. v
Super Sim Lab Boosts Realism to Training Programs for Nurses and Physicians By Lindsay Mogle and Sandra Fentiman
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t. Elizabeth College of Nursing (SECON) hosted a mass-casualty simulation experience for students and residents in May. Senior nursing students from SECON and Utica College cared for the simulated patients in a collaborative model with resident physicians from the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program. Simulation-based learning has become a growing trend in healthcare. Controlled environments, such as simulation labs, are used to mimic a variety of scenarios that nurses and doctors will experience when providing care. SECON clinical instructor Jillian Atkinson, MS, RN, coordinated the simulation experience for the students and residents by creating a disaster simulation that involved 11 patients (10 actors and one “manikin”). In a re-created ED environment, the 17 nurses and 11 residents cared for a wide range of patient injuries resulting from a threevehicle motor vehicle accident involving a drunk driver operating a sedan, along with a second sedan and a bus. A mock Incident Command was initiated and patients were triaged and treated for their injuries while other staff maintained care for patients already in the unit. Individual patient cases involved chest pain or shortness of breath, broken bones, intoxication, language barriers, cardiac episodes, prenatal care and dehydration. Students and residents worked to evaluate and arrive at the underly-
In a simulated ED environment, 17 nurses and 11 residents cared for a wide range of patient injuries resulting from a mock, three-vehicle motor vehicle accident. ing diagnosis, followed by the initiation of therapeutic interventions and medication. Simulation Lab coordinator Justin Crossman, MA, said, “The goal was to help residents and nursing students practice effective communication. Physicians made assessments of patient conditions and gave orders. Nurses made sure they understood and carried out the orders.”
The collaboration of SECON President Varinya Sheppard, MS, RN, and St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program Director, Mark Warfel, DO, FAAFP, enabled students and residents the opportunity to demonstrate their clinical knowledge in an authentic disaster situation and also provided the invaluable experience of multidisciplinary communication and collaboration. v
MVHS Employee Picnics Tuesday, July 26
Wednesday, July 27
Thursday, July 28
St. Elizabeth Campus
Faxton Campus
St. Luke’s Campus
Cafeteria 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Cancer Center Parking Lot 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cafeteria 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.
College of Nursing Parking Lot 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking Lot by Energy Center 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Upcoming Events July 26
Employee Picnic at the St. Elizabeth Campus
PO Box 479 | Utica, NY 13503-0479
July 27 Employee Picnic at the Faxton Campus July 28
Employee Picnic at the St. Luke’s Campus
July 31
Deadline for Difference Maker Award Nominations
August 22-26
St. Luke’s Home 20th Anniversary Celebration
Please visit the intranet for a complete list of upcoming events at MVHS.
Staff Announcements March - June 2016 Vice Presidents Traci Boris, Esq. - Vice President of Legal and Compliance
Richard O’Brien, DO - Community Medicine/Urgent Care
Jack Davis, SHRM-SCP, SPHR - Vice President of Human Resources/Chief Human Resources Officer
Juleen Qandah, DO - Community Medicine/Urgent Care
Shannon Mathewson, MBA, PCMH CCE - Vice President of Operations
Dave Briggs - Director of Risk Management
Directors & Managers Cathy Callanan - General Manager of Sodexo for MVHS
Michael F. Trevisani, MD, MBA, CPE, FASCRS, FACHE - Senior Vice President/Chief Medical Officer
Suzanne Chabot, RN - Nurse Manager of the Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center
Eric Yoss, MD, FCCP - Senior Vice President of Quality
Medical Staff Isha Gupta, MD - Nephrologist Nalini Jayanthi Namassivaya, MD - Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist
Cindy Christian, RN - Nurse Manager of the Dialysis Center Nicole Henry, RN - Assistant Nurse Manager of Maternity and Nursery Services Delta Rubsamen - Director of Volunteers for FSLH
Visit the MVHS intranet for more details.
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