IN PULSE Vol. 37 No. 5 •
HOSPITAL
H
Becker’s Hospital Review
62 Critical
Access Hospitals to Know 2017
News from Waldo County General Hospital • September 2017
Plans for ED addition are progressing
Plans are underway for the construction of a 4,500 squarefoot expansion of Waldo County General Hospital’s emergency department. The new space will increase in size from 10 to 16 private treatment spaces with a designated area for substance abuse and psychiatric patients. Plans are also in place to allow for greater privacy for all patients and increased efficiency for staff. An elevator will be installed to allow private transport of patients from the ER to the inpatient floor. Similarly, there will be a more convenient and private way to get from the emergency department to the helipad for patients who need to be transferred to another hospital. An urgent care fast track area with easy access to the imaging department will be constructed to allow for a more efficient flow of patients and staff. Separate entrances are also planned for emergency department walk-ins and the main entrance to the hospital. Construction is tentatively set for November but that date is dependent on having all the permits in hand and the weather. The construction and renovation is expected to take 12 to 14 months.
The expansion will be located at the front of the current emergency department.
Brewster wins Daisy Award Rachel Brewster, RN in the medical surgical unit, is WCGH’s latest Daisy Award winner. Nominations for Rachel were received from two different patients. One wrote, “She went above and beyond the whole time my husband was here. She has quite a bit of compassion for her patients. She put us at ease and we want her to be recognized for the amazing care she gave.” The other wrote, “I believe Rachel possesses an extraordinary quality that makes her the best recipient of this award; the ability to make each patient and family feel like they are her only ones. I recognize this is not always easy to do.” The Daisy Award recognizes extraordinary nurses who make an enormous difference in the lives of people by the work they do every day. Congratulations to the other nominees for the quarter, Lindsey Faulkingham, RN in the emergency department and Hannah Uhll, RN in the medical surgical unit.
Ruth Moulton, CNA with Interim Chief Nursing Officer Rob Fowler, RN.
Moulton wins Sunshine Award Ruth Moulton, CNA is the latest Sunshine Award winner at WCGH. She was nominated by the daughter of a patient who has dementia and was quite confused and irritable during her hospital stay. She wrote, “Ruth, took it all in stride and didn’t let it affect her caregiving. Her positive attitude and caring demeanor always worked to calm my mom. The compassionate attention she provided made a difficult experience better.” The Sunshine Award was created to “celebrate the extraordinary skill and compassionate care provided by the nursing support staff.” Also nominated for the award were Colleen Herlihy, Marcia Newbert and Courtney Reynolds.
Waldo County Dental Care receives $7,500 grant Waldo County Dental Care (WCDC) thanks the Northeast Delta Dental Foundation (NDDF) for its $7,500 grant. NDDF provides funding to organizations whose services contribute to increase the access to and the quality of oral health care and education in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. As the only safety net dental clinic in the Midcoast region, WCDC provides critically needed
oral health care to low income, uninsured patients in Waldo and Knox counties. The funds provided by NDDF will help support WCDC’s Priority Dental Care Initiative, which focuses on expanding services for vulnerable populations, including patients who have a co-occurring medical condition that is compromised by dental infection, such as diabetes, pregnancy, victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and 2
patients who need dental care to secure or improve employment. “Oral health is a critical component of overall health and we are proud to support community clinics like WCDC that understand this important oral health connection. We are pleased to be able to help WCDC provide access to quality dental care to several of the Midcoast’s most medically-fragile residents,” said Kathleen Walker, APR, treasurer of NDDF.
Oncology Walk is October 14
Maureen Egan, right, shown here with Ann Hooper.
Paintings help tell breast cancer survivor’s story
Open houses were held last month at the renovated spaces for cardiac rehab, oncology and infusion therapy, and the new center for women’s imaging. The Ann Hooper Center for Women’s Imaging had an added attraction: vividly colored artwork by Rockport-based artist Maureen Egan. The images are from her recently-released book, “The Light From Here: A Breast Cancer Story,” which is available in the center’s waiting room. For Egan, making art—both writing and painting— supported her through a series of challenges, culminating in a breast cancer diagnosis in 2012. It was then that she met
radiologist Dr. Nancy Webb and oncologist Dr. Elizabeth Connelly from WCGH, who continue to oversee her annual check-ups. Upon finishing months of active treatment for breast cancer five years ago, Egan utilized the disciplines of painting and writing as a way of processing her experience. It took four years for her to write and create the paintings that tell her story. “When facing something difficult, I turn to beauty, imagery and color, which comfort me and lead me to my strength,” Egan says. “I was thrilled when Dr. Webb invited me to show my work at the new center. I hope that my images will both soothe patients who are going through trials and delight those who are there for a routine exam.”
With the assistance of a $5,250 grant from the Sadie and Harry Davis Foundation, primary care offices affiliated with Waldo County General Hospital are offering dates throughout the fall for free vaccinations for patients (adults and children). The next opportunity is Saturday, October 21, from
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Biscone Medical Building, 119 Northport Avenue in Belfast and at the Lincolnville Regional Health Center, 2399 Atlantic Highway (Route 1) in Lincolnville. While attendees must have a primary care doctor affiliated with the hospital, the shots may be received at either location.
Free vaccinations on October 21
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Join Waldo County General Hospital and the Pen Bay Waldo Healthcare Foundation for the Waldo County General Hospital Oncology Walk taking place on Saturday, October 14. All proceeds benefit the Oncology Patient Assistance and Mammography Funds. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m.; the walk begins at 10:00. There is no cost to participate in the walk, but donations are accepted. To make a donation, please visit www.wcgh.org/ support and click the orange “Donate Now” button. When filling out your online donation form, please select “Oncology Patient Assistance” under Donation Designation and type in “Walk” in the Special Instructions box. For more information, please call 930-2555.
Dine for a cause set for October 24 The Waldo County General Hospital Aid and Anglers Restaurant in Searsport are teaming up again to benefit Belfast Public Health Nursing (BPHN). On Tuesday, October 24, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Anglers will host a Dine for a Cause event and will donate 10 percent of dinner proceeds to BPHN. Reservations are suggested for parties of six or more and may be made by calling 548-2405. Anglers is located at 215 East Main Street (Route 1).
Community Health & Wellness Briefs
Registration required for all events, please visit journeytohealth.coursestorm.com or call 921-3950 Are You Ready to Quit? Have you heard that nicotine is addictive, but quitting is contagious? It’s normal to feel worried about quitting, but the good news is that with planning, medication and support, your chances of successfully quitting increase by up to 50%. In this informational session, we’ll discuss developing awareness of the habit and the use of medications, support and a quit plan. Wednesday, October 11 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Winterport Memorial Library 229 Main Street Free All About Apples You’ve heard an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Have you ever wondered why? Join us to learn about the many health benefits of your teacher’s favorite snack and create tasty recipes that incorporate apples into every meal of the day. Thursday, October 12 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Stockton Springs Town Office 217 Main Street Registration fee is $10. Building Your Meditation Practice Is meditation new to you or are you looking to have a deeper, more meaningful practice? If so, join our meditation experts to explore different techniques. The class will provide you with the tools to develop a home sitting meditation practice and help you learn to be mindful in everyday
activities. You’ll leave each week feeling renewed and more balanced. Mondays, October 16 – 30 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. UMaine Hutchinson Center, 80 Belmont Avenue, Belfast Registration fee is $18. Fitness Foundations Do you want an effective and efficient workout using just your own body weight? This is the class for you. Fitness Foundations will teach you proper strength training technique to build your muscles and make everyday activities a breeze. Make the most of your lunch break with this 45-minute class. Mondays, Oct. 16 – Dec. 4 Noon – 12:45 p.m. WCGH Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Center 163 Northport Avenue, Belfast Registration fee is $40.
Cha-Cha Basics & Beyond Come dance the cha-cha with us! This is a playful, energetic Latin dance that will get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face. In this six-week class, you will learn the basics as well as some fun tricks and turns that will keep you on your toes! Mondays, Oct. 16 - Nov. 27 (No class November 20) 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. East Belfast Elementary School 14 Swan Lake Avenue Registration fee is $37.50
Gentle Yoga Yoga is a gentle way to improve your physical and mental well-being. This class will help you stretch and strengthen your muscles, gain flexibility, improve balance, reduce stress, improve joint mobility and relax. Appropriate for anyone regardless of yoga experience. Thursdays, Nov. 2 - Dec. 14 Fight Cancer in the Kitchen (No class November 23) In honor of Breast Cancer 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Awareness Month, guest chefs East Belfast Elementary School William Fabricius, MD, Florence 14 Swan Lake Avenue Baker, RD, and Jill Coyle, RN, will teach you how to use food to Mondays, Nov. 6 - Dec. 11 combat a wide array of cancers. 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Explore how a diet rich in Lincolnville Central School vegetables, fruits and whole 523 Hope Road grains can help your body prevent Registration fee is $37.50. cancer or support cancer treatment. Join us to fight cancer in the kitchen! To view other classes Monday, October 16 and events, visit: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. journeytohealth. First Congregational Church 55 Elm Street, Camden coursestorm.com. Free 4
Unification forums held in Waldo, Knox counties Coastal Healthcare Alliance recently held unification community forums in Knox and Waldo counties to discuss a proposal to unify all MaineHealth member organizations. The public was invited to attend the forums to hear details, ask questions and provide feedback about the current proposal. A panel was featured at each forum, and the Waldo County panel included Lee Woodward, president of the Coastal Healthcare Alliance board, Kent Clark, MD, vice president of medical affairs at WCGH, Bill Caron, CEO of MaineHealth and Mark Fourre, MD,
Waldo County Unification Community Forum in Belfast.
president and CEO of PBMC and WCGH. MaineHealth is collecting feedback from all
member forums and will review community input as discussions continue.
WCGH employees honored for service
An employee recognition luncheon was held to recognize the WCGH employees celebrating anniversaries of employment in 2017. Honored were: • 31 employees for five years of service • 28 employees for 10 years • 14 for 15 years • 9 for 20 years • 2 for 25 years • 1 for 30 years • 1 for 35 years • 1 for 40 years Also recognized were 15 per diem employees with five to 25 years of service. Lee Woodward, president of the Coastal Healthcare Alliance board, also read the names of 55 employees, who while not celebrating a five-year anniversary, had more than 20 years of service. At the top of that list was Susan Drinkwater RN with 41 years.
Lois Dutch is honored for 40 years of service at Waldo County General Hospital. Making the presentation is Lee Woodward, president of the Coastal Healthcare Alliance board.
WCGH partnered with the Belfast Rotary, Waldo County YMCA and Camden National Bank to collect and distribute nearly 1,200 backpacks filled with supplies to Waldo County students. The effort was to ensure that each student had the tools needed to learn this school year. Above, working to stock the backpacks with supplies are hospital staff and volunteers.
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NEWS BRIEFS Fall Baby Fair The annual Fall Baby Fair with new and used items for sale for infants and children will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Troy Howard Middle School, 173 Lincolnville Ave., Belfast. This is a great opportunity to clean out your closets and sell baby and children’s items no longer needed in your home. Items can include clothes up to size 12, toys, books, furniture, etc. Please no recalled furniture or car seats that have an expired use date. Tables for exhibitors (crafters of children’s items are also welcome) are available to rent at $25 each. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid prior to the Fair to guarantee a spot. Proceeds from table rental fees
benefit the Belfast Public Health Nursing Association, but all other profit is yours to keep. Set-up will be from 7:00 a.m. until the fair starts, and clean-up will be immediately following the event. There is an admission fee of $1 for adults. To book a table or for more information, call Waldo County General Hospital’s Education Department at 930-6713.
Walk-in Appointments
Patients at the Lincolnville Regional Health Center now have access to walk-in appointments on: • Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. • Mondays through Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Walk-in appointments are also available to patients at the Arthur
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Jewell Health Center in Brooks on: • Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Free Adult Flu Shots
Free adult flu shots are being offered at Waldo County General Hospital. Belfast Public Health Nursing, part of the population health department, will be running the flu shot clinics for those at least 18 years of age, on: • Saturday, October 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. • Monday, November 27, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The clinics will be held in the WCGH Classroom, which is best entered through the back door at the north end of the hospital, 116 Northport Avenue in Belfast.
118 Northport Ave n P.O. Box 287 n Belfast, Maine 04915 (207) 338-2500 n www.wcgh.org
Waldo County General Hospital
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