IN PULSE Vol. 36 No. 4 •
News from Waldo County General Hospital • July 2016
Grant received for sexual assault initiative Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH), Pen Bay Medical Center and LincolnHealth are working together to develop a regionalized Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program. Mary Ann Ordelt, RN at The program will provide WCGH, is the only sexual assault victims certified SAFE nurse.
access to SAFE nurses for evidentiary collection and medical care, 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The $45,000 grant from the Bingham Program will help support the operational costs of the program. Each hospital will also commit in-kind
and cash resources to support the planning, colleague training and evaluation costs to design and launch this new program. Presently, there is only one certified SAFE nurse availble in the three counties. We are confident that this collaborative care delivery model will allow the hospitals to meet the needs of our communities.
ICU nurse director Nicole Kenney is honored Nicole Kenney BSN, RN, ICU nurse director at Waldo County General Hospital, was honored nationally with a 2016 I SEE YOU CARE award. The award given by Advanced ICU Care, recognizes collaboration between bedside care providers and remote critical care teams. Nicole was one of only eight award recipients from 65 hospitals in 22 states. Recognition was given in four categories: hospital, administrator, doctor and nurse. Nicole was one of three nurses recognized. In addition
to a celebration held at the hospital, a donation was made to the hospital in Nicole’s name. Lou Silverman, CEO of Advanced ICU Care, said, “Achieving peak success in almost any meaningful endeavor requires expertise, a willingness to contribute meaningfully to a team and a commitment to
Nicole Kenney, BSN, RN
pursuing outcomes of consequence. Achieving peak success in the demanding environment of the ICU requires these attributes in quantity.” “Nicole exemplifies the commitment to team and purpose in the tele-ICU collaboration that saves lives and improves patient outcomes,” he concluded.
INSIDE Hospital News Pages 1-2 Hospital Aid Page 3, 5 Community Health Page 4
Construction of the Waldo County General Hospital Medical Office Building is expected to be completed in October.
Mad Hatter Tea Page 5
News Briefs Page 6
Employee Engagement Committee working hard One of the guiding principles in the MaineHealth strategic plan, “we recognize that a highly-qualified, engaged and committed workforce is essential to delivering high value care” is also the mission that the Employee Engagement Committee at Waldo County General Hospital has been working on since 2014. The Employee Engagement Committee, led by Rob Fowler, regional chief quality officer, has been charged with helping to create and maintain “an adaptable, engaged and talented workforce that aspires to provide and support the highest level of patient care in a safe, respectful and learning environment.” Karen Littlefield, committee member and director of human resources says, “Engaged
employees are people who want to work here, are loyal, take pride in their work and are continuously learning how to do their jobs better.” Each year in September, employees complete a survey about their job satisfaction. The MaineHealth goal for this year is to rank among the nation’s top 25th percentile in systemwide employee engagement. Last year, Waldo County General Hospital was one of only three MaineHealth organizations to reach that goal. In addition to employee appreciation and recognition the Committee also reviews the survey results to identify areas of improvement. The Employee Engagement Committee has been working
hard on many projects including the improvement of employee appreciation week; hosting monthly colleague breakfasts with Mark Biscone, CEO; supporting the Daisy Award for nurses and creating a retirement reception policy. The Committee has also hosted a winter barbecue, spa days, a plant sale, hired a harpist to play during the holidays, worked with the WOW committee on the “Walk to Arlington” and hosted an apple fest. The Committee has also developed tools for managers to improve communication and promote employee engagement. Additional members of the Committee include Jeff Davis, Holly Emerson, Laurie Ginn, Stacey Hall, David Inman, Sarah O’Blenes, Lisa Sirois, Donna Stevens and Ruth Shute.
Nurses from Women’s Health, Oncology, the Emergency Room and ICU held a pizza party to celebrate the large number of jars of peanut butter and jelly that were collected during Bangor Savings Bank’s 2016 Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive.
Non-emergency doctors’ appointments are available on the weekend to WCGH Primary Care patients
Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 338-9344 Appointments Recommended Cobb Medical Building, Suite 202 2
Hospital Aid celebrates 115th anniversary The Waldo County General Hospital Aid held its annual meeting, celebrating its 115th anniversary. During its fiscal year, Aid members donated 6,791 volunteer hours and $36,000 to the dental clinic, the hospital, the cardiac rehab scholarship fund and Belfast Public Health Nursing. Mark Biscone, CEO of Waldo County General Hospital and Pen Bay Medical Center, thanked the Aid members for their contributions of both time and money to the hospital. Twenty-four members were recognized for reaching a new level of service during the past year, including Ed Kelley with 6,500 hours and
Sally Millhorn and Jean Russell with 3,500 hours. Wilma Moses continued to be the highest achiever with 8,855 lifetime hours. Elected as officers for the upcoming year were Wilma Moses and Ellen Kenney, co-presidents; Sally Millhorn, vice-president; Jane Doak, secretary; Peter Tidd, treasurer; Clare Tresham, gift shop treasurer and Phyllis Gaul, corresponding secretary. The Aid’s next fundraiser will be a Summer Tea & Retro Style Show on Thursday, August 4, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the home of George and Marcia Smith, 18 Bayside Drive, Belfast, the former Anne Crosby Johnson estate.
The new co-presidents of the Aid are Wilma Moses, left, and Ellen Kenney.
Making a difference During the annual meeting, Sandy Gordon, the staff liaison to the Aid, told two short stories about receiving praise for Aid members. A doctor recently called Sandy to commend Ed Lord for his quick actions when a woman looked like she was going to give birth in the parking lot. He took her by wheelchair in the birthing center, where she gave birth to a healthy baby girl less than a half hour later. In the second case, a woman was in the gift shop around Mother’s
Day, when she spotted the cards and she started to cry. Aid member Ida Jean Tyer got up from behind the cashier’s desk and gave the woman a hug. The woman stopped crying, thanked Ida Jean and said this was the first Mother’s Day since her mother had passed. Sandy noted that those were only two examples, adding “All of you deserve a heartfelt thank you for your service.”
At their annual meeting, the Waldo County General Hospital Aid donated $8,000 to Waldo County Dental Care. Above, Clare Tresham, gift shop treasurer, and Peter Tidd, Aid treasurer, right, each presented $4,000 checks to Mark Biscone, CEO for Waldo County General Hospital. Aid members and volunteers Ida Jean Tyer and Ed Lord were cited as examples of ways volunteers help make the hospital a more inviting place.
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Community Health & Wellness Briefs
Registration required for all events, please visit http://journeytohealth.coursestorm.com or call 921-3950
• Thursday, July 7 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Belfast Harbor Walk, starting at the bottom of Main Street, Belfast
• Tuesday, July 26 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Wellness Trail at Pen Bay Medical Center, starting outside Pen Bay Urology, Rockport Quiet your mind with walking meditation Bringing mindfulness into our natural activities can be extremely relaxing. Join Health & Wellness Coach Barbara Crowley to practice taming the wandering mind while walking. Monday, July 11 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Free Belfast Free Library 106 High Street, Belfast
• Tuesday, July 12 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Wellness Trail at Pen Bay Medical Center, starting outside Pen Bay Urology, Rockport
• Thursday, July 21 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Little River Trail, starting Walsh Field, Lincolnville Ave., Belfast
Journey to Health Walking Club Looking for a group activity for that extra support to get up and go? Join Community Health & Wellness staff for weekly walks around Knox and Waldo counties. July walks are scheduled on Tuesdays in Knox County and Thursdays in Waldo County, weather permitting. All are welcome. Free and no registration is required.
Wanted: An adult member of our community who is willing to listen to teenagers whenever they need to talk and is willing to share their home phone number in case the teens are ever in crisis. Confidentiality is a must and the individual must be willing to actively respond as needed. Tim Woitowitz is retiring from the group he formed, “Making Change,” which held meetings at the hospital. Making Change has been a safe place where young people could go to talk about what they were dealing with. Tim says it’s about friendship and helping kids who are in danger of falling through the cracks, especially those with substance abuse issues. Those who encounter young people when they are in crisis say the end of Making Change is going to leave a big gap for the at-risk community. They are hoping that someone will respond to meet the community’s need.
Learn to make delicious summer sides Celebrate summer with fresh, easy and satisfying side dishes that bring a healthy pop of color to your table. Wednesday, July 20 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration Fee: $10 Waldo County YMCA 157 Lincolnville Ave., Belfast Quench your thirst Are you looking to impress your friends during this picnic season with a healthy, cool, refreshing drink? Learn a few new recipes that will quench your thirst and keep your taste buds happy. Monday, July 25 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Registration fee: $5 Waldo County General Hospital Classroom, 118 Northport Ave., Belfast
Dana Whitten, MD, left, and Joe Anderson, MD present Kasey McLeod of Swanville with the 2016 Dana & Dianne Whitten Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from Belfast Area High School who has demonstrated a strong commitment to caring for and improving the lives of children.
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Mad Hatter Tea Party held Barb and Mark Biscone, CEO of Waldo County General Hospital, just six members; they immediately hosted a “Mad Hatter Tea Party” for started raising money to create our members of the Hospital Aid at their hospital. If we just look at the last Lincolnville home June 15. Mark 38 years, the hours given would thanked Aid members, past and exceed 225,000 and the money present, for their donations of time and money after the past 115 years. donated would exceed three-quarters of a million. Together “For those who don’t know, the it’s several millions worth of support Hospital Aid was formed January to Waldo County General Hospital. 1901 by Mrs. Charles Pilsbury with
As you know, it takes a team to accomplish all the important goals. Personally, I have truly been blessed to have had the support of the Aid and have enjoyed working with all of you over these past decades especially at the Silver Teas. Thank you for all your support.”
Summer Tea & Retro Style Show The Hospital Aid will hold its Summer Tea & Retro Style Show on Thursday, August 4, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the home of George & Marcia Smith, 18 Bayside Drive, Belfast. Lemonade, iced tea and light refreshments will be served. There will be a fun fashion show of low-cost outfits and accessories available for purchase. Donations to the Aid will be accepted.
“Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.” 5
News Briefs The Cassatt String Quartet, acclaimed as one of America’s outstanding ensembles, will be performing at no charge in the Best Café on Wednesday, July 20, from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. The Manhattanbased Cassatt String Quartet has performed throughout North America, Europe and the Far East.
Back by popular demand: Best Café Breakfast Bar. Daily from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. you can visit the café for a variety of yogurts, granola, steel cut oatmeal, nuts, fruit, toppings and cottage cheese. All available at the salad bar.
Holly Emerson has been named the regional director of switchboard. In her new role, Holly will oversee all activities related to the Switchboard at Waldo County General Hospital and Pen Bay Medical Center. Holly has been an employee of WCGH for 27 years and has spent 22 of those years working and managing the day-today operations of the switchboard.
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Address service requested
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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