IN PULSE Vol. 36 No. 5 •
Oncologist joins WCGH
William Fabricius, MD has joined the cancer care team at Waldo County General Hospital. Dr. Fabricius graduated from the Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program at the University of Massachusetts. He completed Chief Residency and Residency training in Internal Medicine at St Mary’s Hospital, a Yale University affiliated hospital, in Waterbury, CT. Dr. Fabricius is American Board of Internal Medicine certified in Internal Medicine, and board eligible in Hematology and Medical Oncology. He will join Elizabeth Connelly, DO, and will see patients at Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital. With the addition of Fabricius to the cancer care team, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital will each have a physician onsite four days a week. To schedule an appointment at Waldo County General Hospital, call 930-2555. Dr. Fabricius will be at Waldo County General Hospital on Wednesdays.
News from Waldo County General Hospital • October 2016
WCGH on Becker’s list for second year
For the second time, Becker’s Hospital Review has named Waldo County General Hospital to its 2016 edition of its “50 Critical Access Hospitals to Know” list. The hospitals on this list serve a variety of regions across the United States. Due to their predominantly rural locations, these organizations play a crucial role in the health and well-being of their respective communities. Becker’s selected critical access
hospitals for inclusion based on rankings and awards from respected organizations, including iVantage Health Analytics, Healthgrades, the National Rural Health Association, Truven Health Analytics, Women’s Choice Award and the Leapfrog Group. WCGH was also named among iVantage Health Analytics’ Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for the sixth consecutive year in 2016.
CEO also recognized Mark Biscone, president and CEO of WCGH and Pen Bay Medical Center, has been named to Becker’s “50 Critical Access Hospital CEOs to Know 2016.” The article cited his management of both hospitals and being named Citizen of the Year by the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
INSIDE Hospital News Hospital Aid Community Health & Wellness News Briefs
Pages 1-3, 5 Page 4 Page 4 Page 6
Grant writer helps expand healthcare for vulnerable area residents
Over the past few months, WCGH has seen an influx of grant dollars to help sustain and expand access to healthcare services for vulnerable residents across Waldo County. With recent grant awards from over a dozen charitable foundations, WCGH has continued to strengthen safety net programs, such as Waldo County Dental Care, Belfast Public Health Nursing and CarePartners. Deborah Schilder, Regional Director of Grants and Foundation Relations for PBMC & WCGH, works with colleagues across both hospitals to match institutional need for funding with grant opportunities from charitable foundations. As a key staff member of the newly expanded Pen Bay Waldo Healthcare Foundation, Deb researches grant
opportunities and helps write proposals to secure funds for our healthcare system’s new and on-going programs. With the help of over a quarter of a million dollars in charitable donations over the past couple of years, Waldo County Dental Care has doubled its treatment capacity, purchased critical equipment, expanded staffing and expedited treatment for high risk populations. The clinic has received grants from a long list of foundations including the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, Bank of America, the Doree Taylor Charitable Trust, United Mid-Coast Charities, the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust, the Maine Women’s Fund, Northeast
Delta Foundation, the American Dental Association Foundation, the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation and the Maine Health Access Foundation. Other hospital initiatives have also benefited from grant awards. Most recently, with the help of a grant from the Bingham Program, WCGH is taking the lead on a regional program to improve care for sexual assault victims across Waldo, Knox and Lincoln counties. Over the coming months, Deb, and the rest of the team at the Pen Bay Waldo Healthcare Foundation will be working to secure additional grants and charitable donations to support operations and initiatives.
Littlefield earns awards, certification
Congratulations to Karen Littlefield, Human Resources Director at WCGH. She has been chosen to receive the 2016 ASHHRA (American Society of Healthcare Human Resource Administration) Outstanding Chapter Officer Award for her contributions to the Maine Society of Healthcare Human Resource Administration as its president in 2015 and 2016. The purpose of the award is to recognize a chapter officer who has made a significant contribution to an ASHHRA chapter through excellence in
chapter management and distinguished leadership. She was also notified that the Maine chapter will receive a 2016 Chapter Management Recognition Award. Both awards will be presented at the ASHHRA 52nd annual conference and exhibition in Grapevine, Texas, on Sept. 24-27. Karen also successfully completed and passed her CHHR (Certified in Healthcare Human Resources) exam, becoming the second healthcare professional in 2
Maine to obtain this certification. The certification is awarded to a professional, who is knowledgeable of the healthcare environment and healthcare workforce needs and is able to adapt this knowledge to his or her individual healthcare organization’s needs and goals.
Opening this Fall – 119 Northport Avenue Have you been wondering what the hospital’s new building under construction on Northport Avenue is going to be used for? In just a few short months, we’ll open the doors to our new Patient Centered Medical Home – Primary Care practice. It will be home to four primary care physicians, including Ben Mailloux, MD; Matthew Molison, DO; Jeffrey Newsom, MD (who will join our staff November 1); and Steven Wilson, MD. Also four primary care advanced practice professionals, including Cheryl Deane, PA (who will join our staff November 1); Roberta Goff, NP; Chelsea Howard, NP; and Joanne Moesswilde, NP. The practice will consist of 14
patient exam rooms, offices for integrated behavioral health counselors, our public health nurse and care managers, on-site lab services and a community conference facility. Rob Fowler, Chief Quality Officer, noted on a recent tour, “This building and practice was designed collaboratively with providers and care team members. We made site visits to patient friendly facilities and put a focus on incorporating the various aspects of our greater Belfast community with a Farm to Table theme in its design. It’s a prime example of our focus on positive patient experiences and putting our patients first!” The second floor will be the new
home to the Diabetes Services and Anticoagulation Clinics, along with operational departments for Physician Practice Management, Central Scheduling, the Central Referrals and Prior Authorization Team, a new Educational Simulation Lab, a conference room and two employee computer training rooms. As these moves occur, the hospital will look to expand service lines in the vacated space in the Ludwig Medical Building and the Cobb Medical Building; all with a focus on improving our overall patient experience. The ribbon-cutting for the new building is tentatively scheduled to take place in early November.
Jeff Boal, RN is latest Daisy Award honoree Emergency Room Nurse Jeff Boal has been selected as the latest Daisy Award winner. The family that nominated him for the prestigious award wrote: “One of your employees stood out most particularly. The ER RN that worked the front desk on this night truly went above and beyond. This RN was exceptionally responsive to those of us waiting in the wait room. In between seeing patients, he would run through to bounce an infant while her mother retrieved belongings from her vehicle, cleaned vomit off the floor and even assisted a woman who entered the wait room looking for someone with jumper cables. My husband and I watched as he demonstrated compassion to even those who were unable to be patient during the process.” The Daisy Award was created to
Jeff Boal, RN, with Paula Delahanty, chief nursing officer, left, and Kim Spectre, NP, emergency room nurse director.
recognize extraordinary nurses who make an enormous difference in the lives of so many people by the work they do every day. 3
Congratulations to the other two nominees this quarter: Monica Loring and Bettina-Jo Trap.
Community Health & Wellness Briefs
Registration required for all events, please visit http://journeytohealth.coursestorm.com or call 921-3950 Healthier Halloween Treats Kid-approved Halloween treats don’t have to be full of sugar. Bring your whole family to this healthy treat-making workshop with our Let’s Go! coordinators where you will have fun and make healthy Halloween goodies that are scary good. We promise you a spook-tackular time! Tuesday, October 18 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. $5/child, family discount available Waldo County YMCA, Lincolnville Ave., Belfast Healthy Cooking Skills with Chef Melinda Boost your healthy cooking confidence by learning a few chef basics like knife skills, seasoning tricks and how to perfectly saute and roast vegetables, meats and more. You will leave with a full tummy and be ready to prepare your own healthy meals at home. Thursday, October 20 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. $10 Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane, Belfast
Tango for Beginners Tango is a passionate dance with sharp movements, fancy footwork and romantic music. Join our four-week beginner ballroom-style tango class to learn how to do this sultry dance yourself! Tuesdays, November 1 – 29 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. $20 individuals/$30 couples Morse Memorial School, 27 School St., Brooks Self Care Through Art Creating art can lower blood pressure, stress levels and anxiety while helping you discover your inner artist and quieting your mind. Come experiment with pastels, watercolors, acrylics, collage and more as you start your journey into a new perspective of self-care. A willingness top play with and explore the materials is all that’s required. Wednesdays, November 2 -- 16 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. $50 Searsmont United Methodist Church, Route 131, Searsmont
The Belfast Public Health Nursing donated three 5-point harness car seats to Broadreach Family & Community Services to help support its new SPROUTS program. Pictured above are, from left, Deb Hensley, Director of Early Children Programs; Roxanne Eggen, Director of Early Childhood Operations; and Samantha Paradis, Belfast Public Health Nurse.
4
Embrace the Season: Fall Join Rhonda Feiman, licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, to learn Chinese medicine practices and simple Qi-gong movements that can help strengthen the immune system and support emotional and physical balance as we transition from summer to fall. Wednesday, October 26 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free Lincolnville Community Library 208 Main St., Lincolnville 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 in Waldo County. Walks are held weather permitting. All are welcome. Free and no registration required. Tuesdays, October 4 -- November 22 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Belfast City Park Loop, starting next to the helipad at Waldo County General Hospital.
The WCGH Aid held its Summer Tea & Retro Style Show at the former Anne Crosby Estate in Belfast. Above, former president Sally Millhorn poses with the antique car parked outside.
Marketplace enrollment grant
Waldo County General Hospital, Pen Bay Medical Center and LincolnHealth have been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Maine Health Access Foundation to assist people in understanding and enrolling in Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace. With this funding, CarePartners’ staff from the three hospitals will expand upon existing partnerships in Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties to create a coordinated, education, outreach and enrollment initiative to reach low-income uninsured or underinsured Mainers. A focus of their work will be to increase access by providing education and enrollment services in the evenings and on the weekends, as well as outreach through print and social media. Ninety-minute educational sessions are planned throughout the three counties where individuals can get all their questions answered about the
Health Insurance Marketplace, and start to prepare for enrollment. On November 1, enrollment will begin. In addition to providing individual office appointments to help individuals enroll, 12 group sessions are planned for November through January throughout the three counties, in partnership with the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance.
Get Your Questions Answered About the Health Insurance Marketplace No doubt you’ve heard about the Health Insurance Marketplace. You probably have questions like what is the Marketplace? Can I really get affordable health insurance? What if I have a pre-existing condition? We’ve got answers to those questions and many more. Join our certified application counselors for 90-minute sessions that will provide you with the best, latest and most accurate information about the Marketplace; help you explore your options for
WCGH speech pathologists Zoe Kennedy and Erica James insert a pressure sensor into the nose and esophagus of Janet Cronkite for high resolution esophageal manometry. At right is Peter Belafsky, MD, Ph.D, MPH, a professor and director of the voice and swallowing center at University of California, Davis. The demonstration was part of the “Current Trends in Laryngology, Swallowing and Voice” conference held in Belfast and hosted by the Voice and Swallowing Center at WCGH.
qualified health plans, including benefits and pricing; and ensure you are prepared for the enrollment process. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Visit journeytohealthcoursestorm.com to register. • Wednesday, Oct.12, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Medomak Valley High School, 320 Manktown Rd, Waldoboro • Saturday, Oct. 15, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Central Lincoln County Adult Ed, 767 Main St. 1-A, Damariscotta • Monday, Oct. 17, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., Thomaston Public Library, 60 Main St., Thomaston • Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., Unity Community Center, 32 School St., Unity • Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Sheepscot General Store, 98 Townhouse Rd, Whitefield • Monday, October 24, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., Picker Family Resource Center, 756 Commercial St., Rockport • Wednesday, Oct. 26, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., Waldo County General Hospital Classroom, 118 Northport Ave., Belfast
CarePartners, a program operating in MaineHealth hospitals, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The program is a group of healthcare providers, who voluntarily provide healthcare services to those who qualify, with a goal of keeping participants healthy and avoiding major illnesses. Shown are, from left, Mark Biscone, Waldo County General Hospital CEO, Joy Anne Osterhout, Regional Director, Community Health & Wellness and Access to Care Programs, and Linda Weymouth, Juanita Palmer and Melissa Moody, Resource and Referral Specialists for CarePartners.
5
News Briefs
Cassatt String Quartet, the Manhattan-based quartet acclaimed as one of America’s outstanding ensembles, performed a free concert in the Best CafÊ at the hospital on July 20. Their performance was enjoyed by hospital patients, employees and members of the public. The quartet, which has performed throughout North America, Europe and the Far East, has agreed to return to play again next summer during its annual tour of coastal Maine. They also performed at Waterfall Arts.
Elaine Bielenberg and Janet White organized a golf tournament at the Northport Golf Club, which raised $1,568 for the Patient Assistance Mammography Fund at Waldo County General Hospital. On hand when the donation was made were, from left, Danielle Wight, head of mammography technicians, Elaine Bielenberg, Kim Lenfestey, the Breast Care Navigator at the hospital, Ann Hooper, director of the imaging department, Nancy Webb MD, radiologist and Paula Herron from the golf course.
6
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
Non-Profit US Postage PAID Permit #40 Belfast, ME