News from Jim Millard, President & CEO
Kudos
It’s always nice to share great news, and lately, I think we’ve had a lot of it!
As you may have read in the newspaper, Leapfrog just announced its 2014 report card on patient safety and they gave Kenmore Mercy Hospital an “A” rating. Kenmore Mercy was one of only two hospitals in the entire region to receive this top honor.
A special thank you to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Through their “Dress a Child for Spring” project, they have provided more than $1,100 in children’s clothing donations to support patients at Ken-Ton FamilyCare. Elaine Schrutt, RN, BSN, and Kathleen Vitthuhn, RN, MSN, recently received their Nurse Executive - Board Certifications (NE-BC). Spiritual Care is pleased to welcome two new chaplains, Geoff Hord and Fr. Bob Schober.
Vitthuhn
Hord
Cheryl Hayes, vice president of Patient Care Services, recently received her Nurse Executive Advanced Board Certification (NEA-BC). Beth Woods, RN, in the Intensive Care Unit, recently earned her Critical Care Nursing certification, a credential granted by AACN Certification Corp. Welcome to Heather Loomis, business advisor, in the Finance Department.
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Schrutt
Fr. Schober
We were also recently notified that our new south wing which houses the Emergency Department and Knee & Hip Center, is a finalist for Business First Newspaper’s Brick by Brick Award in the Best Medical Campus category. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in June.
Earlier this spring we hosted our Associate Forums. I’m happy to say that we had record attendance, with over 325 associates attending these sessions. Thank you to everyone who came to learn about our priorities for 2014: Clinical Integration, Magnet Status, Operational Effectiveness, Orthopedic Campus of Excellence, Surgical Growth, and Patient Experience/Safety. We hope that you found these forums to be worthwhile. I know that I always enjoy getting a chance to talk to those who attend, and I appreciate the feedback that we receive during these sessions and through the associate forum evaluation forms.
Many of you have again suggested that we could improve communication by emailing information directly to our associates.
We are beginning this process by collecting personal emails from those associates who are interested. This will allow us to send you up-to-date news and direct you to our internet page for important happenings. If you haven’t done so already, and are interested in receiving information via email, please submit your email address through our intranet page by clicking on the “News,” then “Get News By Email.” You can also send it to KAshbery@chsbuffalo.org.
Finally, we expect that our two new operating rooms will be completed by early July. We’re excited that we’ll be able to grow our surgical program and that we will be able to accommodate those surgeons that are interested in doing more work at Kenmore Mercy.
As always, thanks for all that you do for Kenmore Mercy Hospital and our patients. The great success that we’ve been able to achieve is a direct result of your dedication and hard work.
Save the Date; Upcoming Summer Activities Hayes
Woods
Loomis
The first day of summer isn’t that far away and we have a lot celebrating to do at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming dates.
Friday, June 13 The hospital will host it’s annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 13 at 12:30 p.m. at the flag pole. If you are a veteran or current member of the military and would be interested in participating, please call x 76103.
Sunday, June 22 Come out and enjoy the Summer KMH Classic Bowling Tournament & Fun Day on Sunday, June 22 at Classic Lanes (1840 Military Road, Kenmore). For more information or to
register a three-person team, contact Mike Wendel at 447-6256 or mwendel@chsbuffalo.org.
Wednesday, July 30 Finally, on Wednesday, July 30, we host the annual associate summer luncheon. Join us at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4:30 - 7 p.m., and 11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m., under the tent next to the Emergency Department for food and fun! 2