February 27, 2020 Osteoporosis Clinic Now Open Page 2 Online Grief Support Available through Excela Health Page 2 Learn About the Meds to Beds Program Page 3 Blood Pressure Volunteers Needed for Wellness Checks Page 4 In the News Employee Engagement Dates to Know New Faces
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Volume 3 Issue 6
Black Tie for Hope Raffle Basket Sale The Excela Health Westmoreland/Frick Hospital Foundation will host Black Tie for Hope, a fundraising event on Saturday, March 28 with all proceeds benefiting state-of-the-art cancer care treatment at Excela Health. In support of this major fundraiser the committee will host a basket raffle sale at each of the main Excela Health campuses. Stop by and enter for your chance to win a variety of baskets, including gift cards, dining experiences, and much more! Tickets are 5 for $10 or 20 for $20. (Cash only) Winners will be announced and contacted Monday, March 16, by phone, and baskets will be available for pickup at the Excela Health Marketing Office, 226 Donohoe Road, Suite 111, Greensburg. 3/6, Corporate Services Center, Main Lobby 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/9, Excela Square at Latrobe, Outside the Community Room 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/10, Excela Square at Norwin, North Entrance Atrium Lobby 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/11, Westmoreland Hospital, Main Lobby 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/12, Latrobe Hospital, Main Lobby 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 3/13, Excela Square at Frick, Near Cafe/Elevators 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet Carol OBryan- Open Heart Communicator By 7 a.m. Carol OBryan, former nurse with Excela Health, has arrived at Westmoreland Hospital to start her volunteer shift as an Open Heart Communicator. She is one of five volunteers who serve as liaisons between the operating room and families while patients undergo open heart surgery. The Open Heart Communicator meets the family once the procedure has started. During this introduction the communicators explain the process, the role they serve, and connect with the patient’s family. At that point the volunteer will go back and forth between the operating room and the waiting room, updating the family at milestones. The goal of the program is to keep the families informed during surgery and to let them know that they are not alone. “I always talk to them about the process, when they make the incision, and if they go on bypass I explain what happens.” OBryan said. The program does not replace the physician communication, but enhances it. Ellen Katter, Director of Volunteer Services, explains that human contact and compassion are what matters most during these times. OBryan said “I have had several times where there are people here in the waiting room by themselves, and it’s difficult for them. There is no one there for them to share their anxieties.” Katter explains how the program keeps patients and families at the center of our care, and is currently expanding and looking for more volunteers. It is an advantage to have medical experience, but not a requirement. Compassion however, is required.
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