www.ormc.org
An award winning newsletter for Orange Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers
From The President & CEO
Scott Batulis President & CEO
The flu season is upon us and we have been experiencing steady growth in patient activity. Recently, this growth has placed a certain amount of stress on our staff and facilities. Patient census is high and is likely to continue at this pace for some time. When inpatient occupancy is above normal, it creates a ripple effect throughout all departments. I appreciate the teamwork everyone has been putting forward and request that you continue to work closely with each other to provide our patients with an exceptional experience.
I also encourage all staff members to take care of themselves to avoid illness. Remember to eat right, get plenty of rest and wash your hands often to remain healthy and to help prevent the spread of germs. If you do become ill during business hours, please visit employee health as soon as possible. If you become ill on off business hours please visit our Urgent Care located in the Outpatient Building on the first floor. I’m pleased to report that we had a great year last year. I sincerely thank all employees and volunteers who helped to provide our patients with quality care and an exceptional experience. Additionally, I extend my deepest appreciation to all physicians who support the hospital. We remain committed to the skilled physicians who provide quality healthcare and who choose to practice here. Thank you for your loyalty and dedication in providing excellent healthcare to our community.
January 2018
New Quality-Based Accreditation From DNV GL Healthcare
Orange Regional Medical Center has received accreditation from DNV GL Healthcare. DNV GL’s innovative program integrates ISO 9001 compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation (COPs). ISO 9001 is the preeminent quality management system used by people-intensive businesses around the world. A growing number of U.S. hospitals are embracing ISO as a way to identify, standardize and then continually improve upon the most successful approaches to patient care, billing and other critical aspects of running a modern hospital.
2018 is off to a great start and I’m excited about the goals ahead. We are working with clinical and administrative leaders to develop new ways to improve patient care and increase efficiency. As a result, we plan to make adjustments to our facility including expansion of our Emergency Department and the creation of a new observation unit on 2 West. Our Medical Group is expanding to provide more physicians and services, too. We recently welcomed eight new providers including trauma surgeons, hospitalists and pediatric hospitalists.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires accreditation for hospitals seeking reimbursement for care provided to patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Without accreditation, most hospitals would only be able to support a fraction of the patient populations they now serve.
As always, thank you for everything you do to provide outstanding patient care and support to our patients, their families, and your colleagues every day.
CMS maintains a highly rigorous process of assessing and approving accreditation providers, which more than 60 years since the inception of Medicare still numbers fewer than five. DNV GL’s accreditation program, called NIAHO ® (Integrated Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), involves annual hospital surveys – instead of every three years – and encourages hospitals to openly share information across departments and to discover improvements in clinical workflows and safety protocols.
Sincerely,
Scott Batulis President and CEO
GHVHS Medical Group
Connections
Update
January 2018
Welcome New Providers
Nauman Ahmad, MD Pediatric Hospitalist
Sukhdeep Kaur, MD Palliative Care
Krassimir Atanassov, MD Trauma Surgery
Nelli Gluzman, MD Pediatric Hospitalist
Cleveland Lewis, MD Thoracic Surgery
Tahira Mirza, MD Trauma Surgery
Tricia Harvey, PA-C Urgent Care
Anjana Poonthota, MD Pediatric Hospitalist
Thank You
Erica Nicholson, PA
Urgent Care Reminder — Don't Forget! Urgent Care is open in two locations - Middletown and Monticello. Please inform your patients that we are there for them when they have an injury or illness that is not life-threatening but requires immediate medical attention.
REMEMBER Employees and any covered dependents with Empire Direct POS plan have no co-pay when using Orange Regional Medical Group/Catskill Regional Medical Group Primary Care and Specialty Care physicians. For the Empire High Deductible Plan, once your deductible is met, there is no co-insurance for Orange Regional Medical Group/Catskill Regional Medical Group Primary Care and Specialty Care physicians -2-
Connections
January 2018
Congratulations Darnell Thomas, Valet 2017 BEE Employee Of The Year
Caption: Gregg Hough, Interim Director of Safety Security and Emergency Management; Darnell Thomas, Parking Valet; and Scott Batulis, President and CEO.
“I went to the front entrance and found out it was Darnell Thomas who had seen the volunteer choking, got up out of his seat, without a second thought performed the Heimlich maneuver, and dislodged the food. With his quick actions and knowledge of the maneuver, Mr. Thomas may have save this volunteer’s life," said award nominator and Director of the Volunteer Resource Department, Debbie Linken.
Darnell Thomas is Orange Regional’s 2017 BEE Employee of the Year. Our employee recognition program recognizes employees for Being Exceptional Every day! Darnell qualified for this honor when the Award and Recognition Committee received a nomination and awarded him the January 2017 BEE Award for a heroic act. “I then observed parking valet Darnell Thomas run to the vehicle and grab the passenger while yelling at the driver to stop the vehicle. Darnell Thomas’ actions saved the passenger from serious injury,” said award nominator and Interim Manager of Safety and Security George Rivera.
Darnell’s ability to act quickly under pressure in difficult situations speaks to his everyday character, his compassion for others and to being an exceptional person and employee. Darnell received a check for $1500, a BEE gift basket, a certificate, lunch with his team and will be recognized at the Employee Awards Dinner in May.
Though, it was not just this event that earned Darnell the distinction as BEE of the Year honor. He received a second nomination in September 2017 for a courageous act.
Thank you, Darnell, for all you do!
Last year, our Rewards and Recognition Committee started our new BEE recognition program designed to honor our employees, physicians and volunteers who are exceptional every day and go over and above their expected role in providing exceptional service. Each month, the committee reviews the nominations that have been received and presents one BEE award to an exceptional staff member. The nominations of the recipients of the monthly award are then reviewed by the committee and one recipient is named as BEE of the Year. To make a nomination, email BEEAward@ghvhs.org. -3-
Connections
January 2018
Flu Prevention Efforts Intensify
FLU PREVENTION
Hospital employees experiencing flulike symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) should contact the Employee Health Department at 333-2060.
The Influenza virus is widespread across the nation, including New York State, according to information provided by New York State DOH and the CDC. At both Catskill Regional and Orange Regional, we have seen the effects of the flu which has caused high censuses at both hospitals. We know everyone is working extremely hard to meet the healthcare needs of our community during this critical situation. We continue to look for additional ways to help manage the influx of patients and appreciate your support and patience. Also, to ease congestion in the ED, please encourage people you know who may be suffering from the flu to use one of our new Urgent Care facilities (in the new Outpatient Building at ORMC or in Sullivan County at the corner of Route 42 and Concord Road in the Town of Thompson). Walk-ins are welcome and there is no appointment necessary at those facilities.
Remember, in addition to a flu vaccine, there are other things you can do to prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Orange Regional Medical Center is doing a number of things to enhance patient flow during this extremely busy time, such as: utilizing Alcove beds on each unit; rapidly moving patients from the ED to patient care units while their rooms are being prepared; working with physicians to get early discharges for those patients who are ready to go home; and looking at alternatives areas of the hospital that could be temporary holding areas for admitted patients.
Strict adherence to hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and wearing of a mask per policy if you have not had the flu vaccine, are all important aspects of protecting our patients and ourselves. Flu vaccines are still available in Employee Health. We would like to thank everyone for their continued commitment to protecting and improving the health of our community. Your efforts show a resilient commitment to the well-being of our patients, employees, physicians and community.
The Greater Hudson Valley Health System is prepared to meet the needs of the staff and the community. Each of us needs to be diligent in recognizing the symptoms and preventing the spread of the flu. -4-
Connections
December January 2018 2018
People-Centered Communication Why is People-Centered Communication needed? At Orange Regional, this type of effective communication places the other party, whether a patient or staff member, at the center; meeting them where they are. It employs empathy and it seeks understanding.
Taking Time to RELATESM The purpose of using the RELATESM model for People-Centered Communication is to address a patient’s emotional and clinical needs as well as emotional needs amongst staff. It is often used to effectively communicate the importance of safety with patients while providing comfort, ensuring dignity and reducing anxiety, stress and fear.
1. Our first step is to reassure.
• • • • •
Project a professional image. Seek and maintain eye contact. Acknowledge patient and/or staff member by name. Introduce yourself by name, title and experience. Manage up.
Each month, we will highlight key actions within the RELATESM model. 5. Our fifth step is to take action.
2. Our second step is to explain.
• • • •
Use clear terms to communicate what you are doing and why. How long it will take. Anticipated wait times, if applicable. Manage expectations.
3. Our third step is to listen. • Sit down, when appropriate.
• • • •
Actively listen for questions and concerns. Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues. Ask clarifying questions. Empathize with feelings in words and through touch.
6. Our six and final step is to express appreciation.
• Offer additional support and care. • Provide information about the next healthcare provider, if applicable.
4. Our fourth step is to answer.
• • • •
• Perform appropriate tasks. • Narrate your process of care. • Keep the person/patient informed. • Ensure safety. • Provide next steps.
Summarize what the person/patient says. Answer questions. Address concerns. Check for understanding (Use “teach back,” if appropriate).
• Say “thank you”.
Our consistent use of the RELATESM model for communication is expected with every patient, every family, and each other, every time. Participation is mandatory. Please register for People-Centered Communication training through HealthStream or contact Manager of Organizational Development and Learning, Naomi Lippin, at 333-0228 or nlippin@ghvhs.org.
-5-
Connections
January 2018
Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest Winners Orange Regional held its annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest on December 21. Staff members across all departments participated by wearing their ugliest holiday sweaters. The winners of the contest were: 1st Place: Tammy Jollie – Central Telemetry 2nd Place: Angel Santana – Switchboard Operator 3rd Place: Debbie Bolte – Patient Accounting Representative
Orange Regional Supports Local Animal Shelters
Humane Society Wishlist Wet and Dry Cat / Dog Food
Paper Towels and Trash Bags
MaryBeth Cloer, of Employee Health, began the annual animal shelter drive at Orange Regional back in 2003. Over time, all of her supervisors and fellow staff members have helped support the cause. Through the years, donations have been given to Blooming Grove, Goshen, Warwick and Middletown humane societies. Additional local rescues have benefitted as shelters often network and assist one another. MaryBeth has always had a passion for animals and assisting the homeless. “Collecting from those who generously want to give and being able to get those items to where they need to be is all I do. It’s never been about me, I am just the transporter. I feel wonderful when I can walk into a shelter with my arms full,” she said. All of MaryBeth’s pets have been adopted from local shelters and she has volunteered her time as well. Thank you to all who helped with the year’s animal shelter drive.
Clorox Bleach and Laundry Detergent
Cat Litter and Litter Boxes
Towels and Blankets
-6-
Connections
January 2018
Season Of Giving Our hospital bustled with holiday visitors and donations throughout the month of December! Thank you to our own employees and all of the thoughtful community members and who helped Orange Regional make the holidays a little brighter for our patients.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
This year, in addition to visiting each unit within the hospital and singing a song, our carolers also performed in the chapel and their delightful songs were broadcast to our patients through their in-room televisions!
Gift Donations To Our Patients
Donating Assistance To The Local Food Bank
Orange Regional’s security guards collected and distributed presents to patients in the hospital on December 22. They all chipped in and bought the gifts on behalf of their union. Nuclear Medicine Department members volunteered at the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley in Cornwall. Members spent the evening packing and sorting food to be distributed to the local area food banks. -7-
Connections
January 2018
Save The Dates Blood Drive
March Of Dimes March For Babies
First Wednesday of the month
April 29, 2018 8:00 a.m. Registration, Walk starts at 9:00 a.m. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The American Red Cross Donor bus will be located outside of the Main Campus Entrance
American Heart Association Heart Walk
Y2 Kids Career Fair April 19, 2018 9:00 a.m. U.S. Army 2nd Aviation Detachment Stewart International Airport
May 6, 2018 Check-In at 9:30 a.m. Walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Lake Welch Beach, Harriman State Park
Auxiliary Vendor Sales Program All sales take place on the ground floor of the Main Campus in the Conference Center Lobby. Robin's
February 5, 2018
Teddi's
February 9, 2018
Mostly Silver
February 7, 2018
Kitty's Silver
February 15, 2018
$7 Man
February 8, 2018
Volunteer Retirement Party
Feel Good Concert Series
Minisink Valley Central School District's Chamber Choir visited on December 11.
On December 19, we celebrated the retirement of a long-time volunteer at Orange Regional, Harriett Clark. With over 58 years of volunteer service, 8000 hours and thousands of patients and families served, our hearts were filled with gratitude as we said goodbye. -8-