Inside Inspira Newsletter - July 2023

July

Inspira Health Days 2023 brought smiles, laughter, and great memories on two fun-filled Saturdays at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, NJ. With perfect weather, the event attracted a fantastic turnout.

Senior Class 2023

Senior Class is developed for adults ages 55 and over who want to make new friends, learn about current health trends and remain informed about special senior community events offered through Inspira. At the June event, the Foundation staff and Chairman of the Board, Gary Galloway gave an overview of the team’s efforts to raise funds which allow Inspira to offer the highest-quality care, advance cutting-edge technology and facility enhancements to support our patients. A highlight of the presentation was the All Heart Campaign, funding the recent expansion of elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for Mullica Hill and Vineland. Board member Jeff George along with wife, Valerie George shared their compelling story regarding Jeff’s lifesaving experience as an Inspira patient who benefitted from elective PCI. To see more highlights of the event, view the photo gallery. For more information regarding Senior Class, visit here.

Inspira

Health Days

at Morey’s Piers

On Saturday, June 10 and Saturday, June 17, the 2023 Inspira Health Days at Morey’s Piers were held in Wildwood, NJ. As you can see in the photos, it looks like a fun time was had by all. Thank you for joining us and making this year’s Inspira Health Days a success! View more photos here.

Inspira Foundation Grand Gala

The Inspira Health Grand Gala took place at the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City on June 3, organized by the Inspira Health Foundation. It was a black-tie occasion as over 400 gathered with staff, providers, donors, and community members to celebrate our organization’s achievements, recognize the individuals that enable Inspira to continue its work, and discuss our future.

This year's gala successfully raised an impressive $593,650, benefiting the All Heart Cardiac Campaign, which will greatly contribute to the expansion of our cardiac services. All proceeds support Inspira Health Foundation’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community members as we increase access to life-saving cardiac care.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us in making this event a resounding success. Thank you to the Foundation team for all of their efforts. To see more photos of this fun event, view the entire gallery here.

Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Alka Farmer, Febe Garcillano, and Karling Lafond.

Jeff and Valerie George speaking with Senior Class members on June 16.

Amy Mansue with Charles Douglas Ocasio, Woodbury, and family.

Inspira Health Foundation

Philanthropic Projects & Initiatives

As a highly reliable organization, Inspira is committed to providing our patients with the full continuum of care… but philanthropy enables us to do MORE. It allows us to go above and beyond to address the health care needs of patients in our region.

Contributions to Inspira Health Foundation help to create programs and services that support our patients, advance cutting-edge technology, and fund facility enhancements to enrich the health and wellness of our community. Together through philanthropy, we have been able to support these projects in 2023:

• Cancer Survivor’s Day Celebration – Supporting some of the activities and supplies that were needed to celebrate our patients on June 4th, National Cancer Survivor’s Day.

• Weighted Blanket Therapy Research Study

– Supporting a research study involving Acute Care adults who experience poor sleep or sleep quality while in-patients, and studying the effects of weighted blankets to see if they improve patient rest/sleep while admitted.

• Joeybands to Support the “Eat Sleep Console” Method – Providing parents with a tool that supports “Eat Sleep Console”, an evidencebased practice used to treat infants exposed to opioids. The focus is to use nonpharmacologic measures including skin-to-skin holding to help with newborn withdrawal symptoms. Joeybands help with correct positioning and support for skin-to-skin contact.

• Discharged Patient Clothing – Responding to requests from the nursing units for clothing for patients who are discharged to home. Tops and bottoms are being purchased in different sizes (M-4XL) to provide to our patients.

• Cancer Support Art Therapy Program – Addressing the increasing need for mental health services of oncology patients. To pilot the program, there will be two visits at each oncology location – starting at the Leading-Edge Cancer Center at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill and increasing as needed.

Thank you to our donors for supporting projects and initiatives such as these! To learn how your project or idea can be supported with Foundation funds, visit Inspira Health Foundation’s page on InspiraNet.

Cultural Assessment Survey

The Cultural Competency Organizational Assessment (COA360) survey closed on June 26. All employees’ feedback is integral in driving change and improvements across the organization, and the results from this survey will help our organization drive future DEI&B initiatives.  We will share our findings, proposed changes and the next steps this fall.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. Your responses are greatly appreciated and will help Inspira provide a more inclusive workplace.

Back row (L-R): Chelsea Haines, Vincent Gangemi, Peter Kaprielyan, Jeff George, Gary Galloway, Lisa Adilli, Nick Dalsey

Front row (L-R): Mackenna Smith, Amanda Forand, Ashley Colone, Betsy Ryan, Ana Saull

Cancer Survivors Day 2023

In honor of National Cancer Survivor's Day, Inspira hosted a celebration of life in Pittsgrove for all those affected by cancer. Survivors and their families enjoyed games and activities, free health screenings and refreshments. View photos of this fun event in the gallery.

Scarpa/Sheridan

Plaque Dedication

John F. Scarpa Foundation Commits $100,000 to Fund Nursing Education Scholarships at Inspira Health.

Two new annual scholarship funds for nursing students have been established by the John F. Scarpa Foundation. The first, Elizabeth A. Sheridan Nursing Education Scholarship, is named for Betty Sheridan for her 24 years of leadership upon her retirement as Chief Administrative Officer for Inspira Medical Centers Elmer and Vineland. The second, John F. Scarpa Nursing Education Scholarship, is named after John F. Scarpa whose generous support of Inspira Medical Center Vineland and the Frank and Edith Scarpa Regional Cancer Pavilion date back to their openings.

Salem Family Festival

Inspira partnered with First Lady Tammy Murphy for the Salem Family Festival, held Saturday, June 24 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park in Salem. The festival featured delicious food, music, raffle prizes, games and a photobooth. Local officials were on hand, and Inspira CEO, Amy Mansue, spoke about Inspira Health’s community partnerships focused on improving the health and well-being of New Jersey’s mothers, babies and families. There were a variety of resources available for families, ranging from healthcare, food, energy and housing assistance programs.  View photos of the day.

Pictured are Inspira staff who participated in the event, along with First Lady Tammy Murphy, who co-hosted the event.

Inspira Health hosted a free public event for Cancer Survivor’s Day. Approximately thirty cancer survivors gathered for a group photo surrounded by Inspira Health’s Cancer Services team.

A small plaque unveiling was recently held including John F. Scarpa and Betty Sheridan alongside Inspira leadership and scholarship recipients.

Pictured, from left to right: Lydia Stockman, Amy Mansue, John F. Scarpa, Elizabeth "Betty" Sheridan, with scholarship recipients Jennifer Martin Pierce and Pricilla Jones. Not pictured: Donna Spross.

Nigerian Pharmacists Visit Vineland to Enhance Pharmacy Practice

A group of three pharmacists sponsored by the Ministry of Nigeria visited Vineland on Friday, May 19. The group is responsible for the regulatory Board of Pharmacy in Nigeria, and the purpose of their visit was to gain insights into pharmacy practice and explore opportunities for advancing the field in Nigeria. The group toured various departments, including the pharmacy, food & nutrition services, and the hospital.

Accompanied by Professor Adeboya Adejare, they are currently engaged with the University of the Sciences (now St. Joseph's University), formerly known as the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Sciences.

In addition to their time in Vineland, the group has planned visits to New York and Washington, DC to meet with professors from various schools of pharmacy and professionals in different practice settings. By connecting with experts in the field, they aim to gather valuable insights and knowledge to further elevate pharmacy practices in Nigeria.

Adekemi Adejare (Kemi), a dietician in Vineland, played a significant role in organizing the visit. Recognizing the longstanding relationship between Inspira Health and the College, which spans over 30 years, she believed it would be beneficial for the group to witness the pharmacy practice at Inspira Health.

Spirit of Women Health Fair

Over 150 Inspira Health staff and community members came together on the evening of Wednesday, June 7 for an educational health fair. Located at The Grove at Centerton, attendees received a 'passport' upon check-in encouraging them to visit with 26 services onsite and learn how Inspira is committed to providing a safe and compassionate experience that improves the health and well-being of our community.

Included was a tour of the mobile unit parked outside of the venue. Here they also had the opportunity to get their blood pressure and/or blood glucose levels checked. To see more highlights of the event, view the photo gallery.

Pictured, from left to right: Christene Zampitella, Renee Cline and Angel Hall.

Thomas Jamison, Vineland Retail Pharmacy Manager, gave the visitors a tour of the pharmacy.

Research Council Award

The Research Council Award was presented to the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit, led by Donna Weaver, RN, BSN. The project, titled "When Two Become One," focused on the unification of the acute medsurg unit with the step-down med-surg unit, as a Betty Neuman Evidence Based Practice Project. Notable achievements included improvements in nursing sensitive indicators, patient satisfaction scores, continuity of care, staff efficiency, and knowledge enhancement. By combining the Cardiac Step Down and Cardiac Acute units into a Progressive Care Unit, the team was better able to address the needs of patients, staff, and the hospital system. Progressive Care Units provide the necessary time and resources for staff to deliver safe, high-quality, and continuous care, thereby improving both patient and staff satisfaction. Congratulations to the team for their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they have made through this initiative.

Boss Lift

Bret Gordon BSN, RN, CCRN, is one of Inspira Mullica Hill’s Intensive Care Unit nurses. He is also a member of the Air National Guard in Delaware. Bret recently applied to have one of his leaders participate in a fly along under the Boss Lift program. Boss Lift allows members of the Army Reserve and National Guard to share a glimpse of their military activities when on leave from their civilian job.

Bret’s application to Boss Lift was accepted, and his leader Jim Knestaut, Assistant Nurse Manager, ICU, Mullica Hill, participated in the 166th Air Lift Wing - ESGR Boss Lift. During Boss Lift, James was able to fly alongside Bret and other Guard members and their leaders, view the cockpit up close, and learn more about Delaware National Guard member experiences.

Inspira Health appreciates the military service of our employees, and we work to accommodate their schedules. Thanks to Bret and all Inspira staff who serve our country.

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“ Through the unwavering support of my Inspira leaders, I have the privilege to serve as a bedside nurse, touching lives in my community, and as a flight nurse in the Air National Guard, extending compassion and aid wherever duty calls.” -

Bret Gordon

I am privileged to support my team in the ESGR Boss Lift - 2023. It was an amazing and humbling experience that represents the greatest qualities that Inspira has to offer. While we see the dedication Bret has for our organization, it is also inspirational to view the impact he has on a global level. Our leadership and administrative team are grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a pivotal event. Collectively, Inspira is proud to work with and support Bret as he continues to proudly serve our country.”

- James Knestaut

Pictured, from left to right: James Knestaut and Bret Gordon

Pictured, from left to right: Emily Polillo, Crystal Romasko, Nicole Pooley, Brandi Perez, Kendyl Rivers, Erika Ramos, Sydnie DeRosa, Chelsea Barnett, Samantha Mastracchio, Donna Weaver (holding plaque), Alyssa Anderson, Karling LaFond, Sharon Slavic, Kimberly Talley, and Tia Scheck.

Reliability

Speak Up for Safety Great Catch Award Safe Sleep of Newborn

This Great Catch highlights the importance of consistently Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review) to ensure Safe Sleep for newborns.

Sharon Wilczynski, Support Service Aide, Environmental Services- Vineland

Sharon Wilczynski, Support Service Aide in Environmental Services was working on Mother Baby in Vineland. Paying Attention to Detail, Sharon saw a newborn sleeping unsafely with a blanket covering the newborn's face. Sharon immediately took a STAR Moment to Speak Up for Safety and notify the care team on the Mother Baby unit.

• STOP- Sharon paused when she saw the newborn sleeping unsafely with a blanket covering the newborn's face.

• THINK- Sharon thought about the risks of unsafe sleeping.

• ACT- Sharon notified the care team the newborn was sleeping unsafely.

• REVIEW- The care team on the Mother Baby unit ensured risks to the baby were mitigated, provided education about safe sleep to the mother, shared the situation with their manager and shared the situation with the unit for awareness and shared learning.

Had Sharon not taken a STAR Moment to ensure Safe Sleep of the baby, the baby could have potentially been harmed. This is why we must be Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (StopThink-Act-Review) to reinforce our best practice Safe Sleep Program.

Thank you, Sharon for Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (Stop-Think-ActReview) and living our Inspira Value of Reliability.

Submitter: Kathleen Brown, Nurse Manager of Maternity Inspira Vineland

Speak Up for Safety Great Catch Award

This Great Catch highlights the importance of consistently Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review) to prevent patient falls.

Art Matthews, RN, Behavioral Health - Woodbury

Art Matthews, RN had a new admission at the Behavioral Health Unit in Woodbury. Reviewing the admission, Art, Paying Attention to Detail, took a STAR Moment when he recognized the patient’s name from a previous admission. During the patient’s previous visit, the patient fell on the unit and was sent to the Emergency Department where it was identified the patient had a subdural hematoma. Art immediately notified the care team, instituted fall precautions, and had the patient placed on a 1:1 on arrival. It was Art’s Attention to Detail and use of our High Reliability Tool, STAR , to proactively implement all fall precautions during the admission that helped prevent the patient from having issues during the second stay on the unit.

Thank you Art. for Paying Attention to Detail using our High Reliability tool STAR (Stop-Think-Act-Review) and living our Inspira Value of Reliability.

Submitter: Meredith Spena, Director of Infection Control

DAIS Y Award Winner

Sara Renzi, Surgical Services – Vineland, Q1 2023

One of my responsibilities as an Infection Preventionist (IP) is to perform observations in various areas of the hospital. The Infection Control team recently identified a cluster of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) within a particular patient population. During my observations I had the pleasure of being partnered with some truly amazing staff who exemplify the heart and soul of Inspira’s Mission, Vision and Values.

One nurse stood out to me as genuinely being concerned for patients who developed surgical site infections. With her inquisitive attitude and diligent work ethic, we worked towards finding a resolution. She accomplished this while managing the busy flow and simultaneously never losing sight of our sole focus, the patient. I observed her protecting the patient’s sterile field, regulating the flow of traffic, and advocating for her patient to safeguard them. This nurse joined our Apparent Cause Analysis (ACA) meeting to review the SSIs we identified and offered actionable insight that we could not gather from reviewing the patient’s chart. Her dedication towards ensuring patients receive the safest care possible did not end there. This nurse took the information from the ACA and continued to look for answers.

A few weeks later, her manager called and said this nurse requested that I meet with her after a case finished. I got very emotional when I got off the phone knowing this Team was still thinking about patients and striving to find answers. Most impressively, this nurse never stopped thinking about the patients who developed infections. This nurse’s unwavering dedication to provide compassionate, safe patient care makes her a true asset to Inspira. -Staff

DAIS Y Award Winners

Decima Ettiene

4 W, Mullica Hill

I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize one of our PCT partners, Decima, and nominate her for the Daisy Award. It is rare that our team has the opportunity to see someone work as hard as she does for our patients. She always provides 100% to our team and has such a great attitude.

No matter what the circumstances are, Decima always puts the patient first, delivering the highest quality care possible. Decima puts herself out there to help whoever needs it and we believe she possesses all the Inspira Values for a Daisy Award winner!

-Coworker

Tallie Ross, R.N.

2 E, Elmer

Tallie is a ray of sunshine, who made my darkest days sunny and bright. Her kind, caring ways cannot be contained even if she tried. She tended to my every need. Her gentle touch is a God-given gift to heal the sick and to lift the spirits of a gloomy Gus.

This nurse has the voice of an angel, the heart of a saint and the power to heal. She saw me go through so many emotions yet stayed upbeat and positive, making me feel like I was truly her only patient. One day when she wasn’t even assigned to me, Tallie popped into my room with a glass of fresh cold, ice water, and well wishes from the heart, that started my day off with a smile.

It is my hope that the entire hospital staff knows what a gem this nurse is. I even asked Tallie to thank her parents for me, for raising such a wonderful, kind, caring, loving soul.

-Patient

LearningBoards

Foundation’s Philanthropic Fund Request Process

The Inspira Health Foundation team is supporting our network in becoming more reliable in our delivery of patient care by funding employee-identified projects that help to improve a patient’s experience or the efficiency with which we serve the community.

Nearly two years ago, the Foundation team identified a project that needed assistance – there was not a clearly-defined, readily-available process to request Foundation funds. The team added a sticky note to New (red section) of their Learning Board titled “Foundation’s Philanthropic Fund Request Process”.

The team submitted a project request to Operations Consulting Group (OCG) and worked with Madison Parker, Managing Operations Consultant or Operations Consulting Group to follow the OCG procedure, learn best practices from other health care organizations, and develop a process that would work best for their team and the corresponding departments.

They moved the sticky note to Working (yellow section) of their Learning Board when the process launched in January 2022.

To date, their team has funded more than twenty projects throughout the network totaling more than $400,000 distributed.

The Foundation team and Madison celebrated when they moved the sticky note to Solved (green section) of their Learning Board in 2023!

“I enjoyed collaborating with the Foundation team over the course of three months to redesign the Philanthropic Funds Request process, utilizing Lean Six Sigma tools. We partnered closely together to create an electronic intake form and establish criteria for allocating philanthropic funds. Through this work, the Foundation can continue to fulfill Inspira’s mission and vision to provide a positive and meaningful experience for our patients and employees.” -

Madison Parker

Back row (L-R): Nick Dalsey (Director of Development & Leadership Gifts), Peter Kaprielyan (Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer), Lisa Adili (Senior Executive Assistant & Board Coordinator), Vince Gangemi (Major Gift Officer).

Front row (L-R): Madison Parker (Associate Operations Consultant), Mackenna Smith (Development & Communications Manager), Amanda Forand (Gift Processing/Event Coordinator), Ana Saull (Major Gift Officer), Ashley Colone (Director of Advancement Services & Events), and Chelsea Haines Director of Development & Communications).

The Foundation team continues to use the philanthropic funds process that OCG helped to create. To learn how your project or idea can be supported with Foundation funds, visit Inspira Health Foundation’s page on InspiraNet.

Does your team use your department Learning Board effectively? Is there a Learning Board item that your department completed and would like to highlight?

Email your Learning Board stories to Katy Perez (PerezK@ihn.org) for a chance to be featured!

Tami Bach, M.D.

Hematology/Oncology

Christopher Bashian, D.O.

Bariatric Surgery

Gregory Breen, M.D.

Pulmonary Medicine

Trina Banerjee, M.D.

Nephrology

Elaine Cheng, M.D.

General Surgery

Woojin Chong, M.D.

Urogynecology

Grace Chung, M.D.

Dermatology

Robert Chvala, M.D.

Nephrology

Robert Coben, M.D.

Gastroenterology

M. Scott Dawson, M.D.

Cardiology

Samantha DeLuca, D.O.

Obsterics & Gynecology

Michael Flatley, D.P.M.

Podiatry

Kurt Kaulback, M.D.

Cardiology

Jodi Fox-Mellul, M.D.

Endocrinology

Byron Hapner, D.O.

Obsterics & Gynecology

Keith Krietz, M.D.

Bariatric Surgery

Azieb Lofton, D.O.

Obsterics & Gynecology

David Lowther, M.D.

Radiation Oncology

Bac Nguyen, M.D.

Family Medicine

Timothy Pilla, M.D.

General Surgery

Erev Tubb, M.D.

Hematology/Oncology