April 2011
CheckUP
In Good Hands See what makes our Children’s ER unique, page 6
Focus on Pride
Capture Our Patients’ Hearts
Inside this issue
Your attention to superior service puts patients first
They’re Advocates for Organ Donation 3
Putting patients first—it’s a basic belief in health care, and something everyone in our organization has worked toward for many years. Page through this CheckUp and you’ll see plenty of examples. On page 4, you’ll get a view of our Patient-Centered Experience journey. You’ll see how far we’ve come in five years, and what projects are planned for the future. On page 6, you’ll learn about our recently opened Children’s ER. From colorful décor to fun activities to kid-sized equipment, it’s built just for children and adolescents. And on page 8, you’ll meet colleagues who believe so strongly in our high level children’s care, they’ve donated to our Children’s ER employee fundraising campaign. As good a job as each of us has done putting patients first, we can do even better. When our senior leadership team looks at patient satisfaction scores across the health network, we see wide variation. Some are excellent. Others are not. Opportunities for improvement exist both in the way we interact with patients and the way we interact with each other. And as we get busier in our work, emphasizing this high level of customer service becomes even more challenging. That’s why we’re here to help. As you read last month in CheckUp, more than 650 leaders from our health network recently attended a half-day AIDET retreat at Lehigh Valley Health Network–Mack Boulevard. There, Bob Murphy of The Studer Group explained this powerful communication tool, which encourages you to acknowledge people by name, introduce yourself, explain the duration (how long it will take to meet their needs), explain in everyday language what will happen next and thank them. These are the five fundamentals to create very satisfied patients.
The Higgins family helps others find meaning from tragedy
PCE: Past, Present, Future
4
Ways we’re enhancing each patient’s experience
Inside the Children’s ER
6
See how it was built just for kids
‘Why We’re Giving Back’
8
Colleagues support our Children’s ER
‘April Fools’!’
10
Memorable practical jokes
Be an Advocate
12
Tell others about Better Medicine Saturdays
A Guide to Our Care
13
Improving access to cancer care
What’s Happening
14
Responding to community event requests
Service Star of the Month
15
Christine Kucharek stops a drunk driver
Service Anniversaries
16
Colleagues celebrate their years of service
While you can learn basics about AIDET by reading last December’s CheckUp online (lvhn.org/checkup), you’ll also be hearing much more about it soon. We’ll start educating managers in AIDET this month, and they’ll share their knowledge with you in the weeks to come. You’ll also be reading more about it—and how your colleagues are using it—in upcoming issues of CheckUp. I encourage you to embrace AIDET and embody it. It’s the best way to share your passion for better medicine. Terry Capuano, R.N. Chief Operating Officer
2
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r | F a c e b o o k | Yo u Tu b e
Spreading the word— Betty and Charles Higgins donated their daughter’s organs after she died while at college in England. An honor student and champion Irish dancer, Jenna (inset) was pursuing a doctorate in ancient European history/Celtic archeology.
They’re Advocates for Organ Donation
After donating their daughter’s organs, Betty and Charles Higgins help others find meaning from tragedy Separated by an ocean, Betty Higgins, R.N., and her daughter, Jenna, loved to catch up over the phone. A doctoral candidate at the University of Sheffield in England, 25-year-old Jenna usually shared exciting news. But this call was different. Having told her mother a day earlier she had a fever, sore throat and headache, Jenna was now calling to say the headache was worse. “I never imagined it would be the last time I heard her voice,” says Betty, a Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest emergency department nurse. Jenna had bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the brain lining. Within hours she was gravely ill. Betty and her husband, Charles, a Health Network Laboratories courier, were advised to come to England quickly. While a passport mix-up delayed their trip, Jenna’s doctor called with unthinkable news. Their only child was brain dead. It was June 20, 2010— Father’s Day. “I couldn’t believe our brilliant, vibrant daughter was gone,” Betty says. She and Charles immediately decided to turn their loss into something positive. “Donate her organs,” they told the doctor. He was shocked by their generosity because organ donation rates in England are extremely low. “I know Jenna would have wanted to help as many people as possible,” Charles says. And that’s just what she did.
lvhn.org
610-402-CARE
A 13-year-old boy, estimated to have 24 hours to live, received her liver. One kidney went to a 22-year-old man with renal failure, while her pancreas and other kidney went to a 25-year-old diabetic woman. Her lungs are helping a 54-year-old woman with emphysema breathe on her own for the first time in years, and her eyes will help restore sight to people with cornea problems. Even her hair was used to make wigs for cancer patients. “It’s been a relief and comfort to hear these wonderful stories,” Betty says. It's also inspired the Higginses to become advocates for organ donation. They have done many newspaper and radio interviews in England that are having an impact on donor awareness. They hope to do the same here through public speaking and other outreach efforts. Their message is clear: Don’t wait until a crisis to think about donation. “Talk to your loved ones today if you haven't done it already,” Betty says. “Everyone needs to know that one family’s tragedy can become a miracle for many others.”
–Gerard Migliore April is National Donate Life Month. To learn more about organ donation, call the Gift of Life Donor Program at 800-DONORS-1 or visit www.donors1.org.
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
3
PCE
Past, Present, Future
Ways we’re enhancing each patient and family member’s experience If you asked all 9,800 colleagues to define their passion for better medicine, you’d get 9,800 unique answers. Yet all the responses would have a common thread. They would reflect the work colleagues do to ensure patients and family members have the best possible experience at our health network. Helping you to provide that level of care is what our Patient-Centered Experience (PCE) journey is all about. At two retreats in 2006, colleagues, physicians, patients and families generated more than 4,000 ideas to create the ideal experience for patients and their loved ones. Since then, our PCE team has been working to make their ideas come to life. By sharing our ideas with and collecting feedback from the PCE Advisory Council—former patients, family members and community leaders—the team ensures we’re putting the needs of patients and families first. Here’s a look at some of the things we’ve accomplished, what we’re working on now, and what you’ll be seeing in the future.
Past
The PCE projects completed thus far include ways to help patients and family members:
✔ Plan follow-up care. We make patients’
next doctor’s appointment on 10 units. ✔ Manage serious illnesses. We expanded
OACIS (Optimizing Advanced Complex Illness Support) to improve complex illness care and collaboration with the Cancer Center to include establishing a Difficult Case Resolution process and a PalMS (Palliative Medicine Scholars) program. ✔ Receive culturally appropriate care. We
ensure each patient’s ethnicity and language is documented at registration, provide expanded interpreter services, implemented educational programs to enhance cultural competency, and provide waiting room pagers and sign language interpreter services for patients with hearing loss.
H
I
G
H
V
E
u rG
A
igh
eh to L ide L
L
L
E
H
Y
ey
Vall
E
A
L
We are er side oth See
H
N
E
T
W
O
R
K
projects completed:
10
berg
hlen
–Mu
ork
etw hN
lt Hea
y o Famil Bank unity Comm r Cente
5:30
from Friday ough y thr Monda rance in ent the H. the ma behind le at rance availab ng in ent H. Parki king is l ma of the th Valet valet par . front the hospita l’s sou in p.m EE 0 FR at ectly hospita to 3:3 ked up lot dir nter, nter. a.m. e Ce rking e in the off and pic Ce Scienc mmunity d ital Pa is fre alth up Hosp arking be droppe al He nko Co lf-p may picked havior and Ba and • Se e ts Be nc ien d off to the Hospital Entra • Pat droppe Drive ve to getSpecialty y be ate ma Dri ts ien WestgWestgate Shepherd lot. Pat Take ce, Good king y par m. ng entran . Parki emergenc ency roo lot 97 ency the erg le in . ilab Emerg signs to of the em 49 ng is ava in lot Follow ly in front king Parki . ilable ilding lding par is ava le in lot 63 direct bui . king ice Bu ilab g par lot 70 al Off al office g is ava ilable in ad. buildin Medic 97 medic e Ro parkin ava office ersvill Center. 97 25 dical builing parking is Schoen 49 me g office ilitation 49 26 2545 dical buildin Rehab wn as 63 me office te 63 26 o kno epherd dical -minu od Sh l is als 70 me Go use 15 17 pita 70 hos g for may main parkin rvices Services of the H. • The ns to y Se nt acy sig ac fro low Pharm rum Pharm d row in • Fol p.m. .-6 ectrum Spect in the thir h Sp alth 8 a.m day, Healt s to He located itor y - Fri ces • Vis n.org g spa Monda . lvh kin rs: to par hou - 3 p.m you. . log on althy armacy 73) or for a he • Ph day, 9 a.my RE (22 Satur Sunda de 02-CA outsi Closed 610-4 ide and ns. Call e - ins directio ions? Quest smoke fre driving
You
T
✔ Navigate our health network.
Valley Lehigh pital Hos P
We created a way-finding brochure for the Kasych Family Pavilion and maps for each hospital campus, and established valet parking at the Center for Advanced Health Care.
ing
t Park
Vale
Main
63
63
e
P
Entranc
KEY
cal Medi ing 2649 49 Office Build cal Medi 2663 Building ital e 63 Office Hosp nce Rout cal Entra Medi ing y 1770 genc e 70 Office Build Emer nce Rout ing Entra cal Medi ing ient Park r/Pat ing 2597 Park 97 Office Build P Visito loyee /Emp Staff
P
for
✔ Get involved in their care.
We eliminated traditional visiting hours, encourage patients to spend as much time with loved ones as they desire, established family presence and guest visitation guidelines, and started bedside shift reporting with families present on 19 units.
✔ Access care.
We created the “Miles of Smiles” mobile dental van and opened the Community Health and Wellness Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street.
4
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r | F a c e b o o k | Yo u Tu b e
Present
Current PCE projects help patients and families:
projects completed:
11
✔ Feel welcomed. We’re implementing a
✔ Understand their care.
We’re piloting a project in which each patient will be given a daily ROADMAP (Review of All Daily Medical Actions and Plans), an easy-to-read fact sheet containing information about his or her care.
Future
"Photo: www.ambreepresentations.com"
standard way to greet patients, giving patients a journal (on the pilot unit) to write down questions about their care, and educating colleagues to practice AIDET (acknowledge patients, introduce yourself, describe the duration of time needed to meet their needs, explain what will happen, thank them.)
✔ Feel comfortable in their environment.
We’re identifying and renovating areas in need of repair network-wide, and piloting ways to reduce noise. levels on patient care units.
The newest PCE projects will help patients and families:
✔ Know a patient’s location. We’ll design a way for ✔ Identify staff.
We’ll determine the best ways for patients and families to know a colleague’s role at first glance.
families to track patients through their health care experience. ✔ Navigate their care. We’ll identify the primary
caregiver responsible for coordinating care for the patient during and after their hospital stay.
✔ Feel comfortable in the Children’s ER and Hackerman-Patz House.
We’re examining ways to make these facilities as patient- and family-centered as possible.
–Rick Martuscelli Enhance Your Knowledge of Patient-Centered Care Visit our Patient-Centered Experience (PCE) Sharepoint site at http://lvhsharepoint3/ pcetoolkit. It contains many reference materials (articles, books, etc.) to help you provide an even higher level of patient- and family-centered care.
lvhn.org
610-402-CARE
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
5
Inside the Children’s ER
just for kids t il u b s a w it w o h e Se
From a builder’s perspective, the region’s only Children’s ER at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest is a colorful and interactive place. From a caregiver’s perspective, it’s a place where specialists provide the best possible emergency care. From a child’s perspective, it’s a place that makes you feel like a kid. Here’s a look at what makes our Children’s ER unique.
Care just for kids Board-certified pediatric emergency physician Amy Dunn, D.O., cares for 8-year-old Dylan in one of the unit’s 12 exam rooms. Each room is equipped with child-sized equipment, space for family members, a TV to help distract children, and “laughing gas” (nitrous oxide) to help manage pain.
Kid-friendly atmosphere The Children’s ER is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the hours children typically come to the emergency room. Its colorful walls and fun décor help children feel less anxious. Its dedicated waiting room helps prevent the anxiety children may feel seeing sick or injured adults.
“Want a ride?” Erin Gerhardt, R.N., takes 5-year-old Nicole (front) and 6-year-old Taylor for a spin in one of the wagons that is used to transport children from the waiting room to a bed.
6
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r | F a c e b o o k | Yo u Tu b e
Walls of fun
Uncommon caregivers
In the waiting room and treatment area, interactive video displays help distract children from their illness or injury. Community donations, including a generous gift from David and Jackie Jaindl, chairs of our Children’s ER fundraising campaign, were used to create the displays.
Although there are only a few pediatric emergency physicians nationwide, the Children’s ER has two of them: Amy Dunn, D.O. (right), and Christy Salvaggio, M.D. Their education and experience prepares them to care for any patient who comes through the Children’s ER doors.
Calming and comforting Child-life specialist Lisa Kelly knows how to care for children like 3-yearold Georgia as painlessly as possible. She uses distraction techniques that utilize bubbles, music, videos or sugarcoated pacifiers to manage anxiety and help children cope with the fear associated with a hospital visit.
lvhn.org
610-402-CARE
–Rick Martuscelli
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
7
‘Why We’re Giving Back’ Colleagues tell why they’re inspired to support our Children’s ER Do the children in your life mean everything to you? Does giving back to your community make you feel fulfilled? Do you have A Passion for Better Medicine? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please support our Children’s ER employee fundraising campaign, “Built Just for Kids.” You can make a difference, no matter what you give. These colleagues share why they’re supporting the region’s only Children’s ER.
‘To further our mission’ “Having worked in units where we care for children, I’ve seen the special care and equipment children need. So when I heard that 29,000 children will be coming to us for emergency care by 2017, I knew we needed a Children’s ER. It’s a natural progression from (founder) Leonard Pool’s original vision. Now families won’t have to travel for specialized emergency care. I also believe we should support our health network whenever we have the opportunity. If we can help our health network grow and develop, we create an even more fulfilling place to work.” John Sokalsky clinical engineering technician
‘To help families’ “I worked as a nurse in another pediatric emergency room. It was awesome because it was a huge benefit to families. The doctors were specialists who knew how to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat children. Child-life specialists were there to distract children while we performed procedures. We remained focused on our patients. We didn’t have to ask families to wait while we cared for patients suffering a heart attack or stroke, which can happen in a traditional ER. As a mom, I noticed that my kids weren’t afraid to go there. When I brought my daughter there, she said, ‘At least I know you’ll be with me.’ That’s family-centered care.” Kolleen Casey, R.N. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg emergency department
8
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r | F a c e b o o k | Yo u Tu b e
‘To make children comfortable’ “At age 2, my daughter, Juliana, was diagnosed with a blood disorder and needed chemotherapy. I wasn’t working here then, so we spent a lot of time in other hospitals. When we visited traditional ERs, Juliana was uncomfortable seeing sick and injured adults. But when we went to a children’s hospital, she was much calmer. When I told Juliana, now 11, that we opened a Children’s ER, she said, ‘That’s a good idea. They’ll entertain us so the pain won’t hurt so bad. Plus, we won’t have to see other people in the waiting room.’ She knows our Children’s ER will make a difference. That’s why I’m supporting it.” Chris Fenstermaker clinical coordinator, respiratory care services
Give Now. Help Us Reach Our Goal. Thus far, colleagues have contributed more than $370,000 to our Children’s ER employee fundraising campaign. We need your help to reach our $500,000 goal by May 20. You can make a contribution by clicking on the “Give Now” icon on the SSO toolbar. To learn about other ways to give, read the brochure that was mailed to your home, or contact Heather Ennis at 484-884-8737 or Heather.Ennis@lvhn.org.
‘To help future generations’ “My grandmother, who was a page operator at what was then Allentown Sacred Heart Hospital (now Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest), made a donation toward the construction of the Pool Pavilion. Look what her gift evolved into. Now it’s my turn. When my children have children, I’ll find comfort in knowing the Children’s ER is there. Children deserve specialized emergency care. Imagine how you’d feel if our community only had a Children’s ER and you had to go there as an adult. You’d feel out of place—the same way kids feel in a traditional ER. That’s why a gift to the Children’s ER shows you truly care for our community.” Deanna Shisslak parent education program coordinator
–Rick Martuscelli
lvhn.org
610-402-CARE
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
9
‘April Fools’!’ Colleagues share their most memorable practical jokes Who doesn’t love a good-hearted practical joke on April Fools’ Day? It’s a great way to share a laugh with family, friends and colleagues. When CheckUp asked colleagues to share their most memorable practical jokes, we found many colleagues who are excellent pranksters, and others who are easily fooled. Here are some of their stories.
❝
The Infestation Exaggeration” Victim: Laura Transue,
cosmetology services supervisor, Youthful You Institute
❝
While Transue was out, her daughter decorated Transue’s front porch with yellow warning tape that read “Do Not Enter: Insect Infestation/Board of Health.” Transue’s daughter knew her mom was worried because she hadn’t renewed her bug spraying contract. When Transue arrived home, she was shocked. Drivers slowed down to stare and a neighbor mistakenly thought the tape indicated a crime scene. Transue’s children love repaying their mother for April Fools’ Day jokes she played on them in childhood.
The Out-of-the-blue Birth” Unknowing prankster:
Beth Pretti, physical therapist, Lehigh Valley Home Care
In 1997, Pretti was due to have a baby on April 30. To her surprise, her son, Evan, came early on April 1. Pretti and her husband called her mother to announce the happy news. Because it was April Fools’ Day and Pretti’s due date was four weeks away, Pretti’s mother didn’t believe them and exclaimed, “I don’t think that’s a very funny joke!” They insisted they weren’t joking and asked her to come see her new grandson. Finally, after hearing hospital sounds and a nurse talking in the background, her mother finally believed them. Evan, now 14, loves hearing the story about the day he was born.
The Holiday’s History Many theories abound about the origin of April Fools’ Day. Some say the holiday was created in the 1500s when Europe’s adoption of a new calendar changed New Year’s Day from April 1 to January 1. Those who continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on April 1 were subjected to pranks. Others attribute the day to author Geoffrey Chaucer, who referenced the holiday in Canterbury Tales, which dates back to 1392.
1 0
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r | F a c e b o o k | Yo u Tu b e
❝
The Sticky Situation” Prankster: Maureen Smith, R.N.,
short stay hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street
When her son was 14, Smith replaced his shampoo with corn syrup. After he showered, her son asked what was wrong with the shampoo. He said his hair didn’t feel clean, and even though he kept washing it, it continued to feel sticky. Smith finally came clean with the truth, and her son no longer trusts her on April Fools’ Day.
Want to play an easy April Fools’ joke on family or friends? Try these simple pranks: ➜ Set all clocks in your house ahead two hours. When your family wakes up, they’ll think they overslept and are late for work or school.
❝
➜ Serve a barely edible breakfast with greendyed milk, vinegar for apple juice, mayonnaise for yogurt and salt in the sugar bowl.
The Pretend Pregnancy” Prankster: Ashley Donchez, telephone
service representative, 402-CARE
Donchez told colleague Tina Ruhf that she was pregnant but asked her to keep the news secret until her doctor confirmed it. Throughout the day, Ruhf asked Donchez how she was feeling, and they discussed how Donchez would break the news to her parents. Ruhf also offered to make a blanket, hat and mittens for the baby. Donchez finally printed out a 402-CARE ad that shows a pregnancy test. She wrote “Not Pregnant” on the ad and left it on Ruhf's desk. Today, Ruhf and Donchez still laugh about Ruhf crocheting gifts for Donchez’s “baby.”
lvhn.org
610-402-CARE
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
➜ Slip a rubber band over the kitchen sink sprayer so it’s stuck in the “on” position. Aim the nozzle so it sprays onto anyone who turns on the faucet.
–Lauren Fetterman
N E T W O R K
1 1
BE AN
ADVOCATE
Better Medicine Saturdays To bring our National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) to life and engage community members who live near Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street, our health network will host community events one Saturday a month this spring. Called “Better Medicine Saturdays,” each event will have a fun theme and a health screening, as well as activities, food and giveaways. Here’s the line up: • Saturday, April 30; Center for Healthy Aging; Health focus: breast health • Saturday, May 21; Center for Healthy Aging; Health focus: cervical cancer and diabetes/obesity • Saturday, June 25; outside, weather permitting; Health focus: colon cancer
She’s an Advocate When Susan Jonovitch, R.N., was diagnosed with a cancerous mass in her pelvis, she traveled to “big city” hospitals for care. She wasn’t impressed. Following surgeries and radiation treatments, she suffered excruciating pain. That’s when she came here for care. “They found another tumor in my pelvis,” says Jonovitch, a patient care coordinator in Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest’s emergency department. “I’ve received care from many colleagues, and feel better than I have in five years.” Jonovitch tells people not to leave town for quality care. “The other doctors told me there was nothing they could do,” she says. “But our doctors researched to find me the best care. I wish I came here from the beginning.” Are you an advocate for our health network? If so, call 484-884-0809 or e-mail Gerard_A.Migliore@lvhn.org and share your story in CheckUp.
The Buzz in Our Community Facebook – Wednesday Challenge The Wall
Every week on our health network’s Facebook page, one of our primary care physicians posts the "Wednesday Challenge," a small lifestyle change our Facebook followers can adopt to live a healthier life. Throughout the week, followers post their experiences adopting the change.
A "Wednesday Challenge" example: This week's challenge comes from Dr. Kevin McNeill— Eat right and exercise as a family. Have as many meals together as possible. Shop and prepare meals together. The best way to teach kids how to be healthy is to model the behavior.
• Our community got an advanced look inside our new Children’s ER courtesy of coverage from NBC 10, Fox 29, CBS 3, 69 News (WFMZTV), Blue Ridge TV-13 News, Service Electric TV-2 News, The Morning Call, The Express-Times, Salisbury Patch and East Penn Press. • 69 News (WFMZ-TV), Blue Ridge TV-13 News, The Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., The Morning Call, The Express-Times and Salisbury Patch covered our Moffitt Cancer Center affiliation announcement. • The Express-Times featured exercise physiologist Darlene Garon in an article about why people in their 60s and 70s should stay fit. • Covering this year’s Give Kids a Smile Day were 69 News (WFMZ-TV), Blue Ridge TV-13 News, Service Electric TV-2 News and Salisbury Patch. • Internist Eric Gertner, M.D., was featured in a Morning Call article about winter weather safety for the elderly. • In The Express-Times, cardiologist Amy Ahnert, M.D., was featured in a story about “virtual gyms” and discussed how game consoles can get more people moving and fit. –Matthew Burns
Take the Challenge yourself at facebook.com/lvhealthnetwork 1 2
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
Read and view our news. Go to lvhn.org/news or visit the Network News section of the intranet (lvh.com) to see news clips (updated monthly).
N E T W O R K
F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r | F a c e b o o k | Yo u Tu b e
A Guide to Our Care Improving Access to Cancer Care As a selected site of the National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Center Program (NCCCP), our Neighborhood Cancer Center added an additional multilingual promotora (community health care worker) to reach out to people in our community for cancer education, prevention, screening, evaluation and treatment. Promotora Hannabi Torres (left) joins Vanessa Soto to guide patients through their screening appointments and help them navigate additional evaluation or treatment. That includes making appointments and securing transportation.
Free Heart Help for Women Event Tell all the women you know about a free Heart Help for Women event that could save their lives. During “Heart to Heart for Women of All Ages,” cardiologists Deborah Sundlof, D.O., Amy Ahnert, M.D., and Crystal Ann Maksimik, D.O., and emergency physician Marna Greenberg, D.O., will tell women what they need to know about their hearts at all stages of life. The event will be held on May 17, 6:30–8 p.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, educational conference center rooms 6, 7 and 8. Call 610-402-CARE to register.
Practice Meets All General Surgery Needs Colleagues at Toselli, Brusko, Garcia and Garcia Surgical Associates believe the best medical care starts with listening. They have expertise in a wide range of procedures, including the latest minimally invasive techniques and bariatric surgery for weight loss. They specialize in general surgery; benign and malignant disorders of the breast and colon; gastrointestinal endoscopy; laparoscopic surgery and weight-loss surgery. Toselli, Brusko, Garcia and Garcia Surgical Associates has two offices in Bethlehem, one in Allentown and one in Hamburg.
March for Babies To help moms in our community have healthy, full-term pregnancies, Lehigh Valley Health Network is supporting the March of Dimes’ March for Babies Walk on Sunday, April 17. The 3.5-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. at Dorney Park in Allentown. To join our team, visit marchforbabies.org, click on “Company Teams,” “Join a Team,” and type “LVHN” into the search box. For a $10 donation, you’ll receive a Lehigh Valley Health Network 2011 Walk T-shirt.
Quality Trauma Care In a trauma situation, every second counts, and every decision matters. That’s why we’re passionate about providing the highest level of trauma care. As Pennsylvania’s first and region’s largest trauma center, we see more patients and help more people in the Lehigh Valley get well and return home. We provide the region’s highest level of trauma care for children, and are the only trauma center in the region that specializes in trauma care for older adults.
lvhn.org
610-402-CARE
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
1 3
what’s happening
How to Respond to Community Event Requests Our passion for educating community members results in numerous requests to provide speakers or informational booths at corporate and community events. To serve our community as efficiently as possible, we have a process to ensure we’re present at events in which our resources can be used to help the greatest number of people. To find out what you should do when you get a community event request, visit the intranet (lvh.com) and click Departments / Non-clinical / Marketing and Public Affairs.
PRIDE in Our People
Read more PRIDE in Our People at lvhn.org/checkup.
Sharing why we’re Magnet We welcomed four Magnet TM appraisers, including Donna Poduska, R.N. (center), with open arms at the end of February. Here, nurses from 7A showcase what they do. Now, we’re waiting with anticipation to hear whether we’ve earned Magnet redesignation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Our Magnet appraisers’ reports are being reviewed by the Commission on Magnet, which will decide within the next month or so if we’re Magnet for the third time.
Big smiles Thanks to dental resident Ali Wright, D.D.S., and our dental clinic’s observance of national Give Kids a Smile Day, eight-year-old Irwin now will be less distracted at school because of problems with his teeth and mouth. Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease. In children from low-income families, about 80 percent of tooth decay goes untreated and causes children to miss millions of hours of school each year. Irwin was one of nearly 60 children to receive free care at our health network this year.
Spreading the word Colleagues from the development department enjoyed a recent outing to the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix indoor go-kart track—and brought our health network’s “Stop Texting” magnets along for the ride. The magnets eventually adorned one of the karts at the Allentown facility. It’s one of the many creative ways colleagues are spreading the word throughout the community that distracted drivers cause crashes. To continue to share the message, please visit celllimit0.com or call 610-402-CARE for your free car magnet.
1 4
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
F o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r | F a c e b o o k | Yo u Tu b e
Schedule
Service Star of the Month
For more details on classes (including times, locations and costs), call 610-402-CARE or visit lvhn.org/checkup.
Culture of Wellness
Benefits
Starting April 2 – Preparing for Childbirth one-day class
Refer a Physician, Earn $500
April 4 – CPR Family and Friends April 4 – Parent Workshop "Parenting as a Team" Starting April 4 – Boot Camp Starting April 4 – Cardio Cross Training Starting April 4 and 20 – Zumba April 5 – Breastfeeding Baby Starting April 6 – Preparing for Childbirth Series
Employee Discounts Show your employee ID to receive 30% off cellular accessories at Verizon Wireless, 3100 W. Tilghman St., Allentown.
Support Group Pregnancy Loss Support Group, LVH–CC, 3rd Saturday of each month, 12:30-2 p.m. Call 610-402-8510 for details.
April 7 – Pregnancy 101: Introduction to Pregnancy
VALIC Retirement Seminars
April 8 – Car Seat Check
April 19 – LVH–17
Starting April 8 – Art of Belly Dance Starting April 8 – Bollywood Dance April 9 – Baby Care one-day class
April 20 – LVH–M April 21 – LVH–CC
April 9 – Health of Touch Partner Massage I
Visit valic.com to register and enter one of the following codes:
April 12 – Healthy Hands and Nails
LVH–17 seminar: LVHALL11AK
April 14 and 21 – Baby Care Series Starting Apr. 14 – Energizing Yoga April 16 – Reiki I April 16 and 17 – Preparing for Childbirth Sat.-Sun. class Starting April 16 – Chisel April 21 – Car Seat Check Starting April 25 – Staying Strong April 26 – Parent Workshop "Guide to Pre-Teen/Teen Years"
LVH–M seminar: LVBET11AI LVH–CC seminar: LVHALL11AN
LVHN Recreation Committee Events: May 20-22 – "Boo’s on First…The Cooperstown Tour: Baseball Legends and Ghost Stories" – Contact Nancy Homlish 610-969-0453.
April 28 – Breastfeeding Baby
Aug. 6-12 – Grand Canyon – Contact Denise Mitchell 610-969-0413.
April 29-30 – Preparing for Childbirth Fri.-Sat. class
Visit the “/LVH_Recreation_Comm” bulletin board for more details.
April 30 – Reiki II
Christine Kucharek, transitional trauma unit Nominated by Patrick Miller, R.N. More than 10,000 Americans die from alcohol-related accidents every year. Transitional trauma unit technical partner Christine Kucharek knows the harsh realities that these avoidable tragedies cause. That’s why Kucharek took action when she saw a driver swerve and nearly crash into oncoming traffic. Kucharek called the police and requested an officer’s assistance, but knew the driver had to be stopped immediately. Sacrificing her own safety, she pulled in front of the erratic driver and gradually slowed down. That’s when another observant driver moved in on the side to box him in. When the officer arrived, the car was stopped. Kucharek’s quick thinking prevented accidents, injuries and fatalities. “Christine has seen firsthand results of drunk driving,” says Patrick Miller, R.N., “She put herself in harm’s way to make sure another family wouldn't have to live with the results of someone else’s poor decisions. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
–Matthew Burns
Congratulations to Award Nominees Things to remember when nominating a Service Star:
7B medical-surgical unit night shift staff, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
• Choose a colleague or a team of colleagues.
Eileen Sacco, R.N., 7B medical-surgical unit night shift staff, Lehigh Valley
• Tell a story. Specifically explain how the colleague or team did something extra special.
Hospital–Cedar Crest
• You don’t have to provide direct patient care to be a Service Star. All colleagues and teams can be nominated. To nominate a star, go to the intranet at lvh.com. Go to the “Find Fast” box and click on Service Star Nomination.
Michelle Motsko, case management Kerry Knauss, physical medicine Jennifer Miles, L.P.N., West Broad Street Family Medicine Medical-surgical intensive care unit, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
lvhn.org
610-402-CARE
L E H I G H
V A LL E Y
H E A LT H
N E T W O R K
1 5
Non-Profit Org. Postage PAID
CheckUp is a magazine for employees of Lehigh Valley Health Network Marketing and Public Affairs 2100 Mack Blvd., 5th Floor P.O. Box 4000 • Allentown, PA 18105
Allentown, PA Permit #1922
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS Susan Hoffman INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Pamela Riddell EDITORIAL MANAGER Kyle Hardner EDITOR Rick Martuscelli CREATIVE MANAGER Teressa Colbaugh DESIGN Michael Hess, Erin Parrish PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Dornblaser PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Alane Mercer, Cory Marie Prohaska
CheckUp, a 2010 Aster Gold Award Winner After reading, please recycle this magazine. Intranet: lvh.com • Internet: lvhn.org
Follow us on:
happy Anniversary April 2011
35 Years Mary Cressman Dept. of Medicine Lester Lauer Patient Transport Services Kim Sterk Performance Improvement
30 Years Catherine Glenn Dept. of Surgery Rose Harvilla 4T Medical-Surgical Helen Lamparella Patient Accounting Laurie Schweyer Helwig Center
25 Years Shelly Frick 6B Renal MedicalSurgical Gregory Heckler Engineering Claranne Mathiesen Stroke Center Kenneth Mead Adolescent Psychiatry Sharon Pieri Surgical Staging Unit Melissa Pineda Heart Station Hope Roth Information Services
Michael Scott Engineering
Alison Montgomery MICU/SICU
Scott Pellington Youthful You Institute
Deborah Creghan Division of Education
Maria Leon MICU/SICU
Erika Sandt ASU-PACU/OR
Louis Temprine Engineering
Richard Schappell Spectrum Pharmacy
Vicki Priestas Case Management
Rebecca Cruz Emergency Services
Andrew Sauerzopf Information Services
Gary Williams Engineering
10 Years
Cheryl Reiss Patient Accounting
Melanie D'Avanzo Short Stay Hospital
Scott Lipkin Network Office of Research and Innovation
Jason Salgado Information Services
Jonathan Davidson Human Resources
Ericka Martinez Children's Clinic
Robert Schmell LVPG Billing
Sara DeBenedetto Bethlehem Gynecological Associates
Tariq Masood Diagnostic Radiology
Martha Spatig Heart Station
Monica DeSantis Heart and Vascular Center
Daryl Mulvaney Medical Records
Antonnette Zenko Diagnostic Radiology
Jennifer Carnes Emergency Services
20 Years
Holly Cavallo Benefits Verification
Mary Biehl Case Management
Purnima Desai Pharmacy
Lorraine Gyauch Cancer Support Services Donald Klingeman Radiology Administration Todd Leibenguth Endoscopy/G.I. Lab Amy Mutter Cardiac Cath Lab Komkai Somboonsong Pharmacy Madeline Starr Cardiac Diagnostic Center
15 Years Shawn Bausher Burn Center Jennifer Fenstermaker Maternal Fetal Medicine
Janice Smoyer Financial Services
Kristie Hoeflein Metz Melissa Soldridge Physical Medicine Operating Room Michele Stangl Sherry Israel Diagnostic Care Center Muhlenberg Primary Care Yah Kilikpo TNICU Tiffany King Patient Accounting Cynthia Kohler Cancer Center Jane Kratzer Medical Records
Carolyn Suess Information Services Kelly Vespico Nursing Float Pool Deanna Weiss Float Pool
5 Years
Nora Lorenc Cancer Research
Jason Ambrose Supply Distribution Services
Josefina Magalona MICU/SICU
Brenda Carroll 4K Medical-Surgical
Patrick McIntyre College Heights OB/ GYN
Desiree Carroll LVPG Accounting
Juliane Neifert LVPG Diabetes/ Endocrinology
Andrew Cook Performance Improvement
David Fontaine Heart and Lung Surgeons Myrna GonzalezMoret Supply Management Diane Greger 6T Medical-Surgical Mary Gryziec Grant Funded Scholarship Heather Harwi Home Care Kathleen Johnson Radiology Kristine Keblish Ultrasound Tonya Kemp Women and Children Float
Slavka Morrison Emergency Services
Brandi Ocker Cancer Center Kelly O’Connell Partial Hospitalization Mary Orourke Gynecologic Oncology Specialists Mark Pesavento Grant Funded Scholarship Tia Rivera Float Pool Miguel Rodriguez Security Paige Roth Medical Staff Services Maria Roth Gynecologic Oncology Specialists Darryl Rotherforth Bed Management
Susan Schweitzer LVPG Billing
Sara Terefinko 4T Medical-Surgical Wattana Treese Maternal Fetal Medicine Edward Weaver Security Tiffany White ER-Coding LVPG Andrea Whitehurst Central Scheduling