uminary Update A Newsletter for Luminary Circle Members | 4th Quarter | Winter 2020
A few photos from our Helping Hands shifts.
a note from your luminary circle team Gratitude. I think it’s accurate to say that giving thanks and reflecting on all we have means so much more this holiday season. In November, Presbyterian asked for 200 employees to volunteer for the Helping Hands Program—temporary redeployment to relieve clinical staff and help them focus on patient care. Cammie and I, along with Foundation teammate Shaun Grady, volunteered to commit 80 hours each in December through Helping Hands. We’ve absolutely loved having the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of our patients, coworkers, members, and community. The opportunity to be embedded in the facilities has filled our hearts, opened our eyes, and reinvigorated the passion we have for our jobs. Though our tasks are simple—cleaning, running errands, making lunches, and even decorating for the holidays—we know that small acts can make a big difference and lighten the load for our clinical staff. Our admiration and appreciation for our colleagues is stronger than ever. Please enjoy a few photos (left) from our time devoted to Helping Hands. This opportunity was just what we needed to close out a trying year and instill hope for the year ahead. We hope your holidays are happy and healthy. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or requests, or simply to connect. As always, we are here for you.
Jennifer Connell Luminary Circle Director
Cammie Witty Luminary Circle Coordinator
GENERAL UPDATES WELCOME NEW MEMBERS William A. Brown, M.D. Gabe Castro and Vicente Cano Robyn Gaffney, M.D. and Michael Gaffney Paula Lenane Joyce and Robert Paulsen
HOTLINE REMINDER Your Luminary Circle membership grants you access to our members-only hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. As a reminder, our hotline is the quickest, most reliable and secure way to receive live Luminary Circle assistance. Please make sure to store this number in your phone. During normal business hours, for non-urgent needs, please call the Foundation office at 505-724-6580 to speak to a Luminary Circle liaison.
CUMULATIVE GIVING by Luminary Circle Members
$41,842,627.09 including
$60,059.75 for COVID Relief
Thank you!
ANNUAL MEMBER SURVEY Your feedback is important and appreciated. Please take a moment to complete our annual member survey. All responses are anonymous.
CLICK HERE
DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC To help keep our members safe, we modified our clinic to a drive-up option on October 8 at Albuquerque Ambulance and had 53 members participate. It was a nice way to get to see you and provide an important service! We hope to have another drive-thru for COVID-19 vaccinations as they become available to the general population.
The drive-thru was at Albuquerque Ambulance near I-25 and Montano.
Joy Stoddard, Cammie Witty, Jennifer Connell and Lori Salas.
Luminary Circle "swag bag" with cookies, masks and hand sanitizer.
EVENT RECAP: VIRTUAL LUNCHEON We took our annual summer luncheon and reimagined it into a digital event featuring Dale Maxwell, Presbyterian CEO and President, and Dr. David Scrase, New Mexico Human Services Secretary, on November 11. Guests were treated to a delivered lunch or meal-delivery gift card and a special luncheon at-home kit. Watch the luncheon program here. View Dr. Scrase's slides here.
Dr. David Scrase and Dale Maxwell.
Members Chris and Linda Spencer share their at-home lunch setup.
PROJECT UPDATES Construction to expand Presbyterian Hospital continues to progress. If you haven’t driven by the hospital lately, here is the status of the project.
The pedestrian bridge joining Presbyterian Hospital with the Marriott Hotel across the street is complete. Construction is under way on the new patient tower and should be completed in late 2022. The new tower will enable us to complete the conversion to allprivate patient rooms in existing towers, expand the emergency department, and create other improvements to the patient and staff experience at the hospital.
Work has begun on a new 1,200-space, 3-story parking garage for staff and visitors, with completion expected in 2021. In February, a new multispecialty ambulatory surgery center (ASC) opened in the Physician Office Building. Care will be provided at the ASC at a more affordable cost for patients, while freeing up capacity in our inpatient operating rooms.
The emergency room waiting area expansion is proceeding in coordination with COVID-19 requirements.
Progress continues on the Presbyterian Hospital Campus Transformation.
PROJECT UPDATES Groundbreaking on the Presbyterian Robert Wertheim Hospice House is slated for March 2021 with completion/opening in March 2022. Below are the latest interior renderings we have received for this important facility.
The house will include living and dining areas, a family space with a large kitchen, a meditation area, exterior garden spaces and parking.
The house will include 10 private patient rooms, each with their own bath, family gathering space and patio.
PROJECT UPDATES
This is the newly completed Dr. Kathie Winograd Mindworks Studio at Presbyterian Hospital!
This permanent classroom location at Presbyterian Hospital gives participants a physical place to learn, interact with teachers and receive the support they need to stay on track at their grade level.
In partnership with Presbyterian’s Children’s Care, the Foundation has created a new hospital-based teacher program—the Pace Academy—focused on educational support for pediatric cancer patients. The program and classroom are made possible through contributions to the Kathie Winograd Educational Excellence Fund, which parallels Dr. Winograd’s tireless work to enhance educational accessibility.
A young patient using learning materials.
Progress on the new Physician Office Building at Rust Medical Center. The new Presbyterian Breast Care space will be on the second floor. For more on the Breast Care project, watch our recent webinar.
Learning to cry in a respirator: a view from the frontlines Nicole Abate, a nurse in the Progressive Care Unit at Rust Medical Center, took the time to chronicle her experience with COVID-19 patients. She penned this account in August. As nurses, we're taught how to don and doff PPE properly. We're taught to plan, implement, and evaluate, etc. What we're not taught, is how to cry while wearing a respirator. The first time I cried in a respirator (and certainly not my last) happened while on the COVID unit. The day started off like any other day on the unit, beginning with bedside shift report and then prioritizing patient care. I had three patients that day. Two were doing fairly well — they only required one form of oxygen. My third patient, however, wasn't doing so well. I'll never forget her. I met her two weeks prior when she was first admitted. I was taking care of her and, ironically, unbeknownst to my patient, her oldest daughter was in the room next door fighting COVID, too. I remember my patient telling me that her daughter was brought to the hospital after testing positive but she didn't know which hospital, but thought it was Presbyterian downtown. I asked what her daughter's name was and when she told me, my heart skipped a beat. I left the room and went next door. I asked my other patient, "How's your family doing? Anyone else in your family have COVID?" She said her mom was sent to the hospital but she wasn't sure where. I returned to my other patient's room and asked if it was okay if her daughter knew she was in the hospital, and she said, "Of course!" I then told both of them that they were neighbors! The tears flowed and we set up their iPads so they could communicate and see each other! They were so happy.
A couple days later the daughter was discharged home but Mom had to stay. She was starting to struggle. A lot. Flash forward two weeks later when I found myself taking care of Mom again. This time there was no happiness. No laughs. She was struggling to breathe. She went from a minimal amount of oxygen to being dependent on a BiPap machine — one step from needing to be on a ventilator. She wasn't a candidate for a ventilator, though, being too old and having too many comorbidities. Doctors agreed she wouldn't survive intubation. They had to break the news to her family that she wasn't going to survive and to talk amongst other family members about letting her go. I spoke with the daughter at length about what to expect and promised her that her Mom wouldn't be alone. She asked if we could wait until her family could gather at one house and then watch from the iPad. The family gathered and we set up the iPad. They were crying out to her. Asking her to open her eyes. Asking her to fight harder. Telling her to take deeper breaths. But she didn't answer. She was too weak. She was trying to speak but the words would never come. I gently suggested that they each take a turn and tell her a story. A story that was special and personal to them. And, one by one, they told their stories. I stepped outside the room but listened quietly. I heard laughs, tears, and more tears. I felt my own tears under my respirator. Again, they don't teach you how to cry in your respirator. Then her daughter called and said they were ready to let her go. She asked if she could play music and pray. "Of course you can," I told them. I was thinking to myself: you're about to watch your loved one pass via iPad. You can do whatever you want.
I gathered my coworkers and we formed a circle around what now became "our" patient. I held her hand and told her that her family was here. She's not alone. It's going to be okay. We carefully removed the BiPap machine and placed the nasal cannula with low oxygen flowing. Her respirations got slower and slower. And, within minutes, she was gone. She stopped suffering. All I could hear was beautiful native music and mine and my coworkers' tears. A lot of tears. There wasn't a dry eye in that room. No one taught us how to cry in a respirator. I told the daughter to take all the time they needed and left the room to provide privacy. They spent the next hour playing music, praying and crying. I've seen people die before but this was different. COVID is insidious. It doesn't discriminate. I never felt so hopeless before. It was the most heart wrenching experience and at the same time, I never felt more grateful or honored. Grateful for my health, my kid's health, my family's health. And I've never felt more honored than to have held her hand as she took her last breath. To be there for my patient because their family couldn't be. To help a family get through what was probably one of the worst days of their life. My story is one of hundreds of thousands around the country. I'm so proud to be a nurse and to be able to care for our most vulnerable patients. I wouldn't change a thing. And now I know how to cry in my respirator.
COVID-19 FAQs & FYIs Sue Stott, a Luminary Circle member, is one of the nurses assigned to the COVID-19 Hotline at PHS. Sue finds herself educating our patients and, in many cases, re-educating patients who have received incorrect information or, worse, misinformation. We asked Sue to share what she thought would be good information for our members. Protect yourself. Wear a mask, stay six feet or more away from others (including friends and family members who do not live with you), and wash your hands. HELPFUL LINK: Mask Guidance
If the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline nurse recommends that you get tested, assume that you are positive until you receive negative results. Isolate from other family members, and do not go to work or have visitors.
Call the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline for any questions regarding symptoms you may be having, or if you have tested positive or someone close to you has tested positive. This is important to begin any contact tracing which helps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Call 1-855600-3453.
How to isolate if you live in a house with other people who do not have symptoms: Stay home except to get medical care. Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately. Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible. Use a separate bathroom, if possible. Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets. Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils. Wear a mask when around other people.
Since May 6, NMDOH has recommended COVID-19 testing for those with one or more symptoms. HELPFUL LINK: Review NMDOH website for current signs and symptoms Patients have told me that they tested positive after having had nasal congestion or a fever lasting for one day, and then feeling fine. Misinformation has led some to believe that, if you are feeling better, then you do not have COVID-19. This is not true. Trusted websites for up-to-date COVID-19 information include: CDC New Mexico Department of Health National Institutes of Health To register for tests, visit https://www.togethernm.org/ 1. Select "Find a testing location." 2. Use the filters on the Google map to select your city, and then change “Filter by status” to “All locations.” This will show what is open today and for the rest of the week. Note: Read the information carefully. Most sites require appointments, and they will instruct you either to call or follow an additional link to schedule appointments.
HELPFUL LINK: How long to isolate or quarantine if you are positive, household exposures, non-household exposures, return to work guidance. HELPFUL LINK: CDC website for household cleaning instructions. Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer. COVID lives on skin for 9 hours. The flu lives on skin for 1.8 hours. HELPFUL LINK: How to Select and Use Hand Sanitizer
covid-19 news & updates TESTING SITES UPDATE Presbyterian now has only two COVID-19 testing sites available for Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Testing is available to those who are symptomatic, have recently traveled, or have had a known exposure.
SUPPORT Foundation dollars have been helpful in filling gaps for priority needs. Through your help, the COVID-19 Response Fund has supported, or will provide support for in the future, the following: 41 ventilators (local portion not covered by FEMA) $5,000 in PPE for Santa Fe Medical Center 5 Albuquerque Ambulance mist disinfection units
For info on other testing sites, please visit the New Mexico Department of Health website.
125 thermal imaging scanners
Albuquerque
Presbyterian Hospital's shower/locker
5200 San Mateo Blvd NE 87109 *Entrance is on McLeod Rd* Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm Saturday-Sunday 8:00 am-2:00 pm Scheduling or questions: 505-923-6800
Santa Fe
454 St. Michael's Dr 87505 Monday-Friday 9:00 am-12:00 pm Scheduling or questions: 505-772-6843 *Must have an appointment. Not accepting walk-ins.
Screening online and scheduling is now strongly recommended. COVID Screening Tool & Registration Link.
$150,000 toward Presbyterian Hospital's negative pressure rooms project room/donning-doffing area 150,000 meals and snacks for providers and staff 26,000 employee masks 60 UV countertop disinfectant devices 140 shoe sanitizers Telehealth equipment 12 Albuquerque Ambulance transport ventilators 2 CPR assist devices A thermal imaging device used to take temperatures of patients, staff, and visitors safely.
THANK YOU, MEMBERS!
Revathi A-Davidson & Russ Davidson Scott and Lynn Alexander Dr. & Mrs. Francisco Ampuero Jennifer Lee & Bryn Benjamin Andreas Judith Appenzeller, M.D. & Otto Appenzeller, M.D. Peter Appenzeller, M.D. & Shara Appenzeller Adelmo (Del) & Rebecca Archuleta Leonard & Stephanie Armstrong Dr. & Mrs. H. David Arredondo David & Peggy Ater Ralph & Gloria Baldwin Barbara & Dan Balik Linda L. Barr Janice & Bryan Beck John & Jean Berndt Nancy & Cliff Blaugrund Lee Blaugrund Lin Bornhuetter Julia B. Bowdich & John A. Carey Marge & Bill Bowers Doyle Boykin & Terri Romero-Boykin Donavan Lopez & Carolyn Bregman Nancy Hatchett Kaye & Paul Briggs Helen & Doug Brooks Douglas & Sarah Brown William A. Brown, M.D. Jack & Lynda Burch Brian & Celia Burnett Anne Bushnell Nancy Ann Walton & Alon Carter Gabe Castro & Vicente Cano
ReLauren & Chris Cates Jean Cates William & Karla Cates Ed and JoLynn Chacon George Chandran, M.D. Peter J. Chen, Ph.D. Dr. Leena Cherukuri & Mr. Srikanth Paladugu Virginia Sue Cleveland Dr. & Mrs. Paul Cochran Ruth L. Connery Brad & Erica Cook Ed & Mary Pat Cook Jennifer Culver, M.D. Glenda S. Cunningham Tushar Dandade, M.D. & Rebecca Hoggatt, PA-C Kathleen Davis, RN & Robert Wengrod Dee & Jessica Dennis Becky & Rudy Diaz Jim Dines & Nancy Wood Diane & Peter Doniger Jeffrey N. Dornbusch, M.D. David L. Doyle Jr. Janet Griego, M.D. & Jared Dreicer, M.D. B.C. Nowlin & Carol Estes-Nowlin Dr. & Mrs. Richard Feddersen William & Alice Fienning David & Jennifer Finlayson Cristie E. Flanagan Michael D. Freccia & Sheilah P. Garcia Dan Friedman, M.D., PHG Brandon Fryar & Purvi Mody
THANK YOU, MEMBERS!
Robyn L. Gaffney, M.D. and Michael Gaffney Lakshmi Ganga, M.D. & Choudary C. Ganga, M.D. Edward T. Garcia & Diana E. Garcia Art Gardenswartz & Sonya Priestly Shirley B. Gardenswartz Julian S. Garza Deborah & James Giannelli Dr. Earl R. & Joyce A. Godwin Denise A. Gonzales, M.D. & MSG Kevin A. Haley Scott Graham Carolyn & Karl Green Helen A. Grevey David Hillson & Eileen Grevey Hillson Doug & Kathryn Guinn Jane & Thomas Gulley James H. Spigel, M.D. & Dinorah Gutierrez Lowell A. Hare Ken & Kathy Harrington Keith & Jeannie Harris Michael & Wende Harrison Trevor & Erica Hatchell James M. & Lynn W. Haynes David & Susan Hettema Brett M. Hills Dr. Jeffrey & Phyllis Hills Clay & Shawna Holderman Dr. & Mrs. Andrew E. Horvath The Reverend Jan & Bruce Hosea Dr. & Mrs. James R. Hutchison Kirby & Camille Jefferson Steven M. Jenkusky, M.D. & Jacqueline D. Jenkusky, R.N.
Thomas & Jill Johns Phillip & Janelle Johnson John D. Johnson Lence & Brittany Jorgensen Erica Jorgensen Ted & Margaret Jorgensen Victor & Mary Jury Charles & Sherri Karaian Bruno & Genowefa J. Keller Bart H. Kinney III Pat Kneen Carl F. Lagerstrom, M.D. & Laura A. Mitchell, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. William P. Lang Roger & Allison Larsen Rob Lasater & Carol Spuhler Tom & Julie Laub Paula Lenane Darren & Sherri Lewis Annell B. Livingston Gordon & Vicki Macaulay Chris & Nancy Madigan Steve & Debbie Maestas Jennifer Mallory Marina de Vos Mauney Dale & Paige Maxwell William A. Miller Cheryl E. Mitchell Wayne & Lorena Mitchell Shirley E. Morrison Marlene Nakamura Steve Nakamura
THANK YOU, MEMBERS!
Larry & Sharon Neely Sharon K. Newberg Catherine Oppenheimer JJ & Doug Parsons Joyce & Robert Paulsen Dr. & Mrs. Ole A. Peloso Chris & Maureen Perea Paul & Frances Perea Joanne Suffis & Phi Pham Scottie Pierce, Ph.D. Kusum R. Prabhakar, M.D. Arthur & Patricia Priebe Larry & Dorothy Rainosek Dr. George W. Rhodes & Sara V. Rhodes Greg & Michelle Riley Giuseppe & Mary Anne Rizza Karen A. Robertson Dr. Arnold S. & Doris L. Roland Donna Rust Paul & Lee Schmidt Rob & Noreen Scott Rick Scott David Scrase & Chantel Tarin-Scrase Hirak J. Sen, M.D. Cordelia Sever, M.D. & Gregory Sever Susan & Neal Shadoff Pahl & Liz Shipley Ruth Shore Mondlick Todd & Cathy Sickles Andrew M. Wallerstein & Mary C. Sloane Ben & Elizabeth Spencer
Chris & Linda Spencer James H. Spigel, M.D. & Dinorah Gutierrez Stan & Marilyn Stark Shelly Stepenaskie & Ben Wolz Diana & Chester French Stewart Susan Stott & Diana Stovall George & Catherine Thomas Carolyn & Ken Thompson Roger & Kyla Thompson Lynn B. & Donna Thurgood Scott Truby Duane & Barbara Trythall Jeff & Debbie Van Dyke Jeffrey L. Vinyard Freddie R. Walker Mary Ann Weems & Regan P. Weems, CPA Linda N. Weil Judy Basen Weinreb & Peter B. Weinreb David and Loral Welde Elizabeth Wertheim Thomas W. Wiley Jerry & Glenna Wilger Kevin & Lian Yearout
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