Over the Waves
Our Vision To forge extraordinary connections with our community that support health at every stage of life.
Above & Beyond: Thankful for our team
I just want to say thank you to Linda Redmond, Betty Gallo, Dr. James Carlsten, and Dr. Abby Hornstein for muddling through my medical leave this summer. It was unexpectedly long but they got through it. Thank you! —Linda Rusich, Pathology I just wanted to send out my gratitude to Barbara Lamontagne, RN! Barbara was my preceptor as I began my journey with South County Home Health, and continues to be a mentor who is always willing to answer questions or lend an ear. I am so thankful for the wonderful team that I have become a part of, and for the patience and support that I have found since coming to work here just over a year ago. Everyone has been great and Barb has really gone above and beyond in helping me transition to this new and very different role for me. —Linna Rouquayrol, Home Health I want to express my extreme gratitude to Karen Zarlenga, RN, CDE, CDOE, Diabetes Nurse Educator at South County Health. Karen is leading the Diabetes Champions Committee that meets monthly to improve the care we deliver to our patients with diabetes. I am an employee of South County Home Health and a mom who raised a child with type 1 diabetes who had an insulin pump and a CGM (continuous glucose monitor).
Contents
•Galaxy of Stars.............................2 •SCH Holiday Party
•NEW Safety Officer at SCH.......3
Karen's work leading the Diabetes Champions has resulted in new protocols in our hospital and training for all staff on insulin pumps and CGM's. Karen has also streamlined systems regarding treatment of low blood sugars and meal planning as it relates to this population. There is still work to do and she needs our support and help. Karen leads with her knowledge, professionalism, and compassion for our patients. Her appreciation to all staff for the time and effort involved in becoming proficient in these new skills and protocols to provide superior care for patients is unmatched. Thank you Karen! —Sue Hunt, Home Health We would like to recognize Bettyann Shaughnessy, RN, BSN, CPHM, CDOE our Nurse Care Manager at SCMG-FMEG. On September 21, 2018, Bettyann received “The CDOE Nurse of the Year Award” for outstanding performance as a Certified Diabetes Outpatient Educator given by CDOE Rhode Island Certified Diabetes Outpatient Educators. Bettyann always goes above and beyond for all her patients and always collaborates with her coworkers to provide the best care possible for our patients. Congratulations, Bettyann. We are super proud of you! —Pauline Streinz, EG Family Medicine
•Quick Quiz...................................4 •Dr. Silverblatt Keeps Active •Meet Beth Virgilio, LICSW........5 •NEW Podcast Episode...............6 •Flu Clinic Info •Volunteer of the Month •Health eCooking.........................7 •United Way Giving •Welcome to the Fold •Open Enrollment Events............8
South County Hospital South County Home Health South County Medical Group South County Surgical Supply
Ours is a special corner of the world. We work together and all have the same goal: providing the best possible care and support to our community. Don't forget to send your Above & Beyond thank you/recognition notes each month to hcosta@southcountyhealth.org to recognize a colleague or group.
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Honorees
Galaxy of Stars: October South County Hospital's Galaxy of Stars Program provides an opportunity for staff to recognize their colleagues who demonstrate our guiding values of Caring, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence in a meaningful way, or to recognize colleagues for actions that exemplify and enhance our culture of wellness. Visit the Human Resources page on the intranet to fill out the Galaxy of Stars form to recognize a colleague who is deserving of special recognition for exemplifying our guiding values in a meaningful way or our culture of wellness.
(l-r) Michelle Grande with Karen Dolan and Maria Carvalhal
(l-r) Pauline Streinz with Maggie Thomas
(l-r) Karen Velleco and Lesley Depot
Maribel Acosta Jackie Broccolo Cindy Brooks John Carey Lesley Depot Karen Dolan Kristy Dudley Sarah Juriansz Nina Laing Trish Sabina Pauline Streinz Dawn White
(l-r) Nina Laing with Lisa Warner, Lisa Bettey and Colleen Handrigan
(l-r) Ashley Scandariato with Cathleen Rafferty-Hull, Sarah Juriansz, and Marie Spellman
(l-r) Marie Padilla and Kristy Dudley
(l-r) Maribel Acosta with Stephanie DaCosta
(l-r) John Carey and Michael Leighton
2018 South County Health Holiday Party
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, December 8 5:30 - 11 p.m. Quidnessett Country Club 950 N. Quidnessett Road North Kingstown, RI 02852
Tickets are now on sale in the Human Resources office for the annual South County Health holiday party set to take place on Saturday, December 8 at the Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown. Tickets are $15 for staff and $30 for guests and include a sit down dinner, photo booth, DJ, and cash bar. Please note that only payroll deduction will be accepted for payment. For more information, please contact hrdept@ southcountyhealth.org.
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Sean Donohue: SCH’s New Chief Safety Officer and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Sean Donohue began his tenure as South County Health’s Chief Safety Officer and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator in late August. What was your job prior to SCH? What is your overall safety career background? I was the Safety & Risk Manager for Twin River Casino Hotel and Tiverton Casino Hotel. My previous employment includes active duty US Navy from 19992004 as a Damage Controlman stationed on a Guided Missile Destroyer DDG73 USS Decatur homeport in San Diego, CA. From 2004-2007, I was stationed at US Navy Officer Training Command, Newport, RI at the Navy Firefighting School as the Field Safety Chief and EMT. Other safety careers include EHS Manager for Promet Marine Shipyard located in Providence, RI, and an Occupational Safety and Health Specialist for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, RI. I was on Exeter #1 Fire Dept in Exeter, RI for nine years and served as a Lieutenant and member of the board of directors. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health and a Master’s degree in Emergency Management both from Columbia Southern University
environment where “worst case scenarios” or a Mass Casualty Incident can happen and we need to be prepared. What stood out to you about SCH? I live in North Kingstown and have come to SCH either for family injuries or when I was on Exeter #1 Fire Dept. My experiences with the staff were amazing and heard great things from employees about working at SCH. When I saw the Safety Officer and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator position open I knew I had to apply. What are some challenges you face as a safety officer? What are some goals you hope to accomplish in your first year here? One of the challenges as a safety officer is making sure there is constant communication between myself, management, and employees. It takes everyone to make a safety program work. Some of my goals for my first year is to make updates and improvements to the safety programs, create new ideas to motivate employees about safety, and to start working with law enforcement and fire services on doing more live drills so we can see how fire, police, other emergency services, and SCH work together and really develop a strong plan for emergencies.
What are your responsibilities at SCH? My main priorities and responsibilities are:
My long term goal (3-4 yrs) is for SCH to apply for OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). This is the highest recognition a company can get from OSHA. It shows that the company is committed to safety at the highest level and continually shows improvements in reducing workplace injuries.
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Contact Sean via email at sdonohue@southcountyhealth.org.
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#1 priority is the safety of all employees, patients, and guests. Ensure SCH maintains full compliance with the laws, regulations, grant terms, and policies pertinent to SCH safety and emergency preparedness. Compliance in TJC, OSHA, NFPA, EPA, RIDEM, and DOH. Design, implement, and enforce safety and emergency preparedness policies and programs. Monitor and assess hazardous and unsafe situations and develop methods to assure a safe environment. Serve as chair of the Environment of Care Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee, and Workplace Violence taskforce.
Save the Date South County Health Safety Fair Thursday, November 29 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Potter Conference Center
Win prizes and enroll in a parking space raffle!
Why did you make the jump to a healthcare setting? I can appreciate how much safety is involved in the healthcare setting and the challenges it comes with. Whether it is employee safety, patient safety, or guest safety. We are in an November 2018 3
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Ask Me
why I’m South County Health - Quick Quiz
As part of our ongoing Ask Me campaign, the Marketing Department invites you to participate in a monthly contest! Answer each question correctly and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card to Amazon, Panera Bread, or Dunkin Donuts (prizes are taxable)! You must send your answers to hcosta@southcountyhealth.org. Winners will be announced in the next issue of Over the Waves. Bladder Awareness Month: 1. At least half of fluid intake each day should be water: a. True b. False 2. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are called ____________ exercises: a. keetle b. kegel c. kibble 3. To maintain a healthy bladder, you should empty it every 6 hours. a. True b. False
AND THE OCTOBER QUICK QUIZ WINNERS ARE... 1. Ann Kinsley 2. Lyndsy Carlson 3. Sandra Perry To claim your prize, email Hillary Costa at hcosta@southcountyhealth.org or call 401-7888597. Answers from Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 1. C 2. B 3. A
At 81, Dr. Fredric Silverblatt’s competitive spirit endures Infectious disease specialist, Fred Silverblatt, MD, took some time away from his practice at South County Health this July. At 81 years of age, he’s spent 48 of those years practicing medicine and a vacation is well deserved. But rest and relaxation wasn’t part of his vacation plans. Instead, he joined the athletes crowding the start line at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Aquabike World Championships in Fyn, Denmark. “I qualified for the US Triathlon team last November in Miami during the national championships. I’ll compete in the aquabike event at the world championships,” Dr. Silverblatt said before leaving for Denmark. His finish time in the qualifying race was 4:57:44.
Racing in cool and windy conditions, Dr. Silverblatt recorded an overall time of 6:50:41, earning second place behind the age group leader, Garth Barfoot, a New Zealand racing legend, with a time of 6:30:42. “I’ve been training since the beginning of the year. Since April 1, I’ve been in high gear doing daily workouts in the pool, in my basement, on my bike, or at the gym doing weight training,” he said. “I’ve had to get up at five in the morning or do my workouts after finishing my clinical duties in the evening.” His long workouts – 2 to 3 hour-long bike rides and an hour-and-a-half swim – were saved for weekends.
Over the years, Dr. Silverblatt has run in over 30 marathons (26.2 miles). At the age of 70 Dr. Silverblatt, a seasoned veteran of he ran his first triathlon, competing in eight Dr. Fred Silverblatt at the ITU Aquabike World Championships in half Iron Man races (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike marathons and triathlons, participated in the Denmark. aquabike event at the Denmark competition. and 13.1 mile run), including finishing third in That event consisted of a 3k (1.9 mi) swim and the World Championships at Mt. Tremblant in a 120k (75 mi) bike race. 2014, and three full Ironman races (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run). In 2012, he finished on the podium at “I’ve developed arthritis in my knees,” Dr. Silverblatt said. the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. “This year I decided that in order to continue racing I would switch to the aquabike event.” “I’m excited to represent the USA in this race,” he said before leaving for the July 14 competition. “I’m proud to have ‘USA’ Among the field of participants, Dr. Silverblatt was one of on my racing bib.” four registered competitors in the male 80-84 age group, and one of two in that group representing United States. One For more information on Dr. Fred Silverblatt or to make an competitor from Germany decided not to compete and the appointment, call 401-471-6285. other U.S. athlete dropped out half way through the bike leg. November 2018 4
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Bethany Virgilio, LICSW: Emotional care is primary care
“As a social worker, I see my role first and foremost to support them in what they choose and secondly to educate them.”
Bethany Virgilio, LICSW
Bethany Virgilio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, providing counseling services in conjunction with the primary care physicians at South County Health. Bethany received a master’s of social work from Springfield College in Springfield, MA and provides counseling and cognitive therapies for children, adolescents, and adult clients. What motivated you to pursue a career in counseling? By nature, I am very much an introvert. Listening, observing, and assessing are innate qualities for me. I have always been drawn to understanding people and problem solving. Often people are at their most vulnerable when they first meet with a therapist. I find it gratifying to be able to make a connection that could impact them positively.
How does the use of prescribed medications play a role in the counseling services you provide? Patients’ opinions on taking medication can vary widely. As a social worker, I see my role first and foremost to support them in what they choose and secondly to educate them. I can provide basic psycho-education and help them to formulate specific questions for their doctor. I focus on assessing the intensity, frequency, and duration of symptoms. If I see a patient struggling despite making significant effort in therapy, I will recommend they consider discussing medications with their medical provider. Combining medication along with psychotherapy can be the most effective route for many patients.
What are some of the concerns and behavioral conditions that you help your clients to resolve? Some of the most common concerns are depression, anxiety, and coping with stress such as relationship issues or difficulties at work. I often see patients who are coping with loss or grief.
How do you measure success in your clients’ progress and your ability to help them? Within the first few meetings, I always try to define the patient’s goal. Ultimately, it is helpful to break down a big goal into smaller, measurable objectives that can help them to achieve a feeling of success. Most often these goals are focused on symptom reduction.
Additionally, I see patients who may need to make changes in their lifestyle due to health issues. I am able to work with patients around sleep concerns, coping with a new diagnosis, and incorporating stress management and relaxation techniques to improve overall health.
Given the intimate nature of seeing a therapist, it’s crucial both parties are able to indicate if the connection is not a good fit. I encourage patients to give me feedback. In turn, I will also recommend a referral to a specialty provider or more intensive services if I think it would be beneficial.
What are some of the therapies or behavior modification strategies that you use to bring about positive changes in your clients? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is evidence based practice and useful especially in treating anxiety and phobias. It focuses on changing your thought process. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in making behavior changes and reducing symptoms of depression. Often, patients benefit from supportive therapy to help them gain insight into their identified concerns.
Where do you see patients? I see patients in the Wakefield Primary Care office. I also have limited hours within Westerly and East Greenwich primary care. Additionally, you will find me in the emergency room and throughout the hospital where I complete behavioral health assessments. To schedule an appointment with Bethany at her Wakefield, East Greenwich, or Westerly office, call 401-789-8543.
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South County Health Talks Opioid Epidemic
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: William “Butch” Essex Butch has given his time as a volunteer for the past five years. He is an avid outdoorsman and spends his free time hiking with his wife in the area.
Mary Lyster, MD, MPA. FAAFP East Greenwich Family Medicine
Learn more about the physicians and services of South County Health anywhere, anytime! South County Health Talks is a podcast series that interviews providers of South County Health about the topics that affect you and your loved ones. Available on our website and on various third-party applications such as Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play and more you can download on your smart devices. With the opioid epidemic, there are concerns about using controlled substances for pain management. Dr. Mary Lyster describes how prescriptions for controlled substances work, and how South County Health manages patients who need these medications.
Volunteer Services often gets requests from units for Butch to visit their patients. His kindness and passion for Reiki shows in his work and our patients are left feeling relaxed and comfortable in his presence. Butch has put in 800 hours of time, mostly on nights and weekends. During the day over the past 15 years, Butch has been working at Electric Boat. Before that, he enjoyed a job as a commercial fisherman. “He makes a difference with every patient he sees” – according to the nursing staff on the MedSurg Unit.
Do you know a volunteer who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for Volunteer of the Month! Print the form and submit it to Nadine at nmccauley@ southcountyhealth.org or via interoffice mail, Nadine McCauley, Director of Volunteer Services.
Listen to any of our episodes at www.southcountyhealth.org and visit the Stay Healthy tab.
Fall Flu Clinic Schedule Now Available Be sure to get your flu shot this fall to protect you and your loved ones from the flu this season. SCH employees are required to get the vaccine. Visit www. southcountyhealth.org for the full schedule of clinics.
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Health eCooking: Pumpkin Smoothie Calories: 54 | Serving Size: 1/2 cup | Fat: 0g | Sodium: 73mg | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 1g Switch out that high-fat pumpkin latte for this healthy Pumpkin Smoothie. At about 50 calories per serving, this creamy smoothie is full of fabulous fall flavors and just 1 gram of fat.
Preparation
Ingredients
In a freezer-safe container, freeze pumpkin puree for up to 4 hours or overnight.
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purĂŠe 3 cups unsweetened almond milk 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon plus additional for garnish Crumbled graham crackers for garnish
In a blender, combine the milk, yogurt, frozen pumpkin puree, maple syrup and cinnamon and blend until smooth. Serve immediately topped with additional cinnamon and graham crackers, if desired.
Employee Giving: United Way of Rhode Island South County Health is happy to partner with United Way of Rhode Island once again. You may choose to donate to any 501c3 nonprofit organization, this is an opportunity to make an impact to an organization that has touched your life. You may also choose to donate to South County Health's Annual Fund, which helps us strengthen hospital programs and continue to provide critical life-saving care. There are several ways to give: payroll deduction, check or credit card, or online at https://uwriweb.org/sch. For more information, email development@southcountyhealth.org.
Welcome to the Fold New Staff
Alicia Ascare, Operating Room Katherine Barnas, Float Kaitlyn Bartel, Float Jessica Bergstrom, Float Dorothy Burns, Health Information Management Lyndsy Carlson, Cardiology Practice Kristin Charis, Physician Support Sulma Clary, Emergency Room Myisha Coote, Health Information Management Erin Counts, Respiratory Therapy Michelle DeCorte, Laboratory Colleen Donahue, Dietary Cera Ferri, EVS Jessica Garvey, Clinical Support John Heffernan, MD, Urology
Joseph Heineman, MD, Urology Ermalinda Hill, Health Information Management Cora Hunt, Float Allison Katterson, Operating Room Kimberly Ma, Operating Room Czorina Martinez, Health Information Management Sarah Peet, Communications Christine Perez, Laboratory Claire Rivard, EVS Jacqueline Rivera, Westerly Express Care Arnold Sarazen, MD, Urology Laura Simmons, Central Supply Emily Smith, Nephrology Karen Steinmetz, Cardiology Practice Katelynn Tefft, Security
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Monday, Nov. 12th Alexanders Uniforms 7:30AM – 4:00PM Main Arts Hallway
Tuesday, Nov. 13th
Wednesday, Nov. 14th
Thursday, Nov. 15th
Friday, Nov. 16th
SCH Benefits Fair Holiday Vendor Fair
SC Home Health Benefits Fair
Westerly & EG Benefit Fairs
7:30AM – 4:00PM
7:30AM – 4:00PM
8:00AM – 12:00PM
11:30AM – 1:30PM
Main Art Hallway
Main Art Hallway
Home Health Conference Room
Westerly & EG Conference Rooms
During the Benefits Fair vendors will be present to provide program information and answer questions. Blue Cross, Transamerica, Colonial Life, Metlife Auto & Home, Coastline EAP, Caring in Crisis, Nationwide Pet Insurance & many more! REMINDER! All benefits eligible staff must complete & submit a 2019 Benefit Enrollment Form to the HR Office.
Holiday Sales Include: Pies, Movie Tickets & SCH Apparel Craft Fair: Tupperware, Organic Omega-3 Dressings, Handcrafted Jewelry, Handmade Gifts, Cosmetics and more!
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