Volume 11, Issue 7-8 March 28, 2003
In This Corner by Jon D. Smiley, C.E.O.
We all continue to watch what unfolds in Iraq. Whether you feel a sense of frustration that bombs had to fly, or a sense of pride at resolve of the troops involved, or whether you feel a bit of both - I want to bring you back home for just a minute to take a look at the next battle that must be fought.
That battle is for the preservation of health care in rural communities around our nation and across the state. These are strong words, not meant to criticize the courage of President Bush and our troops, but more to illustrate the need for prompt action of similar dedication toward the needs of the national health care system.
There are some solutions that could be acted upon that would dramatically improve our ability to serve our patients. We need reform in both state and national laws that allow juries to award millions of dollars in punitive damages in medical liability cases. This is called torte reform. It has been discussed off and on for years - it is time for it to happen now. The insurance company that provides malpractice coverage for many rural hospitals besides our own is in receivership. It was placed there, not because of bad management, but because of potential HUGE awards in a small number of cases from member hospitals.
We also need a commitment by government leaders to protect rural health care. Every group from teachers to traffic safety to drug intervention to local government is asking for money. Asking of course, at a time when there is less money to spend on public services. But, without good health, local health care, and the basics to preserve health care in all small communities economic diversification and development - to expand the tax base - is unlikely.
What we all can do is continue to write polite, brief, informative letters and emails to our state and federal politicians. Addresses and email links are printed on page two of this edition of the newsletter. Please join in the continued battle for rural healthcare.
Auxiliary Sponsors Scholarships
submitted by Tina Glockner
The SCH Auxiliary works year round to raise funds for their healthcare scholarship program. If you look around the hospital you will find many current and former beneficiaries of this scholarship program. It is why the Auxiliary works so hard through the gift shop, the festival of trees, book & jewelry sales, poinsettias and many other programs that are publicized in this newsletter and around the hospital. They money that is raised is so important to so many people wanting to get degrees in nursing and other health related careers.
Last year we awarded six scholarships for a total of $12,000. That is the plan again this year - and right now we are looking for persons who would like to be considered for one of these scholarships. Applications are now available. Email or call 837-4485 and leave your name and address if you would like to receive an application.
Recipients will be profiled here in a future issue.
Admitting News
submitted by Ed Smolak
Our Admitting Staff is celebrating 3 birthdays in March and 2 birthdays in April. Samantha LaClair's birthday was 03/19, Helen Kone's birthday is 3/22, and Marty Zyph's birthday is 3/28. In April, I turn the magic 50 on 4/7. Gracie Arredondo's birthday is 4/11. I would like to wish everyone of these staff members a very Happy Birthday and thank them for their contributions to our department, our hospital, & the communities we serve.
To Send a Get Well Card to
Dr. David Andersen
Good Samaritan Hospital, Room 33A
P. O. Box 1247
Puyallup,WA 98371-0192
Nursing Notes
submitted by Linda Garner
Angela
Lorenzo passed her PA exam and is now certificated. Congratulations to
her on this achievement.
News from the
Philippines- Bethelle Wong one of our recruits is
finally close to coming. She has
her Embassy interview scheduled for the 24th of April.
Hopefully, she and her husband will arrive in early May. She tells me that she
has continued to work in many areas of nursing and will be studying for her
NCLEX test to become an RN in the USA. She is eager to come to Sunnyside.
Plans are underway to celebrate Nursing week in May. Debbie
Mains has taken the leadership of this activity for 2003 and has a great
week planned.
HIPPA
submitted by Claudia Arlington
If you attended any of the HIPAA meetings March 20-21 and you did NOT sign in, please contact me as soon as possible. If you are not sure whether you signed in, again, just contact me and we can verify.
The "HIPPA Team", Salvador Betancourt, Claudia Arlington, and
consultant Mike Magliaro. (Click on image for bigger photo.)
UR/Care Management Week
submitted by Char Tong
Just a note to ask that you take a little of your precious time to take note of the
Utilization Review and Care Management Departments. I am combining the recognition week
for those services to this week (3/24-28). Staff in these departments are few, but awesome!
Cindy Rasmussen, Leticia Chavez, Jessica Alcarez, Paulette
Vopalenski.
As you encounter them ask about their area of focus and let them tell you what part they
take in the vast range of patient services here at SCH. Thank you, in advance, for taking a moment to take interest in the UR/ Care Management
services.
Editor on the Road
Your editor is on the road with Rotaplast April 2-16. That means there will be no newsletter April 11th. The next one will be April 25th. Tom is working as a volunteer photojournalist with a team of 24 doctors, nurses and volunteers performing cleft pallet and cleft lip surgeries in Cochabamba, Bolivia. About $45,000 was raised in Central Washington to fund the trip. This hospital donated supplies to the team.