Volume 11, Issue 9 April 25, 2003
In This Corner by Jon D. Smiley, C.E.O.
Hipaa is now the law of the land. We have provided training to all staff members and volunteers about this change in law. The expectation now is that we will continue to provide the same quality of service as always.
You have seen the changes in Medical Records to increase confidentiality of patient records. You will also notice signs that remind you to close doors into patient care areas. You should think twice before you venture into any area of the hospital that is not your normal workplace. If you have a patient centered reason for being there, that is fine. But, if you do not, you should not be there. We all need to learn to limit our socializing time to breaks and meals in the dining area or employee break rooms. We also need to remind each other that discussion of patient information is strictly forbidden unless it is in the confines of caring for that patient.
While Hippa is not a law that anyone in healthcare wanted. It is a law. And we are here to provide excellent patient care in the confines of the laws that the state and the federal government demand.
I would like to thank Terry Babcock for her many years of dedication to the Auxiliary. Terry had decided to retire from her duties as manager of the Auxiliary Gift Shop. The Auxiliary members are searching for a new gift shop manager - with some big shoes to fill.
Please join with me in celebrating all our gift shop volunteers, auxiliary members, volunteers and volunteer board members during this National Volunteer Week. The Board met earlier this week re-electing four members - Dave Ballinger, Art Clevenger, Jon Mercer and Joe Morin. Jim Sewell was elected President of the board for 2003-04. Peggy Brewer was named President-elect. Joe Morin was tapped to be Secretary/Treasurer.
Auxiliary Sponsors Scholarships Applications Still Available
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.
Back from Bolivia
These are just a few of the hundreds of photos and hours of video taken when I worked as photojournalist for the Rotaplast Medical team in Cochabamba, Bolivia April 3-12. The team performed 53 surgeries. More than 100 children were screened. Some did not need surgery, some did not qualify for a variety of reasons.
All of these pictures are shared with permission. If you would like to see more please stop by and see me in the Quality House, I would be happy to share more with you. Click on the picture to see a larger version. It may take a minute to load on your computer.
Here is a brief explanation of the photos, working left to right.
1. Joyce Vognild of Wenatchee. Joyce is holding a baby named Gary that shared her birthday. Gary's cleft lip was repaired.
2. Me, Tom Lathen. This was taken after 24 hours in the air, and seven hours on a bus from LaPaz to Cochabamba. The altitude was extreme and I felt as bad as I look in the photo.
3. Dr. Greg Melnick. Dr. Melnick is a pediatrician who is semi retired and does 9 such trips every year.
4 & 5, are different views from the operating room.