Volume 11, Issue 14 July 4, 2003
In This Corner by Jon D. Smiley, C.E.O.
The 4th of July holiday makes it clear that summer is upon us. Normally in the summer we think about things slowing down a bit as we all enjoy a certain amount of time away on vacation. I don't know about you - but on this Independence Day I am looking more toward the challenges that are ahead. I also am very excited about the opportunities for more service that are just around the corner.
Dr. Joon Park began his new practice in Sunnyside earlier this week. In addition to his extensive experience in Internal Medicine, Dr. Park has cardiology training that will be of benefit to all of us. Dr. Park is practicing in the same office as Dr. Coke Smith, our Medical Director. He can be reached for appointments at the same office phone number.
Next week we will welcome Dr. April Biggs to Grandview Medical Center and Dr. Martin Dubek will arrive at Birch Street Medical Center shortly after. The staff at both of the clinics are already scheduling patients for Dr. Biggs and Dr. Dubek. We also expect that in a few months the two new physicians will be delivering babies in our Family Birth Center.
Our search for new physicians is not over. While we lost a few doctors for a variety of reasons over the past two years, we have been very fortunate in these new folks that are joining our medical community. You can feel very comfortable referring your family and friends to any of these doctors. You can also know that they will be working hard right along with you and everyone else in the hospital community.
So enjoy your July 4th holiday, or whatever vacation time you get this summer - know that while hard work lies ahead for all of us - we are going to continue to do an excellent job of providing care for the people of the valley.
No More Standing in Line on Payday
Submitted by Jim Schlenker, CFO
In an effort to continue to streamline payroll processing, we are moving to 100% Direct Deposit for all employees effective August 1st, 2003. Direct deposit notices will continue to be mailed on Wednesday of payroll week so you will receive it by or before payday. If you are not currently utilizing Direct Deposit, please fill out the form in your paycheck envelope and return it with a copy of a deposit slip to the Accounting department by Friday, July 11th. Stop by and see accounting if you lost it or didn't get one.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, please see one of the Accounting Staff. You can direct deposit to any checking or savings account in your name. A large majority of SCH employees already are on direct deposit.
6th Annual day of Caring
submitted by Carol Allen
The hospital is joining in a national effort sponsored by Coca Cola called the 6th Annual Day of Caring. This day is designed to provide help to local social service agencies.
We have picked Lower Valley Crisis and Support Service as our agency.
What you can do to help out is donate an inexpensive item every pay period between now and August 29th. These items will be used to help women, children and infants that are referred to Crisis and Support for help.
Items can include deodorant, hair care products, soaps, personal products, small games or trading cards for kids, diapers, cotton balls, Q-tips and baby wipes.
Also bedding for double or twin beds is needed. This can be "gently used" items. Gently used towels and wash cloths are also needed.
We are circulating collection boxes throughout the hospital. Big items can also be brought to the Quality House. Please pitch in and do a little, so together we can do a lot to help these families in a time of need.
Employee Benefit News
submitted by Lisa Garcia
Steve Compton, AIG VALIC Financial Advisor, will be at the hospital July 23rd from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and July 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you would like to meet with Steve to discuss your retirement fund planning please contact HR to schedule an appointment.
As a result of the annual review of the retirement plan, the following changes have been implemented:
The hospital has expaned the available fund options for the pension plan to include all available funds in the AIG VALIC portfolio director annuity contract. The same funds are also available and offered to employees for the voluntary 403(b) plan with no restrictions or limitations.
The pension notification and enrollment process will occur annual. There will be a 2-3 day open enrollment period in January where newly eligible employees are required to meet with our AIG VALIC representative.
For employees service needs we are going to a quarterly on-site service visit instead of monthly. As noted above Steve Compton will be here later this month and then again in September.
CPR Requirements Modified
The In-Service Training Policy has changed to allow non-direct patient care employees to defer CPR to every other year.
The new policy was sent to your department last week. Please be sure to read it thoroughly.
Check with your manager if you don't see it posted in your department. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to
contact Human Resources.
American Heart Association BLS Certification will be required every year for direct patient
care employees.
Non-direct patient care employees who were due for their CPR through June 30th must comply with the old policy, which requires annual
American Heart Association CPR Certification.
Our new policy went into effect July 1st.
The hospital is committed to CPR training for all employees. We believe
this modification will better reflect the strengths of all employees and also
maintain appropriate levels of training for all staff members.
Women's Health Night Coming September 18th
The planning committee for this year's WOMENS HEALTH NIGHT has begun meeting
and contacting all department managers regarding each department's plans for contribution to the event, which will be
held on September 18th.
Every department is invited to participate in any way - either through a display
or a health screening. Or by working to assist other departments. Sandra
Linde is the chair of the event this year.
Surgical Infection Teleconference
submitted by Gabriella Barker, RN
Mark your calendar for July 24 at 1:30 p.m. for a teleconference on surgical infection prevention. The speaker will be Dr. E. Patchen Dellinger Chief of the Division of Surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center.
Dellinger will address the clinical background for strategies to prevent surgical infections. There will be time for questions after the presentation.
Please RSVP if you plan on attending.
Need a Box?
submitted by Wendy Clapp
Jolene and I have had several requests for boxes lately by employees. If you are needing empty cardboard boxes, you are more than welcome to take them from the two orange dumpsters located on 11th street behind the hospital. Materials cannot hold boxes for anyone. We do not have the room to store them.
The most commonly asked question I get is when will we have boxes. Since our freight days vary, we are unable to accurately answer that question.
The best time to check the dumpster is early afternoon. We try to have most of the freight
checked in by then if time allows.
HELP! Babysitter Needed
Teenager or young adult [who doesn't mind getting up early :)]
$4.50 per hour, M - F from 6:00 am (sharp) to 8:00 am
Duties: Care for two 8 and 9 year old girls in their home. Get them up and see that they get themselves dressed and eat breakfast before school or other activities for the day.
Please contact Char Tong if you know someone or can refer to me. Char @ 837-5529 or 837-1671
Leaving with gifts
I am leaving with so many gifts from Sunnyside, I am a richer person. I have met and worked with some very caring, efficient nurses who truly care for their patients as well as the community they serve.
I have learned that a managers job is never done and their success depends on the support they get from people around them. The people who work with them to keep the unit running on a daily basis. The people who keep our patients fed, who keep their rooms clean, draw their labs, admit them and deal with patients when they have questions about their bills. I have had people take time to do some remedial training in the areas I am not comfortable with like finance, thank you Lonnie. Thank you Cindy for working with us on our time cards. Thank you Tonya for helping us develop a more efficient way to get our education request to you and helping me.
I have had constructive feedback and patience from Arie when implementing Physicians Guidelines, I could have never done that without his guidance.
Our patient satisfaction would not be so good if Jean and I hadn't worked together to ensure the excellent food service, we give our patient population. Her staff has been very accommodating and flexible to the FBC unit.
Thank-you Wendy and Jolene without your support the changes we made in our supplies, how we charge would not have happen so smoothly.
Thank you to the guys in maintenance for fixing our breakdown in a timely manner, refinishing the cribs and especially the sink Lloyd fixed, I wouldn't have wished that on anyone.
Lab for drawing our labs and working on improving our systems so we have better communication.
X-ray for all the stat portable chest X-rays and ultrasounds you do on the floor.
For admitting for how you treat the patients with their initial experience when they hit the door and delivery is within the next hour.
The other Beth for showing me the "money"! We have changed our charge master to better reflect our services.
Medical Records, thank-you Marci for supporting the Birth-certificate program and for getting records to me to review and for you kind reminders on getting them back. Claudia, for making us hip to HIPPA !
House-keeping, you keep our unit clean, you have helped us be more cost efficient with restocking our rooms for a one time use. You can clean rooms at the speed of light when we have none. For keeping our carpets looking brand new.
If I have left anyone out, it was not intentional, but just reflect on an interaction you had with me. I know you will come up with a lesson we shared.
I have learned that with time people here have gotten to know me and except me for my directness, which I feel might have been different for them. So thank-you for your understanding and teaching me that although you may be different eventually with time you can fit in. I have learned that I need to look up the word patience everyday. The best lesson I have learned from all of you is;" accountability for something can be assigned - responsibility has to be taken.
I have worked with responsible, caring and professional people who have challenged me, taught me and given me many gifts.
Thank-you