July 23, 2015 Volume 37 Issue 13 Berkshire Health Systems Employee Newsletter Wellness Celebrates 10 Years BHS Employees Draw Tremendous Benefit from Groundbreaking Program Over the past ten years, the Berkshire Health Systems WellnessWorks program has steadily grown, providing BHS employees with a unique benefit that promotes health and well-being and helps the employee to save money on their health insurance at the same time. The 10th anniversary of Wellness was celebrated throughout BHS in July, with special events held at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, the Hillcrest Campus of BMC and the Northern Berkshire Campus of BMC. In all, nearly 800 employees attended the events. Above: Close to 800 Berkshire Health Systems employees celebrated the 10th anniversary of WellnessWorks at events held at BMC, Fairview and the Hillcrest and Northern Berkshire Campuses of BMC. At left: The Wellness celebrations included lots of healthy food, along with the chance to gather with colleagues also committed to health and well-being.
2 Wellness Celebrates 10 Years continued from page 1 At left: A gratitude tree was on display during all of the events, including this one at the Fairview Hospital celebration. Below, right: Mary Ellen Eliasen shows off her Hula Hoop skills during the Wellness celebration at the Northern Berkshire Campus of BMC. Below, left: Employees from across the spectrum celebrated Wellness, including, from left to right, Brent Markland, Angela Lindaas and Bill Parent from BMC Environmental Services. BMC North Campus Holds Decon Training I n the event of a contamination incident, the Northern Berkshire Campus of BMC is ready to care for patients who would be brought to or present at the Satellite Emergency Facility. On June 29th, staff from the Northern Berkshire Campus and the main hospital held a training program outside the SEF entrance, where mock patients, or mannekins, were decontaminated using the Mobile Decontamination Unit (MDU). Berkshire Health Systems has access to three MDUs at BMC, Fairview and the Northern Berkshire Campus of BMC to decontaminate patients who may be effected by such an incident in the community. At left: The Mobile Decontamination Unit was brought to the Northern Berkshire Campus of BMC by the North Adams Fire Department, and here staff from the North Campus work to erect the Unit to handle patients in need of decon. Right: Members of the Decon Team from BMC, in their hazardous materials suits, decontaminate the patients who were in need of decon during the training exercise.
3 Dr. Veeranna Joins Cardiology Services at BMC Berkshire Health Systems announces the appointment of Vikas Veeranna, MD, a board certified and fellowship trained Cardiologist to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center and the physician staff of Cardiology Professional Services of BMC. Dr. Veeranna is accepting new patients in need of Cardiology care and is teamed with Drs. Jeffrey Leppo, Kyle Cooper, Kristen Currie, David Finck, Douglas Herr, William Levy, Henry Lyle, Lisa Massie, Teresa Menendez, Andrew Potash, Mara Slawsky and Georgianne Valli-Harwood at BMC. Dr. Veeranna is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease and completed his residency at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. He was fellowship trained in Cardiovascular Diseases at Wayne State University and in Advanced Cardiac Imaging at Brigham and Women s Hospital. He received his medical degree from Bangalore Medical College, India. Cardiology Professional Services of BMC has three locations across the Berkshires, in Pittsfield, Great Barrington and North Adams. To make an appointment with Dr. Veeranna or one of his colleagues, ask your physician for a referral or call 413-395-7580. Dr. Patel Joins Berkshire OB/GYN of BMC as Practice Expands North Berkshire Care Berkshire Health Systems announces the appointment of Kalpesh Patel, MD, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center and the physician staff of Berkshire OB/GYN of BMC. Dr. Patel is accepting new patients in need of OB/GYN care and is practicing both out of the North Berkshire office and Pittsfield office of Berkshire OB/GYN of BMC. He is providing comprehensive Maternal Child Health services and his appointment expands OB/GYN care for the Northern Berkshire community. Dr. Patel is partially practicing in the Adams office of Berkshire OB/GYN of BMC with Charles O Neill, MD, and Susan Yates, MD. The overall practice also includes Andrew Beckwith, MD, Herbert Kantor, MD, Daniel Barraez-Masroua, MD, Robert Benner, MD, Joan Lister, MD, Cassandra Service, MD, Michael Shreefter, MD, and Lauren Slater, MD, and Certified Nurse Midwives Lydia Kelly, Maribeth Pomerantz, Evelyn Resh and Robin Rivinus. Berkshire OB/GYN of BMC has three offices, in Adams, Pittsfield and Lenox. Dr. Patel received his medical degree from Baroda Medical College in Baroda, Gujarat, India and completed his residency in OB/GYN at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. For an appointment with Dr. Patel, call Berkshire OB/GYN of BMC in Adams at 413-664-4343 or in Pittsfield at 413-499-8570. BMC Surgical Services Enhances Safety with Med Sled BMC Surgical Services commitment to safety includes recent training using the Med Sled evacuation device. Team members practiced removal of surgical patients in a vertical evacuation down the emergency exit steps. The total time from surgical suite to the outside exit was under five minutes. "The team s commitment to safety is witnessed every day in all aspects of surgical care, said Sharon Parmenter, BSN, Perioperative Educator. Their commitment to safety in simulated extraordinary events demonstrates the same level of intensity as a real-life incident would be in keeping patients safe." Pictured, team members Gary Sohl, MD, Kelly Tracy, CSTFA, and Brian Potter, Anesthesia Technician, during practice removal of Katie Stegner, CST, strapped into the Med Sled.
4 Berkshire Health Systems Awarded Gold LearningElite Organization by Chief Learning Officer Magazine Matthew Painter, BHS Director of Leadership Development, with this year s LearningElite honor. Berkshire Health Systems has been named a Gold LearningElite organization for 2015 by Chief Learning Officer magazine, published by Human Capital Media (HCM). This is the third straight year BHS has been recognized with a LearningElite award. The LearningElite program is composed of organizations that perform above a benchmark standard for implementing learning and development (L&D) best practices for their workforce. Organizations are ranked based on their execution and impact of these L&D initiatives, and Berkshire Health Systems was ranked 28th in 2015 out of more than 200 applicants. The LearningElite program is the only peer-ranking and benchmarking program of its kind. Developed through a collaboration of chief learning officers, senior workforce development practitioners and the Human Capital Media Research and Advisory Group, it utilizes rigorous evaluation methodologies to objectively assess both the scope and value of participants L&D practices. Every year the number of applications we receive grows, and this year was no exception, said Sarah Kimmel, director of research and advisory services for HCM. While our rigorous metrics and high standard for inclusion in the program remain consistent, we are seeing more organizations striving to surpass the benchmark and qualify. That organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of L&D in establishing a productive and fulfilled workforce is heartening. Human Capital Media is the largest integrated media company serving the human capital, management and workforce development industries. Berkshire Heroes Nominees Sought by BMC Cancer Center Nominations are being accepted for the annual Berkshire Heroes recognition by the Cancer Center at BMC. Berkshire Heroes are the people and organizations that have had a positive impact on the lives of those being treated for cancer in the Berkshires. Four categories of Berkshire Heroes are available for nomination. They include: Healthcare Providers at Berkshire Health Systems who spend their days and nights caring for the extraordinary people of the Berkshires. Patients who have helped each other get through a very difficult time. Caregivers who provide incredible support for their friends and family. Members and Organizations of our Compassionate Community, the people who fight to raise awareness for the cancer cause, philanthropists, researchers, or even just the folks who thought they were only making a small difference but in the eyes of the patient it was a huge positive impact. The nomination process is open to all in our community. To nominate a Berkshire Hero, fill out an online nomination form at www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/berkshireheroes. A Berkshire Hero will be selected from each category and the recipients will be honored at the Garden Party Wine and Beer Tasting Event, which benefits the BMC Cancer Center, and is being held on Saturday, August 29th. Nominations must be made by Friday, August 7th. The Berkshire Heroes recognized in 2014 included: Patient Hero, Krista Pinsonneault; Caregiver Hero, Elias Lefferman; Hero Professional, Julie Steinman, RN, BSN, OCN; and Hero Community Organization, PopCares, Inc.
5 The Quality Zone: Annual Culture of Safety Survey Results By Erin Roark, BS, CPHQ Berkshire Medical Center s 2015 Culture of Safety Survey results have been compiled. In all, 880 staff completed the online survey. The survey included twelve composite sections with 42 questions. As you can see from the snapshot graph, over the past several years BMC has shown great overall improvement. As you know, patient safety is a critical component of healthcare quality. Achieving a culture of patient safety requires an understanding of: The values, beliefs, and norms about what is important in an organization What attitudes and behaviors related to patient safety are supported, rewarded, and expected Here is what you told us about our safety culture: Patient Safety Culture Composites - BMC Comparison from FY 2012-2015 BMC FY 2012 BMC FY 2014 BMC FY 2015 2012 to 2015 # Respondents 968 877 880 Frequency of Events Reported 47% 50% 70% 23% Teamwork Within Units 62% 68% 79% 17% Management Support for Patient Safety 51% 64% 67% 16% Teamwork Across Units 40% 48% 56% 16% Feedback & Communication About Error 50% 59% 64% 14% Org Learning--Continuous Improvement 54% 58% 67% 13% Communication Openness 53% 61% 63% 10% Overall Perceptions of Patient Safety 55% 62% 62% 7% Supervisor/Manager Expectations & Actions Promoting Patient Safety 65% 72% 72% 7% Nonpunitive Response to Error 38% 47% 40% 2% Handoffs & Transitions 30% 36% 30% 0% Staffing 50% 52% 43% -7% Average Across Composites 50% 56% 59% 9% Top 2 Positive Responses (strongly agree/agree or always/most of the time) The Quality Management Team of BMC reviews all comments and results internally and with appropriate team(s) and senior leader(s). Here are some of the actions in place to increase our patients safety: Medication Scanning Improvement Project Medication Safety Team Fall Debrief Documentation in Meditech Bed and Tab alarms standardized access across BMC PUP (Pressure Ulcer Prevention) Team Staffing: hired resources to manage additional volume Keep an eye out for our next Annual Culture of Safety Survey in January 2016, and thanks to all who participated in the 2015 survey. We value your input.
6 WellnessWorks (413) 447-3100 Walk it Off is an individual or two-person team weight loss and exercise program offered by BHS WellnessWorks. This program will help you lose weight, improve body composition and become more fit. Go to the WellnessWorks website to view participation requirements. Sign up to attend one of these informational meetings: Visit the WellnessWorks page of the employee portal for more information and to register for any of our programs. https://www.bhswellnessworks.org Creating a Culture of Wellness Taking Employee Health to the Next Level... What can we do to make our workplace healthier? Share your ideas and ways that we can support our co-workers in achieving their wellness goals. Jennifer Ward, RD, LDN, CPT, Wellness Registered Dietitian Monday, August 10 th at Noon Northern Berkshire Campus of BMC Small Dining Area, Near Cafeteria Sign up on the Wellness Works website: https://www.bhswellnessworks.org. Bring your lunch and earn 10 Wellness points. This program will satisfy the education requirement for 2016 Wellness Health Plan eligibility. Monday, August 24 th at Noon or 1:00 pm, Clocktower, 5 th floor large conference room Friday, August 28 th at 11:30 am or 12:30 pm, BMC Private Dining Room D Registration will be limited to the first 30 participants. The program fee of $30.00 will be used toward prizes for exceptional performance in the areas of weight loss, body composition improvement, healthy habit scores, fitness improvement and total mileage. Questions? Please contact Jennifer Ward, RD, LDN, CLC, CPT, at 445-9160 or email: jward@bhs1.org. Congratulations to our Wellness Celebration Winners! Fitness Challenges: $25 Dick s Gift Card Balance Jump Rope Hula Hoop North Campus Mary Ellen Eliasen Ann Connors Dale Balawender Fairview Wendy Farnham Luzita Lopez Erica Brown BMC Brittany Lusignan Anthony Alfonso Samantha Kadki Hillcrest Campus Ashley Gangell Danielle Townend Sherry Benedetti-Zepka Grand Prize Winners: Fit Bit: Rotjana Anello, Pam Bouchard Ball Chair: Lisa Fisher, Ed Haskin Red Sox/Yankee Tickets: Emily Linendoll Red Sox/Mets Tickets: Margie Carty Canyon Ranch Spa Day: Cindy Sprague-Bellard, Pat Lescarbeau, Ann Connors, Peg Trombley Chug-A-Jug Water Challenge August 3 rd 31 st (Sign up 7/27-8/9) Mindfulness Made Easy Learn how the practice of being more mindful can help with stress management and overall wellness. Mindfulness is a lifestyle skill that anyone can do. Come to this workshop where we will demonstrate a variety of Mindfulness techniques including; Mindful Meditation, Mindful Eating, Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong. If you ve ever wondered what these practices are all about, this is a great program for you to attend! Monday, 8/3 Monday, 8/10 Monday, 8/10 Tuesday, 8/11 Monday, 8/24 Join Mark Kenyon, LMFT, LADC-I, CEAP: Noon Hillcrest Campus (Library) Noon Central Block (Large Conference Room) 1:00 pm Clocktower (5th Floor Large Conference Room) Noon Fairview (Ground Floor Conference Room) 11:30 am & 12:15 pm BMC (PDR D ) Qualifies as a Wellness Education for 2016 Wellness Insurance Premium Discount Be one of the first 15 people to pre-register and attend to receive a $5 lunch ticket and 10 Wellness Points Pre-Registration Required: logon to the WellnessWorks website or call ext. 3100 for more information
7 Diversity Includes You Focus: Unconscious Bias and Ableism Unconscious bias is an automatic reaction to someone based on a past life experience, either positive or negative. Unconscious biases are habits of mind that are learned over time through repeated experiences and are highly resistant to change. Even consciously inclusive people may hold negative stereotypes and attitudes for which they are not fully aware.* Examples of Ableism include: Treating people with disabilities as if they have an illness Avoiding people with disabilities Focusing on the disability and not the person Assuming that people with disabilities are unhappy Talking about people with disabilities as if they are objects Speaking directly to a family member, friend, or caregiver of the person with a disability instead of speaking with the actual individual Speaking for someone with disabilities when they can speak for themselves Dismissing mental and emotional disabilities Not taking the time to learn about the abilities of a person with respectful, timely questions Unconscious biases hurt. Become aware of your unconscious biases. *Reference: 2007. Burgess D., van Ryn M., Dovidio, J., Saha S. Reducing Racial Bias Among Healthcare Providers: Lessons from Social-Cognitive Psychology. Journal of General Internal Medicine. Don t forget to share your diversity story, no matter what your perspective, in our Diversity survey on the employee portal. BHS Job Opportunities To view job descriptions and/or apply for a position at Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital or BVNA & Hospice, please visit our website at: www.berkshirehealthsystems.org and click on Employment. Summer SiZZLE! Get your beach on! Start your Vacation Savings Account today and start thinking about the beach you want to be on! Please direct any comments, questions or suggestions for to Development and Community Relations at 447-2060. Editor: Ruth Blodgett Writers: Mike Leary, Elzbieta Lauren Smith Ala Trzepacz Layout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management is printed on paper with post-consumer recycled content. Savings and loan specials appear every day! 1450 East Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 447-7772 www.berkshirefcu.com
8 Thanks and Recognition Words alone cannot fully express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of love, kindness and generosity that we received during our recent family crisis. After Bob s horrific accident on May 2nd, our family was blessed with wonderful cards, encouraging phone calls and very generous donations of earned time from so many friends, which enabled Bob to receive a weekly paycheck while he is recovering. I don t know who you are, but please accept our sincere appreciation. And, as if this wasn t enough, on July 11, a golf tournament at Bas Ridge organized by Gilles Laframboise was held in his honor. We would also like to thank all the people involved, from friends, volunteers, businesses who gave donations, players and our BMC family for taking the time out of their busy lives to make this event a huge success. We are very grateful to have friends like you you definitely brightened our world more than you will ever know- from the bottom of our hearts, thank you all. Thank you to BMC/BHS staff from Bob and Sandy Wheat Always the best care. We are so grateful to have Fairview around the corner. Comment from a Fairview Hospital patient Considerate care was given by all staff, and the residents and/or interns were very helpful with questions. Operating room personnel were very good. Technicians doing procedures were helpful also. Comment from a BMC 2 South patient I rarely submit feedback, but in this case I was treated so well that I want you to know how much I appreciate everyone's efforts. I was treated like a human being, with respect and care. Thank you. Comment from a BMC Women s Imaging Center patient All nurses on the 3rd and 5th floors were absolutely fabulous and very compassionate to your needs. The wound nurses should always be recognized, they also are special and caring. They helped me so much. Love to all the staff at BMC. Comment from a BMC Surgical Services patient From beginning to end and everywhere in between, everyone did an outstanding job. This included taking care of my friend while she waited to hear how I made out. When the time comes to do my left knee I will be back to see Dr. Kevin Mitts and BMC. Comment from a BMC Orthopedic Unit patient Chaplain s Corner: What is a Miracle? By The Reverend Art Kaufman, BMC Chaplain So often we exclaim, upon seeing something out of the ordinary or an outcome that was extraordinary, It s a miracle. But what is a miracle? Here are a few answers to that question: The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common; Life is a miracle and you are a unique expression of this purposeful miracle. Ralph Waldo Emerson I prefer these definitions as opposed to attributing miracles to God or Allah, or Jehovah or Yahweh when something really, really good and unexpected happens, or to something else or someone else when the outcome is not so good. I do this because I believe that each and every one of you are miracle workers and that every time you walk into a patient s room or the OR or ER, regardless of the outcome, your skills, compassion and empathy work miracles in the lives of the people you care for in this hospital of ours. In Memoriam Linda M. Green, who worked in medical records at Williamstown Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, died on July 12th at the age of 59. Doris E. Carmain, who worked in the pharmacy of the former North Adams Regional Hospital, now the Northern Berkshire Campus of BMC, died on July 16th at the age of 84. She worked for NARH for 12 years. The staff of Berkshire Health Systems offers its deepest condolences to their friends and family.