from the president & ceo hospital week events may...

Scott BatulisPresident & CEO

We have the ability and talent to create exceptional experiences for our patients and their families. I receive letters on a daily basis describing how our staff positively impacts patient care. People want me to know how much they appreciated the care and compassion a staff member has shown them or how grateful

they are that we saved their loved one’s life. I would like to share two amazing stories where people went “above and beyond” for our patients and their families.

The first was shared with me by the Foundation through the Testa family. Larry Testa was a patient of Dr. Cleveland Lewis and spent time at our facility in 2011. During a follow-up visit with Dr. Lewis, Larry praised the treatment he received at Orange Regional and noted that, while he could have sought care in New York City, he was happy he chose our facility because it allowed him to stay close to home. Sadly, Larry succumbed to his illness on January 26, 2012. However, his family was very grateful for the care and compassion they all received. The same care and compassion that was extended to Larry during his stay was also extended to his family: from sleep chairs, blankets and pillows to friendly smiles and nourishment. It was noted that one nurse, in particular, exhibited tremendous care and compassion to Larry and his family, going above and beyond to provide support in whatever capacity was needed. This nurse at one point, knowing the end was near, decided to stay with the family on her own time until they were strong enough to cope with their loss. In early March, Orange Regional was notified that Larry bequeathed $1 million to ensure that others would receive the same quality healthcare he did. In recognition of Larry’s benevolence, the Healing Garden at the Hospital’s Main Entrance will be dedicated in his memory later this year.

The second experience was a true life saver! In late March, EMS brought a male patient to the Catskill Regional Emergency Department. He had suffered cardiac arrest twice, each resulting in resuscitation. While in the ED, he suffered three additional arrests and was resuscitated each time. Transfer to Orange Regional was arranged by ambulance but when the patient suffered an additional cardiac arrest at the bottom of Catskill Regional’s driveway, he was returned to the ED and resuscitated again. Catskill Regional provided additional medical resources to the EMS personnel and the transfer was initiated again.

The patient went into cardiac arrest approximately six more times, and he was successfully resuscitated each time. However, during the transfer, the ambulance became disabled and the patient suffered an additional cardiac arrest. A second ambulance was immediately dispatched and the patient was transferred

from the disabled ambulance to the working ambulance. The patient then suffered an additional cardiac arrest. By chance, Dr. Haitham Nsour was driving on Route 17 when he saw the two ambulances. He boarded the ambulance where he provided on-site medical direction through the next six episodes of cardiac arrest until their arrival at Orange Regional. Once here, the patient underwent an emergency catheterization and stent replacement. It’s quite remarkable that this patient, who suffered a total of 20 cardiac arrests, was sitting in a chair in his hospital room, eating his lunch the very next day.

It is with much respect and admiration that I thank the clinical and non-clinical staff who made such a difference. There are many more stories just as impressive. As a team, we provide care, compassion, kindness and live-saving patient experiences every day.

We all make a difference.

Scott BatulisPresident & CEO

Expectation:

Excellence

Priority:Quality

www.ormc.org

April 2012

From The President & CEO Hospital WeekEvents

May 7-11, 2012

4th Annual Blessing of the Hands Monday, May 7Pavilion – Department rounding by clergy in the morning Main Campus - Conference Room 1, 2 and 3, 11:00 a.m. All nurses, nursing assistants and medical personnel are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Deacon Richard Trapani at 333-1014 or [email protected].

Employee LuauTuesday, May 8 Main Campus Cafeteria Wednesday, May 9Medical Pavilion Crystal Café and outdoor patio More information to follow.

Employee Service Recognition Dinner Friday, May 11 Employees celebrating service milestones will be honored at a special recognition dinner. Invitations have been mailed.

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Connections April 2012

F O U N D AT I O N

Employees are encouraged to participate and support the Orange Regional Foundation. For information on fundraising, please contact the Foundation Office at 333-2333 or [email protected].

UpdateFo

undatio

nHow Does The Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation Raise Money? Orange Regional Medical Center’s Foundation is responsible for managing different fundraising programs to fulfill the hospital’s needs that its budget cannot. Most recently, the Foundation helped to fund the new hospital through a major Capital Campaign. Recently, funding was provided to purchase equipment for Oncology, Inpatient Rehabilitation and for nurse education initiatives including the American Organization of Nurse Executives Care Innovation and Transformation project and more.

Annually, the Orange Regional Foundation raises more than $2 million for the sole purpose of supporting the Hospital. Our fundraising programs include:

Special Events “Dreams Do Come True” Gala on June 2 and the 2012 Golf Classic on June 25

Century Club Annual donations made by employees, physicians and the community

Power of One Club Exclusive group of employees who pledge one hour of pay per pay period

Grants Grant writing and/or assistance to departments applying for grants

Grateful Patient Program Monetary contributions from former patients and/or their families as a result of receiving outstanding care

Memorial/Tribute Gifts Donations in memory of a loved one or to commemorate a happy occasion such as an anniversary or the birth of a baby

Patio Pavers Located on the outdoor dining patio near the cafeteria, pavers are for sale to honor loved ones

Sponsor a Room Room recognitions provide a naming opportunity for families or individuals

Planned Gifts Individuals can will or gift their stocks, bonds, life insurance or savings to the Foundation or Orange Regional Medical Center upon their passing

Capital Campaign Fundraising campaigns that have a primary focus on major projects or construction

Outside Fundraisers Community organizations that conduct fundraising events and donate the proceeds to Orange Regional Medical Center

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Congratulations

Leading The Way


Welcome New EmployeesDawn Boyle

Joyce BrowneVirginia BrysonGwenn Cheney

Stefania ChmuraJames Clearwater

Sherry ColeMaria CosmeWanda Criss

Catherine CunninghamJames Dandorf

Johanna DeSantoEric Durfee

Kristene EliaCatherine Eze

Jillian FitzgibbonBernice GallagherMaria Gallo Abbate

Laura HedbergKayla Holzer

Kimberly IanoraCheryl Johnson

John KuhtaSara KwiatkowskiKaterina Listopad

Maryanne LombardoCorrina Malamas

Sara MerandoFrederick MillerMary Mineau

Amanda MullerAngela Oparaiwu Ukekweh

Zedra Ortiz StuckeyThomas Pecoraro

Justin PhillipsMichael Rizzo

Bonnie SadicarioAgnes June Sweeney

Janae SwickNancy Tannini

Whitney TarletonAnn Wanderling

Meaghan WatermanDemetria Williams-Bonnick

The Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), recently took part in an unannounced survey by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Thank you to all who supported the survey process. The surveyors were complimentary of the organization and made specific references to the BHU being a healing environment. For more information, please contact Administrator of Behavioral Health Services, Mary Gray, at 333-2234 or [email protected].

Janet Kovler, MS, RD, CDN, CDE has been promoted to Bariatric Surgery Program Manager. Janet has served with Orange Regional’s Bariatric Surgery Program since 2008. Throughout her tenure with the Hospital, she has led the development of the Bariatric Surgery Program from infancy to its current status as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence and has overseen the detailed planning, programming and overall interdisciplinary coordination of the Program. Janet holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Child Development from Oneonta State University and a Master of Science

degree in Education, with an emphasis on Nutrition from Queens College University. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator, Registered Certified Dietician and an AHA Certified Cardiovascular Counselor. Janet can be reached at 333-3123 or [email protected].

Shining Stars

Dr. Mary Ellen King Palliative Care

Michael Lowery Security

Sherife Miftari Food Services

Keith Pladel Respiratory

Sherbone Singh Food Services

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Celebrating Our Certified Nurses

On March 19, a breakfast was held to celebrate Orange Regional’s Board-certified nurses in conjunction with the certified nurses national day of recognition.

Culture Of Caring And Concern

Below is a complimentary letter to the staff of Same Day Surgery for the compassion and service a patient received.

Dear Dr. James Oxley, Vice President of Medical Affairs & Medical Director and Teresa Hoffman, RN, Nurse Manager:

I would just like to take a moment to tell you about the superb way in which I was treated yesterday at ORMC by the staff which took care of my endoscopy and colonoscopy. From the moment I arrived until the time I left, the entire staff was professional, cordial and upbeat.

I would especially like to commend three RNs in particular: Sophia Long, Kelly Minnerly and Margie Brown Conklin for going, what I feel, was above and beyond their normal duties. I had no idea I was so dehydrated from the pre-surgical process (Miralax and Dulcolax) and I was pretty much on the verge of passing out as they started to prep me for my procedures. They instantly noticed something was not right and hovered over and treated me and, in short order, I was ‘in the pink’ again. It was most reassuring that I was being taken care of by a quick-acting and most caring team of professionals. Please extend my thanks and appreciation to them.

All in all, kudos to your fine staff at ORMC.

Sincerely, Robert A. Strong Chester, New York

May 6-12, 2012Think Compliance First

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“As you know if you’ve had the misfortune to spend a night or two in the hospital, the news out of Orange County is almost unbelievable: Orange Regional Medical Center is providing its patients with food.

Real food. Food you can eat. Food patients can actually order themselves, as they do at a restaurant. Food that tastes like food.

As someone who survived a stint in one of Ulster’s major hospitals, I used to joke that surviving surgery was easy. Surviving lunch was hard.

Only the alternative – starvation – could make such stuff appetizing.

So here’s a tip of the hat to Orange Regional and a hint to every other medical center that hasn’t yet figured out the physical and psychological importance of feeding their patients food they can eat.”

IN THE NEWSConnections April 2012

The March 14, 2012 issue of the Hudson Valley Press featured an article about the $250,000 donation Pepsi Cola of the Hudson Valley made to the Hospital.

An article in the March 20, 2012 issue of the Times Herald-Record spoke about Orange Regional’s semifinalists named for the upcoming Nurse of Distinction Awards to be held on May 21 in New York City.

The March 27, 2012 issue of the Times Herald-Record ran a feature article highlighting Orange Regional’s room service dining program.

The April/May 2012 issue of Orange Magazine highlighted Orange Regional’s Employee Art Exhibition. Art Curator, Sarah Thompson and President and CEO, Scott Batulis, pose in front of pieces of art created by the Hospital’s family and friends.

News Worthy

“As you may have heard, I’ve spent a couple of nights in our County’s, and New York State’s, newest hospital - Orange Regional Medical Center. The physicians, nurses, and staff all took great care of me as I went through some tests. Thank you to all for your warm thoughts. You are why Orange County is the greatest place to live, work, and raise your family.”

Orange Regional was mentioned recently in Orange County Executive, Edward Diana’s weekly column. Here’s the excerpt:

Times Herald-Record Reporter, Jeremiah Horrigan, recently gave accolades to Orange Regional’s Room Service program. Here’s what he had to say:

On March 14, 2012 an article appeared in the Goshen Independent highlighting Orange Regional’s partnership with the Town of Wallkill Mid-Orange Lions Club and Middletown Lions Club to collect old, unwanted eyeglasses for the Recycle for Sight program.

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Chef Stations A Big Hit With Employees The “Made to Order” meal station, or chef station, is the newest trend in the Main Campus cafeteria. Beginning this month, and featured Monday through Friday during lunch hours, the Chef Station will offer a specialty dish just the way you want it, prepared for you as you watch! All of the herbs and ingredients are fresh, not frozen. For more information, please contact Executive Chef, Greg O’Gorman, at 333-0403 or [email protected].

Executive Chef, Greg O’Gorman, prepares to ‘wok’ at the Chinese food station.

Colon Cancer AwarenessOn March 28, Orange Regional’s Gastrointestinal (GI) Nurses celebrated GI Nurses Day by educating patients and visitors about colon cancer.

Safety Vehicle Patrols Main Campus On March 1, the Security Department unveiled its new vehicle safety patrol car. The white Honda Civic, with a yellow emergency light on top, patrols the main campus parking lots during all three Hospital shifts. While on patrol, the Security Department: enforces parking rules; provides emergency assistance for vehicle breakdowns; enforces the campus-wide no smoking policy and helps to ensure patient and employee safety, especially after dark. For more information, please contact Director of Safety, Security and Emergency Management, John Wrubleski, at 333-0309 or [email protected]. Security Officer, Devaki Girdhari, patrols the

Main Campus parking lots.

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“Oncology On Canvas” The Spagnoli Family Cancer Center Hosts An Art Exhibition

Chief Physician Strategy Officer, Jeffrey Lieto and Bonnie Wright of the American Cancer Society.

George Rojas, of the New York Blood Bank, at the “Oncology on Canvas” opening reception.

Oncology Clinical Research Coordinator, Jessica Gerlach, Vice President of Outpatient Operations, Sandra Iberger and Administrator of Oncology Services, Regina Toomey-Bueno.

“Interruption” – An expression of art showcased at the exhibition.

Oncology on Canvas, an art exhibition sponsored by Eli Lilly, honors the journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis, was on display at the main campus of Orange Regional Medical Center, from March 28 to April 12.

Orange Regional’s oncology team was proud to host 25 pieces with themes ranging from fear and hope, to loss and survival, to isolation and the embrace of family and friends. The majority of the pieces were on display in the lobby of the conference center, but also placed in the main lobby, patient waiting rooms and throughout our oncology areas.

“Orange Regional Medical Center was proud to present this moving and inspirational art exhibit,” said Orange Regional’s Administrator of Oncology Services, Regina Toomey-Bueno. “The artwork signifies hope and healing and offers an opportunity to reflect on individual cancer journeys.”

The “Oncology on Canvas” art competition and exhibition invites people diagnosed with any type of cancer, their families and friends and healthcare providers, to express through art and narrative, the life-affirming changes that give their cancer journeys meaning.

For more information on the “Oncology on Canvas” art exhibition, contact Oncology Clinical Research Coordinator, Jessica Gerlach, at 333-1133 or [email protected].


New Treatment Offered To Liver Cancer Patients

In February, Orange Regional performed its first Yttrium 90 (Y-90) radio ablation treatment to treat liver cancer. With this procedure, microscopic beads of radioactive isotope are injected into the hepatic artery, a short blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the liver, to treat tumors in the liver. The procedure takes place in the Interventional Radiology suite at the Main Campus and is performed by an Interventional Radiologist and a Radiation Oncologist, calculating and delivering the dose. The procedure allows tumors in the liver to receive a pinpoint dose of radioactive isotopes, shrinking them while preserving healthy tissue. For more information on this procedure, please contact Administrator of Oncology Services, Regina Toomey-Bueno, at 695-5964 or [email protected].

From L to R: NM/CT Fusion Imaging Coordinator, Jessica Weiss; Certified Radiology Nurse, Deb Szuwelski; Lead Special Procedure Tech, Theresa Price; Interventional Radiologist and Chairman of Radiology, Dr. Ramsey Abadir; Special Procedure Tech, Daralyn Hoffman and Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Emelito Gonzales.

4 West Selected For National Research Project

The 4 West Nursing Care Team, along with 23 other Nursing Care Units throughout the country, has been designated as an American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Care Innovation and Transformation (CIT) unit. This two-year venture is a grass roots approach to process improvement designed to improve quality, patient care and services, build more effective care teams and improve staff satisfaction and retention. Led by 4W staff Registered Nurses, Erin Connington-Reekie and Tracie Newkirk, the intent of CIT is to empower frontline staff with the authority and tools needed to make changes that will improve overall patient safety and satisfaction. For more information about Orange Regional’s participation in the Initiative, please contact 4 West Nurse Director, Ann DiAgostino, at 333-4247 or [email protected].

From L to R: Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Joanne Ritter-Teitel; Nursing Administrator, JoAnn Schultz; Nurse Director of 4 North and 4 West, Ann DiAgostino; 4 West Nurses Tracie Newkirk and Erin Connington-Reekie; 4 West Clinical Coordinator, Justine Geisler; Nursing Quality Coordinator, Doug Rose and 4 West Nurse, Linda Prioleau.

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Behavioral Health Unit Introduces “Comfort” Room

The Behavioral Health Unit, located on 2 East, held an open house on March 8, showcasing it’s new Comfort Room. The Comfort Room offers patients a place to self-regulate their behavior and proactively manage anxiety and agitation. For more information about the Comfort Room, please contact Administrator of Behavioral Health Services, Mary Gray, at 333-2234 or [email protected].

Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Joanne Ritter-Teitel, relaxes in the Comfort Room.

Emergency Department Hosts Monthly Continuing Education Seminars and Awards

On March 22, over 40 Emergency Services personnel, staff and patients attended the first monthly Orange Regional Emergency Department Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar and Celebration of Life Awards. Emergency Department Vice Chairman, Dr. Anuj Vohra, presented the first seminar on stroke awareness. The Celebration of Life awards were presented to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives. Several Orange Regional nurses were also recognized at the event for their teamwork in resuscitating a patient in cardiac arrest. The educational seminar and awards, which will continue on a monthly basis, help Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics maintain their certifications. Orange Regional’s new Emergency Department EMS Liaison, Angela Marchionni, RN, along with Nursing Service Administrator of Emergency, Critical and Progressive Care, Laura Mansfield, are leading the way in hosting the CME seminars along with the awards celebration. For more information on future EMS CME seminars, contact Emergency Department EMS Liaison, Angela Marchionni, at 333-1300 or [email protected], or Laura Mansfield, at 333-2089 or [email protected].

From L to R: Orange Regional Emergency Department Registered Nurse, Cynthia Vasile; Mobile Life Support Services staff, Dan Sylvester; Paul Anello; Dave Kurpick; John Hill and Orange Regional Emergency Department Registered Nurse, Rosemarie Mahaney are recipients of the Celebration of Life Award presented on March 22.

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News Bulletin

Sunday Services Offered In Chapel Mass is now being held on Sunday mornings in the Chapel, located on the first floor near the Guest Services desk, at 9:00 a.m. Staff, patients and visitors are welcome to attend. For more information, please email Deacon Richard Trapani at

[email protected].

Have You Seen The New Safe Food And Drink Policy?

What Is The Main Message?

Food and drinks may only be consumed by staff, volunteers and physicians in the cafeteria, café and break rooms.

When special meetings and or events are held in conference rooms, food and drink will be permitted.

Why Has The Policy Changed?

The policy has been changed due to the many sightings of non-compliance. For example, there should not be

food or drinks on a desk or a WOW. It is necessary to maintain an orderly and professional appearance in our

patient care and public areas and to protect hospital property, especially computers. For more information on the

policy, please contact Director of Infection Prevention, Liz Klimczak, at 333-2173 or [email protected].

Kristen Faulkner, a nursing student completing her final year at

the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, recently concluded

a three-week internship at Orange Regional. Kristen, specializing

in Adult Nursing, was required to participate in the University’s

international placement program in order to meet the following

goals: analyze the value of sharing and exchanging multicultural

knowledge and experience; exchange learning experiences and

colleagues; gain understanding of and empathy for being a stranger

within another country; undertake an analysis of healthcare provision

with another country and analyze how different cultures impact the

healthcare professional role. Michele Aeberli, Nursing Educator in

Nursing Professional Practice, coordinated the internship

with the following departments and mentors: Critical Care Unit

Mentor, Virginia Grieb, RN, Progressive Care Unit Mentor,

Virginia Roberts, RN and 4 North Mentor, Kelly Beverson, RN.

Overseas Connection

Virginia Roberts, RN, with international nursing student

Kristen Faulkner.

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Breakfast With The Easter Bunny On April 4, the Easter Bunny paid a surprise visit to employees at the Main Campus Cafeteria and the Medical Pavilion’s Crystal Café. The Easter Bunny gave out candy and enjoyed taking photos with many employees.

Environmental Services Worker, Christopher Trausneck and Michael O’Brien, of Respiratory, with the Easter Bunny in the Main Campus Cafeteria.

Vice President of Outpatient Operations Sandra Iberger and Executive Assistant Kristie Morgiewicz say hello to the Easter Bunny at the Medical Pavilion.

Orange Regional is now an official site for Weight Watchers

and meetings are held every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to

3:30 p.m. in the Cardiac Rehab Gym. For more information,

please contact Director of Employee Health, Marcia Orloff,

at 333-2070 or [email protected].

Weight Watchers At Work

The Health Information Management Department has introduced a new feature known as “break-the-glass” in the EPIC Electronic Health Records System. The break-the-glass feature provides Orange Regional with an added level of security by restricting access to patients deemed confidential. If an employee attempts to access a confidential patient’s chart, he or she will be informed that the chart is restricted via “break-the-glass”. Employees will be required to enter a reason for accessing the patient information, or given the opportunity to reconsider if chart access is needed. For more information, please contact Director of Health Information Management, Lisa Newlin, at 333-1574 or [email protected].

New Patient Confidentiality Featured In EPIC System

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Save The Dates

Hudson Valley Arthritis WalkSaturday, May 5, 2012Thomas Bull Memorial ParkIf you would like to walk with Team ORMC, please contact Christa Alicea, in Health Information Management, at 333-1565 or [email protected].

Saturday, May 19, 2012 Noon to 4:00 p.m. Galleria at Crystal Run, Center Court in Middletown.

Outpatient Services Health Fair

Sunday, May 6, 2012 Lake Welch, Harriman State Park To join Team ORMC, please contact Team Co-Captain, Debra Brock, at 333-1509 or Team Co-Captain, Deborah Holmes, at 333-2060 or visit www.tricountyheartwalk.org.

Walk This Way Tri-County Heart Walk


Sunday, June 3, 2012 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Orange Regional Medical Center Events Lawn For more information, please contact Clinical Research Coordinator, Jessica Gerlach, at 333-1133 or [email protected].

National Cancer Survivors Day

Saturday, June 2, 2012 6:00 p.m. Orange Regional Medical Center Events Lawn For more information, please contact Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation President, Christine Maraia, at 333-2333 or [email protected].

“Dreams Do Come True” Gala

Monday, June 25, 2012 Shotgun Start 10:00 a.m. The tournaments will be located at the Golf Club at Mansion Ridge and Falkirk Estate and Country Club. For more information, please contact the Foundation Office at 333-2333.

2012 Golf Classic

Pink Glove Dance Video Premier

Main Campus screenings conference rooms 1, 2 and 311:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. AND 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Pavilion screenings 2nd floor conference room9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Video screenings will be shown approximately every 15 minutes within the allocated time frame.

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