Berkshire Medical Center Sits Atop National Quality Ranking

CMS Data Shows BMC #1 in US for Patient Safety

Berkshire Medical Center is ranked as the best performer in Patient Safety Indicators in the US, according to data

from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). BMC is ranked #1 in the nation when compared to over 3,200 hospitals for its composite measure of Patient Safety Indicators, or PSI-90.

The PSI-90 Patient Safety Indicators were developed by the Agency for Research and Quality, and provides an overview of hospital-level quality as it relates to a set of potentially preventable hospital-related events associated with harmful outcomes for patients. The lower a hospital’s composite score, the better, and Berkshire Medical Center has attained the lowest score in the nation for data analyzing the period between July 2013 and June of 2015, the most current data available.

“Several years ago, led by direction from the Berkshire Health Systems Board of Trustees and our senior leadership team, we implemented an ongoing quality performance improvement program designed to elevate Berkshire Medical Center

Berkshire Medical Center Approved for Surgical Residency Program by

National Accrediting Body General Surgery Residency

Program Reinstated

continued, page 2continued, page 2

February 9, 2017 Volume 39 Issue 3

After a year and a half of intensive preparation and development, the highly successful American

Osteopathic Association (AOA) General Surgery Residency, Program at Berkshire Medical Center has been approved for a Residency in General Surgery by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) under the auspices of the new Single Accreditation System (SAS). This decision has been retroactive as of July 1, 2016, following the approval of the Residency Review Committee Meeting in Surgery on January 19, 2017.

The Surgical Residency, which will have its full complement of 10 surgical residents as of July 1, 2017, has enjoyed an ever-growing success as BMC’s AOA Residency since it opened in July 2013 and continued after the ACGME denied reaccreditation to BMC’s other formerly longstanding

Blair Baldwin, DO, left, and David Nye, DO, AOA surgical residents, were key leaders in building the success of the AOA residency and BMC

achieving recent ACGME Single Accreditation System approval for a Residency in General Surgery.

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Michael DiSiena, DO, Program Director for the BMC Surgical Residency Program

Michael DiSiena, DO, Program Director for

the BMC Surgical Residency Program

Surgical Residency Program continued from page 1

General Surgery Residency Program, which closed in 2014. Since that time, the two major accrediting bodies for residency programs in the US, the ACGME and AOA, have begun merging, and will now collectively oversee a single graduate medical education system for residencies in the US. Under this new system all programs solely accredited by the AOA who have not yet begun the arduous process of applying to the ACGME under the SAS will no longer be allowed to accept incoming residents who will have an anticipated graduation date after June 30, 2020.

It was imperative that the BMC surgical residency begin the application process promptly after the start of the merge in July of 2015 due to being a five-year residency program, so as to not interfere with the ability to continue accepting new residents each academic year. As a result, this was the ninth AOA General Surgery Program in the country to submit an application and among only the third group of programs to have achieved full initial accreditation, of which only nine programs have accomplished to date.

BMC’s AOA General Surgery Residency, opened in July 2013 with just two surgical residents initially, and had approval for up to five positions total. Since then, it has grown and evolved steadily, with the approval of five

additional positions by the AOA in January of 2015 following an exceptionally successful reaccreditation inspection in November of 2014, and currently has nine residents.

According to Michael R. DiSiena, DO, FACS, Program Director of BMC’s Surgical Residency Program, “The steadfast work of our AOA surgical residents over the past two and a half years, along with a deep commitment by our medical staff, Medical Education Department and senior leadership of Berkshire Health Systems and Berkshire Medical Center, has resulted in this newly accredited program. The addition of Advanced Practice Professionals, including our surgical Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners and dedicated Surgicalists has strengthened our program and we are now ready to launch the full compliment of ten residents for the surgical residency this summer.”

The application was submitted to the ACGME in October of 2015. Following the submission, the accrediting organization conducted a standard on-site visit in late 2015, during which BMC achieved a high efficiency rating from ACGME and a status of continued pre-accreditation at the ACGME’s Residency Review Committee Meeting in March of 2016.

“Berkshire Medical Center has met all of the standards established by the ACGME,” said Diane Kelly, DNP, MBA, RN, Chief Operating Officer of BMC. “This remarkable accomplishment is attributed to the strong leadership provided by Dr. DiSiena and the high quality of care provided by our AOA surgical residents, our Surgicalists and our Advanced Practice Professionals. BMC has a long-standing tradition of excellence in our residency programs, and we are proud of this on-going effort to restore the full surgical residency for our patients and our community.”

On February 26, 2014, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) announced their agreement, outlining a more standardized and streamlined approach to graduate medical education accreditation in the United States. This Single Accreditation System will afford greater opportunities for graduates of allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, who will all be able to complete their residency and/or fellowship education in ACGME-accredited programs and demonstrate achievement of common and consistent educational Milestones and competencies.

to among the safest hospitals in the country,” said David Phelps, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. “This objective, publicly available data, validates the success of our physicians, nurses and all staff in providing our patients and our community with the highest standard of care. All who work at BMC should be proud of this remarkable achievement.”

“Attaining this level of excellence is a testament to the dedication of our entire staff, working as a team, to provide the best clinical care in the safest environment,” said Diane Kelly, RN, BMC Chief Operating Officer. “Our community expects and deserves nothing less.”

The Patient Safety Indicators that are included in the PSI-90 are rates for: pressure ulcer, latogenic Pneumothorax, central venous catheter-related blood stream infection, postoperative hip fracture, perioperative hemorrhage or hematoma, postoperative physiologic and metabolic derangement, perioperative pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, postoperative sepsis, postoperative wound dehiscience, and accidental puncture of laceration.

“Berkshire Medical Center’s commitment is to ensure that our quality is at the highest level, for every patient, every encounter, every day,” said Gray Ellrodt, MD, BMC Chief Quality Officer and Chairman, Department of Medicine. “This is ingrained in everything we do and at every level of the organization.”

National Quality Ranking continued from page 1

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Michael DiSiena, DO, Program Director for the BMC Surgical Residency Program

Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates Affiliates with Berkshire Health Systems

Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, the premier provider of orthopaedic care in the Berkshire region, has announced

it has entered into an important affiliation with Berkshire Health Systems.

“Through this affiliation, Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates will be able to preserve and strengthen the availability of orthopaedic services across Berkshire County,” said Kevin Mitts, MD, Division Chief of Orthopaedics at Berkshire Medical Center and a surgeon with the practice. “In addition, this agreement gives us critical access to a variety of support services, including assistance in recruiting new physicians and other providers to serve our community’s orthopaedic needs. In fact, two new orthopaedic surgeons will be joining our practice in the coming months. We are thankful to Berkshire Health Systems for helping us to continue to provide the best care possible for our patients throughout Berkshire County, Eastern New York and Southern Vermont.”

Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates features Kevin Mitts, MD, Jeffrey Cella, MD, Anthony DeFelice, DO, Mark Sprague, MD, Michael Nancollas, MD, and David Grygier, MD. The practice provides comprehensive orthopaedic services, including surgical and non-surgical approaches, advanced Joint Replacement surgery for knees, hips, shoulders and ankles, specialized hand surgery and rehabilitation care.The physicians of Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates are

Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates is now an affiliate of Berkshire Health Systems, assuring expanded access to comprehensive orthopaedic services throughout the Berkshires.

joined by a team of highly specialized Physician Assistants who are experts in orthopaedic care.

This affiliation helps to stabilize the physician practice and ensure continued and expanded access to these orthopaedic care services. Growing changes in healthcare policy and in the health insurance reimbursement

system have challenged the viability of private physician practices. At the same time, healthcare systems like BHS are increasingly relied upon to ensure current and future access to critical services for the community by investing in physician practices and ensuring they have the necessary support systems and financial stability and investment to succeed in the long-term. By becoming an affiliate of Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates continues to serve its existing patients, but has the enhanced ability to provide access to new patients through the support of Berkshire Health Systems’ intensive physician recruitment program.

Daily operations of Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates will remain unchanged, and patients will see no differences in their relationship with their individual physician or the practice. Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates will see patients in three locations in the county – in Pittsfield at its 24 Park Street offices on the first floor of the Crane Center for Ambulatory Surgery building; in Great Barrington at Fairview Hospital, in the Doctor’s Building, 27 Lewis Avenue; and at a new office in North Adams, at the North Adams Campus of Berkshire Medical Center.

This new affiliation continues many years of collaborative effort between Berkshire Health Systems and the surgeons of Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates, to assure the availability of these important services for people in the region.

The Quality ZoneMedication Reconciliation Improvement

Maria Vidoli, MHA Director Patient SafetyAndrew Walak, Patient Safety Performance Improvement Specialist

Medication Reconciliation is a complicated process, but if done correctly can reduce work and re-work associated with the management of medications, and is a major patient safety requirement. After working directly with

nursing staff the Medication Safety Committee identified a number of concerns regarding the medication reconciliation process. An improvement project was implemented in April 2016 to improve this process. Baseline data was gathered from the units on patients who were admitted through the Emergency Department.

5 West was chosen to pilot the project. Nursing staff were reeducated and asked to identify any barriers to medication reconciliation completion. One major barrier was around coordination of the medication reconciliation completion from provider to nursing. The unit determined that in order to ensure this happened in a timely manner, involvement of the nursing unit coordinator was the key. A simple process change where the provider completes their piece of the Med Rec, hands it directly to the unit coordinator, the unit coordinator then hands it immediately to the nurse, had a major impact on completion rates. An audit tool was provided to the unit Nursing Director and staff members were held accountable for completion. Following the implementation of these changes medication reconciliation completion rates improved dramatically on 5 West and the process became hardwired into the unit workflow. These improvements were then spread to 5SO. Both graphs demonstrate the significant improvements made and show that when a coordinated effort is made Medication Reconciliation is a doable process that truly impacts the safety of our patients.

Please join us in recognizing the staff on 5 West and 5 South for their attention to Medication Reconciliation.

MedicationReconciliationImprovement  

 

 

 

9 %

21%

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82%92% 92 %

87 %

0%

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90%

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April May June September October November December

Baseline Changes Implemented

82%90%

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0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

October November Decemeber

5 South 2016 Medication Reconciliation Improvment Project

Percen

t Com

plete

Changes Implemented

5 West2016 Medication Reconciliation Improvement Project 

Percen

t Com

plete 

Maria Vidoli, MHA Director Patient Safety Andrew Walak, Patient Safety Performance Improvement Specialist 

continued on page 5

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MedicationReconciliationImprovement  

 

 

 

9 %

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10%

20%

30%

40%

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90%

100%

April May June September October November December

Baseline Changes Implemented

82%90%

98%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%

October November Decemeber

5 South 2016 Medication Reconciliation Improvment Project

Percen

t Com

plete

Changes Implemented

5 West2016 Medication Reconciliation Improvement Project 

Percen

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Maria Vidoli, MHA Director Patient Safety Andrew Walak, Patient Safety Performance Improvement Specialist 

The Quality ZoneMedication Reconciliation Improvement

continued from page 4

S c o p e 5

What past participants are saying:

“ I learned more about what living a healthy lifestyle is all about – it’s much easier for me to make healthy food choices.”

“I was able to lose weight with Walk it Off when in the past, I could not lose weight no matter what.”

“I loved that this program was not about counting calories and it worked!”

Walk it Off is an individual program for BHS employees and spouses who have had a Wellness Screening after October 31, 2015. It can help you achieve weight loss, better body composition, and better fitness without promoting feelings of deprivation.

BMC Informational Meeting

Friday, September 1611:30AM & 12:30PM

Fairview Informational Meeting Monday, September 26

12-noon Program begins Monday, October 3rd - Sunday, November 27th

Participation requires the following commitments:

1. Commit to exercising consistently (5-6 days/week is encouraged).

2. Update the healthy habit spreadsheets daily.

3. Report your mileage and nutrition scores to Jennifer Ward weekly via e-mail.

4. Weigh-ins are offered weekly.5. Meet with Jennifer Ward, RD, LDN, CLC, CPT three times for initial, mid-point and final assessments.

How Will You Measure Your Progress?

Progress will be tracked in the following 5 ways:

1. Weigh-ins on a scale that also calculates body composition.

2. Tape measurements (R/L biceps, chest, waist, hips & R/L thighs)

3. Timed 1-mile walks completed on a treadmill at a 2% grade.

4. Total points accumulated through practicing healthy eating habits for 8 weeks.

5. Total mileage accumulated over the 8 weeks.Initial measurements will take place starting the week of September 19th and final measurements will take place starting the week of November 28th. You will have the option of scheduling your assessments at BMC, Hillcrest, Fairview and/or Cardiac Rehab. ALL Berkshire Health Systems Wellness participants are eligible to participate regardless of worksite.

Incentives/Prizes

In addition to looking and feeling better, each person that successfully completes the program will have the chanceto win cash for exceptional performance in the areas of weight loss, body composition, healthy habit points, fitness improvement and exercise consistency.

Registration Fee To sign up, return the form below to the BMC Wellness at Work office along with the registration fee (cash/check only). The program fee is $35.00/participant. Registration will be limited to the first 40 participants. If you have any questions regarding Walk it Off, please contact Jennifer Ward at 445-9160 or jward@bhs1.org.

Informational meetings & assessments schedule available on the back of this form

Walk it Off Registration Form—BHS Fall 2016

Name:

E-mail address/work extension: /

Please return this completed registration form to the BMC or Hillcrest Wellness Office or to Jennifer Ward with the registration fee of $35.00 (check/cash only) by September 14

BMC Informational Meeting: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH, 11:00 am & Noon

Walk it Off Start Date: Monday, March 13TH

To register, contact Jennifer Ward at 445-9160 or jward@bhs1.org

Do you want to lose weight, improve body composition and fitness without feeling deprived? Join Walk it Off, an individual

or two person team program for BHS employees and spouses.

Visit the Wellness at Work page of the employee portal for more information and to register for any of our programs. https://www.bhswellnessworks.org.

Wellness at Work (413) 447-3100.

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Visit the Wellness at Work page of the employee portal for more information and to register for any of our programs. https://www.bhswellnessworks.org.

Wellness at Work (413) 447-3100.

February is Heart Health Month

• Know your blood pressure and strive keep it under control• Exercise regularly – 2.5 hours/week is recommended• Don’t smoke, or if you do, try to quit – Tobacco treatment and Nicotine replacement is available free of charge to BHS employees and spouses. Call: 445-9232• Get tested for diabetes and if you have it, keep it under control• Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and keep them under control• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy eating can decrease your risk• Maintain a healthy weight• Know your family’s health history. Talk with your doctor about what you can do to prevent heart disease.

Important Tips for Heart Disease Prevention:

BHS Employees Showed Their “GO RED” Spirit!

“Best Male”:John

Armstrong

Honorable Mention:

North County Cardiology

Honorable Mention: Angela Chaffee, Superhero from

Berkshire Osteopathic

S c o p e 7

To view job descriptions and/or apply for a position at Berkshire Medical Center,

Fairview Hospital or BVNA, please visit our website at:

www.berkshirehealthsystems.org and click on Employment.

BHS Job Opportunities

S c o p e 7

Job OpportunitiesS c o p e 7

Job OpportunitiesBMC Postings 03/09/07Maternal Child Health/Special Care Nursery, RN, 32 Hr D/E5 South Medical, RN, 36 Hr D/E5 South Medical, RN, 36 Hr E/N5 South Medical, RN, 32 Hr/E5 South Medical, RN, 32 Hr/E5 South Medical, RN, 40 Hr/Night Special5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/D5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/D5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/E5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NStroke Unit, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DStroke Unit, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/EStroke Unit, Unit Secretary, 12 Hr/ESafety & Security, Lead Guard, 16 Hr/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/DSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/ESafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 24 Hr E/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 32 Hr E/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/NHillcrest Health, Charge Entry, 40 Hr/DSmoking Cessation, Tobacco Treatment Counselor, 32 Hr D/EAnesthesia, Anesthesia Technician, 40 Hr/EWomen’s Imaging, Diagnostic Technologist, 32 Hr/DWomen’s Imaging, Mammography Tech., Non-ScheduledRadiology, Radiology Aide, 25 Hr/ENutrition, Dietitian, 40 Hr/DFood Services, Dietary Aide, 40 Hr/NCase Management, Secretary, 8 Hr/D

BHS Posting 03/09/07Patient Accounting, Biller/Collector, 40 Hr

BMC Postings 03/16/07Maternal Child Health/Special Care Nursery, RN, 32 Hr D/E3 East Surgical, RN, 32 Hr/E Temp.3 East Surgical, RN, 32 Hr/ECritical Care, RN, 32 Hr D/ECritical Care, RN, 36 Hr D/E2 East Rehab, RN, 24 Hr D/NPerianesthesia/Crisis, RN, 36 Hr/NPerianesthesia/Crisis, RN, 36 Hr/NPerianesthesia, RN, 24 Hr/D Temp.Ambulatory Surgery, RN, 40 Hr/D3 East Blue, Clinical Team Leader, 40 Hr/EExpress Care, Physician Assistant, 40 Hr/RotatingRadiology, Ultrasound Technologist, 32 Hr D/ERespiratory Therapy, Registered Resp. Therapist, 40 Hr E/NRespiratory Therapy, Registered Resp. Therapist, 40 Hr E/N

BMC Postings 03/16/07 (continued)Access Services, Access Reception Specialist, 40 Hr/DPatient Relations, Patient Services Coordinator, 40 Hr/DEnvironmental Services, Housekeeper, 40 Hr/DEnvironmental Services, Housekeeper, 40 Hr E/NEnvironmental Services, Project Worker, 40 Hr/NTransport, Transport Aide, 24 Hr/EFood Services, Dietary Aide, Non-ScheduledStroke Unit, Unit Secretary, 16 Hr/D

BVNA Postings 03/16/07Berkshire Health SystemsLTC, Referral Specialist, 40 Hr/DLTC, Referral Specialist, 40 Hr/D

BHS Postings 03/16/07Berkshire Visiting Nurse AssociationHome Health Aide, Non-Scheduled

For Fairview Hospital positions, contact Bertha Holcomb at(413) 528-0790. For all other positions, please call theBerkshire Health Systems Employment Office at 447-2784.

ScopePlease direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scopeto Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Elzbieta “Ala”TrzepaczLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

Are you ready for Spring?

Let Berkshire Federal Credit Union help you with the financing!

* New Driveway * Replacement Siding and/or Windows * Remodeling of the Kitchen or Bath

*Rates subject to change. 80% LTV. Max. loan amt. $150,000. No pre-payment penalty. Property insurance required. No appraisal fees. $175 recording fee. MA residents only.

700 North Street, Pittsfield, MA (413) 447-7772

Rates Starting at

7.75%*APRfor 10 years

ENTER TO WIN A $150 GIFT CARD

Please direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scope to Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Lauren SmithLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

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4 West Telemetry, RN, 24 Hr/E4 West Telemetry, RN, 24 Hr/E4 West Telemetry, RN, 32 Hr/E2 East Observation, RN, 36 Hr E/N2 East Observation, RN, 36 Hr E/N2 East Rehab, RN, 32 Hr/E3 East Blue, RN, 16 Hr/EMaternal Child Health/Mother Baby Unit, RN, 24 Hr D/NMaternal Child Health/Mother Baby Unit, RN, 40 Hr/Night SpecialMaternal Child Health/Pediatrics, RN, 32 Hr/E Temp.Renal, RN, 36 Hr D/EWomen’s Health/Men’s Health Care Coordination, RN, 30 Hr/DEndoscopy, LPN or Certified Surgical Technician, 40 Hr/D5 South, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NOR, Perioperative Aide, 40 Hr/D Temp.Renal, Hemodialysis Technician, 30 Hr/DRadiology, Imaging Support Specialist, Non-ScheduledRadiology, Imaging Support Specialist, Non-ScheduledBFS Neurology, Medical Assistant II, 40 Hr/DFood Services, Dietary Aide, 40 Hr/NMain OR, Preference Card Coordinator, 40 Hr/D BHS Postings 08/22/08Information Systems, Clinical Analyst – Pharmacy, 40 Hr/DInformation Systems, BFS Applications Specialist, 40 Hr/D Temp. BMC Postings 08/29/083 East Surgical, RN, 40 Hr/Night Special5 South, Clinical Leader, 40 Hr/EBehavioral Sciences/McGee Unit, RN, 32 Hr/ENOF, RN, 32 Hr/ENOF, RN, 40 Hr/Night SpecialNOF, RN, 40 Hr/Night Special3 East Surgical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/D5 South, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NNOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/N4 West Telemetry, Unit Secretary, 24 Hr/NBehavioral Sciences, Psych Aide, Non-ScheduledBehavioral Sciences, Clinical Therapist, Non-Scheduled D/E/NBehavioral Sciences/Partial Hospitalization, Social Worker III, 8 Hr/DPharmacy, Pharmacy Tech I, 40 Hr/D BHS Posting 08/29/08BHS/BFS Billing, Patient Accounting Supervisor, 40 Hr/D Fairview Postings 09/03/08Med/Surg, Director of 2MS, CCU, SDC, 40 Hr/DRehabilitation, Occupational Therapist, Per DiemPharmacy, Pharmacist, 8 Hr/D-WeekendAdmitting, Admitting Officer, 34 Hr D/EMed/Surg, Nursing Assistant, 24Hr D/E/N

Scope is printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.

BMC Postings 08/22/08

American Heart Association Annual Heart Walk Sunday, September 28 at Wahconah Park. 9 a.m.– registration, 10 a.m.– walk. Anyone interested in par-ticipating, call Carol Nixon, ext. 9350. All walkers Earn 10 Wellness points.

Scope is printed on paper with post-consumer recycled content.

S c o p e 7

Job OpportunitiesS c o p e 7

Job OpportunitiesBMC Postings 03/09/07Maternal Child Health/Special Care Nursery, RN, 32 Hr D/E5 South Medical, RN, 36 Hr D/E5 South Medical, RN, 36 Hr E/N5 South Medical, RN, 32 Hr/E5 South Medical, RN, 32 Hr/E5 South Medical, RN, 40 Hr/Night Special5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/D5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/D5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/E5 South Medical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NStroke Unit, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DStroke Unit, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 24 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/EStroke Unit, Unit Secretary, 12 Hr/ESafety & Security, Lead Guard, 16 Hr/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/DSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/ESafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 24 Hr E/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 32 Hr E/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/NSafety & Security, Safety & Security Guard, 16 Hr/NHillcrest Health, Charge Entry, 40 Hr/DSmoking Cessation, Tobacco Treatment Counselor, 32 Hr D/EAnesthesia, Anesthesia Technician, 40 Hr/EWomen’s Imaging, Diagnostic Technologist, 32 Hr/DWomen’s Imaging, Mammography Tech., Non-ScheduledRadiology, Radiology Aide, 25 Hr/ENutrition, Dietitian, 40 Hr/DFood Services, Dietary Aide, 40 Hr/NCase Management, Secretary, 8 Hr/D

BHS Posting 03/09/07Patient Accounting, Biller/Collector, 40 Hr

BMC Postings 03/16/07Maternal Child Health/Special Care Nursery, RN, 32 Hr D/E3 East Surgical, RN, 32 Hr/E Temp.3 East Surgical, RN, 32 Hr/ECritical Care, RN, 32 Hr D/ECritical Care, RN, 36 Hr D/E2 East Rehab, RN, 24 Hr D/NPerianesthesia/Crisis, RN, 36 Hr/NPerianesthesia/Crisis, RN, 36 Hr/NPerianesthesia, RN, 24 Hr/D Temp.Ambulatory Surgery, RN, 40 Hr/D3 East Blue, Clinical Team Leader, 40 Hr/EExpress Care, Physician Assistant, 40 Hr/RotatingRadiology, Ultrasound Technologist, 32 Hr D/ERespiratory Therapy, Registered Resp. Therapist, 40 Hr E/NRespiratory Therapy, Registered Resp. Therapist, 40 Hr E/N

BMC Postings 03/16/07 (continued)Access Services, Access Reception Specialist, 40 Hr/DPatient Relations, Patient Services Coordinator, 40 Hr/DEnvironmental Services, Housekeeper, 40 Hr/DEnvironmental Services, Housekeeper, 40 Hr E/NEnvironmental Services, Project Worker, 40 Hr/NTransport, Transport Aide, 24 Hr/EFood Services, Dietary Aide, Non-ScheduledStroke Unit, Unit Secretary, 16 Hr/D

BVNA Postings 03/16/07Berkshire Health SystemsLTC, Referral Specialist, 40 Hr/DLTC, Referral Specialist, 40 Hr/D

BHS Postings 03/16/07Berkshire Visiting Nurse AssociationHome Health Aide, Non-Scheduled

For Fairview Hospital positions, contact Bertha Holcomb at(413) 528-0790. For all other positions, please call theBerkshire Health Systems Employment Office at 447-2784.

ScopePlease direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scopeto Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Elzbieta “Ala”TrzepaczLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

Are you ready for Spring?

Let Berkshire Federal Credit Union help you with the financing!

* New Driveway * Replacement Siding and/or Windows * Remodeling of the Kitchen or Bath

*Rates subject to change. 80% LTV. Max. loan amt. $150,000. No pre-payment penalty. Property insurance required. No appraisal fees. $175 recording fee. MA residents only.

700 North Street, Pittsfield, MA (413) 447-7772

Rates Starting at

7.75%*APRfor 10 years

ENTER TO WIN A $150 GIFT CARD

Please direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scope to Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Lauren SmithLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

C o m e G r o w W i t h U s !

Home Equity Loans

APR

Go green and create a

year-round retreat at home.

Pools Decks Porches Sunrooms Landscaping… and more!

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4 West Telemetry, RN, 24 Hr/E4 West Telemetry, RN, 24 Hr/E4 West Telemetry, RN, 32 Hr/E2 East Observation, RN, 36 Hr E/N2 East Observation, RN, 36 Hr E/N2 East Rehab, RN, 32 Hr/E3 East Blue, RN, 16 Hr/EMaternal Child Health/Mother Baby Unit, RN, 24 Hr D/NMaternal Child Health/Mother Baby Unit, RN, 40 Hr/Night SpecialMaternal Child Health/Pediatrics, RN, 32 Hr/E Temp.Renal, RN, 36 Hr D/EWomen’s Health/Men’s Health Care Coordination, RN, 30 Hr/DEndoscopy, LPN or Certified Surgical Technician, 40 Hr/D5 South, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NOR, Perioperative Aide, 40 Hr/D Temp.Renal, Hemodialysis Technician, 30 Hr/DRadiology, Imaging Support Specialist, Non-ScheduledRadiology, Imaging Support Specialist, Non-ScheduledBFS Neurology, Medical Assistant II, 40 Hr/DFood Services, Dietary Aide, 40 Hr/NMain OR, Preference Card Coordinator, 40 Hr/D BHS Postings 08/22/08Information Systems, Clinical Analyst – Pharmacy, 40 Hr/DInformation Systems, BFS Applications Specialist, 40 Hr/D Temp. BMC Postings 08/29/083 East Surgical, RN, 40 Hr/Night Special5 South, Clinical Leader, 40 Hr/EBehavioral Sciences/McGee Unit, RN, 32 Hr/ENOF, RN, 32 Hr/ENOF, RN, 40 Hr/Night SpecialNOF, RN, 40 Hr/Night Special3 East Surgical, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/D5 South, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/DNOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 8 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/ENOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/NNOF, Nursing Assistant, 32 Hr/N4 West Telemetry, Unit Secretary, 24 Hr/NBehavioral Sciences, Psych Aide, Non-ScheduledBehavioral Sciences, Clinical Therapist, Non-Scheduled D/E/NBehavioral Sciences/Partial Hospitalization, Social Worker III, 8 Hr/DPharmacy, Pharmacy Tech I, 40 Hr/D BHS Posting 08/29/08BHS/BFS Billing, Patient Accounting Supervisor, 40 Hr/D Fairview Postings 09/03/08Med/Surg, Director of 2MS, CCU, SDC, 40 Hr/DRehabilitation, Occupational Therapist, Per DiemPharmacy, Pharmacist, 8 Hr/D-WeekendAdmitting, Admitting Officer, 34 Hr D/EMed/Surg, Nursing Assistant, 24Hr D/E/N

Scope is printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.

BMC Postings 08/22/08

American Heart Association Annual Heart Walk Sunday, September 28 at Wahconah Park. 9 a.m.– registration, 10 a.m.– walk. Anyone interested in par-ticipating, call Carol Nixon, ext. 9350. All walkers Earn 10 Wellness points.

Editor: Michael Leary

Writers: Michael Leary, Lauren Smith, and guest columnists

Layout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

The Power of Zzzzs Presented by Shannon Ashcroft, MEd

Are you always tired? You don’t have to be! This presentation will teach you the importance of regular sleep and how you can improve your own sleeping habits with simple every day steps.

Are you always tired? You don’t have to be! This presentation will

teach you the importance of regular sleep and how

you can improve your own sleeping habits with simple every day steps.

The Power of Zzz’s Presented by Shannon Ashcroft MEd

Date Time LocationMonday

February 13th Noon Hillcrest Campus of BMC Library

Tuesday February 21st Noon Clocktower

5th Floor Large Conference Room Wednesday

February 22nd Noon Central Block Small Conference Room

Monday February 27th

11:30 am & 2:15 pm

BMC PDR "D"

Tuesday February 28th Noon Fairview

Ground Floor Conference Room

Thursday February 23rd Noon North Adams Campus of BMC

Small Dining Room

Qualifies as a Wellness Activity for 2018 Wellness Insurance Premium Discount

Pre-Registration Required: logon to the Wellness at Work website or call ext. 3100 for more information

h�ps://www.bhswellnessworks.org wellnessatwork@bhs1.org 

(413)447‐3100 

Are you always tired? You don’t have to be! This presentation will

teach you the importance of regular sleep and how

you can improve your own sleeping habits with simple every day steps.

The Power of Zzz’s Presented by Shannon Ashcroft MEd

Date Time LocationWednesday

February 15th Noon Hillcrest Campus of BMC Library

Tuesday February 21st Noon Clocktower

5th Floor Large Conference Room Wednesday

February 22nd Noon Central Block Small Conference Room

Monday February 27th

11:30 am & 2:15 pm

BMC PDR "D"

Tuesday February 28th Noon Fairview

Ground Floor Conference Room

Thursday February 23rd Noon North Adams Campus of BMC

Small Dining Room

Qualifies as a Wellness Activity for 2018 Wellness Insurance Premium Discount

Pre-Registration Required: logon to the Wellness at Work website or call ext. 3100 for more information

h�ps://www.bhswellnessworks.org wellnessatwork@bhs1.org 

(413)447‐3100 

• Qualifies as a Wellness Activity for 2018 Wellness Insurance Premium Discount.

• Pre-Registration Required: log on to the Wellness at Work website or call ext. 3100 for more information.

BHS Employees Showed Their “GO RED” Spirit!

“Most Glam”:Ashley Keyes

“Most Red”:Megan Mickle

“Best Red Dress”:Regina Cooper

Thanks and Recognition

S c o p e8

In MemoriamJune M. DiPalazzo, who worked in Housekeeping at BMC, died on January 31st at the age of 80. She had worked at BMC for over a dozen years.

The staff of Berkshire Health Systems offers its deepest condolences to her friends and family.

“Heart Night was fantastic. The doctors were very good and the booths were all so helpful. Well done.” – Comment from a Fairview Hospital patient

“I have always had good care and good luck with my treatments at BMC. I am a satisfied customer.” – Comment from a BMC Cardiology Services patient

“Everyone was so helpful, kind and attentive. I couldn't have asked for better experience; awesome job.” – Comment from a North Adams Campus of BMC patient

“The head nurse on the second shift of the third floor was with me all three days I was there. She really seemed to care about the patients’ needs, she was very professional. And also all the nurses were right up there.” – Comment from a BMC Orthopedic Unit patient

“My last hospital stay was 15 years ago. It was in a small town. BMC is huge to me. But Berkshire County is fortunate to have this facility. I was impressed to see young nurses, aides, hospitalists and older nurses responding to the many diverse needs of patients.” – Comment from a BMC 5 South patient

“The staff was amazing. They were friendly, funny, which helped me relax, and they couldn't do enough for me.” – Comment from a North Adams Campus of BMC patient

“The best pot roast in New England.” – Comment from a Fairview Hospital patient

“Dr. Clayton Peterson was great. He made sure I knew what was going on and had a very positive attitude.” – Comment from a BMC Surgical Services patient

“The staff was very helpful, professional, caring and made the visit a pleasant experience.” – Comment from a BMC Cardiac Rehabilitation patient

“I rate BMC as an excellent hospital.” – Comment from a BMC Telemetry Unit patient

“Everyone in the office is very pleasant, starting with the receptionists. Great nurse practitioner and very pleased with Dr. Andrew Potash and his nurse.” – Comment from a BMC Cardiology Services patient

“I cannot say enough about the wonderful care, the professionalism and the compassion shown to me by Dr. Chi Zhang and his staff of nurses. This is the 4th endoscopy I have had and never have I ever received anything but excellent care. I am very thankful that we have this wonderful medical team.” – Comment from an Endoscopy patient of the North Adams Campus of BMC

“My overall experience was very good and the doctor and staff from BMC ambulatory were wonderful and very concerned.” – Comment from a Crane Center for Ambulatory Surgery patient

“I would definitely recommend the North Adams facility to anyone. Excellent job by all.” – Comment from a North Adams Campus of BMC patient