Baton Rouge General and General Health System Employee Newsletter | November-December, 2013

A Satellite Campus ofTulane University School of Medicine

Employee Forums Focus on Pillar Concept, Patient SatisfactionThe next round of Employee Forums will begin in December. The 45-minute sessions focus on hospital growth, new construction, rounding results and the hospital’s “pillar concept” – quality, people, customer service and finance. See the list at right and find a time that’s convenient for you.

Week 1Tue., Dec. 3

Bluebonnet

7:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Wed., Dec. 4

Mid City

1:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Week 2Wed., Dec. 11

Bluebonnet

1:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Thur., Dec. 12

Mid City

7:30 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Mark Slyter, 44, took over as BRG President and CEO on November 11. He has spent much of his time meeting with community leaders, board members, physicians and BRG team members. Familiarizing himself with a staff of more than 4,000 on two campuses is a tall order, but Slyter is up to the task. He has 17 years of experience in healthcare administration, most recently as CEO of the 650-bed Baptist Health Systems in Jackson, Miss.

“His skills and experience are a wonderful complement to our strong culture,” said Dr. Evelyn Hayes, who served as Interim President and CEO for the past seven months. “He will enhance our leadership development initiatives as well as our critical work excellence focus in patient care quality and safety.”

Indeed, Slyter is well versed in the Studer philosophy and looks forward to the next round of Employee Forums which take place in December (see box). “I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to lead Baton Rouge General,” said Slyter. “In the coming weeks, I look forward to working with all our team members as we continue on a path of excellence.”

BRG Welcomes a New Leader

Mark Slyter and Dr. Evelyn Hayes spent time together during a day of ‘meet and greet’ sessions in October.

Mark and Lisa Slyter, with their daughters Catherine, and Emma, now 4 and 2.

Exchange

2 • Exchange, November/December, 2013

It seems like such a small thing, but it’s saving lives. It’s the hospital’s Hand 2 Hand campaign, which is designed to remind Employees to properly clean their hands, not just when they care for patients, but at all times. It’s one of the most important ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Over the past few months, a team of BRG Employees developed new education materials, conducted secret shopper audits, switched out obsolete dispensers for new ones, and designed a “silent signal” to hold staff accountable for proper hand hygiene at all times. The message is catching on.

“Our patients and their families not only depend on us to provide them with a clean, safe environment,” said Connie DeLeo, Infection Control and Prevention Coordinator. “But they are watching us. They are watching and waiting to see if every caregiver will clean their hands when they enter the room and when they leave. It’s really not hard to remember ... 2 hands, 2 times, every time.”

Tis the Season to Stay in Shape 7 tips to stay fit during the holidays

Always Put the Patient First!Patient Satisfaction Tip

Every patient encounter is important, and there are many ways we can all work together to improve patient satisfaction. HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) is a national, standardized survey of patients’ perceptions of their hospital experience. It includes everything from pain management to communication with healthcare providers to cleanliness of the hospital.

Beginning with this issue, Exchange will feature a useful HCAHPS tip to help boost patient satisfaction scores. This one is provided by Nursing Director Dana Ydarraga, MSN, RN.:

We deal with patients who are distracted, frightened and often in pain. The care and services you provide make a difference in every life you touch. Little things can make a huge difference.

Knock and ask permission to enter a patient’s room. Always acknowledge the patient and his/her family or visitors. Smile and make eye contact. Introduce yourself and explain what you are about to do and how long it will take. Thank the patient for trusting you with his/her care. And before leaving the room, always ask, “Is there anything I can do for you? I have time.”

The bottom line: We want our patients and their families to feel very well cared for! You make a difference!

2 Hands ... 2 Times ... Every Time!

Ah, the feasting, the football, the friends and family. The holidays are busy, but they don’t offer many opportunities to burn calories. It’s easy to pack on a few pounds if you’re not careful. Here are some ways to avoid holiday weight gain and stay as fit as possible.

Exercise• Sneak in a workout: Take a

brisk 10-minute walk through the neighborhood while you’re visiting relatives.

• Do something relaxing: Get the whole family involved in a yoga or tai chi exercise routine to unwind after a big meal.

• Create new traditions: Start a family tradition that focuses on fitness ... ice skating, a touch football game in the back yard, or a holiday walk/run.

Nutrition• Don’t forget breakfast: Before

that shopping marathon, fuel your body with a balanced breakfast (protein, fat and fiber).

• Stay hydrated: Water helps eliminate toxins, control appetite and fight fatigue. Carry a bottle of water in your car, purse or backpack.

• Keep healthy snacks on hand: Pack dry roasted nuts, cheese cubes, chopped fruit or protein bars for a balanced snack-on-the-go.

• Make simple recipe changes: Tweak your favorite recipes. Use real cheese rather than processed. Use fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits instead of canned.

(Tips provided by BRG Fit!)

Exchange, November/December, 2013 • 3

Outpatient TherapyHands-on care restores patients to good health

Patients begin arriving as early as 6:30 a.m. for treatment of everything from back pain to lymphedema to traumatic brain injuries. This is the Outpatient Therapy Department, where therapists work one-on-one with patients trying to regain strength and movement in their bodies and return to a better quality of life after surgery, stroke or injuries.

“We really do a wide variety of treatments,” said Claire Dean, PT, OCS, CAE. “But even so, it always amazes us that a lot of people aren’t familiar with our services. We want to make Employees, physicians and patients more aware of what we do.”

Outpatient Therapy is located behind the cafeteria at Bluebonnet and near Entrance 3 at Mid City. Both departments are usually buzzing with activity. Physical therapists handle joint-related therapy for hands, ankles, knees, necks and shoulders. They help patients cope with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, stroke, spinal cord injuries and other conditions. Occupational therapists help

patients suffering from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow. They assist patients with daily living activities such as getting dressed, bathing, cooking and writing. Speech therapists work with patients who have issues with speech, swallowing, memory loss and word finding. The team also works with amputees learning to use new prostheses and cancer patients following treatment.

“Because patients sometimes see us for several weeks or months at a time, we really get to know them on a deeper level,” Claire said. That ability to bond with patients is a critical element in recovery, according to Dr. Ed Geno, who is also a patient.

“The therapists at Baton Rouge General are talented and pleasant to work with,” he said. “They seem to have a great sense of how much work and what kind of therapy will lead to the quickest and surest recovery. They frequently make an extra effort to show how much they care. I send my patients there and I have gone there myself.”

Ashley Blanchard, PT, who works at Mid City, says therapists take pride in their jobs because they are enhancing their patients’ quality of life. “We’re able to cater the treatment program to fit their particular needs. It’s rewarding to know we’re helping them accomplish everyday goals that lead to independence.”

For more details on outpatient therapy services, go to BRGeneral.org/services/rehabilitation.

Director – Trisha Guidry, LOT Bluebonnet Supervisor, Adult OT – Susan Giglio, PT Mid City Supervisor, Adult OT – Geri Sutton, LOTR Pediatric Supervisor – Jane Ladmirault, MA, CCP-SLP

Mary Toney, right, gets special treatment from Claire Dean, PT, OCS, CAE, in Outpatient Therapy. Mary is a patient and BRG Employee.

Green Belts Recognized at LDI Gathering

Congratulations to the most recent graduates of the Lean Six Sigma green belt training program, who were recognized at the LDI meeting on October 29.

Pictured (left to right) are Luis Castillo, David Hastings, Jennifer Lejeune, RN, Marcia Henry, RN, Todd Daniel, Dr. Evelyn Hayes, Jared Ledoux, PhD, PHR, Shawn Cormier, James Maddi, Amy Marino and Jennifer Slay, RN, BSN, CNOR.

Congratulations ...

Robin Stewart, RN, CEN, has been named Manager of the Emergency Department at Bluebonnet.

Sharee “Danyel” Swinehart, RN, CNOR, has been named Service Line Manager – Endoscopy.

Mary Elizabeth Dilday, MA, CCC-SLP; Virginia Lill Netterville, MCD, CCC-SLP; Amy Catalano, MCD, CCC-SLP; and Lindsay Meyer Turner, MEd, MA, CCC-SLP, have completed their clinical fellowships and have received their Certificates of Clinical Competence.

Angela Reed, BSRT, has been named Director of Imaging.

President’s Award Winners

Congratulations to the following President’s Award winners who were honored at a special reception at Mid City in September: Veda Lee, EVS Technician, Environmental Services; Ashley Seely, Re-stock Associate, Central Supply; Jordan Bailey, RN, Critical Care; Barbara Johnson, Unit Clerk III, Rehab; Dione Dunn, RN, Behavioral Wellness; Anna Howard and Angela Netterville, PTs, Outpatient Rehab.

ApplAuSe

4 • Exchange, November/December, 2013

Comments? Story ideas? Email: Lisa.Tramontana@brgeneral.org

Exchange is produced by Baton Rouge General’s Corporate Communications Department

Some people thrive on setting lofty goals for themselves. But it takes a special kind of person ... someone with patience, commitment and a willingness to work hard. Sadye Batts, MSN, RN, is one of those people.

Her current goal is to see BRG certified as a primary stroke center. As clinical program coordinator for heart failure and stroke, she has spent the past two years developing and implementing Codefast, an internal procedure for responding to suspected stroke incidents.

“Everyone in the organization has received information about early recognition of possible stroke,” she said. “Codefast is the alert that the clock stops now ... until this patient has been treated appropriately. We’ve made tremendous strides, but it’s definitely a journey.”

The best part of her job, she says, is seeing positive patient outcomes. “I love to share knowledge and experiences with others. Sharing my perspective from the program management stance benefits the nurses who are at the bedside every day ... and their experiences are always beneficial to me.”

Sadye, the mother of two daughters, is also an emergency response instructor. As an officer in the Louisiana Army National Guard, she has participated in many disaster response operations in state government, military and hospital-based roles. It’s another example of Sadye’s desire to help others in need.

In the Spotlight Sadye Batts

“Dealing with emergency situations has always been a strength for me. The higher the stakes, the better I perform. I put myself in the shoes of whatever individual I encounter in an emergency. Sometimes, the hand they grab to safety or a few words of reassurance is all they need to not give up.”

Reach for the StarsBRG earned a five-star rating from Healthgrades for heart failure, stroke, sepsis and respiratory failure. Healthgrades ratings use objective research to evaluate hospitals solely on clinical outcomes in 31 of the most common inpatient conditions and procedures.

Mark Your Calendar!

Gingerbread Tea

Sunday, Dec. 8, 1:30-4 p.m.Renaissance Hotel7000 Bluebonnet Blvd.$25 adults/$15 childrenGo to BRGeneral.org for tickets

‘Kick the Habit’ Classes

First week of JanuaryMid City, Bluebonnetand BR Radiology Imaging Center(225) 387-QUIT for details

Weight Loss Surgery Seminars

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6-7 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7 p.m.Bluebonnet Conf. Rms. 1 & 2(225) 763-4242 for details

Fidelity Advisor Visit

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Bluebonnet Conf. Rms. 1 & 2(800) 642-7131 to register

h h h h h

BRG Earns #1 Ratings From CareChex This year has been marked by a number of clinical success stories… and we’ve done it again! CareChex, a comprehensive site for rating hospital care, has designated Baton Rouge General a leader in many quality and patient safety achievements.

#1 in Louisiana for Heart Failure Treatment

#1 In The Region for Heart Attack Treatment

#1 In The Region for Overall Medical Care

Top 100 in the Nation for Overall Medical Care

and Heart Failure Treatment.

Hospital Seeks Recruits for Emergency Response TeamIf you’d like to be part of a dynamic team and do something positive for BRG, consider joining the Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT). BRG is seeking motivated individuals who can respond to disaster situations and handle mass casualties. Disasters might involve chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosives (CBRNE) hazards. Employees selected for the team will be appropriately trained in decontamination techniques, protective measures for hospital staff, and nontraditional treatment of patients.

Volunteers must be:• In good health• Able to lift 25 lbs.• Able to withstand hot and cold temperatures outdoors• Willing to work with injured people in a disaster situation

If you are interested, call Paulette Faul, MSN, RNC, CRRN, Regulatory Coordinator, at (225) 387-7734.