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New 2005 Hospital After Expansion
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The Holy Cross Hum
October 2006
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Holy Cross Is Going Tobacco Free in 2007
By Linda Hodapp, Manager of Cardio-Pulmonary Dept. |
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The fact is that yes, our hospital is going Smoke/Tobacco Free by May 2007. As part of the 2006 – 2007 strategic/annual plan, a tobacco free campus is the first step in a multi-year initiative to help all hospital employees gradually become healthier. The slogan, “Live Healthy, Live Long” will be the theme for this initiative, and future projects will include obesity and exercise.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the U.S. Holy Cross Hospital believes that going smoke free is consistent with modeling a standard of health for our patients, visitors and community. Individuals do have choices, but as a health care facility, we want to encourage the best choices for a healthy life style.
Holy Cross Hospital’s Board of Directors voted last spring to create a tobacco free campus. We will be joining over half of New Mexico hospitals in going tobacco free, including: Presbyterian Hospitals, Espanola, San Juan Regional, UNM, Memorial Hospital in Las Cruces, Tucumcari, Clovis, Socorro and Ruidoso. Many others are in the planning stages.
Presently smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor smoking areas. As of May 1st, 2007, these areas will be closed and there will no longer be smoking permitted anywhere on the hospital campus.
 Need Help Now to Quit?
The HCH Pharmacy is ready to help those hospital employees who wish to quit tobacco products by offering discounted prices for the patch and gum.
If you wish to use nicotine patches, please call Pharmacist Nancy at x3377. Cost is $5 for a 14-day supply. If you are considering alternatives to nicotine patches, the Pharmacy will accept prescriptions from your primary physician for Buproprion (Wellbutrin or Zyban). Also smoking intervention and patches are tax deductible, see IRS publication 502.
Smoking cessation classes are available in the hospital cafeteria. Cost is $25 for materials. Contact Deb Ungar for details at 751-5734 or 776-1771.
A quit line sponsored by the NM Health Department is available for one to one telephone sessions with a trained quit coach. This is a free service and the line is open from 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Please call 1-800-QUIT NOW.
Diabetic New Mexicans can receive free patches thru a new program sponsored by the NM Department of Health and the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW for information.
Alternatives?
We’ve had some great suggestions on how to support our staff during this transition. Everything from hypnosis to acupuncture, to herbal remedies are being considered. New suggestions are welcome and can be put in the suggestion box in the cafeteria. The Tobacco Free Team hopes to start providing this type of support in the near future. |
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DEPARTMENT FEATURE :The Enchanted Cup |
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Many, many hospital employees know the familiar sight of a friendly smile from Jennifer Brennan, Manager, Roberta Romo(primary baker) or Julie Christie Lucero, in addition to the wonderful aromas of freshly brewed coffees, home-made soups, pastries and sandwiches at the Enchanted Cup.
This enterprise was started by Jennifer Brennan in January of 2005 and in two short years has grown from one employee to three employees, and from $100 a day to nearly $500 per day with all proceeds going to help fund raising efforts for new medical equipment. This year The Enchanted Cup has donated $1,346.00 to the HCH Foundation for the new ICU cardiac monitoring system.
“In 2004 I was nervous about whether this little coffee and gourmet food café would make it,” Jennifer said , “And now we are growing like crazy!” She began with one little table and now has five well decorated tables with tablecloths, floral arrangements and “atmosphere”. There is now an expanded menu and expanded hours which stretch into six days each week.
As Jennifer commented with a light-hearted laugh, “We need one of those Charlie Brown cartoons where Lucy has her counseling booth for a nickel a person.” Hospital employees will forget their stresses and worries for a minute or two at the “COMFORT STATION”. Those cheery attitudes and smiles make these ladies not only successful in selling hot and cold beverages and gourmet food items, but they are also Ambassadors of Goodwill at our hospital with everyone from hospital staff, to visitors and families, to UNM students from across the street, and some of the office staffs of local physicians stopping by for an informal break to capture some of that “sunshine” so readily dispensed with a smile and a great ear for listening.
“We really strive to listen to our customers and get the items that they ask us for—being responsive is important to the Enchanted Cup, ”said Jennifer. Our customers bring us jokes and cartoons and we in turn listen and try to make it a friendly and comfortable place to stop and visit for a moment or two, she added.
The Enchanted Cup staff also has been cross trained to assist the HCH Auxiliary ladies in the gift shop, in case they need to step away for a moment. Each Enchanted Cup staff member will work the cash register if the Auxiliary ladies call upon them.
New items include the home-made soup which sells out quickly each day, giant cinnamon rolls and now grab and go breakfast sandwiches such as ham, egg and cheese croissants, or sausage, egg and cheese croissants.
So if you smell freshly brewed espresso and warm, home-baked pastries in the morning or yearn for a special sandwich or home-made soup for your lunch, follow the aromas to the Enchanted Cup and the “Bright Lights” of smiling service! We appreciate you ladies! |
Substance Abuse Program at HCH
By Sandy Whitney, RN-BSN, CCM, Director of Case Management Dept. |
 Janice Bailey
Since launching the S-BIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment) program at Holy Cross in July of 2006, the HCH Case Management team has screened over 370 patients. Twenty-five percent of our in-patients screen positive (high risk for problems related to substance abuse), states Janice Bailey, the S-BIRT Counselor.
These high risk patients receive from one to multiple interventions/visits by Ms Bailey. The interventions start with a visit/visits from the counselor while they are in the hospital. Then, depending on the patient, may include follow up visits after hospitalization. Janice utilizes "Motivational Interviewing" techniques with her counseling, which helps patients identify their own intrinsic motivation to change.
Janice has stated that "the exceptionally responsive integration of this new service by hospital staff has allowed these interventions to take place. The willingness of HCH employees to support this program and facilitate access to patients has been remarkable."
“Community agencies/grant evaluators are coming to Kelley and to me asking about Motivational Interviewing (MI) and the S-BIRT program, commented Whitney. “The revenue that this program has generated at HCH is at $3,360 to date,” said Whitney.
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE |
Costumes & Haunted House for Halloween & The Festival of Trees and Wreaths |
By Patty Torres, Chair of the Activities Committee |
A big thanks to all who attended the Halloween costume party and the haunted house. We had a great time throwing the parties and it looked like all enjoyed themselves. Let us know if you have fresh ideas for next year.
There were some fabulous costumes and great group theme. Sadly only one department could win so our esteemed judges Auxiliary members and Sally Trigg had to decided. Prizes were awarded to the winning department and individual.
1. Group—combined efforts of Administration and Human Resources netted top honors with their theme of Wizard of Oz. Their costumes were great and the music and dancing along the yellow brick road pushed them into first place.
2. Single—Anne Marie (PHO) dressed as a spider. I was having a spirited conversation with this spider at the party and did not have a clue who I was talking to….it did not matter though...just talking to a giant spider was tremendous!
3. Prizes—cake prizes – I do not know who all won but we had donations of two $20 Fast Bucks, two massages and two $5 gift certificates from the Enchanted Cup.
4. Scary Treats—Activities members stirred our cauldrons and whipped up our mystery treats.
Haunted House
From by hidden vantage point, and I was standing closer to you than you have guessed, it looked like you all had a good scare. All of our monsters and ghoulies were having fun and became horse from screaming. We picked out favorite visitor to the haunted house, but we will keep that to ourselves. Please if you see any of the actors give them a thank you! This was no easy event to pull off. Special thanks to Butch, Dennis, Julian and Bernabe for helping lift those horrendously heavy tables back into the LEA room.
In a spirited competition between hospital departments for the honor of which wreath would go to the Festival of Trees and Wreaths silent auction at El Monte Sagrado, the Business Office won top honors. The Business Office had a lovely wreath depicting an adobe house with red chilies (both were hand made by people in the Business Office), and pine cones collected by Ed Coca. All hospital departments who entered the competition made it hard on the judges to make a final selection for the top wreath.
The Business Office wreath brought $100 and was purchased by Marny Schantz. The $100 was donated to the HCH Foundation to assist with fund raising for a new ICU cardiac monitoring system.
Special mention went to Cindy Goodman with the Foundation. She made a wreath covered in lovely Christmas cards that she designed herself on the computer. Each card had a holiday Christmas message.
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Congratulations Kathy Serna!
By Linda Chase, Clinical Director of LDRP,PT and Pharmacy |
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Kathy Serna, RN, BSN, LDRP Nurse Manager has passed the National Inpatient OB Nurse certification exam! This is not an easy exam and is a big deal in OB nursing. We're very proud of Kathy...please congratulate her when you see her! Yea Kathy!
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Holiday Blues Got You Down?
By Jim Arkens, Human Resources Director |
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Once again, the holiday season is here. The staff in Human Resources and all of the administration of Holy Cross Hospital wishes you the most joyous holiday possible. We also realize that some people struggle with the holiday season. The holidays, while they are a blessing to many because they have the opportunity to enjoy time with their family and friends, can also be very depressing to those who are alone either physically or emotionally. At times we all need a friendly shoulder to cry on or a caring person to listen to our issues.
Holy Cross Hospital has contracted with The Solutions Group to provide all our employees and their families with the opportunity to talk to a friendly counselor at no cost. This benefit is fully paid for by the hospital and it costs our employees nothing. It’s a service we encourage you to use since we pay a standard fee per employee and its here for your benefit. This service is completely confidential. The Solutions Group does not give the hospital any reports indicating who has called them. They simply tell us in a quarterly report the percentage of our employees that are utilizing the service. NO NAMES are ever given to Human Resources or any management person at the hospital. We do not want to know who uses this service – we simply want you to use it.
The process is simple. If you feel a need to talk to The Solutions Group for any reason; such as, marital conflicts, drug/alcohol abuse, family challenges, anxiety, workplace issues, grief or loss, conflict resolution, gambling, depression, child/elder care, relationship issues, or other concerns, feel free to call their toll free number. Simply call 1-866-254-3555. Your call will be confidential. The Solutions Group will access your situation and make any necessary recommendations. They have counselors on staff in many areas and they will work with you to make the decisions that are best for you.
Any member living in your household is eligible to use this benefit.
Again, I ask you to use this benefit if you feel it’s something that will work for you. It’s totally confidential. We want our employees to have some place to turn during their time of need. Please contact The Solutions Group at 1-866-254-3555.
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 in Flight—An Update
By Anna Abeyta, CNO and Grant Beasley, Trainer and Retired UAL Pilot |
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We’ve just flipped the last calendar page for 2006. LifeWings took off only a few months ago and we are already about to embark on Phase 4 of the initial program. Leadership training was done with department heads and selected leaders, then came the risk assessment and skills training, followed by hardwiring the system.
In real terms, we chose leaders, trained them and gave them tools to work with. Most of the skeptics were converted in the training by wonderful trainers and a rock solid message. Teams left the training with the feeling that this is real, workable, and the administration is serious about its implementation and its success. Later, as the teams came together to custom build their tools for their departments, they were enthusiastic about being given a problem to solve and the authority to fix it. There was also a demand to identify other problems and fix them as well. The motto you will begin to see and hear in the halls is “See it, Say it, Fix it.”
Is there skepticism? Sure there is. How do we know this isn’t just another “Flavor of the Month?”
For one thing, the statistics coming from the hospitals that have instituted this program are overwhelming for its effectiveness. The JCAHO/CMS is taking a very close look at the safety levels of the institutions that have installed this program and will most likely start demanding this or similar programs are installed in hospitals wanting accreditation. High safety levels mean fewer law suits, fewer settlements, and hopefully, lower insurance premiums. Working for an industry leader promotes pride in the job, the institution, and makes a team member not want to fail the team. The numbers show that hospitals that have these programs have lower staff turn over and higher job satisfaction.
In the next phase, we are going to analyze the data to see if we are getting the results we want. Focus Groups will bring to surface the areas that need attention, then build tools to deal with the problems. This phase is ongoing and will be a way of doing business from now on.
Soon, the entire staff of Holy Cross will be trained in the LifeWings program. Why does someone work on the shipping dock need the same training as a surgeon? Because, your job can be just as critical to the overall success of patient safety.
We want you to be recognized when you contribute to patient safety. If you see someone who goes out of their way to ensure that a safety issue is addressed, please let us know. Tell your supervisor, or an administrator so we can thank that person and give them proper recognition. Learn what the Red Flags are. Then remember, “SEE IT, SAY IT, FIX IT”.
While the altruistic reasoning is patient safety, the benefits go well beyond that. Experts from outside our hospital looked very closely at us. They liked what they saw and gave us suggestions to make Holy Cross a very top notch hospital. We took those suggestions and put into place a system that identifies our weaknesses and addresses them. By making these changes we are insuring an increase in patient safety. We are also acting as a team and coming to realize that we are each taking an important role.
As we work together, we grow together, and we come together as a cohesive team. Taking our place as a leader in this field will bolster our position in the medical and local community.
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CARE Team Starts C.A.R.E. Channel
By Jill Andreozzi, RN-BSN, CARE Team Coordinator |
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The CARE Team at Holy Cross Hospital announces the implementation of The Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment (C.A.R.E.) Channel for patient television. This innovative service is provided as part of our commitment to creating healing environments for patients, families, and staff. According to Andreozzi the CARE Channels at HCH will be on Channel 21 and will be installed before Christmas.
Developed to ease the negative impact of current institutional environments, the C.A.R.E. Channel offers respite from commercial television, noise and other stressful distractions. Combining ambient nature images and appropriate music, this programming provides uninterrupted music as an environmental tool to enhance and promote healing. The images are produced slowly to be effective for confined patients and to avoid being distracting or confusing for those on high levels of medication. The instrumental music is accessible while also being non-generational, non-regionally biased, and non-commercial. Paced for time of day and night, the programming provides a special midnight starfield for overnight broadcast.
“The environment of care remains a powerful and effective tool in both tending to the patient and supporting treatment protocols,” says Jill Andreozzi, CARE Services Coordinator.
While the environment is experienced on all sensory levels, sound is by far the most invasive factor and effects the entire population, impacting patient satisfaction, confidentiality, compliance, staff performance and morale. Research and patient satisfaction data have shown that sound and other environmental factors, such as The C.A.R.E. Channel can significantly impact clinical results.
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Hearty Congratulations to Patty Hannigan! |
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Patty Hannigan is now a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management. She is only the third professional in the entire state of New Mexico to achieve this designation and pass the CPHRM test. Kudos to Patty for all of her hard work!
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Physician’s CORNER |
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The Medical Executive Committee ( Nominating) and the Active Medical Staff recommended approval of nominations for the Election of Officers for Term 2007-2008 and the hospital board of directors approved the slate of nominated officers at the Nov. 29, 2006 board meeting at the hospital.
Election of Officers for Term 2007-2008
* Pediatric/Adult Medicine Department - Lucas Schreiber, MD, Family Medicine Physician, Family Practice Associates
* Emergency Services Department—Oskar Moller, MD, Emergency Room Physician
* Perinatal Department-Jonathan Gilbert, MD, Pediatric Physician, Taos Clinic for Children
* Surgery & Anesthesia - Stephen Cetrulo, MD, Surgeon
* Secretary/Treasurer—Oskar Moller, MD, Emergency Room Physician
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Now Is the Time To Get Your Flu Shot
By Sandi O’Kelly, Infection Ctonrol/Safety Coordinator |
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To date 59% of our staff have been vaccinated and flu season across the country is starting up. Flu vaccination protects our patients and family members as well as each other. Remember that flu season peaks in January and February.
Two iPods are available for a drawing this year for all staff vaccinated against influenza. The drawing for one of the iPods will be Friday, December 15th for those who have already been vaccinated. There is one more iPod that can be won when our vaccination rates reach 75%.
Department directors are being asked to help get the word out and will be asking their staff to sign a declination form if individuals decide against getting a flu vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some hospitals have been able to vaccinate 100% of their staff! Remember, our patients are counting on us to protect them while they are in the hospital.
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Need Holiday Gift Ideas? Come to the HCH Auxiliary Gift Shop!
By Mary Alice Dickerson, Auxiliary Publicity Chair |
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The HCH Auxiliary Gift Shop has all those holiday gifts you need for everybody from Mom & Dad to your sister and brother, even goodies for your aunties and uncles!
We've got candles, colognes for men and women, scented lotions, bath products, room fragrance, mens and women’s wallets, clocks, bracelets, necklaces and earrings; we've got stuffed animals for babies to grandmas. We've got nativities and Santas, wind-up toys, toy cars and trucks. We've got cookie jars, scarves, vases, stained glass, picture frames, Friendship spoons, pet dog tags, yummy syrups for your holiday ham or for ice cream; we've got delicious handmade truffles in gift boxes, music boxes, flowers. The great part of buying from your own hospital gift shop is that you will be supporting the non-profit educational and hospital equipment purchase efforts of the Auxiliary! We've got gift bags, ribbon, and tissue paper to wrap your gift purchases, and we've got more holiday cards than you can believe! All of this will be sold to you by our of our very own smiling volunteers.
Our hours are 9-4 Monday through Friday and 10-2 on Saturdays.
If you need flowers or candy delivered to a patient or co-worker in the hospital, we are happy to take a credit card phone order and deliver the flowers to the patient or office for you. Our phone is 751-5729.
Don't forget that we have phone cards, stamps, and all those little necessities you might find yourself needing from your office. We take Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards, personal checks, cash, and the convenient employee payroll deduction for full-time employees.
Auxiliary Bake Sale Held December 12th—Yummy Goodies!
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HCH Foundation News
By Sally Trigg, Executive Director |
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Foundation Makes Major Donation to Cardiac Monitor System
In November, Holy Cross Hospital Foundation continued to meet the needs of our hospital by donating $170,000 towards the Cardiac Monitor System in the ICU. HCH employees were instrumental in our fundraising through their donations and volunteer help. Work continues on creation of an interface between the monitor system and Meditech, our patient information system. The system installation is near completion and “ICU patients will be treated with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and utmost care,” said Jodie Becker, Director of ICU.
Upcoming Foundation Events
Upcoming fundraisers include Daffodil Days in the spring and 2007 Toast of Taos, which is already being planned for June and July 2007. Special Toast of Taos events include a golf tournament, a festive kick-off wine tasting, 4 wine dinners, 2 art gallery tours, wine classes, the Southwest Wine Competition, and an art and wine auction. The Foundation is moving forward to find new events that will be fun and exciting for the public as well as the employees.
Other Foundation News:
New for 2007: The Foundation Board is in the process of selecting the Foundation’s fund-raising focus for 2007. Ric Eisenring, CFO, presented several equipment options at the HCH Foundation Board meeting in November. Executive Director Sally Trigg is gathering more information concerning these requests.
Everyone is invited to our bi-monthly Fundraising Committee Meetings. You do not have to be a member of the HCH Board to attend. We value your input and can always use volunteers. Our next Fundraising Committee Meeting was held at noon, December 6, in the Kiva Board Room. The meeting lasts one hour. Be a part of the team and plan joining us in giving your time and ideas to the hospital.
Foundation Assistant Cindy Goodman is working on an artist database listing all artwork at the hospital. She is also taking photos of all the art in HCH. We await delivery of business-card-holders we will mount next to art-works. We hope to eventually create a catalog of artwork and artists featured in HCH.
Since mid-August, HCHF has paid 151 HCH scholarships to college students from the Taos area. The Scholarship Committee will meet in December to plan the 2007 scholarship session. Watch for announcements about scholarships in early 2007.
The Foundation has some WONDERFUL Christmas gifts for sale at the HCH Foundation office, now located near the ICU. Items include Toast of Taos wine glasses, Toast of Taos t-shirts, 3 different Christmas ornaments, a beautiful golf umbrella, and a sterling silver cross by Larry Martinez. Prices range from $5.00 to $80.00. You will receive a free commemorative Toast of Taos poster with every purchase or donation. Call Sally Trigg, x5811, or Cindy Goodman, x5759, to place your order now!
A Final Note
The Foundation joins the HCH Board in expressing our condolences to the family of Jeannie Masters on the recent death of Don Masters. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Don Masters’s name to Holy Cross Hospital Foundation.
Unique Christmas Gift Items Available from Foundation
Toast of Taos Glass: $5.00   Larry Martinez Pendant $80.00
HCHF Christmas Ornament $25.00 ea or 2 for $40.00 
 Toast of Taos t-shirt: $15.00. Available in purple, black, lime, and natural. Sizes S to 2X /Toast of Taos golf umbrella: $20.00
Stop in and See Sally or Cindy Today!
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Hospital Publicity in the News and on the Radio
By Pat Kalahar, Marketing and Public Relations |
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1. Kean Spellman, CEO was interviewed by an American Hospital Association reporter for AHA News re: Holy Cross has been designated a sole community provider and a disproportionate share hospital (DSH), receiving add-on payments from the federal government to offset the financial drain of treating a higher number of patients without insurance coverage.
2. Spellman was also interviewed for an article in a new health care magazine called Health Care World which will be published in January.
3. The American Hospital Association faxed a summary of Community Connections copy from Holy Cross
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Christmas Festivities Thank Employees
By Jim Arkens, Human Resources Director |
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CHRISTMAS PARTY
Human Resources and Activities Committee jointly sponsored a huge appreciation event for hospital employees with the annual Christmas party dinner and dance. Over 500 hospital employees signed up for the $35 per plate dinner held at the Sagebrush Convention Center on Friday evening, December 8th. Dinner included a prime rib carve station, king crab legs, baked salmon, chicken Florentine, vegetable medley, rice, potatoes and spring salad with cheesecake and Boston cream cake, coffee and fresh rolls. Entertainment included Gary Vigil during dinner and Midnite Fire for dancing. Activities offered raffle tickets, winners are: flat screen TV-Joe Floch; iPod Shuffle-Tim Martinez; digital camera - Paul Peters; CD Player - Angie Martinez; & portable DVD player- Cynthia Castro.
EMPLOYEES HONORED FOR FIVE OR TEN YEARS OF SERVICE
Hospital employees with 10 years of service were honored with a pin and included: Georgianna Gonzalez, Cindy Garcia and Delores Dieman, Jill Costello, Carolina Corbin and Edward Coca, Betty Richter and Melvin Chacon. Employees with five years of service were also acknowledged and included: Stephanie Mondagon, Jill Andreozzi, Linda Buckingham, Lisa Ferrante, Valerie Chavez, Tenaya Favre, Crystal English, Carol Blakey, Amy Rappold, Raynelle Trujillo, Katie Cordova, Lisa Pacheco, Andreita Vigil, Jerry Virden, Frances Csurbak, Christa Castro, James Huges, Anna Rivera, Janice Cisneros, Rachel Valdez, Diane Lopez, Thomas Lewis, Rosita Rael, Mary Cornum, Yolanda Gonzales, Crystal Murray, Luis Sanchez, Dr. Ashley Pond, Veronica Parraz-Cordova, Amy Coffman, Roger Obregon and Grace Fichtelberg.
SECRET SANTA BRINGS GIFTS TO EMPLOYEES
This year Santa stopped in to bring hospital employees a navy blue fleece jacket and a small flashlight as a major thank you to everyone who has been dedicated and worked so hard all year long.
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