When Elnora Cameron drops off her NorthBay Healthcare badge and leaves her corner of-

fice in the Green Valley Administra-tion Center for the last time on June 28, 2019, she’ll draw the curtains on a remarkable career, sprinkled with milestone mo-ments and health

care highlights.

#OurDocTalkOffers Some

Heartfelt Advice — Page 10

INSIDE

1

…Check My NorthBay, Your Employee Portal, for News in

Real Tim

e…2.27.19

Scottie and Wayne Senalik are surprised with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award.

NorthBay Wins Blue Shield Lawsuit

New Hires 2Making Black History 3 Supply Chain Honored 5 Career Fair 7

See EXEC, Page 12

Periop Team Earns CNOR Strong Designation

See PERIOP, Page 9

LongtimeExec Plans

to Step Down

See NORTHBAY WINS, Page 10

UNCORKED!

A San Francisco federal court jury on Feb. 12 handed NorthBay Healthcare an unqualified victory in its legal battle against Blue Shield of California because it has been underpaying for emergency care since December 2016.

When it terminated its con-tract with NorthBay 26 months ago, Blue Shield arbitrarily and unilaterally decided to cut its reimbursement and pay less than half of what it was paying under its contract. It argued that even

though its payments were much lower, they were “reasonable and customary.”

The six-person jury unani-mously rejected Blue Shield’s specious ploy, ordering it to pay

NorthBay Healthcare’s Peri-operative Services has earned a credentialing achievement few hospitals can claim, the “CNOR Strong” designation from the Competency & Cre-

dentialing Institute.According to Jim Bollig, senior

director of Perioperative Ser-vices, the national recognition is awarded to facilities that have 50

Elnora Cameron

Event Thanks Jubilee Sponsors

Amid the glitz and glamour of NorthBay Healthcare Founda-tion’s 13th annual Open That Bottle Night, Wayne and Scot-tie Senalik were commended for their generosity and pre-sented with the 2019 Spirit of Philanthropy award in front of a crowd of 350 of the Solano Wine & Food Jubilee’s top sup-porters.

It highlighted an event filled with touching tributes, heartfelt toasts and a lively auction all in support of a great cause: the programs of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement.

See UNCORKED, Page 13

2

TO REMEMBERDATES

IN THE NEWSPEOPLE

LETTERS

DATES

PEOPLE

NEW FACESWELCOMEWELCOME

LETTERS

Jacqueline AgultoSupply Chain TechnicianMaterials ManagementNorthBay Medical Center

Marisa ArroyoSupply Chain TechnicianMaterials ManagementVacaValley Hospital

Emerald BoughtonMedical AssistantTransition Care ClinicGateway Medical Office Building

Leon Cannon IISupply Chain Technician LeadMaterials ManagementNorthBay Medical Center

Ryan ChowSupply Chain TechnicianMaterials ManagementVacaValley Hospital

Mahmoud EidEmergency Room TechnicianNorthBay Medical Center

Frederico HillSupply Chain TechnicianMaterials ManagementNorthBay Medical Center

Ruth KovacsClinical Nurse IIIntensive Care UnitNorthBay Medical Center

Katherine LaRoeASC Registered NurseAmbulatory Surgery Center

Robert LeeRegistered Nurse First AssistSurgery, NorthBay Medical Center

Todd LeverettMaintenance Tech Day PorterReal Estate and Conference CenterAdult Day Center

Shannon MariaClinical Nurse IIEmergency RoomNorthBay Medical Center

Lonnie MastonSupply Chain TechnicianMaterials ManagementVacaValley Hospital

Denee NeelyRadiologic Technologist IIIRadiologyNorthBay Medical Center

Myhanh NguyenClinic Resource LVNPain CenterGateway Medical Office Building

Daniel OrdonaSupply Chain TechnicianMaterials ManagementNorthBay Medical Center

James PerryEmergency Room TechnicianNorthBay Medical Center

Johnny QuanPharmacy Tech IIPharmacy, NorthBay Medical Center

Ronald RameloSupply Chain TechnicianMaterials ManagementNorthBay Medical Center

Paul SimpsonPatient Access Ambassador IAdmitting, NorthBay Medical Center

Christine StevensonCoordinator, Magnet ProgramNursing AdministrationNorthBay Medical Center

03.02.19 Celebration of Life for Art DeNio, GVAC03.05.19 Retirement Plan Meetings, GVAC, Room 16003.06.19 Retirement Plan Meetings, VacaValley Health Plaza, Suite 29003.06.19 Don’t Miss a Beat Heart Talk with Dr. Allen, GVAC03.07.19 Internal/External Job Fair for 2 North, GVAC03.07.19 Retirement Plan Meetings, NorthBay Health Plaza, Suite 20403.07.19 Don’t Miss a Beat Heart Talk with Dr. Allen, VacaValley Wellness Center04.16.19 Journey Through Grief 10-week session begins, NorthBay Bereavement Center05.03.19 Spine and Concussion Conference, GVAC05.18.19 Solano Wine & Food Jubilee, Harbison Event Center, Nut Tree07.19.19 NorthBay Guild Golf Classic, Eagle Vines

HR Night OwlsVisit March 15

1 to 5 a.m.

Human Resources Manager Robert Armijo and Director Mary Dugbarty

at your service.

VacaValley HospitalNorthBay Medical Center

3

NorthBay Team Makes Black History

NorthBay Healthcare’s team at the Willie B. Adkins Scholar Grand Rounds included (left to right) Anthony Wil-liams, Denise Lanier, Natalya Johnson, Dr. Shay Nicholas, Dr. Keith Allen, Tanya Cole-man and Moriah Turner.

A team of seven NorthBay Healthcare employees — from across the healthcare continuum — were guests of honor for the first Willie B. Adkins Scholar Grand Rounds at Vallejo High School on Feb. 4.

About 160 students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the NorthBay team, which included cardiothoracic surgeon Keith Allen, M.D., Chap-lain Natalya A. Johnson, Security Officer Anthony Williams, Medi-cal Social Worker Denise Lanier, Emergency Department physician Shay Nicholas, M.D., Inpatient Case Manager Tanya Coleman; and Occupational Therapist Mo-riah Turner.

The Willie B. Adkins Program began in 1986 as the Tanner Project at Vallejo High School. Funded by a three-year federal grant, the program’s objective was to increase the number of

African American students enroll-ing in college. The program has successfully graduated a number of Vallejo students who are now returning to the community as professionals to help a new gen-eration of students pursue their college dreams and endeavors.

The WBA Scholar Grand Rounds was created so that WBA Scholars would have an oppor-tunity to engage clinical profes-sionals around thought-provoking topics drawn from mock patient cases. In this case, the team used a patient scenario based on the movie “Beautiful Boy,” involving a teenager experienc-ing symptoms of drug withdrawal and abuse and threatening vio-lence or suicide.

In contrast to traditional medi-cal grand rounds, the focus is on the human dimension of medi-cine and the scholars’ ability to engage the professional clinical team.

“This was such a power-ful experience,” said Joe Jones, program director. “Our scholars now have a greater understand-ing of career opportunities in the clinical context and the academic path to get there. The presenta-tion was excellent and I’d like to convey my gratitude and appre-ciation to all the panelists… .They were outstanding.”

The experience was also valu-able for the NorthBay team.

“I was raised in Solano County and it feels great to experience the genius and creativity of the future generation,” said Natalya. “I hope and pray they see all of the possible opportunities that exist. The sky is the limit.”

Vallejo Scholars QuizOur Medical Experts

4

Celebration,Book to Honor

Memory ofArt DeNio

NorthBay Healthcare is host-ing a special remembrance event at the Green Valley Administra-tion Center at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, in memory of NorthBay Healthcare Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Art DeNio, who died suddenly Dec. 3.

Doors will open at 1:15 p.m. The event will include a photo slideshow presentation, tributes by several speakers, and an open mic so others can reminisce.

Art joined NorthBay Health-care as its Chief Financial Officer in 2001. During his 30-plus-year career in healthcare financial management, he worked as a CFO, a consultant, a lecturer and an auditor.

Art was instrumental in strate-gic planning at NorthBay, helping to secure funds for numerous building projects, including the current three-story wing and the Emergency Department expan-sion, the surgery center and much more.

NorthBay Healthcare has established the Art DeNio and DeNio Family Endowment Fund, and it will provide compassion-ate care for those in need, in perpetuity, as a way of honoring Art, according to Brett Johnson, president, NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.

Pharmacy Steps up, Helps with CDA Cares Day

NorthBay Healthcare’s own Amy Ciraulo, R.N., clinical nurse leader for Women and Children’s Services, is featured (on left) in a Touro University banner hung at Solano Town Center Mall to promote its collabora-tion with NorthBay Healthcare.

A Familiar FaceHanging Out

at the Mall

The two-day CDA Cares Solano free den-tal clinic is less than two weeks away as NorthBay Healthcare recruits volunteers and provides pharmacy sup-port for the event.

NorthBay is a major sponsor supporting volunteer dentists, other health professionals and community volunteers who will provide dental services at no charge to as many as 2,000 ex-pected patients.

Three years ago a strong con-tingent of NorthBay employees put their time and compassion into action at CDA Cares Solano.

Ryan Seo, director of Phar-macy Services, and Dan Ford, Pharmacy clinical practice man-

ager, are putting together 5,790 doses of acetaminophen, amoxicillin, azithro-mycin and ibuprofen for patients undergo-ing everything from

extractions to fillings to oral surgery during CDA Cares.

Art DeNio, our late chief financial officer, was one of the coordinators of NorthBay’s par-ticipation.

Dental clinics will be Fri-day, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, at the Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo.

To learn more or to vol-unteer, go to https://www.cdafoundation.org/cda-cares/solano .

5

Supply Chain in

the Top 50!NorthBay Healthcare’s Supply

Chain department is celebrating its inclusion on the Global Health-care Exchange, LLC, list of “Best 50” healthcare providers of sup-ply chain excellence.

The award honors those who have improved operational per-formance and driven down costs through supply chain automation.

According to Pam Venturi, NorthBay Healthcare’s director of Supply Chain Management, this is the ninth time in nine years that NorthBay has been included on the list.

All 50 honorees will be rec-ognized at the 19th annual GHX Summit this spring in Texas.

To select the Best 50, GHX looked at the performance of more than 4,100 hospitals in the United States and Canada con-nected to the GHX electronic trading exchange. GHX identi-fied the 50 healthcare organiza-

tions that scored highest in areas such as maximizing document automation, Exchange utilization and trading partner connections during the 2018 calen-dar year.

“Every year we honor the provider organizations that are setting a very high bar for supply chain excellence,” said Bruce Johnson, president and CEO of GHX. “This is a tremendous accomplishment

and reflects the exceptional work these supply chain, finance and

materials management teams have undertaken to help put their orga-nization in this ‘top of the industry’ position. The work they are doing serves as a great example

to the industry — showing the strategic value of supply chain to tackle costs, remove waste, drive efficiency, and in so doing, help deliver quality patient care.”

The Supply Chain team includes (left to right) Darrin Salswedel, Jesse Segura, Pam Venturi, Jennifer Viramontes, June Holstrom, Louise Patrick and Sebastian Head.

New Senior Director Role Adds Financial OpsLeard Mita has been promoted to senior director of Physician

Contracting and Ambulatory Financial Operations, according to Wayne Gietz, vice president, Ambulatory Division. He had previ-ously served as director, Physician Contract & Compensation.

Leard joined NorthBay just over four years ago and has been instrumental in establishing, renewing and the overall manage-ment of hundreds of contracts for the system, Wayne noted.

“His thoughtful leadership has also been incredibly instrumen-tal in building and fostering the growth of our amazing medical group. In his new role, Leard will be working closely with our finance colleagues on all things related to the ambulatory revenue cycle.” Leard Mita, speaking at an event.

6

The time finally came for NorthBay Medi-cal Center’s “Timeless Tradition of Car-ing” hallway display to come down. The display, which shared important moments in NorthBay Healthcare’s history through 1992, was handed off to NorthBay Health-care Foundation for safekeeping. The Foundation is currently working to create a digital display board that will honor NorthBay’s history and leadership. Watch for it to debut this summer.

Fiesta DaysCommitteeRecruitingVolunteersWant to join the committee

that plans NorthBay Health-care’s participation in the 2019 Fiesta Days parade? Now is your chance. The committee is recruit-ing new members.

The theme of our entry this year will be “Committed to Our Community: Past, Present and Future.” It not only coincides with the parade’s theme, but will give us a chance to celebrate North-Bay Medical Center’s 60th anni-versary.

The parade is Saturday, May 25, in downtown Vacaville. It starts at 10 a.m.

The parade planning commit-tee meets a couple of times prior to the event. If interested, con-tact Human Resources Manager Robert Armijo at RArmijo@North-Bay.org, or call him at ext. 3316.

FDA Statement Triggers Implant Concerns

Hallway art comes down!

Dr. Jason Marengo

The FDA issued a statement recently in an at-tempt to educate patients that textured breast implants have been linked to a rare form of can-cer known as Breast Implant Associated Anaplas-tic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Although currently there is not enough scientific data to limit the use of the textured breast implants there is enough to warrant informing patients.

Common symptoms of this disease include breast enlargement, lump in the breast or armpit, or fluid collection that develops more than a year after surgery.

NorthBay Healthcare Surgical Oncologist and Plastic Surgeon Jason Marengo, M.D., said it’s important for anyone with those symptoms to see a physician for an examination.

“BIA-ALCL is a rare and high-ly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants. It has occurred most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces,” he noted. “When caught early, this type of cancer is usually curable.”

The current lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL is estimated to be 1 in 3817 to 1 in 30,0000 women with textured implants based on current confirmed cases and textured implant sales data gathered during the past two decades.

7

Construction of the NorthBay Medical Center’s North Wing’s Combined Prepara-tion and Post-Acute Care Unit (PACU) Unit is nearly complete. Each of the 15 bays

have fully integrated headwalls and natural lighting, according to Annemarie Golz, Facilities project and development manager. In addition there is also an Airborne Isolation Prep/Recovery room. The Prep/Recovery Area is equipped with a P-Tube station, or pneumatic tube, like the gray inset on the right in the photo (above). P-Tube stations allow staff to send samples, medication, and other small items back and forth through the new wing and a few select locations in the existing hospital. This saves valuable time since staff will no longer have to hand deliver items.

Wing’s PACU in Progress

Career Fair Expected to Draw ScoresExcitement is building for one

of NorthBay Healthcare’s most aggressive recruitment efforts in recent memory, according to Donna Dabeck, manager, Talent Acquisition, thanks to employees who are helping to spread the word.

“We’re really counting on em-ployees to help us get the word out about the career fair. This is a great time to tell friends and family just how great a place NorthBay is to work.”

Information on the March 7 Career Fair has been posted on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, on LinkedIn, and in a flyer at https://www.north-bay.org/careers/upload/Careers-Flyer2019.pdf.

Positions for the new unit are also posted on Cornerstone. Employees interested in refer-ring someone can do so directly through the Cornerstone system. And, if you do refer a candidate and that person is hired, you could be eligible for a Finder’s Fee of between $2,000 and $3,000.

The Career Fair, for internal and external candidates, is ex-pected to fill positions for nurses, unit clerks, CNAs and respiratory therapists. It will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. at Green Valley Admin-istration Center, and interested candidates will be able to meet with representatives from all of NorthBay’s nursing units.

“The intention of this external career fair is to recruit top talent from our county. We know there are many professionals driving over bridges and commuting long distances when they can work in their community, close to home here at NorthBay, and get back a few hours of their lives,” noted Elizabeth Scott Paulson, clinical

manager, acute surgical unit. The staffing effort was

launched with an internal job fair on Jan. 15, and most of the

questions potential candidates have been asking since then revolve around work hours, start dates and if there are positions for new graduates, Donna said.

“Nurses on 2 North will be working 12-hour shifts and shift hours for CNAs and unit clerks are yet to

be determined,” Donna said. “Training will begin in July with

everyone ready to care for pa-tients on Aug. 1.”

8

Don’t Delay Reporting Chest PainIf you or someone you know

is experiencing chest pain or other heart attack symptoms, don’t hesitate to get help. Time is of the essence. That was the message delivered by emer-gency medicine physician Blake Cleveland, M.D., during the latest #OurDocTalk chat on the North-Bay Facebook page.

#OurDocTalk is a series of live Facebook chats with NorthBay Healthcare providers, designed to answer questions on important health issues. Dr. Cleveland, who is director of NorthBay’s Chest Pain Center, focused on what to do during a heart health emer-gency.

Broadcasting from the North-Bay simulation lab in the Green Valley Administration Center, Dr. Cleveland began with an expla-nation of acute coronary syn-drome, a term for situations in which the blood supplied to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. He explained what happens in the heart during a heart attack and detailed angina and its symptoms including chest pain or pres-sure, shortness of breath, and other symptoms such as nausea, light-headedness or breaking out in a cold sweat.

“If you have any of these symptoms, while at rest and without exertion, you should be seeing a doctor or coming to the emergency room to make sure you are not having a heart at-tack,” he said. “Don’t push off symptoms and say ‘Oh, it’s just heart burn.’”

Symptoms can vary, he noted. “It may be as simple as heart palpitations or include true chest

pain, pressure or a burning sen-sation in your chest. It can have radiating pain up to your jaw

or your back or arm,” he said. “And the symptoms can be masked if you have other health issues such as diabetes, which affects your vessels and nerves of the body, so you may not recognize the symptoms of a heart attack.”

The quickest way to get help is by calling 911, he added.

“If you are having a heart at-tack (emergency responders) can identify it and let us know in the emergency department so we are prepared for your arrival and can give you the expedient care that will help to save you and your heart muscle,” Dr. Cleveland said.

He also demonstrated an AED (automated external defibrilla-tor), detailing how it works and can walk you through the steps to help someone whose heart

rhythm needs to be “electrically altered.”

Finally, he talked about what a patient can expect once they arrive in the emergency room with symptoms of a coronary is-sue, explaining that a number of blood tests and scans are done to determine what is happening with a patient’s heart and what, if any, interventional action is needed.

The bottom line, he said, is to not to ignore symptoms and think they’ll just go away. “We’re never unhappy to have you present to us so we can help determine if you need acute or sub-acute care for your condi-tion,” he said. “We are here as a resource to help you make good medical decisions. Don’t hesitate to come in.”

The entire chat can be viewed on the NorthBay Facebook page at Facebook.com/NorthBay-Healthcare or on the NorthBay YouTube channel.

Dr. Blake Cleveland says don’t wait if you are experiencing chest pain, get help.

9

Periop ...(From Page 1)

percent or more OR nursing staff holding a CNOR certification.

“This is no easy feat,” noted Traci Duncan, vice president and chief nursing officer. “It is a true testament to a Magnet organiza-tion. Perioperative services has been transforming during the past several years with growth, expertise and soon a new envi-ronment. As a result, staff mem-bers have committed themselves to providing the highest level of care and expertise to support patients and physicians in their work.”

About four years ago, the department began to position itself to meet the 24/7 staffing needs required when trauma and neurosurgery service lines were added. Because perioperative nursing is a specialized field and qualified applicants are hard to find, NorthBay began its own operating room nurse training program. Since then, several cohorts have been trained. About half of them have either already passed or are studying for their CNOR certifica-tion.

“I want to recognize Nancy Maligaya, R.N., who took the lead in coordinating the effort to achieve the CNOR Strong recognition. Nancy and her peers are committed to advancing nursing professionalism in perioperative services,” Jim said.

Nancy learned about the CNOR Strong certifi-cation from one of her coworkers, Maria Tambot, who was one of the original Periop interns.

“In order to test for CNOR you have to have at least two years of operating room experience,” said Nancy. “Staff’s effort to become certified speaks volumes and is a testament to the interns and our staff’s pride and excellence to periopera-tive nursing.”

Two years ago, the department transitioned from an interim director and manager to perma-nent leadership, said Jim.

“We now have an Operating Room Execu-tive Committee (OREC), which is a collaborative leadership group of physicians and operations. We have a daily forecasting huddle among all

Periop departments that looks out a week ahead to ensure that we are adjusting to the needs of the patients and our physician partners. At the same time, our Department-Based Council (DBC) has matured and is active in clinical, supply chain and operations decision-making. Our leaders — from clini-cal nurse IVs to service line leads — have all stepped up the level of accountability that is indicative of a CNOR Strong team.”

The efforts have allowed the department to achieve 10 percent case volume growth in 2017, and 8 percent growth in 2018, without adding full-time employees, Jim said.

“We also focus on performance metrics, such as room turnover, which decreased from about 35 minutes per case, to an aver-age of between 28 and 29 minutes during

the past year. That might not seem like much, but it represents an improvement of about 34 hours a month in efficiency over where we were two years ago! Our leads and our staff have been willing to make adjustments and rapid changes for continu-ous improvement, which speaks to the high level of professionalism they display.”

Two years ago, Edie Zusman, M.D., began a jour-ney with a core group of staff to develop a highly functioning Neuro team, Jim noted. “Their willing-ness to learn and be accountable for their practice has resulted in improved practice, increased effi-ciency, and a high level of collaboration. Now, with the arrival of Keith Allen, M.D., our CVOR team has seen an increase in volume, which helps to improve aptitude and efficiency. These are just two examples where physicians have partnered with us to improve performance. And, I can’t ignore the participation of our anesthesia group, which has been at our side throughout this journey and has been willing to ad-just to the ever-changing demands of the operating room.”

Jim attributes a lot of the positive developments to a change in culture.

“We have a multidisciplinary group (from physi-cians to front-line staff) who show respect for each other,” he said. “In short, we have great people, and a great team.”

“We have a multidisci-plinary group (from physi-

cians to front-line staff) who show respect for each

other. In short, we have great people, and a great

team.”

— Jim Bollig

10

NorthBay Wins Blue Shield Lawsuit ... (From Page 1)

NorthBay more than $15 mil-lion just to cover the period from contract termination through Feb. 12. The final settlement is likely to be higher.

“Not only was this an unquali-fied win for us, but we believe it’s a victory for hospitals like ours across California,” said President and CEO Konard Jones following the verdict. “Health plans will be on notice that small hospitals can win these kinds of cases in court. This is potentially precedent-setting, so they may rethink their contract termination strategies.”

“A key element of our legal strategy was to show jurors how different, how special NorthBay is compared to the typical nonprofit community health system,” said Elnora Cameron, vice president of strategic development and managed care, who spent count-less hours preparing for the legal challenge.

“Against very significant chal-lenges presented by both Blue Shield legal counsel’s maneuvers and the judge’s narrow rulings on the evidence we could pres-ent, we were able to tell our story to the jury, explaining how we brought advanced, sophisti-cated services such as trauma, neurosurgery, a heart center and a NICU to Solano County when others would not do it,” she ex-plained.

Victorious attorneys repre-senting NorthBay worked with a team of managers and physicians to present a compelling case to the jury.

Upon the announcement of the verdict, Elnora praised those who helped prepare and those who testified on our behalf.

“Katie Lydon, Kim Williamson, Sarah Jewel and Keni Horiuchi endured difficult depositions from

Blue Shield’s lawyers,” Elnora reported. “Their deposition tes-timony put Blue Shield on notice that our service mix — which af-fects our costs — would be a big issue in the lawsuit.

“Ultimately, these colleagues were not able to experience the ‘joy’ of cross examination in the courtroom as the judge signifi-cantly limited how much time we had to present testimony, so our witness list had three employ-ees testify: Lori Eichenberger, Heather Venezio and Dr. Edie Zusman,” Elnora explained.

She singled out Lori, senior director of revenue cycle, for be-ing well-spoken and calm on the witness stand, even under enor-mous pressure. She noted, “Lori easily answered questions and refused to get tripped up by Blue Shield lawyers. No one at North-Bay has put more time, energy and hard work into this lawsuit. She worked ceaselessly with our lawyers to bring this case to trial, testifying twice in court.”

Heather Venezio riveted the jury by describing how our ser-vices overwhelm those of other

hospitals, convincing the jury we are not just another community hospital — particularly around the issue of trauma.

Dr. Zusman, meanwhile, sprinkled her testimony with hu-mor, which was helpful in a tense courtroom. Her experience at Sutter, UC Davis, Kaiser and now NorthBay elevated her expertise in the eyes of the jury, Elnora said.

“Her descriptions of the so-phisticated neuroscience services and procedures we now offer were one of the reasons the jury sided with us,” said Elnora. “Jurors specifically referenced the trauma and neuroscience ser-vices as one of the reasons they thought we deserved a higher amount than other hospitals in the region.”

Blue Shield has been given 28 days to work with NorthBay to develop a process to pay the jury award, or decide whether to ap-peal the jury’s verdict.

NorthBay will now concentrate its focus on the Kaiser lawsuit, which is wending its way through the court system.

Educational Opportunities Abound for StaffInterested in sharpening your

skills or learning new ones? There’s always something avail-able when it comes to learning opportunities at NorthBay. Check Cornerstone for the latest up-dates, but note that class avail-ability is subject to role, and/or department-based restrictions. Here is a partial list:

Orientation Week — March 4Basic Life Support Renewal

w/Code Blue — March 4, 12, 13CNA/HHA: Addressing

Clinical Instability — March 4ED Quarterly Meeting/

Skills for Techs — March 6, 7, 8, 13

ED Quarterly Meeting/Skills for RNs — March 6, 7, 8, 13

High Risk Obstetrics — March 6

Procedural Sedation Certi-fication Class and Sim Lab — March 11

Basic Hemodynamics — March 13

Trauma Nurse Care Course — March 14, 15

Ad Hoc PowerChart — March 14, 21

11

Workgroups Pave the Way for Changes

Nurse Camp Applications Available on March 1

This is another in a series of blogs written by Valerie Valentin, R.N., who works at NorthBay VacaValley Hospi-tal and is the communication officer for Shared Governance. You’ll also find it online on My NorthBay, your employee portal. — Editor.

By Valerie Valentin

At Shared Governance, we are all about SMART goals. Did you know that most of the initiatives and processes in place to-day at NorthBay Healthcare are a result of a goal-directed workgroup?

Do you perform bedside handoff? Does the Adult Admission Record appear shorter and more concise? Of course, you cannot forget the new big initiative-coordinated scrub colors for the patient care ser-vices. All these were a result of an idea that was brought to Shared Governance by you, the constitu-ents of NorthBay.

So how does it work? The purpose of goal-direct-ed workgroups is to work on solutions and make decisions about current events or problems taking place in our organization. So, if any staff member has an idea or concern; they can speak to their Department-Based Council (DBC) representatives to submit a Goal-Directed Workgroup Request form.

This request will be brought to the Coordinating Council (that is made up of the DBC and Goal-Direct-ed Workgroup co-facilitators and Shared Governance Leadership Team) and will then be put into a queue

and will be voted on to become a group. Most of the time these are short-

term work groups. Once the group has achieved the goal, it essentially “sun-sets.” After sunset, the group presents its findings to the Nursing Operation Council (that consists of the managers and directors) for recommendations and then to the Nursing Congress to dissemi-nate the information to the NorthBay staff.

We currently have three active Goal-Directed Workgroups: Adult Physical

Assessment Revisions, Interdisciplinary Handoff and Medication Safety. These groups are working on revising the physical assessment documenta-tion in Cerner, developing a standardized tool for handoff, and reducing medication errors.

Another three goal-directed workgroups are in the process of sunsetting and include Insu-lin Double Check, Down Time Forms and Safety Attendant Utilization. These groups focused on reviewing two R.N. double checks for insulin ad-ministration, revising the down time forms, and reviewing current safety attendant process.

Next month we will introduce two new coun-cils: Professional Development and Quality and Practice. Goals and visions will be determined at the groups’ first meetings.

So, don’t be shy! Speak up and share your thoughts or concerns with your DBC representa-tives! Let your voice be heard!

The Scoop on Shared Governance

Valerie Valentin

The annual NorthBay Nurse Camp 2019 will be held June 18-22 and the online application process goes live on March 1. The deadline to submit applica-tions is Friday, April 26.

As with last year, the appli-cation process is all digital and available online at NorthBay.org/NurseCamp.

Thirty students will be se-lected to attend this year’s camp. All teens living in Solano County

or attending Solano County high schools who are interested in nursing are welcome to apply. Designed to give local high school students a first-hand look at the nursing profession, the four-day camp is taught by working reg-istered nurses from a variety of hospital departments, including the ER, ICU, Labor and Delivery, Surgery, NICU, Mother/Baby, Med-Surg and the Trauma Center.

As part of the online applica-

tion, students are asked to write short essays on who their biggest role model is and why, a time when they made a difference, and what super power they wish they possessed and why.

Once a student is accepted into the program, a $100 non-refundable tuition payment is required. For further information, email NurseAcademy@NorthBay.org.

12

Longtime Exec Plans to Step Down ... (From Page 1)

Earlier this month, the only member of the executive team to currently hold both a presi-dent’s post and a vice president’s title announced her decision to leave to senior managers and her team. She leaves the job as president of NorthBay Health Advantage, and vice president of Strategic Development for North-Bay Healthcare.

“We have already begun work-ing on recruitment plans to re-place this valuable and dynamic leader,” said Konard Jones, presi-dent and CEO. “It won’t be easy to find someone to fill the shoes of someone who has dedicated 32 years of her career to North-Bay. We have been blessed.”

Elnora said she’d been think-ing about retirement for a long time, but was terrified to set a date. “I finally got past that,” she said with a smile. “I figure I have 20 very good physical years left and I have many things I want to do, before I lose the capacity to do it.”

She was pleased that on the

heels of her announcement came news of the settlement in the Blue Shield case, which occupied much of her time in the last few years.

“It’s not only a win for North-Bay Healthcare, but a win for small, independent hospitals everywhere,” she said.

It is unfortunate, she admit-ted, that the lawsuits against Kaiser will not resolve so quickly. “There are actually two cases now, one in federal court and one in state court, and there’s not a date set for either of them.”

And even though she will be retired, she has pledged to continue to help NorthBay in any way she can, from the witness stand or behind the scenes, as those lawsuits move forward.

She said the stunning death of Chief Financial Officer Art DeNio in December 2018 had some im-pact on her decision.

“Art and I were joined at the hip in many ways. We shared a whole philosophy about the future at NorthBay. We bond-

ed over that. After he died, I thought maybe I shouldn’t retire. ‘Can I really walk away at this point?’ But after a few weeks, I realized he’s the strongest reason I have to retire: Life is short.”

There was only one other time when Elnora thought about leaving NorthBay. She’d become bored with her job. But then-CEO and President Gary Passama gave her a challenge: to take over NorthBay Health Advan-tage. It was 2006, and NorthBay Health Advantage was a com-pany without a mission. It was originally formed to focus on real estate and joint ventures, and those challenges had evaporated. There was some talk of dissolving NBHA, but Gary insisted it had value.

Elnora decided to redefine it, proposing that it be a company dedicated to developing innova-tive services related to health care, but that do not require a clinical license.

In 2016, NorthBay Health-Spring Fitness became the first medical fitness center in Solano County under her guidance.

In addition, Elnora was at the helm when NorthBay decided to team up with UC Davis Health System and Mercy/Dignity in 1996 to create Western Health Advantage.

And again, when NorthBay set its sights on becoming a member of the coveted Mayo Clinic Care Network, it was Elnora who took on the challenge.

Soon, she hopes her challeng-es will have more global signifi-cance, such as saving manta rays and other endangered species and working for a political cam-paign. But those are stories for another day. For now, her focus remains on keeping NorthBay Healthcare fiercely independent.

Heart Health is Messageof Two Doc Talk Lectures

To help reinforce the message of preventing heart disease, NorthBay Healthcare cardiotho-racic surgeon Keith Allen, M.D. will give two Doc Talk Live presentations on cardiovascular disease.

The first “Don’t Miss A Beat,” talk will be held at 1:30 p.m. on March 6 at the NorthBay Green Valley Administration Center in Fairfield.

The second will be held at 2:30 p.m. on March 7 at the VacaValley Wellness Center in Vacaville.

Dr. Allen will discuss cardiovascular disease, its decline in the U.S., what you can do to avoid heart health issues as well as the latest treatment options.

Keith Allen, M.D.

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Uncorked... (From Page 1)The Feb. 23 gala — held this year at Yin Ranch,

generously donated by CC and Regina Yin — offered its guests all that, as well as several surprise announce-ments.

Craig Bryan, chair of the Jubilee committee said sup-port for the 2018 Jubilee reached a record level, exceed-ing $500,000.

“All indications are that 2019 will be another record-breaking year, as we’re off to another incredible start with eight Presenting Sponsors,” he said.

Those Presenting Sponsors are Al and Patt Shaw, Hei-di Y. Campini, Dr. Lee and Valerie Freeman, Dennis and Alex Landis, DPR Construction, Paradise Valley Estates, Western Health Advantage and Before the Movie.

The evening began with hors d’oeuvres and wines from 15 wineries. Eight of them — BackRoad Vines, Mangels Vineyards, Rombauer, Tolenas Vineyards and Winery, Vezer Family Vineyard, Vino Godfa-ther and Vitus, as well as Il Fiorello Olive Oil — provided special wines and olive oil that were also served during dinner, a donation valuing more than $25,000, noted Brett Johnson, president, NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.

The evening officially kicked off with the Open That Bottle

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Presenting Sponsor Heidi Campini (above) raises her specially labeled bottle of Vezer wine, while Board Chairman Mark Sievers (right) delivers a toast.

Corey Tocchini of Before the Movie (right) celebrates his winning bid with Rombauer President and CEO Bob Knebal. Pete Kreuser of DPR Construction (below, right) and Kevin and Lisa Burke of Paradise Valley Estates (below, left) re-ceive a special bottle from Brett Johnson.

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Night toast, presented by Mark Sievers, founder of the Jubilee and NorthBay Healthcare System board chairman.

“Thank you for being here and for supporting NorthBay, for with-out you, this couldn’t happen,” he said.

Dennis Landis, Foundation board chairman, presented the philanthropy award to Wayne and Scottie Senalik.

“As plant manager of a very successful local business, Wayne

arranged for the largest gift ever made to NorthBay Healthcare at the time,” Dennis explained. “As chairman of the Jubilee, he be-gan the raffle, which has become a vital addition to the event. And, a few years ago, he and Scot-tie continued their philanthropic leadership by establishing North-Bay’s first-ever Donor Advised Fund.”

Wayne, a Foundation board member, was completely caught off guard by the announcement.

“How humbling is all this?” he asked as he and his wife were presented with the award. “I had no idea. We’ve been supporters

of NorthBay Healthcare for many years. Scottie and I always felt it was an honor and a pleasure to support NorthBay, to help those who need the help. We wanted only to give back to the commu-nity. I am proud to be part of the NorthBay family.”

As guests enjoyed a sump-tuous meal catered by Elaine Bell of Napa, they learned that Foundation Board Member Stan-ley Davis personally donated $13,000 to support the Dream of a Lifetime program.

Special tribute videos were also shown, highlighting the com-

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Dennis Landis (above) receives his bottle from Craig Bryan. Featured vintners (at right) take the stage to tell their “Wine Story.”

NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement team members pose with Dr. J.D. Lo-pez and wife, Margret. Brett Johnson (right) welcomes Pixar’s Andy Beall.

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munity service of Foundation Board members Wendy Wasserman-Kellogg and Adam Burke, both of whom passed away last year. Guests learned that the Jubilee raffle will honor their memories and support Hospice’s Dream of a Lifetime program. Wendy’s husband, Jim Kel-logg, is providing the raffle’s grand prize of a dream vacation or $15,000 cash.

The evening’s live auction included a special Pixar Tour in honor of Adam Burke, a chance to “Party Like a Rock Star” in Las Vegas with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach, several exotic vacations, golf packages, tickets to sporting events, an instant wine cellar, among other items, which netted more $189,660.

“With your generous sponsorship and sup-port this evening, I can honestly say we’re headed toward another very successful Jubilee,” concluded Craig. “See you all again on May 18 at the Nut Tree in Vacaville!”

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Presenting Sponsors Al and Patt Shaw receive their gift of a special wine bottle (at left); Brett Johnson (above) welcomes Kim Burke, widow of former board member Adam Burke. Craig Bryan (below, left) presents wife Francie with a flowered lei.

Raffle chair Jim Kel-logg (far left photo) raises a glass during the Open That Bottle Night toast. Board member Mike Paulik raises his glass to receive a taste from Vitus’ Beth Layne (left to right) Jennifer Hodge and Rob Layne.

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