september 11, 2013 lakeland community hospital, patient ...€¦ · september 11, 2013 patient...

September 11, 2013

Patient Satisfaction ScorecardOverall Rating 9 or 10Goal 90th Percentile

St. Joseph Niles WatervlietData from 7/28 to 08/17The above graphic shows the percentile ranking of patients rating us a 9 or 10 at each facility. Continue to check the Pulse for regular updates.

60th 95th

25

20th

0

50

74

12

62

37

86

www.LakelandHealth.orgwww.LakelandHealth.org

pulse

Communicate and Make Us Great!Survey ends September 17Associates have less than one week to share their opinions and help move Lakeland from good to great!

If you have already taken the survey, thank you for your participation. If you have yet to take the survey, please visit http://bit.ly/makeusgreat.

Once you’ve completed the survey, print your confirmation form and enter yourself in the raffle for movie cards, gas cards, a 32” flat screen television, a two-night stay at a bed and breakfast in Saugatuck, and more!

• Youcancompletethesurveyfromanycomputer with internet access.

• Ifyoudon’thaveregularaccess to a computer, we’ve reserved computer rooms just for you.

• Yourparticipationiscompletely anonymous and confidential.

You can also check out myLakeland for the computer room schedule and helpful hints.

Lakeland Community Hospital, Watervliet Receives CARF AccreditationThe Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Lakeland Community Hospital, Watervliet recently received a three year accreditation renewal for their Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (CIIRP) and Stroke Specialty Program from the Commission of Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

The accreditation renewal demonstrates our commitmenttohigh-qualitycareandpatientoutcomes while also identifying us as an organization that continuously meets internationally developed standardsforqualityofservices.

Since its founding in 1966, CARF has been the nation’s premierquality-assuranceaccreditation body in the field of rehabilitation medicine. The Acute Rehabilitation Unit, which opened in 1991, has been accredited by CARF since 2000.

Annual Flu Shots Coming Soon!Lakeland Associate Health and Wellness wants you to become a “Flu Fighter” by receiving your flu vaccination during the months of October and November.

Once again, flu vaccinations are mandatory for the entire organization, including all associates, volunteers, and physicians. There will be many opportunities for you to receive your flu vaccination, including the October Forums. Continue to check the Pulse and myLakeland for more information.

2 PULSE - a newsletter for associates, volunteers and physicians of Lakeland HealthCare

Message from the PresidentLoren B. Hamel, MDPresident & CEO

Curious?I think I’m a curious person. How about you?

It seems to me that life is more interesting, more meaningful, maybe even more fun, when you’re curious. And Danny Sledge told me that he could help Lakeland, and me, be more curious.

Here’s more of the story.

Mr. Sledge grew up in Benton Harbor. He has a wife and two adult sons. After first planning to teach music, he ultimately pursued a master's degree in psychology. He works as a Diversity/Organizational Change Consultant.

After meeting with Dr. Lynn Gray, Medical Director of Diversity and HealthEquity,andLakeland'sDiversityCouncil, Vice President Norma Tirado introduced me to Danny. We were gettingacquaintedinmyofficewhenDanny made the offer.

It's more than just simple curiosity; it's a deep curiosity about culture – the things that make us different and why those differences really matter.

We discussed how those differences impact who we are and how we see the world. How do they shape our lives? How do they affect our relationships? How do they influence our work? And central to Lakeland's interests, how might they impact health and healthcare?

I agreed with the recommendation of the Diversity Council. We accepted Danny's offer.

Our MissionTo be the leader in safe, high-quality,

patient-centered, compassionate, health-related services.

P U L S EEditor:

Olay Vongsiprasom

Designer:Ryan Sebrechts

Contributing Writers:Megan GallertJoe PayovichLaura Bailey

Director of Marketing and Communications:

MeganYore

Vice President of Strategy and Business Innovation:

Ray Cruse

Lakeland HealthCare publishes the Pulse for our associates, volunteers,

and physicians. Story ideas for publication must be submitted

at least four weeks in advance of publication dates and are to subject

to approval and editing by the Marketing department.

For a complete list of distribution dates and to access archived

issues, visit the Pulse homepage at myLakeland.

Within the health system, please mail correspondence to:

Marketing and [email protected]

Outside the health system, please mail correspondence to:

PulseMarketing and Communications

Lakeland at Meadowbrook2550 Meadowbrook Road, Suite 201

Benton Harbor, MI 49022Phone: (269) 927-5271

Fax: (269) 927-5232

Visit us on the web at:www.lakelandhealth.org

Remember to “like” us on Facebook,watchusonYouTube,

and follow us on Twitter.


So for the past six weeks, a group of about 40 participants are being trained. I think Danny is delivering on his promise. The group is not only becoming more competent and fluent when it comes to culture and diversity, it feels like the group is becoming more curious as well. Of course, it’s a journey that never ends. That's a good thing.

If you were sitting in the room you would have heard a lot of stories and a lotofdiscussion.Youwouldhaveseenfrequentsmilesandoccasionaltears.Youwouldhavebeenimpressedbytheexamples of courage and touched by the heartfelt displays of compassion.

Over the next few weeks we're going to continue the training. We're also going to develop recommendations for a new plan – a Diversity Plan. Plans are not new for Lakeland. We have a Strategic Plan, a Facility Plan, a Capital Plan, and even a Disaster Plan. It seems like it's time for a Diversity Plan.

But it's not just about another plan. It's about a deeper commitment. I am committed, and I hope you are too, to do everything we can to ensure that we are taking great care of our patients and great care of each other. That we can expect the best and are giving our best every day. And cultural curiosity is just a little part of that commitment.



Congratulations, Lakeland Toastmasters Club!Lakeland Toastmasters Club is now designated as a Toastmasters International Select Distinguished Club. The club was recognized for accomplishing a set of goals related to communications skills, leadership development, and recruitment.

Betty Guy, Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development, achieved the Advanced Communicator Silver Award and Competent Leadership Award, while Christina Willmeng, Connect Care EHR Trainer, ADT and Cadence, achieved the Advanced Communicator Bronze Award and Competent Leadership Award. These achievements, combined with club recruiting goals, helped propel the club to its current designation.

“This year, we reached 7 out of 10 goals, and that was a great accomplishment for our club,” said Christina, club president. “For next year, we’re aiming to reach 9 out of 10 goals. If we can do that, we’ll receive the President’s Distinguished Club Award, which is one of the highest honors within Toastmasters International.”

Part of the club’s success is due to the diversity of its current members. “Our club has a great mix of frontline associates and managers who are all learning together and supporting each other as we try to achieve specific communication and leadership goals,” said Betty, club vice president of education.

“Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where people grow personally and professionally by developing skills in leadership and communication,” added Jamie Starbuck, club vice president of membership.

The club also places a high value on teamwork and camaraderie. “We are a team of more than a collection of people,” said Christina. “It’s an emotional force rooted in feelings, thoughts, and actions of all members with the common goal of achievement, sharing, fun, and mutual support. I work with my officers and members to create a healthy, dynamic club of which everyone will be proud.”

Congratulations, Lakeland Toastmasters Club!

About Lakeland Toastmasters ClubLakeland Toastmasters Club is a professional development and personal growth program in which members learn and continuously practice leadership and communication skills. The club meets on the first, second, and fourth Friday of each month, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center of Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. The club is open to associates and community members. For more information, visit lakeland.toastmastersclubs.org, email [email protected], or call (269) 983-8103.

Testimonials“My confidence level has increased dramatically since I joined Toastmasters. When I started, my biggest fear was impromptu speaking, but now I look forward to the challenge of speaking off–the-cuff.”

~ Jamie Starbuck, Laboratory Staff Educator

“I have the privilege of receiving feedback on my speeches from over 25 individuals with various speaking experiences. I can’t ask for more diverse input than that! Unquestionably, I cannot pass up on an opportunity for this type of learning and development.”

~ Debbie Lull, Division Director of Patient Care Services

Emily Caudell, Sleep Lab Supervisor, presents her first speech at a recent Toastmasters meeting.

4a newsletter for associates, volunteers and physicians of Lakeland HealthCare


Debe Stouffer of St. Joseph has known Margaret and

Elmer Wood since she was 14. As a friend of their daughters, Debe considered them to be

family, and as they grew older, Debe made sure they were taken care

of since their children had moved out of the area.

In 2008, Debe became the couple’s primary caregiver, making sure they had transportation to and from medical appointments, helping them stock up on groceries, and attending to any other needs. At the time, Margaret began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, making it difficult for Elmer to care for his wife by himself.

In 2012, when Margaret’s condition worsened, the decision was made to admit her to the Alzheimer’s Unit at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center. Debe took Elmer to visit Margaret at least three times a week and it was during these visits that Debe saw the quality of care that Margaret and the other patients were receiving.

“I was so appreciative of the entire staff. Everyone greeted us with a smile and kind words,” said Debe. “They knew all of the residents by name and treated them as if they were part of their family.” Because of the excellent care that Margaret was receiving, Elmer agreed that when the time came for him to be in assisted living, he would join his wife.

Debe even recalls a time when a staff member who was leaving the facility noticed Elmer was walking with a cane. “She stopped and said she would get Elmer a wheelchair,” said Debe. “Not only did she get the wheelchair, but she personally wheeled him inside.”

Earlier this year, Elmer joined Margaret at the facility. “Elmer had fallen several times and needed to be in a facility with full-time care,” said Debe. “Now that he’s with his wife regularly, you can tell they are both so happy. When I visit them, they are busy doing activities and are truly enjoying themselves.”

Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center

“I cannot say enough about the staff at Lakeland Specialty Hospital,” said Debe. “This team is extremely dedicated to their profession. They make every resident feel special by telling them how beautiful they are. They’ll sing to the residents and hold them when they are scared or unable to go to sleep. It’s such a comfort knowing that both Elmer and Margaret are receiving such wonderful care.”

Read more stories like this in the enclosed September 2013 Expect the Best newsletter.

Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center Treats Residents Like Family

Annabelle Holt is only four years old, but she likes to pretend that she’s a nurse. That might seem unremarkable, but it wasn’t always this way. Everything changed after she met Valarie White, RN.Like most children, Annabelle detested trips to the hospital. It usually involved needles and “yucky” medicine. Her mother, Nicolina, or Nicky for short, could relate, but she suspected a trip might be inevitable when Annabelle developed respiratory troubles.

That was confirmed after a visit to pediatrician David Driscoll, MD. “Dr. Driscoll is great,” said Nicky, 37, who lives in St. Joseph. “He said that Annabelle needed to go to the hospital and called for direct

admission.”

lakelandhealth.org

In a Child’s Imagination

September 2013

Nicky and Annabelle quickly made the trip to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. After completing some tests, she was diagnosed with pneumonitis (noo-moe-NIE-tis). It’s a frightening condition caused by inflammation of the lung tissue. This leads to breathing difficulties and often coughing. It’s the 15th leading cause of death in the United States. Annabelle’s oxygen levels in her body were dangerously low. She would have to stay at the hospital. She needed respiratory treatments and, worse still for her, an intravenous line (IV).

“She was scared, and sometimes children have to be immobilized for their safety when they get an IV,” Nicky said. “Annabelle wanted to sit in my lap. Valarie came in and was as sweet as could be. She let Annabelle sit in my lap and immediately put her at ease. She didn’t even flinch when they put in the IV.”

expectthe BEST

Things were going great until she noticed the bed.“It was a big metal crib with a cover over it,” Nicky said. “It looked like an oversized bird cage.”Annabelle, still three years old at the time, didn’t sleep in a crib at home. Naturally, she wanted a regular bed. Valarie came to the rescue again.“I just wanted to make her comfortable because I care about my patients and know how intimidating it can be for a child to be in the hospital,” Valarie said. “It was an easy decision. I arranged for Annabelle to get a different room without a crib and more space for the family.”Valarie currently serves PRN, or as needed. At the time of Annabelle’s hospitalization, she cared for patients on the Medical/Oncology unit and floated to Pediatrics to provide extra help during a shift.

“Valarie was amazing,” Nicky said. “She transformed what could have been a scary experience into something positive that Annabelle will never forget. She respected Annabelle, talked to her like a real person instead of a kid, and explained everything.” Annabelle made a full recovery. She’s back home enjoying time with her mom, dad, and her older brother. She never used to pretend that she was a nurse, but Valarie changed all that.“It’s one of her favorites now, and one of the first things she did when she came home,” Nicky said. “We’re so grateful to Valarie for everything.”

“Valarie was amazing,” Nicky said. “She transformed what could have been a scary experience into something positive that Annabelle will never forget. She respected Annabelle, talked to her like a real person instead of a kid, and explained everything.” - Nicky Holt

(L-R): Nicky Holt, Annabelle Holt, and Valarie White, RN

RESPECT

5a newsletter for associates, volunteers and physicians of Lakeland HealthCare


Classes and Events All programs are free and open to the community unless otherwise noted.

Glass Garden Tiles Art ProjectPatients and family members are invited to create a glass gardentile–auniquecontributiontotheGardenTileWallintheMarieYeagerCancerCenter.Thecostforeachtileis$50;proceedsaredonatedtotheMarieYeagerCancerCenter.For complete information, including additional dates and times, visit lakelandhealth.org or call (269) 927-5361.

Monday, September 161:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.MarieYeagerCancerCenterWard and Kinney Conference Rooms3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph

Additional Dates and Times Available

Free Prostate Cancer ScreeningsSeptember is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States, after skin cancer.

Lakeside Urology and the Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancement are showing their support by offering free screenings. Men over 50 or 35 and older with a family history of prostate cancer are eligible for this screening. Call (269) 556-2808 to learn more.

Tuesday, September 175:00 to 7:00 p.m.Lakeside Urology815 St. Joseph Drive, St. Joseph

Thursday, September 195:00 to 7:00 p.m.Lakeside UrologyLakeland Medical Suites, Niles42 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Suite 200

Free Screening and Wellness Workshop in NilesThe Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancement is offering a free cholesterol lipid panel, blood pressure, and BMI screening, followed by classes on health risk factors and lifestyle modifications. The classes include My Heart 101 and Fitness to the Core. For more information, visit lakelandhealth.org or call (269) 556-2808.

Thursday, September 198:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Lakeland Medical Suites, NilesCommunity Conference Room42 N. St. Joseph Avenue

The Truth About ConcussionsProtect your young athlete this school year. Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness and are not always easy to detect. Learn more about media reports, long-term impact, assessment, and normal recovery at this seminar led by Christopher Contardo, PhD, ABPP. For more information, visit lakelandhealth.org or call (269) 556-2808.

Thursday, September 196:00 to 7:00 p.m.Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. JosephFrederick S. Upton Education Center, Rm 5 1234 Napier Avenue

Pink Saturdays in OctoberPhone lines are now open for Pink Saturdays, a program that offers free mammograms to women without health insurance.

A limited number of appointments are available for uninsured women ages 40 to 64 in Allegan, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

To discuss eligibility and schedule a mammogram, call (800) 873-0649. Check out pinksaturdays.org for more information.

If you have friends or family members who could benefit from this program, please pass along this information to them.

Pink Saturdays are offered through the Southwest Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with local support from Radiology Associates of Berrien County and Lakeland HealthCare.

In 2012:• 3,033womencalledthetoll-freenumber• 1,747womenqualifiedforafreemammogram• 170womenreceivedfollow-upcare• 11werediagnosedwithbreastcancer

Treatment secured through Michigan Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) Medicaid.



A team of Lakeland dietitians recently participated in the Mateen Cleaves “One Goal, One Passion” Summer Basketball Camp, held at the Benton Harbor Boys & Girls Club in August.

Whitney Schueneman, RD, Pamela Kurtz, MS, RD, CDE, and Jon Oldham, MS, MPH, taught area youths ages 8 to 17 about the importance of proper sports nutrition, focusing on what young athletes should eat before and after a game or practice.

“It was important for us to keep the message simple,” said Pamela. “Jon did a great job talking about food as fuel for the body, and that peak athletic performance requireshealthyfuellikefruits,vegetables,leanmeats,and whole grains.”

The basketball camps, held in Benton Harbor, Flint, and Lansing, are led by Mateen Cleaves, most remembered for leading the Michigan State University Spartans to

the 2000 NCAA Basketball National Championship. The program promotes the physical, educational, and life skills necessary to prepare and empower youth for leadership in their communities and success in their person lives.

Whitney Schueneman, Mateen Cleaves, Pamela Kurtz, and Jon Oldham.

Lakeland Dietitians Team Up and Talk Nutrition

Helping Local Women

Annabelle Holt is only four years old, but she likes to pretend that she’s a nurse. That might seem unremarkable, but it wasn’t always this way. Everything changed after she met Valarie White, RN.

Like most children, Annabelle detested trips to the hospital. It usually involved needles and “yucky” medicine. Her mother, Nicolina, or Nicky for short, could relate, but she suspected a trip might be inevitable when Annabelle developed respiratory troubles.

That was confirmed after a visit to pediatrician David Driscoll, MD.

“Dr. Driscoll is great,” said Nicky, 37, who lives in St. Joseph. “He said that Annabelle needed to go to the hospital and called for direct admission.”

lakelandhealth.org

In a Child’s Imagination

September 2013

Nicky and Annabelle quickly made the trip to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. After completing some tests, she was diagnosed with pneumonitis (noo-moe-NIE-tis). It’s a frightening

condition caused by inflammation of the lung tissue. This leads to breathing difficulties

and often coughing. It’s the 15th leading cause of death in the United States.

Annabelle’s oxygen levels in her body were dangerously low. She would have to stay at the hospital. She needed respiratory treatments and, worse still for her, an intravenous line (IV).

“She was scared, and sometimes children have to be immobilized for their safety when they get an IV,” Nicky said. “Annabelle wanted to sit in my lap. Valarie came in and was as sweet as could be. She let Annabelle sit in my lap

and immediately put her at ease. She didn’t even flinch when they

put in the IV.”

expectthe BEST

Things were going great until she noticed the bed.

“It was a big metal crib with a cover over it,” Nicky said. “It looked like an oversized bird cage.”

Annabelle, still three years old at the time, didn’t sleep in a crib at home. Naturally, she wanted a regular bed. Valarie came to the rescue again.

“I just wanted to make her comfortable because I care about my patients and know how intimidating it can be for a child to be in the hospital,” Valarie said. “It was an easy decision. I arranged for Annabelle to get a different room without a crib and more space for the family.”

Valarie currently serves PRN, or as needed. At the time of Annabelle’s hospitalization, she cared for patients on the Medical/Oncology unit and floated to Pediatrics to provide extra help during a shift.

“Valarie was amazing,” Nicky said. “She transformed what could have been a scary experience into something positive that Annabelle will never forget. She respected Annabelle, talked to her like a real person instead of a kid, and explained everything.”

Annabelle made a full recovery. She’s back home enjoying time with her mom, dad, and her older brother. She never used to pretend that she was a nurse, but Valarie changed all that.

“It’s one of her favorites now, and one of the first things she did when she came home,” Nicky said. “We’re so grateful to Valarie for everything.”

“Valarie was amazing,” Nicky said. “She transformed what could have been a scary experience into something positive that Annabelle will never forget. She respected Annabelle, talked to her like a real person instead of a kid, and explained everything.” - Nicky Holt

(L-R): Nicky Holt, Annabelle Holt, and Valarie White, RN

RESPECT

Expec t the Bes t ~ September 2013 ~ page 2 ~ lakelandheal th .org

Lew Burchard, 70, has been to Mayo Clinic. It’s generally regarded as one of the best health systems in the nation. His wife, Lynnette, was treated there in 2004, and they left impressed.

When Lew was rushed to the Emergency Department at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph in July 2011, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He never imagined that the care he received could compare to the renowned Mayo Clinic — so much for expectations.

Lew had just finished 27 holes of golf and noticed he had a headache. He decided to head home and rest, but the symptoms persisted.

“I rarely get headaches,” said Lew, a resident of Stevensville. “After 30 minutes, the pain grew so intense that I became physically ill. Lynnette told me that we were going to the emergency room.”

By the time they arrived, Lew could barely stand. He stumbled from the car, dizzy with pain. That’s when a Lakeland associate rushed to his aid with a wheelchair and hurried him inside. The eventual diagnosis came from Lew’s family physician, Matthew Campbell, MD.

Lew needed emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma. This occurs when blood collects outside of the brain following a hemorrhage. Dennis Szymanski, MD (right), performed the surgery, removing a four-by-six inch section of Lew’s skull to stop the bleeding. Four devices were placed in the area that was removed to hold his skull in place.

“The effects of a subdural hematoma are similar to those of a stroke,” Lew said. “My right side was extremely weak, and I was wheelchair bound after surgery.”

To regain the ability to walk and speak, Lew spent the next two weeks working with Lakeland Rehabilitation Services.

Setting New Expectations

To read more inspiring stories about Lakeland associates helping others, visit www.lakelandhealth.org/expectthebest

“I will forever be indebted to the excellent care that I received at Lakeland,” said Lew. “What a truly outstanding group of people!”

- Lew Burchard

“Dr. Szymanski did a wonderful job coordinating my care with Dr. Campbell and made sure that Lynnette was aware of everything that was taking place,” Lew said. “The staff was marvelous. They worked together as a team and were extremely caring. I experienced care at Lakeland every bit as good as the care my wife received at Mayo Clinic.”

Today, Lew is feeling great. He’s playing golf again and enjoying time with his family.

“I will forever be indebted to the excellent care that I received at Lakeland,” Lew said. “What a truly outstanding group of people!”

“Dr. Szymanski did a wonderful job coordinating my care with Dr. Campbell and made sure that Lynnette was aware of everything that was taking place,” said Lew. “The staff was marvelous. They worked together as a team and were extremely caring. I experienced care at Lakeland every bit as good as the care my wife received at Mayo Clinic.”

- Lew Burchard

Dennis Szymanski, MD

TEAMWORK

september 11, 2013 lakeland community hospital, patient ...€¦ · september 11, 2013 patient...

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