AUG/SEPT 2006 NEWS FOR EMPLOYEES OF
WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER
CenterLine
Preparing For the Unexpected
Continuous Improvements chairman, Emergency
Inside this Enhance Emergency Medicine. “But the
issue… Readiness scope of events that
could occur requires us
W
ater, bandages, genera-
to have a degree of
• New Chief tors and chemical and
planning, training and
Operating biological antidotes are
stockpiling of key
Officer being stockpiled and the deconta-
equipment and supplies
mination room is ready. But
that we didn’t have
• Surgical Care materials and infrastructure are
before.”
not enough to handle mass casual-
Improvement
ties; everyone must know exactly Whatever the disaster –
Project what to do — just in case. whether a failure of materials on hand for every
• 20-Year Club infrastructure or natural, biological, imaginable emergency. Combined,
“Washington Hospital Center has
chemical or radiological event – these plans comprise the hospital’s
always been a ready hospital; we
the Hospital Center has more than Emergency Management Plan,
performed magnificently during
100 response plans and reference accessible on Lotus Notes and
9/11,” said Mark Smith, MD,
Starport.
Overseeing the Emergency Man-
Your Opinion Takes Us Further agement Plan is the Emergency
Preparedness Committee, made up
of representatives from trauma,
Complete Your Employee Survey public affairs, infection control,
Share your opinions about the Hospital Center by completing facilities, nursing, radiation safety
your 2006 Employee Survey during September. “This is your and other hospital departments.
opportunity to tell us what kind of a job we are doing,” said Its goal is to make the hospital the
President Jim Caldas. The employee survey provides an effec- nation’s most prepared in manag-
tive way to share your comments about how satisfied you are with the ing high consequence events, said
organization and the work environment. Susan Eckert, committee chairman
The Hospital Center conducts the survey every two years. This year, the and director of innovations in
Hospital Center’s goal is to reach or exceed the previous record response of nursing readiness in the ER One
85 percent in 2004. Institute, a center of excellence
founded in 2001 by Drs. Smith
Every employee who completes a survey will be entered into raffles and will and Craig Feied, director, Institute
be eligible for prizes. Rita Owens, clinical manager, 4NE, won a cruise after for Medical Informatics.
the last survey and says she and her husband had a “fantastic” trip aboard
Carnival’s fun ship Fantasy this year. ER One provides expertise, leader-
ship and support to the committee,
To ensure everyone has time to complete their survey, a representative from
Human Resources will administer the survey in each department on all (continued on page 10)
shifts at meetings in September. Survey results are gathered and analyzed
by an outside consulting firm, Watson Wyatt Worldwide. No one at
Washington Hospital Center will see your individual responses.
The purpose of the survey is to move us closer to making Washington
Hospital Center a patient’s first choice for health care, a leading employer
in the region and a great place for employees to work.
PRESIDENT’S Message
Exceptional People
Providing Exceptional Service
Succeeding in Moments
of Truth
W
hat are your moments of On the other hand, suppose the dental
truth? receptionist greets you by name and the
dentist takes a few minutes to chat with
you before starting your procedure. Or,
When an organization provides you the grocery store cashier noting that you
with a service, the impression you have have many bags asks a colleague to help
of that service is based on individual you get them to your car. You may be so
moments that add up to your total impressed with this great service that
experience. In some cases, you may not only will you keep going to the den-
encounter only a few of these moments. tist or the grocery store, you’ll tell all of
In others, there will be many. And most your friends to go there, too. James Caldas, President Photo by Keith Weller
of them will be related to the interac-
tions you have with people from that Over a year ago, we asked every depart- wait. As a result, patient satisfaction in
organization. You could say that these ment to develop touch point maps that this area has reached the 60th percentile.
moments, or “touch points,” are define those moments of truth that can
moments of truth—moments Valet Services also has an excellent
that define whether your “Remember that great customer touch point map that is designed
experience will be good, bad,
or average.
that patients’ and visi-
service is not the result of one thing, it to ensure and last contact with our
tors’ first
is not even the result of great clinical hospital is exceptional. Parking
When you buy something at
a grocery store, for example,
care, it is the result of many little attendants are taught to greet cus-
there may only be one point moments of truth done extremely well.” tomers by saying, “Welcome toAt
Washington Hospital Center.”
of contact—your interaction – James Caldas, President the end of a guest’s stay, attendants
with the cashier when you hustle to get the car, hold open all
pay for your items. When you go to the enhance or detract from the patient, doors, help with personal items, offer
dentist, there may be several contact family, or visitor experience at Washing- directions and say, “thank you; have a
points that include the interaction you ton Hospital Center. By breaking down great day.” They are also coached on
have with the front desk receptionist, the the patient experience into these indi- personal appearance and hygiene.
appointment clerk, the hygienist and the vidual steps, how to build towards a
dentist. These touch points define the great experience becomes more appar- Touch point mapping is but one of the
experience you will have with the gro- ent. It is also easier to recognize the many tools that we use to create an
cery store or dentist. In most cases, you stumbling blocks that can create a nega- exceptional experience for the patient. If
will have an average experience. The tive experience despite flawless clinical it’s been awhile since you’ve thought
service is what you expected, no better care. about yours, I encourage you to review
and no worse. your touch point map or even make sug-
Many departments are continuing to use gestions for refining and enhancing it.
But, supposing the service is poor. The and refine these touch point maps. In Remember that great customer service is
receptionist at the dentist is short-tem- the Cancer Institute’s Ambulatory Treat- not the result of one thing, it is not even
pered…the dentist doesn’t say hello ment Area, staff saw the time that the result of great clinical care, it is the
before starting to work on your patients were waiting in the reception result of many little moments of truth
teeth…the cashier at the grocery store area as a moment of truth—an opportu- done extremely well. N
spends the entire transaction talking to nity to improve the patient experience.
the cashier next to him. You might Since May, staff are making sure to keep
shrug it off or you might decide that you patients informed of delays in service
are changing dentists or grocery stores. and offer juice and puzzles while they
–2–
Microsoft Selects Azyxxi for First Foray
into Industry Applications
S
oftware giant Microsoft Corporation physicians are exceptionally
has chosen MedStar Health’s skilled in information tech-
AzyxxiTM health information system nology, with a deep, on-the-
as the cornerstone of a new health strategy job understanding of how
and its first-ever venture into industry-spe- technology can enhance clin-
cific applications. Historically, Microsoft ical practice. Fidrik Iskander,
has avoided providing industry-specific who came to the Hospital
software, instead supplying the operat- Center along with Drs. Smith
ing system and development tools, and and Feied, also has been a
encouraging outside developers and end key member of the develop-
users to develop their own applications. ment team.
The strategic alliance between Microsoft
and MedStar Health was announced July The result is Azyxxi, which From Left to Right: Ken Samet, MedStar president and COO,
26 at a joint press conference. was built from the ground up Peter Neupert, corporate vice president, health solutions group,
Microsoft, Craig Feied, MD, director, Institute for Medical
using Microsoft development Informatics, Mark Smith, MD, chair, emergency medicine.
“In acquiring Azyxxi, we believe in the tools. Designed by doctors for
vision of its founders,” said Peter Neu- doctors, it incorporates many different Dr. Feied has lived and breathed Azyxxi
pert, Microsoft’s corporate vice presi- types of patient data elements from a for the past 10 years. “Clinicians histori-
dent, health solutions group. When it wide variety of different sources, making cally spend 60% of their time looking for
comes to the deployment of information all the data instantly available through a information,” he notes. “Azyxxi helps
technology, “Health care is behind other single interface. Putting information into solve that problem. This is like an air
industry segments,” Neupert noted, cit- the appropriate context improves clinical traffic control system for hospitals. It’s
ing the anticipated benefits of increased decision-making and enables physicians an easy to use, fast and comprehensive
productivity, improved outcomes and to fine-tune treatment choices. Azyxxi system that incorporates 12,000 data ele-
enhanced patient safety. “Azyxii can also improves patient flow through hos- ments and makes them all available in
deliver these benefits today.” pital departments, helps nurses coordi- real time. It makes finding a needle in a
nate care in patient care units, and tracks haystack routine.”
Azyxxi (rhymes with “Trixie”) represents infection patterns and trends in medica-
a quantum leap in health intelligence soft- tion usage. The Azyxii team now consists The strategic alliance aims to take
ware, bringing a patient’s current and past of some 40 professionals who are dedi- Azyxxi to the next level of functionality,
medical information to the clinician’s fin- cated to enhancing and deploying Azyxxi with the goal to make it widely available
gertips at the click of a mouse. It captures, applications throughout MedStar. to health care institutions across the
integrates and displays patient care data country and around the world. Dr.
from wherever it is generated. What start- “It’s an honor for all those throughout Feied, Iskander and the development
ed in the Hospital Center’s Emergency MedStar who have worked to develop, team will be employed by Microsoft, but
Department a decade ago is now used support and improve Azyxii that most will remain based at Washington
throughout all MedStar hospitals. Microsoft has chosen our product,” Hospital Center. Although the financial
Samet notes. “I am very proud of what terms of the alliance were not
In 1995, leadership at Washington Hos- we were able to accomplish internally announced, Samet commented that it
pital Center had a vision for a future in over these last 10 years. However, mov- allows MedStar to recoup its financial
which information technology could ing Azyxii’s development to a more sig- investment in the software development
transform the practice of medicine. Of nificant and lasting platform requires a and reduce its operating expenses, and
equal importance at the time, new lead- major development partner, and that is provides seed money for a new Patient
ership was required for the Hospital certainly a role for Microsoft.” Care Tower as part of the Hospital Cen-
Center’s Emergency Department (ED). ter’s campus development initiative.
Accordingly, Ken Samet and Joy Drass, For Dr. Smith, the alliance is a dream
MD — the Hospital Center’s president come true. “Azyxxi helps our clinicians But all agree that the greatest benefit to
and senior vice president for clinical save lives by enabling them to deliver the alliance is that it enables Azyxxi to
services at the time — recruited Mark care better, faster and safer,” he says. realize its full potential. “Our hospital is
Smith, MD, to the Hospital Center as “When we showed Azyxxi to Gov. Tom- contributing to the advancement of
chair of emergency medicine, a position my Thompson (former U.S. Secretary of patient care everywhere,” concludes
he still holds today. Craig Feied, MD, Health and Human Services), he asked, James Caldas, Washington Hospital
joined the Hospital Center at the same ‘Why can’t this system be in every hospi- Center president. N
time as an ED physician and to serve as tal in the country?’ I am delighted to be
director of medical informatics. Both able to answer him, ‘Well, now it can.’”
–3–
New Order Sets Help Prevent Surgical
Complications
Nurses and Physicians Affected Shoemaker, clinical specialist and team glucose control, the new process is not
by National Quality member. The hospital team developed difficult,” said Shoemaker.
Improvement Project pre-printed order sets that reinforce best
practices, customized for each specialty, Many unit in-services have been held
A
s part of a national effort to to review the new order sets found in
reduce complication rates from before surgery and post-surgery. Some
of the specific areas targeted include particular patient charts. “Once nurses
surgery, the Hospital Center is understand the concept and that they
participating in a major nationwide reducing the following: cardiac events,
post-op pneumonia, surgical infections can reduce post-op complications by
quality initiative called the Surgical Care as much as 30 percent, they will quickly
Improvement Project, (SCIP – pro- and deep vein thrombosis. “The new
order sets are very daunting at first adapt to the changes,” said Karen Carlitti,
nounced “skip”.) The goal is simple: clinical specialist. She admits no one
reduce surgical complications 25 percent because they’re long and appear com-
plex, but in reality, with the exception of likes change – the old
by 2010. Project participants aim to
improve patient safety in a number of
targeted clinical areas, and also help
reduce costs through the use of
evidence-based medicine.
“This program puts a level of
discipline on the practices that we
know we should follow,” said Kent
Haythorn, assistant vice president,
Perioperative Services. “The evi-
dence-based literature has proven
that these practices lead to improved
patient outcomes.”
Last year, the Hospital Center formed
its own SCIP Performance Improve-
ment Team, comprised of an interdis-
ciplinary team of surgeons from
multiple specialties, pharmacists and
clinical specialists. “Our purpose is to
reduce morbidity and mortality and to
track outcomes on multiple measures,”
said Enrique Daza, MD, general surgeon
and team leader. Surgeons perform
more than 25,000 inpatient and outpa-
tient surgical procedures each year.
The SCIP Performance Improvement
Team has established a system that adds
particular checks and balances to reduce
surgical complications in several special-
ties targeted by the national project.
These areas include cardiac, vascular,
gynecologic, orthopedic and colorectal
surgeries. The Hospital Center plans to
implement the standard order sets by
the end of the summer, including a new
approach to glycemic control which will
be expanded house-wide.
“It’s going to affect every nurse that
deals with a surgical patient,” said Ann
–4–
New Order Sets (continued from page 4)
orders were 2 pages and now the new procedures when it comes to timing, SCIP represents a collaborative effort
ones are 7 pages. But the forms are sim- drug selection and patient selection for between Perioperative Services and
plified, use check boxes for options and certain therapies.” Quality Resources. The Hospital Center
have very little room for free text. hopes to hire a staff member to collect
The Passports do not change convention- the data, track performance and ensure
“Practicing evidence-based medicine al pre- and post-surgery practices. “All adherence.
leads to better outcomes,” says Peter good surgeons already do these things.
Hill, MD, an internist who manages We’re just making it more objective so “This is a great program,” said Dr. Hill.
patients recovering from cardiac sur- we can track outcomes,” said Dr. Daza. “When it’s fully instituted, we hope to
gery, and a team member. see a significant decrease in operative
The Passport to Recovery is filled out as complications. CMS will monitor our
Called the Passport to OR and the Passport the patient leaves the OR and goes to the process and our outcomes. CMS has
to Recovery, the order sets provide written recovery room. Orders are initiated in made it clear that, in the future, hospital
prompts in key areas where evidence has the recovery room and are continued on reimbursement will be based partially on
been shown to decrease complications. the nursing units. The order set lists whether evidence-based practice such as
general orders, including diet and hydra- SCIP is followed.”
“The Passport to OR addresses issues tion. It then outlines administration of
such as use of beta blockers, glycemic deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, beta- Haythorn expects that the data generat-
control, and standard antibiotic prophy- blocker use, glucose control and peptic ed will form the basis for a Surgical
laxis,” said Shoemaker. “It standardizes ulcer prophylaxis. Antibiotic therapy is Report Card. “This will give us good
reviewed based on renal function, and data so we can show the quality of care
based on surgery type. we deliver here,” he concludes.N
“It will actually make things easier for
nursing staff because when a patient
arrives on their unit, you’ll know exactly Preventing Surgical
what needs to be done for each patient,” Complications
said Michael Kingan, clinical specialist. Select appropriate antibiotics
Rebecca Wilkins, clinical specialist,
agrees. “It helps floor nurses because Administer antibiotics within one
they won’t have to spend time getting hour of surgery
new orders or clarifying orders.” Discontinue prophylactic antibi-
otics within 24 hours after surgery
When a patient is post-op, nurses will
consult two order sets – the new overall Control perioperative serum
order set for general prevention of surgi- glucose
cal complications and then the order set
Administer beta-blockers to
for the particular procedure itself,
patients at risk for cardiac events
according to Shoemaker.
Administer anticoagulation or
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid use compression devices for
Services (CMS), a member of the SCIP patients at risk for venous
consortium, estimates that about 42 mil- thromboembolism
lion patients undergo surgery each year
in the United States and some 40 percent Elevate head of bed 30 degrees
experience complications. The most com- for patients on ventilator to
mon complications are surgical site infec- prevent postoperative pneumonia
tions, adverse cardiac events, deep vein
thrombosis and post-surgical pneumonia.
A 2003 study in the Journal of the Ameri-
can Medical Association reported that
postoperative complications accounted
for 22 percent of preventable deaths.
New pre-printed order sets that reinforce
best practices for patient safety.
–5–
New Chief Operating Officer To Focus On
Improving Patient Satisfaction
T
he hospital’s new chief operating officer, Dennis W.
Pullin, is a seasoned health care executive who brings
25 years of operational and business development
experience to the Hospital Center. A native of San Antonio,
Texas, he has held numerous senior level positions at large
hospitals, academic medical centers, physician group
practices and private industry.
Pullin said he was drawn to the Hospital Center because of its
national reputation. “After meeting and spending time with
President Caldas and looking at the hospital’s mission and
values, I felt the organization was something I could embrace
and make a contribution to,” said Pullin. “It’s exciting to be in
a position to influence an organization that measures success
one patient at a time.”
He comes to the Hospital Center from St. Luke’s Episcopal
Health System in Houston, TX where he served for 5 years
as vice president of Operations and Business Development.
During his tenure at St. Luke’s, Pullin identified and
developed numerous physician joint ventures, restructured
support services and secured grants for the facility.
Prior to that, Pullin was vice president, acquisitions and
development, for Symbion Ambulatory Resource Centres, Inc.
in Nashville, Tennessee. From 1994 to 1998, he was executive
director of the Baylor Sports Medicine Institute and the
Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor College of
Medicine in Houston.
Pullin notes the Hospital Center is well run and that the chal-
Dennis W. Pullin, chief operating officer. Photo by Keith Weller
lenge will be for him to make it better. He wants to improve
patient satisfaction by moving the organization to the next level.
“We’re not where any of us would like to be and patient After moving his family from Houston to the Washington, DC
satisfaction is an area where I can contribute and make metro, Pullin said they are “excited to be part of the nation’s
improvements,” said Pullin. capital.” Pullin is also eager to become involved in the com-
munity and “be a good ambassador” for the hospital and Med-
“What drives patient satisfaction is employee and physician
Star. He sits on several community and civic boards of
satisfaction,” according to Pullin. “Treating our employees and
directors in Texas.
physicians well and meeting their needs transcends into
improved patient care.” He earned his Master’s degree from Texas A & M University
and his undergraduate degree from Texas Lutheran University.
“I am excited to have Dennis join our executive team,” said
Pullin has authored numerous articles and publications and
President Jim Caldas. “His experience, expertise and energy
served as editor of several sports medicine magazines. He is a
will be a great asset to our organizational leadership.”
member of the American College of Health Care Executives. N
Pullin was selected for the COO position after a one year
nationwide search. In his new role at the Hospital Center, Pullin
will oversee heart, cancer, professional and support services.
–6–
Nurses Focus On Patients And
Relationship-Based Practice At Fourth
Annual Nurses Conference
M
ore than 200 nurses from Washington Hospital and related it from the patient’s point of view, and also focused
Center, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Franklin on the importance of relationships with self and peers. She
Square Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital emphasized the importance of taking time for ourselves and
attended the Fourth Annual Professional Nursing Leadership engaging in positive reflection as a means to enhance satisfying
Conference: “Passion and Purpose in Nursing: What Makes relationships with patients, peers and significant others.
Us So Special?” The conference, held in June, focused on
enhancing nursing care using the concepts of relationship- Dr. McKenna told participants that there’s no substitute for
based practice and emotional intelligence. the importance of collaboration and relationship building with
peers. To reinforce the power of teamwork and collaboration,
Senior Vice President of Nursing, Sandy Marshall, RN, opened nurses engaged in an interactive earthquake survival exercise
the conference and addressed the critical role professional which demonstrated their talent and skills as well as prepara-
nurses play in creating a caring and healing environment for tion for handling a crisis.
patients and developing a therapeutic relationship with them
and their significant others. Marshall called upon nurses to Another key topic of discussion at the conference involved
become transformational caring leaders. “It starts with recog- emotional intelligence. Tim Keogh, PhD, clinical associate
nizing and accepting the reality of where you are today and professor, Department of Health Systems Management and
then having the courage to lead with purpose to achieve your director of the Master of Health Administration Program at
mission and vision. It also requires that you create an aware- Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical
ness of new ways of thinking and being…of identifying oppor- Medicine, addressed the impact of emotional intelligence on a
tunities for change,” she said. leader’s success.
Marshall explained that caring leaders create momentum for Dr. Keogh asked each participant to complete an emotional
change by aligning their energy with people who can see the pos- intelligence self-assessment. He defined the dimensions and
sibilities and take ownership for making change happen. “These fundamental principles of emotional intelligence using a three-
activities will inspire a shared vision and give us the courage to step process: being assertive, caring, and creative. He empha-
overcome our fear of failure, take risks and learn from our expe- sized that an emotional intelligence communication style is
riences,” she said. “Every day provides a caring leader with a new effective because it affirms relationships, shows caring, involves
opportunity to lead with intention, hope and possibility.” other people in finding solutions and gets things done.
Toni McKenna, RN, DNSc, senior director of clinical leadership The conference survey showed nurses rated the day of learning
at VHA, outlined the concepts of relationship-based care focus- and collaboration very highly. “This is my fourth Leadership
ing on nursing actions that enhance relationships. She described Conference and I always learn something new,” said Minette
what was involved in creating a caring and healing environment Blandon RN, 2NW. “I especially enjoyed the presentation on
emotional intelligence. Through self-understanding of emo-
tional intelligence, we can achieve better patient
outcomes and enhance our working relationships.”
Patricia Beckham, RN, 3NW was pleased with the
support for the annual conference. “I was
impressed at the level of involvement of Sandra
Marshall because her support is critical. I felt like
the conference was relevant, timely and spoke to
what nursing leadership is about,” said Beckham.
Marlyn Evans RN, 4NE felt that the presentation on
relationship-based care was outstanding. “Toni
McKenna kept the audience involved, which really
enhanced my learning,” said Evans. “When I left
the conference, I felt re-energized. The conference
will help my colleagues and I to deliver truly
patient first care. This is a great time to be a nurse
at Washington Hospital Center.” N
Toni McKenna, RN, DNSc, discusses the concept of relationship-based care during
nursing conference.
–7–
Employees Travel To Grenada, Bringing
Medical Care And Hope To Women
Nurse Returns Home To Help receive the test,” said Bowen-Ross, a nosed with cervical cancer in Grenada, it
Women In Need of native of the Caribbean country where is often their first Pap smear. From can-
Gynecological Care and Cancer she attended nursing school and gradu- cer diagnosis to death is a matter of
Prevention ated as valedictorian in 1979. Grenada is months.”
about twice the size of Washington, DC
“ T
here are no oncologists in Inspired by the need to give back to her
and has one quarter of the population.
Grenada,” said Susan Bowen- native country, Bowen-Ross spoke to
Ross, RN, clinical Jonathan Cosin, MD, section
manager, gynecologic oncolo- “Pap tests to detect cervical cancer director, gynecologic oncology,
gy, Washington Cancer Insti-
tute. “There are a lot of
are not conducted on a regular basis Washington Cancer Institute,
about the dire medical situation
gynecologists, but no oncolo- in Grenada, and some women in Grenada and the possibility
gists. There is a cultural belief never even receive the test.” of a medical mission. He quick-
that surgical treatment of can- ly agreed and together they
cer spreads the disease.”
– Susan Bowen-Ross, RN, clinical manager
recruited ob-gyn resident Shana
Women must travel to the P. Adams, MD to travel with
nearby island of Trinidad to undergo The rate of gynecological cancers in them. The team purchased their own
radiation and chemotherapy. Grenada is two-and-a-half times that of airline tickets and provided the basic
the District. “It’s heart-wrenching and supplies needed for screenings.
“Pap tests to detect cervical cancer are
sad to see young people dying of cancer
not conducted on a regular basis in They spent a week based at St. George’s
that is preventable and treatable,” said
Grenada, and some women never even General Hospital where they held five
Bowen-Ross. “When women are diag-
Port of St. George, Grenada
–8–
Employees Travel To Grenada
(continued from page 8)
Side street in St. George’s, Grenada
clinics, saw close to 300 patients and
performed 11 surgeries in May. Dr.
Cosin performed four radical hysterec-
tomies, a trachelectomy (surgical
removal of the cervix), several cone
biopsies to remove pre-cancerous St. George’s Hospital in Grenada
lesions, and a colostomy reversal for
a woman whose physicians could not
According to Bowen-Ross, many
put her bowels back together. Now
patients in Grenada feel intimidated by
the patient is free from wearing a
physicians so she took her cause to the
colostomy bag.
local airwaves to raise awareness about
“Grenada has limited resources and women’s health. On television, radio
patients do not have access to care,” said and in print, she urged women not to be
Cosin. “We treated women who saw a shy and to ask doctors for annual Pap
gynecologist regularly, but never had a smears and mammograms.
Above: From Left to Right: Phronie Jackson,
Pap test or a mamogram.” As a result, he reflexologist, Jonathan Cosin, MD, Shana P.
“I want to do the best I can for others,
said, the incidence of gynecological dis- Adams, MD, Loris Pascal, Grenada liaison,
willingly, cheerfully, and with all my and Susan Bowen-Ross, RN.
orders and cervical cancer is high.
heart,” said Bowen-Ross who has
“We saw a number of patients who had personally seen the anguish and suffer-
been diagnosed with cervical cancer sev- ing wrought by cancer. The disease has appreciate the wonderful care we have
eral years ago and were never able to get affected many members of her family, in the US.”
treatment, so they just slowly die.” including both parents. “Cancer has
Patients with cervical cancer have only touched my family deeply. We have Drs. Cosin and Adams were the heart
one option for radiation therapy: travel- to help those in need. The whole quest and soul of the mission, said Bowen-
ing to another country which many peo- of human existence is to help others,” Ross. “They were shining examples of
ple cannot afford, he said. Cosin is she said. the quality care provided at the Hospital
awaiting pathology reports to determine Center. The mission could not have
At nursing school, Bowen-Ross told stu- happened without them.” She and Drs.
whether some patients will need follow-
dents that while some will move on, they Cosin and Adams plan to return to
up treatments.
must remember to come back. She is Grenada in NovemberN
During the trip, Bowen-Ross triaged pleased and grateful to have returned by
all of the patients who needed to see arranging a trip through the Ministry of
Dr. Cosin. She counseled women about Health. Grenada officials called it the best
the need for annual Pap smears and Christmas gift the country has received.
monthly breast self-exams, and provided
“It was a humbling experience,” said
referrals for mammograms and repeat
Bowen-Ross. “I wanted to give back
Pap smears.
and it has helped me to help others
–9–
Preparing for the Unexpected
(continued from page 1)
and training and education to hospitals Installing radiation detectors at the Laboratory. SITEL provides more than
and health care workers across the hospital’s emergency entrances in case 100 Web-based education modules on
region. Long-range plans include build- of a radiological event. Hand-held emergency preparedness for conventional,
ing a state-of-the-art emergency room detectors and personnel protective chemical, nuclear and biological events.
capable of handling mass casualties and equipment also are on hand for health
serving as a national model in emer- care workers. Front-line responders are required to
gency preparedness. attend a two-day, hands-on training
Creating a “ready room” for up to 100 with moulaged victims that is offered 10
After the September 11, 2001 terrorist victims of any sort of disaster with the times a year. The course includes practi-
attacks, the hospital’s emergency pre- ability to decontaminate up to 20 vic- cal didactics and then gives participants
paredness efforts took on greater promi- tims at a time. “With the ready room (nurses, physicians, security, and hospi-
nence, with particular attention given to outside the hospital, on the ground tal administrators) a chance to respond
the possibility of a biological, chemical floor of the Northwest Addition in an to simulated events.
or radiological event, Eckert said. area completely separate from the rest
“We’ve since done a lot of development of the hospital, with its own ventila- Employees’ knowledge of where they
and work on specific plans to address tion system, we avoid contaminating fit in the hospital’s chain of command
and be prepared for those types of the main facility, and we don’t have during an emergency will be more easily
events,” she said. to close down the hospital,” said accessible once the hospital completes its
Christine Shamloo, director, Emer- conversion to the Hospital Emergency
Also underway is a two-year revision gency Preparedness Initiative, ER One Incident Command System (HEICS),
of the Emergency Management Plan Institute. Four 5,000-watt portable expected within the next six months.
launched in 2005. “We have made sub- generators, 41 lanterns, 1,530 gallons With HEICS, Shamloo explained, “you’ll
stantive progress over the past year,” said of water and 234 dry toilets are among know your roles and responsibilities,
Eckert, describing the review as “robust.” supplies already on hand. who you report to.” The Command Sys-
Every plan is being evaluated, and sub- tem also will fulfill the hospital’s require-
committees have been formed to address Training for an emergency is mandatory ment to become compliant with the
areas that have needed additional atten- for all hospital employees. Education is federal government’s national incident
tion, such as evacuation of the entire provided continually at the Safety Fair management system, developed by the
hospital, recovering from an event and and at general orientation for new hires. Department of Homeland Security.
returning to normal hospital operations. For nurses, executive and administrative
staffs, “nursing updates” and “table top” The medical campus of Washington
Specific emergency preparedness plans exercises are held throughout the year. Hospital Center, National Rehabilitation
and progress to date include: “They are educated and then drilled on Hospital, Veterans Affairs Medical Cen-
that information,” Shamloo said. “We ter and Children’s Hospital is one of the
Preparing both an evacuation plan largest concentrations of hospitals on
give them a scenario and talk about how
and restoration plan in the event of a the east coast. Through the Campus
they would respond.”
natural disaster, such as flooding or a Wide Emergency Operations Commit-
conventional explosion. Dressings and A recent night drill involved a truck tee, with representatives from all four
bandages for burn victims, portable explosion. “This experience provided us hospitals, emergency response efforts are
ventilators and IV supplies, and carts with a wealth of information that we coordinated to ensure the campus is
stocked with critical care equipment. needed in order to make necessary secure during an event.
improvements to the hospital at large,”
Stockpiling antidotes for a chemical Since employees will not be able to leave
said Shamloo. “We have a focused plan
or biological event, and preparing a the hospital in the event of an emergency,
for further training and education of key
decontamination plan that is con- everyone is encouraged to develop per-
departments.”
stantly under revision. The biological sonal emergency response plans for their
plan, prepared by Infection Control, For front-line responders — including homes. Shamloo cited several resources
involves collaboration with public Emergency Room personnel, MedSTAR available to help develop those plans,
health agencies and offers guidelines trauma workers, surgeons and critical including www.redcross.org. N
for handling all aspects of an outbreak, care physicians, the executive adminis-
including epidemic respiratory diseases, trative staff and protective services —
infection control, clinical evaluation of training is more comprehensive and
patients and patient isolation. includes participation in SITEL, the
Simulation and Training Environment
– 10 –
Annual Tuberculosis Screenings
Help Protect Employees
H
ealth care workers at Washington about lax compliance to the Perfor- the lungs. Anyone who has tested posi-
Hospital Center are less likely to mance Improvement (PI) Committee. tive but has clear lungs must undergo an
contract tuberculosis (TB) as a annual questionnaire to check for the
result of an aggressive campaign that “The PI committee supported [our con- presence of symptoms, which include a
includes annual screenings required of tention] that this was an extremely persistent cough, night sweats and fever.
all employees, according to Karin Myer- important program, and it gave the man- Employees are required to notify Infec-
son, director, Occupational Health. agers the administrative support they tion Control anytime they suspect they
needed to explain to the employees that may have contracted TB.
“Our compliance [with screenings] is at if they did not get screened, they would
93 percent, which is very, very good,” be taken off the schedule,” Myerson said. New hires must either present proof of a
Myerson said. “It allows us to have con- negative PPD within the past 12 months
fidence that when we have an exposure, By January 2005, compliance was up to and undergo one additional PPD, or
we know each employee’s TB status 91 percent and quickly jumped to 93 take both PPDs within three weeks at
before the exposure.” percent, where it has remained ever the onset of their employment.
since. As a result, fewer employees have
Since TB germs are transmitted by air, been exposed to TB, Myerson said, cred- Infection Control provides managers
the screenings are essential in protecting iting “support we’ve received from the with a monthly list of employees due for
employees from this disease, Myerson managers” for the program’s success. a TB screening.
said. “It’s not like we can just put up a
barrier in your office,” she said. Annual The screenings – also called a PPD Additional measures that have helped
screenings are required by the Centers for (purified protein derivative) test – are protect employees from TB include iso-
Disease Control and Prevention for all offered to all employees at the Occupa- lating anyone suspected of having TB,
hospital health care workers. Additional- tional Health office in the East Building. and fitting all employees for the N-95
ly, JCAHO evaluates hospital screening They involve a subcutaneous injection of Mask. The mask contains a special fabric
procedures for infectious diseases. a serum, which creates a “bleb” or bub- that prevents TB germs from passing
ble under the skin. If the bubble disap- through to the wearer.
Myerson was not so boastful of the hos- pears after two or three days, the test is
pital’s compliance rate two years ago, considered negative. New employees “You can’t just use a surgical mask,”
when only 78 to 85 percent of all receive a second PPD two to three weeks Myerson said, adding that the N-95
employees were showing up for their later to confirm the negative result. Mask is only effective if it fits properly.
annual screenings. In August 2004, Health care workers who need to be fit-
Infection Control took its concerns If the bubble remains, a chest X-ray is ted for the N-95 Mask should contact
ordered to rule out the presence of TB in Occupational Health at x7-6781. N
Washington Hospital Center Ranks Among Nation’s
Best in Survey by U.S. News & World Report
Heart and Kidney Disease recognized. This is the highest rating of gories examined
Programs Cited any hospital in the immediate Washing- by surveyors. It
W
ashington Hospital Center ton metropolitan area. represents the top
has been named one of three percent of
U.S. News also selected the Hospital hospitals evaluated
“America’s Top Hospitals”
Center’s kidney disease program as one nationwide.
for its world renown cardiology and
of the nation’s 50 best for the treatment
cardiac surgery programs and its kidney
of kidney disease. All hospitals were judged on three equally
disease program in the annual survey of
weighted factors - reputation, mortality
best hospitals by U.S. News & World Of the more than 5,100 hospitals evalu- rate, and patient care-related factors
Report. ated nationwide by U.S. News & World including nursing and patient services.
Report, the Hospital Center is one of The 50 hospitals with the highest scores
The Hospital Center ranked number 18
only 176 hospitals to be ranked in more in each specialty are listed.N
on the list of 50 leading hospital-based
than one of the16 medical specialty cate-
cardiology and cardiac surgery programs
– 11 –
The 20-Year Club: New Inductees for 2006
W
ashington Hospital Centered honored 89 employees
this year who have worked for the organization
twenty years or more. The employees were recog-
nized at a special dinner and ceremony in which they were
inducted into the 20-Year Club, bringing the total member-
ship close to 900 employees.
President James Caldas applauded the newest members. “The
commitment, caring and experience of all of these employees
is remarkable. Their dedication to providing patient first
health care is an inspirational example of exceptional people Robert Alston, Belinda P. Amador,
providing exceptional service.” N Protective Services 3DH
To see the list of
new members of the
20-Year Club not
pictured, please go
to page 15.
Lisa W. Braswell, Kenneth D. Butler, Julian M. Careaga,
Arrhythmia Center Material Services Cost Accounting/Budgeting
Seung S. Cho, Rafina Chotoo, Kathleen Collins, Ina Devine,
Operating Room Professional Fee Billing Clinical Support Lab Coagulation
Wanda Elane,
Evelyn J. Egizi, Clinical Laboratory Denise J. Galbo, Lalit K. Gulati,
Anesthesiology Technical Chemistry Business And Provider Affairs Cost Accounting/Budgeting
– 12 –
20-Year Club (continued from page 12)
Valeria O. Habershon,
Production Control Sylvia Hester, Cecil A. Johnson,
Information Systems Anesthesiology Protective Services Yvonne J. Joyner, 5D
Bernadette P. Nicolas, Beth S. Orrell, Ellen S. Putla, Miriam L. Ratner, Cancer
Periop Patient Care Nurse Practitioner 5D Nursing Unit Institute Patient Services
Cecilia K. Sanniez, Arlene H. Sheets, Silvester Stokes, Sitadai Tiwari,
Operating Room Occupational Health Administrative Support Department of Medicine
Julie A. Trollinger, Diane L. Waak, Phyllis A. Walker, Bonita J. White,
Transplant Administration Periop Patient Care 4D Cardiac Catheterization Lab
– 13 –
Employee Giving Campaign
Patient First: Employees Making the Difference
B
ettye Carnathan has been an employee for 33 years, with
all of her service in Respiratory Therapy. During that
time, she’s come to view Washington Hospital Center as
her community.
“Just like the community where I live, this is the community
where I work,” Carnathan says. “Most employees are here for
more than a paycheck, so giving back to this community is
easy. Sometimes when you donate to charity, you aren’t sure
where it goes. Here at the Hospital Center, you know where the
money goes, and every day, we see some of the people who are
helped by our donations.”
Carnathan, manager, Pulmonary Services, adds that the hospital
has made it easy for employees to give. “Besides the annual
three week campaign, you can do a contribution at any time of
the year, and if you’re a manager, you can donate PTO hours.
You’ve given to help the hospital, and you get a tax deduction
as well.”
Carnathan’s take on employee giving isn’t a surprise. “Bettye is
a great clinician and manager,” says Joseph Lynott, director,
Respiratory Therapy, “and she is a special human being. She
has a deep compassion for others, and you can tell she is always
Bettye Carnathan Photo by Keith Weller
caring about our patients and those in our community.” N
DID YOU KNOW? funds, real estate, retirement plans, life insurance, tangible
personal property or will-bequest. And, your donation can
Employee giving takes place all year, not just during the
go back to your own department.
Employee Giving Campaign. The Foundation can accept
donations of cash, checks or gifts through credit cards. You To donate or for more information, contact the Foundation
may receive tax benefits through donations of stock, mutual at x7-6558.
Bowie Baysox Baseball
O
ver 300 employees, their fami-
lies and friends attended Hospi-
tal Center night at the Bowie
Baysox on Saturday, June 10. Folks who
attended were treated to a picnic and
music in the tailgate tent, received a free
baseball cap and enjoyed the ball game
and fireworks display afterward. The
free ball caps were given away in honor
of the Kansas City Monarchs, the Negro
League team that Jackie Robinson and
Satchel Paige played for before joining Above: Angela Gandy, financial counselor,
the Major Leagues. N Central Financial Clearance, pitches the ball
across home plate.
Left: Bowie Baysox pitcher Matt Bruback,
dressed to honor the Kansas City Monarchs,
poses with the entertainers.
– 14 –
Update
New Furniture Arrives
T
he first delivery of brand new patient room
furniture arrived in June for Hospital Center
patients. The updated furniture is being
delivered to all hospital units and includes new
over-bed tables, bedside tables and chairs. In addi-
tion to the patient room furniture, we will receive
our first shipment of 155 new beds. Also this
summer, the furniture in the lobby is being replaced
thanks to the generous donation of a board member.
Changes are also being made to improve the waiting
area near the main operating room. Pending fund-
ing approvals, these changes should be seen later
in the year.N
From Left to Right: Charlene Faku, RN; Taneeria Miller, Student Nurse; Derek
Abbott, Jr. PSA II; and Alexandra Alosh, Physical Therapist
20-Year Club (continued from page 13)
New members of the 20-Year Club not Joanne Fitterer, 4NE Peter M. Levit, MD, Pulmonary
pictured include: Iris L. Fordham, Linen Distribution Diseases
Elizabeth E. Gardner, Infection Control Clarence Lewis, 2G
Derek E. Abbott, Endoscopy
Kay Garrett, 3NW Kecia D. Mack, Customer Service
Rebekah R. Allely, Burn Rehabilitation
Mary George, Operating Room Mary E. May, Transplant Clinical
Jeffery T. Allen, Sterile Processing and Surgical
Margaret George-Morgan,
Inga P. Atchison, Emergency Depart- Eileen M. Mccormack, 3NE
Sterile Processing
ment
John C. Graham, Accounting Daniela D. Milstein, Delivery Room
Karen F. Barber, 3E
Paulette L. Gray, Delivery Room Alice Moore, Respiratory Therapy
Sonia A. Blackwood, Telemetry
Bertha D. Grigsby, Central Financial Patricia Novak, Radiology
Valerie Braden, Operating Room
Clearance Alice M. Nunemaker, Operating Room
Lillian S. Brown, Nursing Float Pool
Evelyn Hayden, Non-Invasive Michelle Ordone, 2NE
Nancy N. Bruce, Clinical Support Cardiology Sylvester Parker, Operating Room
Eugene D. Burch, Radiation Safety Karen A. Hogan, Clinical Supervisor Johnsie Petite, Professional Fee Billing
Office
Cheryl Holder, Clinical Laboratory Edward V. Platia, MD, Arrhythmia
Yolanda Burkley, Respiratory Therapy Technical Blood Bank Center
Perlita S. Constantino, Kevin C. Homewood, 2G Carmen Portillo, Sterile Processing
Clinical Resource Management
Wanda L. Jackson, Periop Patient Care Dina L. Rosenthal, 3H
Paula M. Coppedge, 5E
Rodney M. Jones, Patient And Martha Scheulen, MedSTAR 1G
Rachel M. Cross, 3DH Guest Services
Ira F. Smith, Nursing Ward
Deborah Davis, 2NW Susan O. Kennedy, Trauma Management
Kristin E. Delauney, 3rd Floor Administration
Myra D. Sumpter, 3rd Floor
Operating Room Anil K. Kishore, Pharmacy Operating Room
Richard E. Ellis, Lois R. Lamich, 4H Shirley West, CT Scan
Main Recovery Room PACU
Millicent Lawrence, 2C Douglas G. Windley-Frey, 3NE
Victoria C. Elmore, 2G
Patricia A. Levesque, 2G Sharon E. White, MedSTAR 1G
Eunice A. Finney, Endoscopy
Photos by Keith Weller
– 15 –
MedStar Health President/COO Delivers
“State of the System” Update
M
edStar President and Chief consumer assessment survey will “go
Operating Officer Kenneth A. live,” and hospitals will collect patient
Samet presented his semi- satisfaction data and submit their
annual “State of the System” update to results to CMS. Such scores will impact
Hospital Center managers in June. The Medicare reimbursement and will
forum provided Samet the opportunity include public reporting of patient satis-
to share current information about faction data. The first public reporting of
MedStar’s financial performance in the hospital performance will be available
current fiscal year, patient satisfaction online in late 2007 or early 2008.
scores and the details of several system-
wide initiatives. System-wide, MedStar currently has
underway several initiatives including
Samet shared that MedStar stands in an an upcoming Emergency Preparedness
overall positive position as it closes out Planning Workgroup that will be com-
FY06. The positive position includes prised of leadership members from
some variables including a decrease in across the system. These leaders will
overall admissions despite an increase in be tasked to develop a corporate crisis
Emergency Department volume system- management plan that collaborates and
Kenneth Samet, Medstar President and Chief
wide. The system is 0.7 percent behind Operating Officer Photo by Keith Weller supports individual site disaster plans.
budget for the fiscal year and, for the The workgroup will facilitate a tabletop
first time in three years, there was no around $125 million each year on strate- exercise for all hospitals this fall.
statistically-demonstrated “market gically-planned, routine capital expenses
growth.” Still, overall, MedStar expects “We have to make certain that we are
in order to continue to build and main-
to finish FY06 ended June 30 with net sharing best practices so we can know
tain the healthcare system.
revenue of about $2.7 billion, and how to bring the leverages of the system
employees can take pride in a system Mentioning how important it is that to make sure sister hospitals can help [in
that has achieved a $200 million, four- MedStar employees work to gain the the event of an emergency],” said Samet.
year turn-around in a difficult market. public’s trust, Samet outlined the sys-
Additionally, the MedStar leadership
tem’s plan for working with insurers and
Samet attributes the decline in admis- team has developed a council and five
third party payers who reimburse the
sions and the resulting behind-budget task forces focused on moving the system
organization for care provided. Yet he
status, in part, to a decrease in cardiology from “Good to Great,” by further creating
stressed the importance of noting that
and surgical patients at some MedStar a culture and organization that is deeply
while MedStar does try and collect legiti-
hospitals. He said the system must seek committed to clinical excellence, world-
mate bills within charity care/discount
the right mix of activity across the sys- class service and being an employer of
policies, MedStar hospitals never deny
tem, including focusing on outpatient choice. This effort was formally launched
anyone life-sustaining care based on
treatment and continuing to build public with the system’s senior managers in
their ability to pay.
trust in the MedStar name and to seek to June. Already this year, MedStar has
capture all revenue owed to the hospitals. Samet then reviewed current patient satis- proven its workforce excellence by being
While all MedStar hospitals continue to faction survey data from all MedStar named to the list of Best Places to Work
be successful, Washington Hospital Cen- hospitals, proudly noting the trend line in both the Washington Business Journal
ter and Georgetown University Hospital for three-year mean scores shows that and Baltimore Business Journal.
have achieved the progress necessary to patients receiving care within the system
By pointing out that MedStar hospital
make them the system’s two most suc- are more satisfied than ever. The trend
departments contributed almost 1,700
cessful hospitals during FY 06. lines were especially gratifying when com-
action plans after the 2004 Employee
pared to hospitals in other urban settings.
When it comes to capital spending, Satisfaction Survey, Samet emphasized
MedStar this year expects to spend over Managers also received an overview of the importance the system places on
$125 million on its hospitals, an increase the upcoming Hospital Consumer Assess- employee feedback. He then enthusias-
from the $115 million spent on capital ment of Health Providers and Systems tically shared that he and other system
expenses in FY 05. Samet confirmed that survey being implemented by the Centers leaders look forward to September’s
MedStar will need to continue to spend for Medicare and Medicaid Services Employee Satisfaction Survey.N
(CMS.) Beginning in October, the
– 16 –
Traffic Safety Officers Ease Traffic
Congestion On Weekday Mornings
P
reventive safety measures are
essential to managing a hectic traffic
environment, and heavy traffic
times at the Hospital Center are no
exception to this rule. The Department
of Protective Services assigns an officer
to direct traffic from 6:30 to 8 a.m. every
weekday morning to help vehicular and
pedestrian traffic move efficiently
through congested areas, especially at
the intersection of First Street, NW and
Hospital Center Way. In keeping with
the patient first mission of the hospital,
Sgt. Daniel Smith of Protective Services
urges employees to slow down, obey
traffic officers and show officers the
same level of respect as they would like
shown to them. Respecting the com-
mands of the traffic officer benefits
everyone by ensuring traffic flows
smoothly, safely and without incident.N Security officer Dwayne Kelley directs morning traffic.
Hospital Center and Washington Cancer Institute Set
Record at Komen Race for the Cure
E
mployees and family members who
participated in the Komen National
Race for the Cure in June set a
record for the event. More than 1,470
participants represented Washington
Hospital Center as Team MED. The
team was recognized at the event for
recruiting the largest group for the race.
Lorna DeLancy, outreach coordinator,
Washington Cancer Institute, lead the
record recruitment effort. Carol Ander-
son, billing and reimbursement coordi-
nator, Washington Cancer Institute, and
a breast cancer survivor, also helped sign
up employees for the annual event.N
– 17 –
Pump Up Your Iron To Donate Blood
T
he Donor Center is receiving interest from eager super- As you may know,
hero employees want to donate blood - but are turned summer is a slow
down because of a hemoglobin deficiency. time for blood
donations because
Don’t let this happen to you. To boost your iron levels to at many employees
least 12.5 d/gl or higher, eat more foods with a high iron take vacations and
content. Here are just a few of the foods you can choose from may be busy with
to increase your iron strength: family and friends.
In addition, there
Meats – hamburger, roast beef, pork, ham and beef liver
is a greater need
Fish – tuna, scallops for donations
because outdoor
Poultry – roast turkey, fried chicken activity is greater and
there are more vehicles
Fruits and vegetables – bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, on the roadways. This
tomatoes, raisins, strawberries, orange juice, apple juice, and translates to more accidents,
tomato juice more injuries and more blood transfusions.
Whole grains – bran flakes, cream of wheat, and oatmeal Our present supply isn’t keeping up with demand so your help
is needed. Discover your inner superhero strength and find the
will to donate. Your precious gift can save up to three lives.
Remember throughout the year, all donors receive two free
movie passes accepted by Loews, AMC theatres, or Cineplex
Odeon, and are entered into the year-end grand prize trip for
two to Las Vegas.
To donate, call the Blood Donor Center at x7-5250 or walk-in.
The Center is located in the main lobby at 110 Irving Street, NW
and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to
4 p.m.; and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. N
Patient Safety Fair
M
ore than 600 Hospital Center employees
participated in the Patient Safety Fair held
in the hospital courtyard in June. The
beach-themed fair provided employees with a bright,
festive and educational atmosphere. Participants
enjoyed beach music, a variety of healthy summer
foods, and even a chance to win an I-pod while tak-
ing part in a range of instructive activities focused on
reinforcing and improving patient safety. According
to Edwina Fowler, Quality Resources, there was
“overwhelmingly positive feedback” to the fair, which
will be held again next year in the spring. N
Kyung S. Han, RN, and Bridget Schall, RN, (seated), head nurse, Operating
Room, at the Universal Protocol table.
– 18 –
HR NEWS
Discount Tickets by contacting Cynthia Garrett, customer from Trinity, complete a hospital tuition
at Six Flags service, Suite 320, at 301-209-5500, application and begin work to take that
America Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Associate Degree to a Bachelors Degree.
Hospital Center For more information, please contact
For additional information about Bret Cameron, benefits manager, at
employees can now
discount tickets, contact Cheraisse Ward x7-7450 or call Trinity University
take advantage of
at x7-3192. For more information about admissions at 202-884-9400.
purchasing discount
Six Flags America, call 301-249-1500
Six Flags America
or visit them online at
tickets. Prices are listed below and offer Reduce Stress
www.sixflags.com/america.
significant savings off the regular gate
and Tension:
price of $54.99.
Get a Massage
Washington Hospital Center
To purchase tickets, please make a Relaxation On-Site,
Partners with Trinity University a well respected
personal check or money order payable
to Washington Hospital Center. Cost of Washington Hospital Center has part- professional massage
tickets (including tax), for ages 4 and nered with Trinity University to offer an at-work company,
older are: R.N. to B.S.N. program. Trinity Univer- is taking employees’
sity is located on Michigan Ave., just a reservations for
General Admission $26.00 few minutes from the hospital campus. on-campus seated massages offered the
Meal Voucher $8.39 This program offers registered nurses second and fourth Fridays of the month.
(meal voucher may be used to purchase with an Associate Degree the opportuni- Hours are between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
food in several eateries) ty to earn their B.S.N. and work full- The cost is $15 for 15 minutes. To make
time. Trinity will even consider work an appointment, call 202-276-7159.
Employees may purchase discount tickets
experience as a way of earning credits
in the Benefits Office located in the
toward your degree. Hospital Center
Human Resources suite in the East
RNs who are interested would need to
Building Monday through Friday from
meet with the admission representative
7:30-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m., or at P.G. Plaza
“Prince Ganey”
Contest Winners
C
ongratulations to Sherri Peterson, head nurse,
2NE, and her team for being the winners of the
“Prince Ganey” contest for June. The contest
honors one unit each month that has the highest com-
bined patient satisfaction nursing score and overall
nutrition score. The winners receive cake and have the
honor of displaying “Prince Ganey,” a large stuffed
green frog, for the month. The unit with the highest
combined quarterly score will receive a pizza party. N
– 19 –
Bulletin Board
President of MedStar Research is sponsoring the fundraiser for cancer
Institute To Retire research. There will be a non-competitive August is...
Barbara V. Howard, Kid’s Dash is at 8 a.m., with all partici-
PhD, has decided to pants winning a prize. At 8:15 a.m., the I Cataract Awareness Month
retire as president 5K Fun Run or Walk takes place. A hot I Children’s Eye and Safety Month
of MedStar breakfast buffet and awards ceremony
I Immunization Awareness Month
Research Institute will take place at 9 a.m. followed by door
after leading the prizes and a silent auction of goods and
organization for 15 services from Georgetown merchants, 1-7 Breastfeeding Week
years. Dr. Howard airlines and other groups. For details,
will continue her call 202-944-9163 or visit
4 Dental Awareness Day
research at the Institute as a senior scien- www.beatcancerdc.org.
tist. A search process is being developed 6 Kids Day
to find her successor and she will con- Cardiologist Receives White
House Honor 23 Health Unit Coordinator Day
tinue to serve as president until a new
one is appointed. Dr. Howard has over- The White House
seen the growth and development of the has named George
MedStar Research Institute for almost its Ruiz, MD, cardiol- September is...
entire history, including the period ogist, assistant pro-
before MedStar was formed in 1998. She fessor of medicine, I Baby Safety Month
has led the organization as it has grown as one of 14 White
I Cholesterol Education Month
in size and complexity, and as expecta- House fellows for
tions for excellence in all facets of the 2006-2007 class. I 5-A-Day “Colorful Fruits &
research have progressively risen. Dr. currently is an Vegetables” Month
attending physician in the Washington
I Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Walk For Cancer Research Adult Congenital Heart Center based at
The Annual 5K Terry Fox Fun Run/Walk Children’s National Medical Center/ I Head Lice Prevention Month
for Cancer Research will be held along Washington Hospital Center. He is a I Healthy Aging® Month
the historic C & O Canal in Georgetown graduate of Brown University and the
I Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
on Saturday, Sept. 16. No registration fee Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The
is required, but contributions are request- White House Fellows Program offers
ed. Registration begins at 7 a.m. on the exceptional individuals first-hand experi- 1-7 Childhood Injury
day of the event. The Four Seasons Hotel ence working at the highest levels of the Prevention Week
federal government.
10-16 Assisted Living Week
Washington Hospital Center James F. Caldas Lisa Wolfington
110 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010 President, Washington Acting Managing
www.whcenter.org Hospital Center Editor
Washington Hospital Center, a not-for-profit, acute care hospital, does not discriminate on Richard A. Weiss Contributing
grounds of race, religion, color, gender, physical handicap, national origin or sexual orientation. Chairman of the Writers
Board, Washington Jennifer Anderson
Mission Hospital Center Catherine Avery
Washington Hospital Center, a valued member of MedStar Health, is dedicated to delivering Rachel Christoferson
exceptional patient first health care. We provide the region with the highest quality and latest John P. McDaniel Annamarie DeCarlo
medical advances through excellence in patient care, education and research. CEO, MedStar Health Melanie Howard
Caitlin Thomas
CenterLine is produced by the Public Affairs department for employees of Lisa Wyatt Andrea Valenta, RN
Washington Hospital Center. Senior Vice President, Lisa Wolfington
Public Affairs Carol Yeh
Please send comments and suggestions to: jenny.steffens@medstar.net or
Diane Meyers Photos
lisa.wolfington@medstar.net
Director, Internal Keith Weller
This newsletter is printed by Washington Hospital Center Printing Services Communication
Jenny Steffens Graphic Design
Managing Editor Caroline Cruz
Editorial Board: Bret Cameron, Elizabeth Darnell,
Edwina Fowler, Kimberly Krakowski, Mark Lewis,
– 20 –
Brian Miller, LaChelle Robinson, Lynn Taylor