SOUTHERN VIRGINIA MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE August 2004
CONGRATULATIONS!
THANKS TO ALL
Words are not adequate to convey my heartfelt
appreciation to everybody involved in planning the
reception for me Monday morning. What a wonderful
surprise and official welcome! I continue to be
overwhelmed by the presence of so many, including
Commissioner Reinhard, who took time out from their
busy schedules to attend. I shall always remember Monday
as a very special day.
I am enjoying the best of all worlds now by being a part of
Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute and Danville These three ladies were placed on the “Most Wanted List”
Regional Medical Center as we work together for the several years ago and have been “doing time” ever
benefit of patients and our community. Thank you for since…giving time that is….Jerri Lynn, Ranjana and Christy have
allowing me this opportunity, and for the warm welcome all taken time from their regular job duties to assist the PSR
by everybody since my first day here on May 3rd. I am Program by inputting patient data, running schedules back to the
looking forward to our partnership becoming the model units and for providing an invaluable service….for this reason
that will be the envy of all across the Commonwealth. (and because their picture was so good as a trio) we are
acknowledging their contribution to our PSR Program. Each
Sincerely, received a hand-crafted piece of pottery provided by Wallace
Robinson, our own Amy Robinson’s dad…” So here’s to you Mr.
Bob Ashby, M.D. Robinson”…..thanks too, for providing such a nice incentive for
our staff. More staff incentives will be provided to those who
play the more active roles in support of our program….if you’d
like to nominate someone, please send your nomination and a
brief description of their contribution to any member of our
newly formed PSR Committee for consideration.
NEW PSR COMMITTEE ON THE ROLL…..
S
New members of the PSR Committee include Pam Meadows, Kevin
Earle, Amy Robinson, Tina Scott, Loretta Abbott, Deborah Walker,
VMHI staff were sad to bid farewell to our
Brenda Allen, Susan Goard, Susan Nichols and Randy Owen.
Pharmacist, Diane Hudson, as of July 30. We Additional staff may be called in on a PRN basis for consultation as
will miss that perky walk, bright smile and needs arise. The committee is presently working on a master plan to
encouraging word that she had for everyone. We are present to the Administrative Team for consideration. Don’t be
happy, however, that she is going to a job that will surprised if you begin to see changes made in efforts to support our
current program.
allow her more time at home to pursue other interests.
An enjoyable pizza luncheon and basket of goodies was We are all working for a common goal and everyone is viewed as an
given to Diane on July 20 by staff . We will miss her essential component of our program approach. You may be called
but wish her the very best!! upon to assist in ways you never considered before….please help out
when called upon…..our patients need your support and so do
Jerri Phillips we……thanks!!
Randy Owen
JULY 2004 VIDEO RECORDINGS
National Health Observances
Safety: Balanced Scorecard in Healthcare
Patient Education: Natural Age Changes-Taste
National Immunization Awareness
Patient Education: Parkinson’s Disease: Treatment
National Minority Donor Awareness and Research
Other Topics: Pharmacology and the Elderly, Part
1: Drug Actions
FOR YOUR INFORMATION Mark Your Calendars
PSYCHCME TV AN APPRAISAL OF THE IMPACT OF COMORBID SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND ANXIETY DISORDERS,Cephalon
Wednesday, August 4, 2004 12 noon- 1:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
In this evidence-based psychCME TV activity, clinical research experts will evaluate data on comorbid sleep
disturbances with certain anxiety disorders and suggest treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK STABILIZING THE PATIENT: A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF DOSING IN ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTICS,
Pfizer
Thursday, August, 5th 12 noon- 1:00 p.m. Webb Lunch
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK TITLE TBA, Eli Lilly
Tuesday, August 10th 12 noon- 1:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
NEW HIRE ORIENTATION
Tues, Aug. 10th & Wed. Aug. 11th 8:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m. BB-9
All new hires are required to attend all aspects (two days) of orientation unless otherwise determined by the
Director of Staff Development and/or Director of Nursing Education. Presented by Pam Meadows, Sylvia
Mcfarling, Randy Owen, Stanley Cousins, Robin Crews, Human Resources and Sheena Kirby.
POLYCOM PORT GUIDELINES FOR TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA, Anthony Lehman, MD
Wednesday, August 11th 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. B.J. Library
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
BACK INJURY TRAINING
Wednesday, August 11th 2:15 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. BB-9
Sheena Kirby will present Back Injury training. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK BIPOLAR DISORDER AND IT’S COMORBIDITIES: RATIONAL USE OF COMBINIATION TREATMENTS,
AstraZeneca
Tuesday, August 17th 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. B.J. Library
The use of combination therapies and new data related to the efficacy of these treatment strategies for persons
diagnosed with bipolar disorder with comorbid conditions. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign
up.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS and PPD TESTING
Tuesday, August 17th 3:30 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Pam Meadows, R.N. will present training in Bloodborne Pathogens. Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email
to sign up.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION Mark Your Calendars
MANDATED TRAINING TOVA (THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS OF VIRGINIA)
Tues.,Aug. 17th & Wed.,Aug. 18th 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
PSYCHCME A SURGEON’S GENERAL REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF RACE, ETHNICITY AND CULTURE ON MENTAL ILLNESS, Wyeth
Wednesday, August 18th 12 noon- 1:00 p.m. B.J. Library
In this evidence-based psychCME TV activity, the experts will frame the societal, metabolic, racial, and ethnic
issues that affect the optimal treatment of mental illness.Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign
up.
MANDATED TRAINING CPR
Tuesday, August 24th 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
EDUCATIONAL IN-SERVICE TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED, Janssen
Wednesday, August 25th 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. Webb Lunch
Contact Sheena Kirby at ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
NEW HIRE ORIENTATION
Wed.Aug. 25th & Thurs.,Aug. 26th 8:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m. BB-9
All new hires are required to attend all aspects (two days) of orientation unless otherwise determined by the
Director of Staff Development and/or Director of Nursing Education. Presented by Pam Meadows, Sylvia
Mcfarling, Randy Owen, Stanley Cousins, Robin Crews, Human Resources and Sheena Kirby.
BACK INJURY TRAINING
Thursday, August 26th 2:15 p.m.- 3:00 p.m BB-9
Sheena Kirby will present Back Injury training. Call ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
COMMONHEALTH PROGRAM MAXIMIZING YOUR METABOLISM
August 31, 2004 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Norman Auditorium
Can you ‘rev your engines’ and increase your metabolism? In this program you will learn the effects of exercise and
diet on metabolism. After attending this program you will be able to develop a plan to maintain or improve your
metabolic rate. Make the most of what you’ve got. This program contains a challenge that will begin on September
1st. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will receive a free incentive. Contact Sheena Kirby at
ext. 4232 or via email to sign up.
6 Simple Steps to Help Fight Depression
By Richard O'Connor, PhD
1. Get help. Don't be ashamed of needing medication,
and don't give up until you find something that helps.
And see a therapist.
2. Identify your feelings and moods. Depression is
a self-destructive effort to avoid feeling. Accept that
emotions are natural and helpful. Learn that mood
changes don't come "out of the blue" — they are always
started by an event, a memory, a dream. Use the Mood
Journal to identify what starts your mood changes.
3. Challenge depressed thinking. People with
depression remember and blame themselves for bad
events, while they forget about and give others credit for LaShiaka Coleman 8/02
good events. Their low expectations mean they often
don't prepare adequately and give up too easily. Worst, Fern Hammock 8/02
they think they are essentially different — damaged
somehow — from other people. These are all learned
Robert Mitchell 8/02
habits of thought that can be unlearned. Pay attention to Forrest Burton 8/03
your assumptions and beliefs.
Elizabeth Shelton 8/04
4. Let others know. Depressives fear intimacy more
than most people. We put on masks for the world, Pauline Wasiuk 8/06
because we believe our true selves to be shameful,
unworthy. But this belief is wrong. When we're with Pat Bradford 8/08
Leslie Hodnett 8/08
someone we can trust, sharing our thoughts and feelings
— even if they seem unimportant — is good for us.
5. Take care of your self. Learn to pay attention to Cathy Morton 8/11
messages from your body. Depressives abuse themselves
by not eating right, not exercising, then expecting to
Janet Demott 8/11
work 12 hours straight. They will deny a minor ache or Mary Stone 8/12
pain until they have an ulcer or a chronic back
condition. Take time for moderate exercise, eat healthy Faye Harris 8/12
but delicious meals, and allow yourself some pleasure in
life. Nancy Harmon 8/14
6. Practice detachment. We spend far too much time Pravin Patel 8/15
Mary Shelton 8/19
and effort trying to control things that aren't worth the
struggle. Many things that worry us are really
unimportant; we've just gotten over involved and lost our
bearings. We may find that we're trying to change things
James Brockmond 8/29
that we realistically cannot change. Instead of battering David White 8/30
your head against a brick wall, learn to walk away.
Kelly Thompson 8/30
www.mental-health-matters.com
Phyllis Myrick 8/30
Martha Crider 8/30
“Show me a thoroughly satisfied James Garrett 8/31
man and I will show you a
failure” HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
-Thomas A. Edison “We grow neither better or worse as
we get old, but more like ourselves”
-May L. Becker, Author
community and Danville Regional Medical Center.
Senator Charles Hawkins focused on how vital the
RECEPTION survival of SVMHI is to the community. He noted Dr.
Ashby was a pillar in the community and would bring
valuable leadership to SVMHI.
On Monday, July 19, 2004, a surprise reception was held in
the Webb Activity Center welcoming our newly appointed Dr. Ashby expressed his appreciation to staff and
Medical Director, Dr. B.R. (Bob) Ashby. Invited guests and guests for the surprise reception. Dr. Ashby said he
staff were treated to refreshments prepared and served by has always envisioned a partnership between the
SVMHI’s Food Service. hospitals. “When the opportunity of becoming
medical director at SVMHI came up, I thought this
could be the fulfillment of the dream I had since the
David Lyon opened the reception by welcoming early “70s”. Dr. Ashby noted the community
guests and staff. Mr. Lyon introduced Dr. Ashby services board serves as the third “key partner,”
and explained the role of Medical Director, which since it is involved in the admittance and discharge
will include managing an innovative partnership of patients at SVMHI. “It’s a two-way street,”
between SVMHI and Danville Regional Medical Ashby said. “The bottom line is to provide better
Center, intended to provide state-of-the-art care for patient care in a more efficient, timely manner.”
persons with serious mental illnesses who are
treated by both the public and private sectors in the Other invited guests who attended the reception
area. This partnership will work in cooperation were: Dr. Ashby’s wife Mary Frances (Fran) Ashby;
with Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services. Mayor John Hamlin; City Manager Jerry Gwatney;
Both hospitals and Danville-Pittsylvania Arlene Creasy, Administrator Social Security;
Community Services are working together to Danville Community College President, Dr. Carl
coordinate better treatment for the mentally ill and Ramsey; Danville Police Chief Phillip Broadfoot;
those with behavioral problems. Cyndy Lyon; Betty Franklin, Aid to Delegate Danny
Marshall; Van Avery, Director Mental Health
Mr. Lyon expressed his gratitude to Pfizer Association; Lenard Lackey and Jim Bebeau, DPCS;
Pharmaceutical Company and our representative Jules Modlinski, PhD and Joyce Willis, Southside
Mary Frances Elam for sponsoring the event. Community Services Board; Jim Tobin, Piedmont
Community Services; Betty Brown & Sharon
Dr. Sorina Rodgers was recognized for her Yeatts, Danville Regional Medical Center
exceptional job as Acting Medical Director and Behavioral Health Unit; Gwen Edwards, City
recent appointment as SVMHI’s Assistant Medical Manger’s Office; Barbara Helmet, Danville-Pitts.
Director. Dr. Ashby expressed his admiration for Community Policy Board; and Darren Sweeny,
Dr. Rodgers for her assistance and guidance while Danville Register and Bee.
he’s becoming familiar with the facility’s operation. Monday afternoon, WBTM and WAKG news
reporter Jack Garrett aired a report covering Dr.
Ashby accepting the role as Medical Director for
Dr. James Reinhard, Senator Charles
SVMHI.
Hawkins, Delegate Danny Marshall and
Retired Director, Dr. Connie Fletcher were
guest speakers. On Tuesday, July 20, 2004, The Danville Register
and Bee ran a front-page article titled, “Dr. Ashby
Dr. James Reinhard, DMHMRSAS Commissioner, takes on Dual Role”.
said relationships between care providers will “save
the system.” “We have been trying to make the
relationships between the state hospitals and the Naomi Gibson, Volunteer Services Director and
Administrative Assistant to David Lyon
community services board much, much stronger.
The bottom line is we need all three components to
be healthy.”
Delegate Danny Marshall spoke on the subject of
Dr. Ashby’s many accomplishments within the
Goal: Improve the safety of using infusion pumps.
SVMHI DOES NOT USE INFUSION PUMPS.
Ensure free-flow protection on all general-use
and PCA (patient controlled analgesia)
intravenous infusion pumps used in the
organization.
2005 Hospital National Patient Safety Goals Goal: Reduce the risk of health care-associated
infections.
Note: New Goals and Requirements are indicated in
Comply with current Centers for Disease Control
bold.
and Prevention (CDC) hand hygiene guidelines.
Manage as sentinel events all identified cases of
unanticipated death or major permanent loss of
Goal: Improve the accuracy of patient identification. function associated with a health care-
Use at least two patient identifiers (neither to be associated infection.
the patient's room number) whenever
administering medications or blood products; Goal: Accurately and completely reconcile
taking blood samples and other specimens for medications across the continuum of care.
clinical testing, or providing any other treatments
During 2005, for full implementation by
or procedures.
January 2006, develop a process for
obtaining and documenting a complete list of
Goal: Improve the effectiveness of communication the patient's current medications upon the
among caregivers. patient's admission to the organization and
For verbal or telephone orders or for telephonic with the involvement of the patient. This
reporting of critical test results, verify the process includes a comparison of the
complete order or test result by having the medications the organization provides to
person receiving the order or test result "read- those on the list.
back" the complete order or test result. A complete list of the patient's medications is
Standardize a list of abbreviations, acronyms communicated to the next provider of service
and symbols that are not to be used throughout when it refers or transfers a patient to
the organization. another setting, service, practitioner or level
Measure, assess and, if appropriate, take of care within or outside the organization.
action to improve the timeliness of reporting,
and the timeliness of receipt by the Goal: Reduce the risk of patient harm resulting from
responsible licensed caregiver, of critical test falls.
results and values.
Assess and periodically reassess each
patient's risk for falling, including the
Goal: Improve the safety of using medications. potential risk associated with the patient's
Remove concentrated electrolytes (including, medication regimen, and take action to
but not limited to, potassium chloride, potassium address any identified risks.
phosphate, sodium chloride >0.9%) from patient
care units. Robin D. Crews
Standardize and limit the number of drug robin.crews@svmhi.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov
concentrations available in the organization.
Identify and, at a minimum, annually review
a list of look-alike/sound-alike drugs used in
the organization, and take action to prevent
errors involving the interchange of these
drugs.
"If we did all the things we were capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves."
— Thomas Edison
SVMHI’s Staff Gives The Gift of Life! A
The rarest type is the one that we are the lowest on at
SVMHI had eighteen staff members and two family
any given time! Statistically, Type AB is the rarest, but
members that participated in the Blood Drive on July 29,
the blood supply level fluctuates from day to day
2004. Great Job!!!
depending on the number of blood donations received
and the number of patients requiring a blood
transfusion. During the holidays and in the summer,
blood supply levels tend to fall because donations
decline while the usage remains the stable or even
increases.
What You Should Know About
Giving Blood
Q Is it safe to give blood?
A It is extremely safe. A medical professional will prepare your
arm, and we only use new, sterilized needles. They are
thrown away after being used. There is no chance of I would like to express a very special
contracting AIDS or any other disease as a result of giving thank you to everyone who helped in
blood. making the reception for Dr. Ashby such a
Q How long does it take? big success!
A Under normal circumstances, donating blood takes less A BIG “THANK YOU” TO ALL THE KITCHEN STAFF! THEY REALLY
than 45 minutes. When you arrive for your TOOK ON A BIG TASK OF HANDLING ALL THE PREPARATION AND
appointment, you'll be asked some medical questions to SERVING THE FOOD FOR THE RECEPTION. I CAN’T EXPRESS WHAT
be sure that it's appropriate for you to donate at this A WONDERFUL JOB THEY ALL DID IN MAKING THIS EVENT A HIT!
time. Your vital signs will be checked, and your general
state of health determined. You'll then be ready for the WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!!!!
actual donation, which many people consider quite
restful. You'll then be given some light refreshment. CHEF’S HATS OFF TO A JOB WELL DONE!!!
Q How often can I donate? A very special thank you to:
A I like the way you're thinking! You can donate every Vicky Law, Jay Crews, Rod Howerton, Barry Reynolds,
eight weeks, a maximum of 6 times a year. We have a Kelly Thompson, Deborah Johnson and Leandra
number of wonderful people who give that regularly,
and I don't know what we'd do without them.
Gunn
Q I have a medical condition, and I'm not sure I should Barbara Apple and Dorothy Pool for coming in on
give blood. Sunday & performing wonders in the Webb!
A Well, that depends on what the condition is. For
example, people with high blood pressure taking Brian Isom, David Johnson, Robert Chilton and Buddy
medication are eligible to donate. Approximately 60 Sigmon for handling parking.
percent of the population is eligible to donate; only
five percent actually does. Come to the center and see Jerri Lynn Phillips, Ranjana Clark, Robin Crews,
whether you're eligible to donate before assuming that Bobbie Grogan, Roanna Deal, Randy Owen,
you can't. Priscilla Sims, Connie Gibson and Sammy Loftis
Q What's the rarest type of blood? for your help!
A.T. Staff for providing the music, the use of the gym
and rescheduling the activities for the day!
I would also like to thank all the staff that attended
and supported this event!
A very special “Thank You” to Mary Frances Elam
and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company for sponsoring
this event. Without their support such a stylish event
couldn’t have taken place.
Thank you Pfizer!
Once again, thank you all! Naomi Gibson