ProMedica Health System: INSIDE

Why Stewardship Matters to Our CEO

When Inside first interviewed Randy Oostra, DM, FACHE, he said he plans to focus on stewardship, one of ProMedica Health System’s core values. Now we’ve asked our president and chief executive officer to tell us why he thinks this type of service is so important for our organization.

“ProMedica does a lot of great things for the community—as a system and through the many ways our employees and physicians give back,” states Randy. “ProMedica exists not only to meet the health and wellness needs of the community, but also to serve the community in a larger sense. I can see that our employees at every level understand this.”

“Traditionally, people look to hospitals—along with schools and churches—as cornerstones of their communities,” he continues. “This role comes with a serious responsibility—how we help meet the needs of the communities and people we serve, whenever possible.”

Many of us think of the Circle of Care employee giving campaign when we think of making a philanthropic gift, or donating money to support a cause. To date, 100% of Management Town Hall—a first for ProMedica—and more than 1,100 employees have pledged almost $300,000 to the 2010 campaign.

“I think it’s important for everyone to understand the magnitude of their gifts to the ProMedica Foundations through Circle of Care,” Randy stresses. “These funds go directly to support patient care and community health services, with a focus on indigent care for 2010. In these tough economic times, these dollars are critical.”

“Stewardship is about more than financial contributions, though,” he continues. “It can be respectfully using resources—within the organization or the environment. We also work in health care because we value helping others, whether it’s on the hospital floor, in a physician’s office, at a business office, in the cafeteria, on the phone, or at a computer.”

ProMedica reaches out to others through health education and screenings, and support for programs and activities to benefit the community. Randy cites ProMedica’s Fields of Green signature initiative to combat the obesity epidemic in our region as an example of how he sees our community outreach presence continuing to grow.

“I have great appreciation for everyone who supports our outreach efforts—whether it’s part of your job duties or something you’ve stepped up to do,” comments Randy. “I also commend our employees and physicians for their community involvement outside of work. Volunteering on boards for several local nonprofit organizations is very rewarding for me personally. And, I know many of you choose to volunteer your personal time, as well.”

“Especially at this time of year, I offer my sincere thanks to each of you for dedicating your time and talent to advancing ProMedica’s mission to improve the health of the patients and communities we serve. Together, we are making a difference.”

Randy encourages you to contact him directly with your questions and feedback at randy.oostra@promedica.org.

Editor’s Note: Randy will continue to address relevant topics in Inside. If you have suggestions for future topics, please send them to inside@promedica.org. We value your input.

Your Results Are In

Results from the 2009 System-wide Employee Opinion Survey are in, and overall employee satisfaction scores are up since the first survey conducted in 2007. Our scores for the system compare favorably with norms from the survey vendor’s (Newmeasures, Inc.) database of more than 1 million employees from other health care systems across the nation.

The majority of business unit scores went up, too. Fostoria Community Hospital stood out, with business unit scores in the top 10% nationally of the survey vendor’s database. Supervisors are sharing survey results with employees at department meetings.

More than 7,615 employees took the survey in September. ProMedica Health System will use the group survey data as a measuring stick to set goals to make this an even better place to work. Driving factors have been identified for business units and some departments to work on between now and the next survey in 2011.

Progress reports from these business units and departments will be posted quarterly on the same quality dashboard that ProMedica uses to measure patient satisfaction scores. Employees will be randomly invited to take brief online surveys to help measure progress, too.

The Latest on Health Care Reform

As the debate on national health care reform continues, ProMedica Health System will continue to update you on this evolving legislation.

As a ProMedica employee, it’s important for you to understand the issues that will impact how our system conducts business. We appreciate your continued interest and involvement in this issue of critical importance to ProMedica and the health care industry. To learn more about health care reform, you can visit the “Advocacy” page of www.promedica.org or check these reputable sites:

• www.ohanet.org
• www.ohiochildrenshospitals.org
• www.mha.org
• www.aha.org
• www.politifact.com
• http://www.kff.org/healthreform/sidebyside.cfm

Recently, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R.3962) was narrowly approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. It provides for these key elements:

• Individual Mandate: Requires all Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty of 2.5% of gross adjusted income. Under the bill, an individual making $40,000/year would pay a penalty of $1,000 if they chose not to have health insurance.

• Employer Mandate: Requires employers to offer health insurance to all eligible employees. Employers must pay at least 72% of the premium cost for single coverage and 65% for family coverage. The penalty for not providing health insurance is 8% of average wages paid during the enrollment period. If an employer has average wages of $1 million, the tax would be $80,000.

• Public Option: Establishes a government-run health insurance product to provide health insurance in the event an individual does not have access to another form of insurance. A recent Congressional Budget Office score stated that this would affect about 2% of the American population.

• National Risk Pool: Prior to the implementation of the Public Option in 2013, the bill creates a national high-risk pool for individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months and cannot gain access to insurance.

• Guaranteed Coverage: Prevents insurance companies from engaging in discriminatory practices that enable them to refuse to sell or renew policies due to an individual’s health status. Limits on pre-existing conditions prevent insurance companies from excluding coverage of treatments for pre-existing health conditions.

• Eliminates lifetime benefits.

• Establishes a reinsurance program for retirees.

• Establishes a Health Exchange for those who cannot afford health insurance or if their employer does not offer it. The public option is a government-sponsored part of the health exchange.

• Medical Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account Changes: Removes over-the-counter drugs as qualified medical expenses in high-deductible plans. Requires individuals to purchase over-the-counter drugs with taxed income. This provision will generate an estimated $8.2 billion over the 10-year period to help fund the health care reform package.

• Skilled Nursing Facility Changes: Increases non-therapy ancillary service payments by 10% and reduces therapy caps by 5.5%, effective 2010.

• Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Payments: Reduces DSH payments if there is a “significant reduction” in the uninsured (8% from 2012 – 2014). Beginning 2017, DSH could be reduced by 50% depending on the rate of reduction of the uninsured.

• Adult Day Care: Makes adult day care services Medicaid-eligible

• Implementation of the CLASS Act for older adults: Allows individuals to pay into the CLASS Independence fund a premium that will help pay for long-term care services. An individual is vested after five years of premium payment.

• Medicaid Expansion: Increases the eligibility of Medicaid to 150% of poverty, meaning a family of four making $33,075 would be eligible for Medicaid.

More recently, the U.S. Senate reached the 60 votes needed to bring the bill that combines measures produced by the Senate Finance Committee (S. 1796) and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (S. 1679) to the floor for debate.

Many contentious issues are contained in the Senate bill, and hearings and debate may take several weeks. ProMedica will continue to monitor the process and keep employees apprised of developments.

This Department’s “Got Ideas”

What is the secret to The Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children’s Hospital (TTH/TCH) dietary services’ success submitting award-winning suggestions to ProMedica Health System’s Got Ideas? Employee Involvement Program? Inside recently visited the department to find out.

Jim Edge and Nancy Konopka

Jim Edge: $4,000 Got Ideas? Award-winner

“Other departments ask me what I did,” says Jim Edge, inventory control coordinator, of his idea to save $40,000 a year by eliminating the need for a dumpster to dispose of cardboard. “I tell them you can’t just have an idea; you have to have a solution.”

Jim brought his dietary coworkers in on his solution, asking them to break down boxes as they’re used and put them in a container. Then he asked materials management to help by picking up the cardboard on an existing daily run and disposing of it in their bailer already located at the Distribution Center.

“Jim’s idea is successful, because he stuck behind it even after receiving the award,” reminds Nancy Konopka, manager. She commends Jim for continuing to work with his coworkers and materials management, who also deserve credit for their support.

When asked about his motivation to participate in Got Ideas?, Jim says he’s been with ProMedica for 33 years and thinks it’s in everyone’s best interest to spend company money wisely. “This is a great opportunity to get rewarded for doing that,” says Jim.

Mike Wilkins, vice president, professional and support services, TTH/TCH; Linda Dean; Kevin Webb, PhD, FACHE, president, TTH/TCH; Robin Matteson; and Pat Howard

Linda Dean: $300 Got Ideas? Award-winner

“I wasn’t really thinking about Got Ideas? when I brought it up,” says Linda Dean, trayline worker, of her idea to save about $3,000 annually by replacing Styrofoam with reusable containers for side dishes on patient trays. “Then they encouraged me to submit it.”

Pat Howard, director, says Linda’s supervisor helped her submit her suggestion online. “Not everyone works with a computer every day, but that shouldn’t stop them from submitting good ideas,” he notes.

“Also, the significance in savings isn’t always obvious at first,” Pat adds. “Like Linda’s idea—it was unexpected—until you sit down and do the math.”

Linda advises, “Don’t be afraid to bring something up if you think it’s a good idea.”

Robin Matteson: $1,200 Got Ideas? Award-winner

“I’m always thinking of ways to save money—at home and at work,” says Robin Matteson, support coordinator, of her idea to make staffing more efficient in their Parkway Café, which she researched by running reports to compare profitability to hours of staffing.

Pat says Robin’s idea was a great fit for Got Ideas?, because she did the research and then the employee involvement program review process gave Pat and Nancy the opportunity to further evaluate her statistics and proposal to figure out what it would take to implement it.

They found a way to reduce hours in the Parkway Café through attrition, without eliminating staff or cutting back hours, resulting in a savings of about $12,000 annually.

More Words of Advice

“Got Ideas? is great for a lot of reasons,” according to Pat. “When employees have an opportunity to be rewarded, it’s good for morale, it’s good for teamwork, and it’s good for the individual receiving the reward.”

All three of the award-winning ideas from this department produced significant, measurable savings, but Pat and Nancy remind everyone that not all ideas have to be big-money winners to be good for the organization.

Pat and Nancy also believe in being receptive to good ideas, no matter where they come from. “As leaders, we can’t feel threatened that an employee thought of an idea we ‘should’ have thought of,” says Nancy.

Bottom line, they say, is that it still benefits the department and the organization when they can reduce cost and improve efficiencies. “If it makes us more competitive, more efficient,” Pat states. “We all have a stake in that.”

They also credit the department as a whole for being receptive to implementing the suggestions. “All three ideas take a little more work for everyone,” says Pat. “But when everyone does their part, it’s manageable.”

“Overall, we have such great teamwork and show such support for each other,” says Nancy. “I think that’s what makes this successful.”

Critical Care Collaboration Improves Outcomes, Saves Lives

A unique partnership between bedside caregivers and the eICU^® ProMedica team is enhancing patient care, maximizing clinical outcomes and saving lives throughout ProMedica Health System.

In fact, a recent retrospective study comparing pre and post eICU^® ProMedica program implementation data demonstrates how this collaborative relationship is making a difference in the lives of our patients. The impressive results include:

• 50% reduction in ICU mortality.
• 22% reduction in ICU length of stay.
• 600 lives saved to date (APACHE-predicted minus actual deaths).

“In Ohio, there are only three hospitals/health systems that have eICU technology. ProMedica is one of those health systems. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, this technology was featured. Given the shortage of intensive care physicians, this technology has far reaching implications for stretching available physician resources. Additionally, eICU^® ProMedica has significantly improved survival and outcomes for patients in intensive care units,” says Kathy Carlson, MD, president, physician services and clinical integration, ProMedica.

Launched in June 2006, eICU^® ProMedica is a sophisticated telemedicine program which, in cooperation with hospital critical care teams, provides advanced safety measures for patients in adult ICUs by remotely monitoring patient conditions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

From its central operations room in Conrad Jobst Tower on the campus of The Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children’s Hospital, the eICU^® ProMedica team serves ProMedica’s critical care units much like an air traffic control tower serves pilots and flight crews. Through the use of powerful computers, special cameras, microphones, and software, the eICU staff makes “virtual rounds” and responds real-time to changing patient conditions by communicating seamlessly with bedside ICU physicians and nurses.

From a patient care perspective, the partnership provides acute patients with the extra layer of support and attention they need around the clock. “It’s nice to know that someone has their eyes on your critically ill patients while you are providing care for your other patients,” says Teresa Fisher, RN, patient care supervisor, critical care unit, Bay Park Community Hospital.

Holiday Eating: Staying Slim this Season

Most Americans gain weight during the holidays, but you don’t need to be one of them. Read on for some ways you can keep your eating habits on track this season, recommended by the ProMedica Employee Wellness Program …

Snack pre-party. Eat lighter during the day, but be sure to eat three – four times throughout the day. Have small snacks that are low in calories and high in fiber.

Choose your food wisely. When you get to a party, check out all the choices and select one – two high-calorie dishes that you’ll have only a small portion of. Then fill half of your plate with vegetables so there is room for only small amounts of the high-calorie foods.

Give away leftovers. If you’re the one doing the entertaining, plan on offering your guests any leftovers that are high in calories. Hang onto the healthier stuff that you can use for lunch and dinner during the week ahead.

Make time for meals. It’s especially important this time of year. By filling up on low-calorie foods during regular meals, you’ll have an easier time keeping portions of sweets and other high-calorie foods under control.

Exercise for 10 minutes, three times a day. This can burn calories and help prevent weight gain. Exercise in small increments is still effective for weight control. Even though you’re busy, try to squeeze in a quick lunchtime walk or make a point to take the stairs a few times a day.

Give to those in need. When you receive more food gifts than you can healthily consume—cookie tins or other wrapped and sealed goodies—give the excess to a local food bank. You’ll feel good about sharing your treats with people less fortunate, while saving yourself from the unneeded calories.

Don’t try to lose weight during the holidays. Focus on maintaining your current weight. And, continue watching what you eat and exercising even if you occasionally slip up.

You can help yourself and your loved ones avoid weight gain during the holidays by cooking healthier. Leadership, chefs, dietitians, and staff from the dietary departments across ProMedica Health System share their best healthy holiday recipes with you on the ProMedica Employee Wellness Program’s “Recipe Contest” page on myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org). You can also enter your favorite healthy appetizer recipe in December’s Healthy Recipe Contest, now – Tues., Dec. 15!

Follow these tips to make your own holiday favorites a little healthier:
• Use one-third the amount of fat or butter called for in recipes for gravies, sauces, puddings, quick breads, and mashed potatoes.

• Baste meats with wine, fat-fee broth and fruit juices, and use extra herbs and spices, instead of high-calorie, high-fat flavorings.

• Reduce the amount of sugar in recipes for sweets by up to half the amount called for, and use sugar substitutes when able.

• Use applesauce or fruit puree instead of oil in muffins and cakes.

• Substitute dried fruit for chocolate in cookie recipes.

• Substitute 3 Tablespoons of cocoa plus 1 Tablespoon of oil for 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate.

• Replace two whole eggs with four egg whites or one-half cup of egg substitute.

Visit the ProMedica Employee Wellness Program department page on myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) for more information about nutrition and other wellness resources.

H1N1 Update

Temporary visitation restrictions are currently in place at all ProMedica Health System hospitals. Children 17 years old or younger and visitors who have flu-like symptoms are not permitted into ProMedica hospitals. Flu-like symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees or greater and a cough or sore throat.

The restrictions went into effect Oct. 29 in response to the increasing number of flu cases in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. They will remain in place throughout flu season to prevent the spread of H1N1 and other viruses to patients, visitors and health care workers.

Prevention is key. Remember to follow these everyday steps:
• Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue into the trash. Or, cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Or, clean hands often with alcohol wipes or hand sanitizers.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

For additional information, including “Just In Time” education, visit ProMedica’s H1N1 micro site at www.promedica.org/h1n1. Watch for flu updates via employee e-mails, department and myProMedica postings, as well as updates from your supervisor. ProMedica is committed to keeping our employees and physicians up-to-date on the most recent H1N1 news.

News Briefs

New IT Service Desk Features Available

In an effort to solve everyone’s technical problems as fast and fair as possible, ProMedica’s information technology (IT) department has launched several new Service Desk features. You can now submit service tickets for non-critical IT problems online via the “Service Desk – Self Service” tool. Log on to myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) and go to the “Information Technology” department page; then click “Service Desk – Self Service” in the left-side menu. Click “New Issue” and fill in the required fields. Once you click “Submit,” your ticket will be immediately routed to Service Desk personnel to ensure a quick follow up from an IT analyst. Critical issues and password resets must still be handled over the phone.

Also new to the IT page is the system status chart, announcing real-time information about the availability of major computer systems. Check out these other resources offered on the IT page, as well—a troubleshooting link for common technical dilemmas; a link for helpful tips and suggestions for e-mail, phones, etc.; and a “How do I” instruction page for Service Desk – Self Service.

ProMedica Challenges You to Start! Walking

Beginning Dec. 1 and throughout 2010, ProMedica Health System is proud to be the northwest Ohio sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Start! Movement. The premise of Start! is simple: walk more, eat well, and you’ll live longer.

Start! is designed to encourage all Americans to take up walking and other healthy habits as a part of their daily routine all year round, and to live longer, stronger heart-healthy lives. Worksite wellness programs engage employees in activities that maximize their potential for health and well-being, and encourage friendship, motivation and support. Start!’s web site provides many tools to help keep you on track including maps to walking paths in our communities, a tracking tool to log your times or distances traveled, recipes for healthy eating, helpful exercise tips, ways to connect with “Sole-Mates” to walk with on your way to health, and much more. Visit http://www.startwalkingnow.org.

ProMedica’s goal, along with national sponsors, Subway^®, Healthy Choice^® and AstraZeneca^®, is to inspire heart-healthy change in our families, colleagues and local communities. Watch www.promedica.org for more information about this exciting program in the weeks to come.

ProMedica Health System Community Partnerships

ProMedica Health System recently formed several community partnerships to present health and wellness information to the public in a fun, interactive way. These partnerships include the new Lucas County Arena, Bowling Green State University Athletics, Adrian College, and the new West Toledo YMCA’s KidZone.

FH Auxiliary Speech Competition

The Flower Hospital Auxiliary invites high school students from across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan to participate in their annual Health Care Speech Competition scheduled for March 9, 2010. This year’s topic addresses “Teen Eating Habits.” Essays are due Fri., Jan. 15, 2010, at the Auxiliary office at Lake Park. For entry materials or for more information, contact co-chairs Marian Boyer at 419-824-6539 or Barbara McCloskey at 419-841-3295.

New FH EC Physician Group Provider

Flower Hospital (FH) is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Emergency Physicians of Northwest Ohio (EPNO) to provide staffing in the FH Emergency Center (EC) effective Nov. 1. Currently, EPNO’s staff includes 25 physicians, 11 midlevel providers and a number of part-time staff members. EPNO will provide 24-hour EC physician coverage and related medical direction for FH. The new EC medical director will be Michael Mattin, MD. EPNO was founded in 2001 and currently provides physician staffing to Fostoria Community Hospital and The Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children’s Hospital.

PPG Welcomes New Physician

On Nov. 9, Jordan Stuckey, MD, an anesthesiologist, became the newest member of ProMedica Physician Group (PPG). Dr. Stuckey practices at Defiance Regional Medical Center (DRMC) and is excited to be near his hometown of Archbold. Dr. Stuckey completed his internship and residency in anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Dr. Stuckey’s office is located in the surgery department at DRMC at 1200 Ralston Ave., Defiance. For more information regarding the services Dr. Stuckey provides, please call his office at 419-783-6944.

Sing a Song of Service

Reflections from Lynn Sinclair, director of customer satisfaction services, ProMedica Health System

We are all living with a bit of uncertainty these days. During this holiday season we acknowledge through adversity that the human spirit rises to meet the challenges, and a greater appreciation for our blessings emerges. Nothing is greater than the sum of our smiles here in the Midwest when the sun shines brightly after days of dismal gray. We praise the sun’s ability to warm our winter-weary bones. I challenge us to conjure up that warm feeling as we celebrate this holiday season.

With apologies to William Wallace who in 1780 wrote The Twelve Days of Christmas, I have taken liberties with his lyrics in celebration of our service to others. Please enjoy The Twelve Days of Service, and my very best to all those celebrating holidays this season!

Celebrate Diversity! This Holiday Season

December is a festive month for many cultural and ethnic groups in ProMedica Health System’s 27-county service area. Remember to be aware of the various holidays celebrated this season when scheduling meetings, appointments or surgeries, and talk with patients about their medication schedules and dietary restrictions. You can test your holiday knowledge by taking the Celebrate Diversity! Holiday Quiz.

Win $100 from Credit Union for Using eStatements

ProMedica Federal Credit Union draws a $100-winner every month from among its members who use e-statements instead of paper. Every member who uses eStatements is entered in the $100 monthly drawing. Sign up for eStatements today by visiting “ProMedica Federal Credit Union” via the myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) “Departments” tab or www.promedicafcu.com.

Applause, Applause

ProMedica Home Health Care Named Among Nation’s Best for Quality

ProMedica Continuing Care Services (PCCS) Corporation is proud to announce that all four of its home care offices—Caring Home Health Services, Toledo; Visiting Nurse Service, Toledo; Caring Visiting Nurse, Lenawee/Monroe, Adrian; and ProMedica Home Health Care at Fostoria Community Hospital—have been named 2009 HomeCare Elite™ agencies. OCS HomeCare, the leading provider of home care information, and DecisionHealth, publisher of home care’s most respected independent newsletter Home Health Line conduct an annual review to identify the top 25% of agencies and highlight the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. Only the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States receive this recognition. Winners are ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.

Marty Murray, director, ProMedica Home Health Care, credits the ranking to the experienced, professional nursing staff, whose main focus is on the quality of care delivered to patients. “Our team demonstrates a commitment to providing our patients with the best possible care while performing at the highest level,” Marty says. “All of our nurses and therapists in home care share responsibility for this award. Their efforts are recognized in publicly reported outcomes available to consumers on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Home Health Compare web site. “Additionally, this award reflects the efforts of PCCS for its diligence in ensuring that the highest quality care is provided by the team safely and cost efficiently at all times.”

“We are so proud to be among the top home care providers in the country,” Marty states.

Healthy Eating Challenge Winners Announced!

As of Nov. 15, 565 employees signed up to participate in the ProMedica Employee Wellness Program’s Healthy Eating Challenge. Of these, 316 employees completed the first four weeks of lesson plans in order to be entered into the first prize drawing. The winners are: Jillian Wagner, Maternal Fetal Medicine, The Toledo Hospital, 19-inch Flat Screen TV, and Carol Lewandowski, IT Operations, Paramount Health Care, Wii Video Game Console with Wii Fit. Congratulations to the business unit with the highest percentage of participation, Paramount Health Care—winner of the Healthy ProMedica traveling trophy—with more than 30% of employees participating in the challenge!

TCH Team Among First in Nation to Earn Certification

The following transport team nurses and respiratory therapists from Toledo Children’s Hospital’s (TCH) newborn intensive care unit were among the first 300 health care professionals in the nation to obtain subspecialty certification for Neonatal Pediatric Transport from the National Certification Corporation (NCC): Rebecca Canales, RRTC-NPT; Linda Flogaus, RNC-NPT; Stephanie Henry, RNC-NPT; Beth Kerstetter, RRTC-NPT; Cindy Killion, RNC-NIC, C-NPT; Lindsay Koontz, RRTC-NPT; Beatrice Troxell, CNP, RNC-NIC, C-NPT; and Kathleen Weber, RNC-NPT. The NCC is a not-for-profit organization that provides a national credentialing program for nurses, physicians and other licensed health care personnel.

TCH Shines in Light the Night Walk

Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) was represented by 70 walkers on Oct. 17, when staff and their families, TCH patients and their families, and families walking in memory of their loved ones came to Fifth Third Field for the 10^th annual Light the Night walk. The team joined walkers from across the region to help raise more than $65,000 in support of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Participants in the one-mile walk also helped TCH win the Top Fundraising Team award for the third consecutive year and push TCH’s lifetime donation to more than $11,600! For more information about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to donate to this year’s team, please visit www.lightthenight.org.

Paramount Shopping Network

Save time and money this holiday season by shopping online at Paramount Shopping Network. Paramount members have access to thousands of valuable offers on apparel, travel, cell phones, electronics, jewelry, tickets, and much more! Visit www.paramounthealthcare.com and click “Paramount DIRECT login” to access this national discount-shopping program from the comfort of home. One-time registration directions are available for new users on the Paramount Perks web site. Paramount is pleased to offer this and other valuable savings through Paramount Perks, a suite of concierge services designed to provide savings and convenience to our members.

Emergency Center Physician Gives the Gift of Compassion

Kendra Contreras, RN, BSN, director, EC; Dr. Isley; Sarah Heator, RN, BSN, patient care supervisor; and Heidi Shank

Board-certified emergency medicine physician Stewart Isley, DO, has worked in ProMedica Health System Emergency Centers (EC) at Bay Park Community Hospital (BPCH), Bixby and Herrick Medical Centers, as well as Defiance Regional Medical Center, for more than three years. While he stresses that he is just a normal physician doing his job in the EC, his coworkers and patients at BPCH believe he is something much more.

“He’s not a typical physician,” says Heidi Shank, RN, BSN, interim director, intensive care unit and step down, BPCH. “He goes above and beyond what would be expected.”

Nurses vividly remember one winter when a homeless patient came into the BPCH EC with footwear that was exceptionally inadequate. Dr. Isley made sure the patient left with more than the medical aid he needed.

“The patient was wearing flip flops that were way too small, and they were cutting into his very swollen feet,” says Sheryl Lopez, RN, EC, BPCH. “Dr. Isley gave the man his nice tennis shoes so that he would have something on his feet—that’s just the way he is, always giving back. He goes out of his way to make sure everyone has what they need.”

Dr. Isley’s care goes beyond the EC at BPCH, and even beyond the United States, to help those in need.

“Dr. Isley is very kindhearted and always willing to give back to the community,” Sheryl states. “He has even given up his vacation time to travel to the Dominican Republic the past couple years, providing free health care to those in need.”

Nancy Chesick, RN, BSN, administrative supervisor, BPCH, also explained that his compassion and giving doesn’t end with basic patient care.

“There was an unexpected death of a patient with a cardiac condition in the ICU,” says Nancy. “He gave the husband the opportunity to come into the room to see his wife one last time. After she passed away, he was very compassionate in telling the family of her death. Her husband was sitting in a chair in the hallway, and Dr. Isley knelt down and took his hand and held it for quite some time. He explained what happened, stayed and spent time with the man. The kind of compassion that he showed to that family was something that I have seen only a few times in my 17 years of nursing.”

In May 2009, Dr. Isley received the Local Hero award from BPCH for his exceptional kindness and selfless compassion, going above and beyond on the job.

“He looks at each patient as a whole person, not just a medical condition,” Nancy concludes. “He works to fulfill their needs—and not just their medical needs.”

Dr. Isley says he enjoys giving back—within and beyond the EC—and is simply doing what he believes is right to help those in need.

“If you have the opportunity to do the right thing,” he states. “You’ve got to do it.”

Enroll Online Now for Winter PMU Courses

Beginning early December, ProMedica Health System employees will have the convenience of being able to self-enroll in all ProMedica University (PMU) classes using the HealthStream Learning Center.

In just a few easy clicks, you will immediately know the status of your registration; be able to check which classes you’ve registered for at any time via the “My Learning” tab; and if you have to cancel your registration, you can drop the class just as easily opening up a slot for someone on the wait list.

Please follow these simple steps to register for all PMU classes:

• Log in to myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org), and click “HealthStream Learning Center” from under the “Applications” tab on the home page.

• Click the “Catalog” tab at the top of the HealthStream home page.

• Under “Categories” on the left side of this page, click “ProMedica University.”

• Select “Leadership (200-level),” “Personal/Professional Development (100-level)” or “Strategic Leadership (300-level)” courses.

• Click the name of the course that you wish to register for.

• Click the “Show class schedule” link in the middle of the page. Verify that this is the session you want to register for.

• Click the “Enroll in this Course” button in the upper right of the page.

• This class registration will now be listed on your “My Learning” page.

Please remember! If you are unable to attend, drop the class online. By doing so, you will open up a seat for someone on the wait list.

If you have any questions, please contact Monica Karow, 419-291-2894 or Barb Lane, 419-291-5567, in corporate organization development. We look forward to seeing you in class!