ProMedica Health System: INSIDE

FH Welcomes 100^th Baby of 2010

Flower Hospital (FH) welcomed its 100^th baby born this year on Feb. 2. Little Abigail Sargent was born at 7:46 a.m. to parents Nick and Stephanie Sargent, weighing in at 7 lbs., 2 oz. and 21 inches. The 100^th birth helps kick off a yearlong celebration of the hospital’s 100-year anniversary.

Jeanne Drouillard, chief nursing officer, FH; mom, Stephanie Sargent; baby, Abigail Sargent; dad, Nick Sargent; and Elaine Ozarzak, director, labor and delivery, FH

Flower Hospital, named for founder Stevens Warren Flower, first opened its doors to patients in January 1910 in downtown Toledo at the corner of Collingwood Boulevard and Cherry Street. Over the years, the hospital grew and flourished, eventually moving to its current location in Sylvania on Harroun Road in 1975.

“Our 100^th anniversary is a great opportunity for us to reach out to and thank the physicians, patients, employees, and other community members who have supported us over the years,” says Alan Sattler, president, FH.

In 2009, Flower Hospital recorded one of the highest numbers of births in its history. This growth has resulted in the expansion of the hospital’s labor and delivery unit by adding one more family birthing suite that is scheduled for completion later this year.

Bob Fike Teen Lounge Opens at TCH

Nikki Fike-Williams and Emily Jackson in the Bob Fike Teen Lounge

The Bob Fike Teen Lounge officially opened to patients and their families at Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) on Feb. 11. The lounge, which features two computers with webcams for school access, a juke box and a flat screen television with XBOX 360™, Rock Band^® and Guitar Hero^®, will also offer special programming, such as art therapy and movie nights, for teenage patients who come to TCH from across ProMedica’s 27-county region.

“The space is a special room that will meet the unique needs of teenagers,” says Nikki Fike-Williams, child life specialist, TCH, and Bob Fike’s daughter. “It’s this age group that is significantly affected by the loss of their independence during a hospital stay.”

Emily Jackson, 13, agrees with Williams and is excited to have somewhere to visit with her friends at TCH. “When they come to see me, we’ll have somewhere to go where there are things we like to do,” Emily says. “I’m most excited about the TV and the jukebox!”

Emily, who recently spent her birthday at TCH, also likes that families can reserve the room for special occasions or if they are expecting a group of visitors.

Emily’s mom, Sarah, who is grateful that adolescent patients will now have a place to gather and be themselves, is also glad her daughter can use the room to meet with her school tutors and possibly even join classmates for some school time via webcam.

“Patient rooms are not ideal for doing homework, even if kids have their own computers,” says Williams. “The clinical staff have jobs to do and there are often a lot of distractions.”

When asked if there’s anything else she wants to say about the new room, Emily responds, “Yeah! Thanks to Nikki for thinking of it!”

While Emily’s gratitude is appreciated, for Nikki and her family the room is an opportunity to not only help TCH’s patients, but also to acknowledge her father’s legacy. “He touched the lives of thousands of young people through his 40-year career in social work and his commitment to creating a brighter future for the youth of our community.”

The teen lounge, located off the waiting area on the 5^th floor of the Renaissance Tower, was generously funded by the Robert Fike Foundation, and the XBOX 360™ was provided by Buffalo Wild Wings.

News Briefs

Mark Your Calendar for Cedar Point Discounts

ProMedica will once again offer employees, volunteers, and their family and friends the best-possible discount admission price on specially designated Cedar Point Fun Days this summer and fall! Mark your calendars for Fri. – Mon., July 2 – 5 and 9 – 12, and Fri. – Sun., Sept. 17 – 19 and 24 – 26.

Beginning in May, discounted ProMedica Fun Days tickets will be available for purchase in advance via myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org). Coupons to receive discount admission at the gate will be available from human resources. Admission will cost $16.99 each for juniors (age 3 and older; under 48” tall) and seniors (age 62 and older) and only $25 each for adults—a $20.99 savings with the ProMedica Fun Days discount.

Employees and volunteers who want to keep the Cedar Point fun going all season long will be able to purchase Good-Any-Day tickets online again this year. Good-Any-Day admissions can be used any day the park is open, Sat., May 15 – Sun., Oct. 31. The cost will be $16.99 each for juniors and seniors, and $36 each for adults—a $9.99 savings. Good-Any-Day Soak City and Ride-and-Slide tickets will also be available online.

For more details about Cedar Point, visit www.cedarpoint.com. Or, call 1-800-448-2428 for park information and 419-627-2106 for overnight accommodations.

Use it … don’t lose it! 2009 Flexible Spending Accounts

March 31 is the deadline to submit reimbursement claims for 2009 Health Care and Dependent Day Care Spending Account expenses incurred by Dec. 31, 2009. Due to IRS rules, you forfeit any funds remaining in your 2009 flexible spending accounts if you do not submit claims by this date. Put simply, you must use it or lose it. So plan now to submit claims so you do not lose your contributions to these accounts!

Help Improve Health Literacy and Patient Safety

National Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 7 – 13. During this week, the ProMedica Patient Safety Steering Council and corporate director of diversity, Jewell Lightner, MA, SPHR, will provide patients and staff with tips to help patients be active in their own care by talking with health care staff.

Research shows that many patients may be unfamiliar with the words used in health care.  This may be due to limited health literacy. Health literacy is the ability to read, understand and act on the information. Limited health literacy can affect patient safety.

You can take these steps to improve health literacy and patient safety.

Don’t Forget! Lose Healthy Weigh-ins—March 15 – 19

Participants in the ProMedica Employee Wellness Program’s Lose Healthy Challenge must weigh back in the week of March 15 to be eligible to win prizes. Visit the “Healthy Challenge” page in the Employee Wellness department section of myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) for a schedule of weigh-in dates, times and locations. Three successful teams will be selected to win an iPod shuffle ($55 value); Jump Snap, The Ropeless Jump Rope ($50 value); or heart rate monitor watch ($50 value) for each of their team members. Remember, even if your entire team wasn’t successful, you’re still eligible for the individual prize drawings in June for a 32-inch flat screen TV and one-year gym membership if you meet your weight loss goal in March and keep the weight off or continue to lose between now and then. So, weigh back in to stay in the prize running!

The Healthy ProMedica traveling trophy again went to Paramount Health Care for the greatest percentage of participation in the Lose Healthy Challenge—52.6%. Congratulations to Paramount for their third consecutive win!

Cabin Fever Gives Way to Spring

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

With “cabin fever” fully entrenched into our psyches this time of year, it is nice to remind each other that the bleakest winter days are behind us. This means that slips and falls on the ice, winter car accidents and flu season will soon give way to spring and nature’s eventual rebirth. Do we notice that the days are becoming longer, nights shorter and the longing for warmer temperatures more intense? It’s the natural order of things.

As we recognize and celebrate spring’s potential to bring us out of the doldrums, we should also recommit ourselves to the passions that brought us to health care in the first place. The joy at seeing a sick child overcome serious illness, the compassionate caregiver holding the hand of a hospice patient, the extra special smile we put on our face to brighten a cloudy and cold day for someone else, and the helping hand we lend to each other as we get through the never-ending to-do list. Think spring; think positive.

Tax-Free Education IRA Offers Flexibility and Best Rate

Saving for a child’s education is a lot easier with an education IRA from your ProMedica Federal Credit Union (PFCU). Anyone can contribute to a child’s educational savings account. The annual contribution limit per education IRA is $2,000, but you can contribute to multiple IRAs for different children. Contributions to the IRA must end when the child reaches age 18, but the student can withdraw the funds until he or she is age 30.

Withdrawals of principal and interest are tax-free when used for education expenses for elementary through the post-secondary school. The education IRA can also be transferred to another child in the same family.

PFCU is offering a rate of 2.02% for any IRA, including the education IRA. This rate is double that offered currently offered by most other financial institutions in the Toledo area. You can also choose the convenience of payroll deduction for your IRA contributions. There is no minimum deposit and no fees. All funds deposited are insured up to $500,000. For information about education IRAs, contact any PFCU office, call 1-888-861-1114 toll-free or visit www.promedicafcu.com.

News Briefs

Second Earthquake Strikes Haiti, Donations Appreciated

In response to the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and an overwhelming need for supplies and monetary donations, ProMedica Health System made a significant contribution in support of American Red Cross relief efforts. There are now hundreds Red Cross workers from around the world in Haiti, as well as thousands of local volunteers. In addition, planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are arriving in the region every day, delivering much needed materials. ProMedica thanks all employees who made donations in support of this relief effort.

Health Care Reform Topic of Upcoming Lectures

ProMedica Health System employees and volunteers are invited to attend a free public presentation, “A High-performing Health System: Lessons from Abroad,” on Thurs., Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Millennium Theatre on the campus of Maumee Valley Country Day School (MVCDS), 1715 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo.

Economist Karen Davis, PhD, president of The Commonwealth Fund and recently named one of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Women in Healthcare, 2009, will be the featured speaker. A dessert reception will follow the lecture. In addition to Davis, Randy Oostra, president and CEO, ProMedica, will participate in a special panel discussion on health care reform for MVCDS students on Fri., Feb. 19.

FH Participates in Glass Baby Bottle Initiative

Brittany Wortham and her newborn daughter, Kyli Pendleton

Flower Hospital (FH) is participating in an initiative with O-I, the world’s largest manufacturer of glass packaging, to distribute glass baby bottles as part of their “New Mom” kits. O-I donated the glass bottles to two area hospitals, including FH. Made from all-natural, raw materials, glass baby bottles present no risk of chemicals or additives seeping into the contents. The contents can be frozen and heated without risking transfer of harmful chemicals, and the bottles also wash cleanly and can be sterilized.

“Given the unknown risks associated with some packaging materials, we’re pleased to be able to offer our new moms this clear alternative,” says Elaine Ozarzak, LDRP, director, OB-GYN services, FH. “Glass baby bottles are the perfect complement to all-natural breast milk.”

ProMedica Hospice Now Accepting Volunteers

Whether visiting patients, helping in the office or sharing a special talent, volunteers are the backbone of the ProMedica Hospice team and are indispensable to patients, families and staff. Training for volunteers will be held Sat., March 6, and Sat., March 13, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Flower Hospital, 8th Floor, Conference Rooms C and F. Attendance is required at both sessions. To register for these training sessions or to learn more about the hospice volunteer program, please contact Nancy Pfau, manager, volunteer coordinator, ProMedica Hospice, at 419-824-7413.

You Can Always Count on Change

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

While the health care reform movement continues to evolve, one thing we already know we can count on is change. Change necessitates that we keep fluid, flexible and agile, making adjustments that require us to shift gears on a dime. If we as professionals feel pressured under these circumstances, imagine how the health care consumer feels.

Consumers are making decisions each and every day amid uncertainty about the future of their own health care coverage and well-being. It is quite understandable that patients may react with a healthy dose of skepticism to services rendered under these conditions.

In the face of such change, it is always wise to acknowledge patients’ feelings of uncertainty with a good dose of practicality. The reality is that we will always treat our patients with respect—even in the face of change, with knowledge when we have facts to share, and with humility and human kindness when things are not perfect.

Go Green with eStatements

ProMedica Federal Credit Union (PFCU) is offering members $5 cash and entry into a monthly drawing for $100 when they sign up for eStatements. Faster and safer than the mail, eStatements are also a great way to lessen papers in your filing cabinet. You can view one year of statements, save them or print what you need. Simplify your life and “go green” at the same time.

Past $100 winners include Pam Tanner, Clay Ersig, Robin Matteson, and Ellen Stoner. For information about how to sign up for eStatements, contact any PFCU office or visit www.promedicafcu.com.

Investing in Your Future: 401(k) and 403(b) Plan Opportunities

If you haven’t started thinking about retirement yet, it’s not too soon—or too late. ProMedica Health System offers a benefits package complete with options to help you save for retirement, including 401(k) and 403(b) Plans.

T. Rowe Price, administrator for the ProMedica 401(k) and 403(b) Plans, offers these reasons why you may want to get started today:

Simplified savings. Because plan contributions are directly deducted from your paycheck and deposited into your Plan account, you don’t have the temptation to spend that money somewhere else.

It doesn’t take a lot to save a lot. You can start by saving as little as 1% or 2% of your pay. Then, you can increase your contributions later. ProMedica also offers matching and longevity contributions to employees in recognition of continued service.

You get tax benefits. You don’t pay taxes on your earnings until you take money out of the Plan. Plus, every before-tax dollar you contribute is one less dollar you include

in your taxable income on your tax return today. That means you can lower your current taxable income and increase your spendable income.

Time is on your side. The longer you stay invested, and have your earnings automatically reinvested, the more opportunity there is to increase the value.

To change future investments, name beneficiaries, access investing tools and calculators, or enroll in the ProMedica 401(k) or 403(b) Plans, visit http://rps.troweprice.com or call the Participant Account Line at 1-800-922-9945 between 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday – Friday, to speak to a retirement plan specialist. When the automated message starts, hit “* 0” and follow the prompts.

Defiance Regional Medical Center 403(b) Plan participants can visit their plan administrator, American United Life, at www.oneamerica.com or by calling 1-800-249-6269.

401(k)/403(b) Maximum Deferral for 2010

ProMedica Health System has been notified of the allowable maximum deferral limits for 2010:

• If you are under 50 years of age, you can defer up to $16,500 in 2010.

• If you are 50 or older, or are going to turn 50 in 2010, you can defer up to $22,000 in 2010.

Remember if you are contributing to both a 401(k) Plan and a 403(b) Plan, these limits are a combined total. There is no limit to the percentage of your paycheck you can defer. And, you can change your deferral percent online every pay.

CaringBridge® Connects Patients with Family and Friends

In Spring 2008, after returning from a relaxing Florida vacation, Melissa Perry, phlebotomist, Bay Park Community Hospital (BPCH), began to experience pain in her mouth. After seeing many different specialists, she was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue, mouth and jaw.

“It was shocking, and I was so upset,” Melissa exclaims. “I’m a single mom, so I’m the one normally taking care of people and I wasn’t used to this.”

Steven Rubin, MD, radiation oncologist, cared for Melissa at ProMedica Cancer Institute’s Hickman Cancer Center on the Flower Hospital campus. She was later referred to the University of Michigan Medical Center for successful surgery to remove the cancer.

A mother of three, Melissa is proud to be a cancer survivor, but the path to recovery has not been easy. With the love and support of her family, friends and BPCH coworkers, Melissa made a recovery her doctors described as “phenomenal.”

A great deal of support came from friend, Melinda Ciesielczyk, who created a CaringBridge^® web page documenting Melissa’s journey from diagnosis to recovery, keeping everyone informed with journal entries, messages and photos.

“Melinda kept my page updated on a daily basis,” Melissa states. “People would post messages, and my kids could check on me, too. My oldest son just started college and he could check on me and know everything was OK.

“I think it’s awesome, and it is very easy and user-friendly,” says Melissa. “I highly recommend it to everyone. For me, it helped to see how many people were thinking of me.”

Not even a year since her diagnosis, Melissa is back to work in the laboratory at BPCH. Though she’s not entirely back to her active, energetic self, she’s happy to return and is grateful to her friends and coworkers at Bay Park.

“It’s hard sometimes,” Melissa states. “When you’re not quite up to where you were, it’s frustrating. But it hasn’t even been a year yet, so things will get better.”

With the help of her friends, family and continued communication through CaringBridge, Melissa is well on her way to a full recovery. To read more about Melissa’s story, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/melissaperry.

About CaringBridge

CaringBridge is a nonprofit organization providing free web sites that connect family and friends to share information and support during a serious health event. Each person’s web site can be customized with a style template, text and photos, and more than 20 million families from around the world are using CaringBridge to stay connected. To view and create a CaringBridge web site, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/createwebsite.

On each individual CaringBridge page you can read the patient’s story, stay connected through journal entries, sign an electronic guestbook leaving a personal message of support, view photos, learn more about a multitude of diseases and conditions, and find ways to donate.

“A CaringBridge web site reduces time and emotional energy spent on repeated phone calls and e-mails, and keeps everyone informed with the same accurate information,” states Melissa Holm, media relations specialist, CaringBridge. “It also connects a patient’s entire community, creating a network of support for everyone involved.”

For more information about CaringBridge, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/.

Flower Hospital Implements McKesson Technology

On Dec. 1, Flower Hospital (FH) became the first hospital in ProMedica Health System to implement McKesson acute-care electronic documentation for nursing and ancillary services. Additionally, the system implemented a new portal for viewing clinical information called McKesson Physician Portal. This advanced technology increases patient safety and the quality of health care by providing simultaneous access to patient records throughout the hospital.

Implementation Process

“The success of implementation to date has been the result of great collaboration across many departments throughout ProMedica—including nursing, information technology, pharmacy, respiratory, physical and occupational therapy, and dietary departments—along with on-site support from McKesson staff,” offers Jeanne Drouillard, vice president of nursing/chief nursing officer, FH. Product selection and installation, training and implementation took place over the course of several months.

To assist with the transition, additional hospital and system resources were provided to ensure all staff were familiar with and comfortable using the new system. “Super users” from FH and other ProMedica hospitals wore black T-shirts for easy identification, and were available in the units to assist nurses. In addition, a command center was established to provide both software and computer support.

“Staff have been very flexible and willing to help out one another,” says Lisa Micka, BSN, clinical informatics specialist, FH. “Our McKesson representatives were very impressed with the professionalism of our staff. It’s helped the entire rollout process far more than we ever dreamed.

“We are also continuing to help physicians set up their accounts and get familiar with the system,” Lisa says. A taskforce is being developed with a core group of FH physicians and administration to further educate physicians on use of the system.

The Future of Enhanced Patient Care

In addition to electronic documentation, Admin Rx—the bar code medication administration program—is scheduled for implementation at FH in the first quarter of 2010. This will include bar coding on patient wrist bands and medications to help further ensure patient safety.

“We are pleased to bring McKesson’s state-of-the art technology to FH while continuing to ensure patient safety and quality health care,” says Alan Sattler, president, FH. “We are excited to be leading the system in this initiative and to pave the way as future ProMedica hospitals embark upon this same journey.”

The Toledo Hospital and Toledo Children’s Hospital will be next to start using McKesson acute-care electronic documentation in 2010. McKesson’s state-of-the art system is yet another example of ProMedica’s investment in technology, which helps to ensure high-quality patient care.

News Briefs

ProMedica Partners with The Pharmacy Counter

Effective Jan. 1, The Pharmacy Counter, a local consultative pharmacy and home medical equipment provider with a proven track record of experience and dedication to service, joined ProMedica Health System and ProMedica Home Medical Equipment. The Pharmacy Counter has been a great community steward for many years, in many ways, including participating with ProMedica and other community partners in the success of Toledo/Lucas County CareNet to help meet the health care needs of underserved populations in our region.

By forming this partnership, ProMedica and The Pharmacy Counter will combine resources and enhance offerings, while expanding access to the current customers of both companies. This will position ProMedica to meet the growing needs of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, especially as the population ages.

Customer Service from the Construction Zone

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

Customer service objectives here at ProMedica Health System can sometimes be compared with life in a construction zone. Much like anything, we are always a work in progress. There is an expression we see periodically when programs, services and infrastructures are under construction, which goes something like, “Pardon our dust” or “A little pain now, for much relief later.”

How we choose to communicate when we undertake a new software upgrade or implementation, or change a process to better serve our customers, is as important as the end result, which is “much relief later” for all concerned—especially our customers. A carefully scripted message delivered with genuine regard for our customers’ comfort and care is more valuable than gold when it comes to setting service expectations. We are, indeed, a work in progress, and we strive continuously for improvement. Therefore, let’s make sure our customers know that we’re ultimately doing it to better serve them.






Mobile Banking Now Available At ProMedica Federal Credit Union
Frequently monitoring your checking and savings account is the best way to catch errors, and to detect any fraud and prevent further misuse. It just got a lot easier to monitor and manage your bank account with mobile banking from ProMedica Federal Credit Union. Now members with any web-enabled cell phone have the capability to log in to their accounts from “n e where, n e time.” Just log in to the credit union’s web site, www.promedicafcu.com and click “online banking” to register.

“It’s like having your bank in your pocket,” says one member. With my cell phone, I can track my account transactions and balances, pay bills, transfer money or find the nearest ATM.” An additional free service allows members to establish text alerts to notify them when their balance reaches a certain amount or certain transactions are made.

Members of the credit union now have four ways to instantly access their bank account: online banking, telephone banking, mobile banking and eStatements—all free. Visit www.promedicafcu.com for more information.

Corporate Departments Relocate

On Dec. 10, 2009, ProMedica Health System’s corporate payroll department moved to Corporate Office Building III, located at 5520 Monroe St., Sylvania. Updated contact information for these employees is available via the myProMedica directory (http://my.promedica.org). The purchase of this building has allowed ProMedica to consolidate multiple corporate departments that were previously located in leased facilities, including ProMedica’s central business office, ProMedica Home Health Care and corporate finance. Centralizing to a single office building will streamline business operations and increase cost effectiveness. Built in 1991 by Capital Bank and acquired by Fifth Third in 2001, the facility has become a Sylvania landmark.

Employees and Volunteers Support Local Families

Thanks to your generous donations, ProMedica Health System helped families in our community by supplying more than 4,300 pounds of quality food items to local food banks through support of the annual Scouting for Food campaign for the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank. In addition, ProMedica’s community relations and advocacy department is pleased to report that local food banks also received more than 1,000 turkeys from ProMedica employees and volunteers who chose to donate their holiday gift. Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the families and individuals in our communities who count on our kindness during the holidays and throughout the year.

Lori Ferguson, Tim Schlachter, Lynn Fruth, Kevin Webb, Janet Krzyminski

Recent Events Benefit TCH Foundation

Lynn Fruth, chief executive officer, The Danberry Co., Realtors, presented Kevin Webb, president, The Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children’s Hospital; Lori Ferguson, vice president and chief nursing officer, Toledo Children’s Hospital; Janet Krzyminski, director, corporate philanthropy; and Tim Schlachter, president, Toledo Children’s Hospital Board of Trustees, with a $27,000 donation to the Danberry Treasure Chest, an emergency fund for patients and families of Toledo Children’s Hospital, on Dec. 4, 2009.

Toledo Children’s Hospital Foundation also hosted Be Our Guest at The Pinnacle in Maumee on Nov. 15. The fundraising event featured children as celebrity waiters and enchanted more than 450 guests.

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.

News Briefs

New Internet-Based, Point-Of-Care Tool
On Sun., Nov. 15, Lippincott’s Nursing Skills and Procedures and Nursing Advisor—a new Internet-based, point-of-care tool—will replace Mosby Nursing Skills, Nursing Index and Nursing Consult as ProMedica Health System’s (PHS) online nursing reference. Lippincott provides up-to-date information at the point of care, including:

• Patient handouts, disease information, treatment, and diagnostic tests
• Nearly 1,000 evidence-based nursing procedures and skills
• Step-by-step, highly detailed instructions
• Quick lists for a high-level overview
• Detailed visuals, including full-color art and video clips, which let you see proper technique firsthand

To access this online resource, log on to myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) and click the “Lippincott” link under the “Applications” tab. If you have any questions regarding Lippincott’s Nursing Procedures and Skills and Nursing Advisor, contact your department educator.

PHS Employee Wellness Program’s HRA Challenge
Get ready to take up the PHS Employee Wellness Program’s HRA Challenge! Employees who complete the online Health Risk Assessment (HRA) by mid December will be entered in a drawing to win some fantastic prizes. It only takes a few minutes to complete the HRA and your responses will be kept strictly confidential. To begin your HRA, go to the “Health Risk Assessment and Resources” link on the “Employee Wellness” department page on myProMedica ( http://my.promedica.org ). Then watch for more information about the HRA Challenge coming out later this month.

The Goerlich Center Ceremonial Groundbreaking
On Oct. 1, The Goerlich Center ceremonial groundbreaking on the campus of Flower Hospital announced the expansion and renovation of this facility currently underway and slated for completion in spring 2010. The event also publicly announced the Capital Campaign to the community. The Goerlich Center was established in 1994 to provide a compassionate, safe and secure residence for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. It was named for the generous gift from the Goerlich family and their foundation. The expansion and renovation were possible thanks to the continued generosity of this family. With a $25,000 donation from Sandy Goerlich Alexander through the Goerlich Family Foundation and $100,000 from Smiley Goerlich Putman—in memory of her husband Put Putman—more than $800,000 of the $1,100,000 campaign goal has been raised to date. The effort is being led by Jim Findlay and Rich Iott through the PCCS Foundation office. Renovation and expansion plans include:

• Twelve additional private resident rooms
• Two new multi-purpose rooms and secure enclosed courtyards
• New canopy entrance and front driveway
• New windows throughout the building and a new roof
• Gazebo and memory garden

Corporate Office Building III
Corporate employees are settling into their new location at the Corporate Office Building III, located at 5520 Monroe St. in Sylvania. Employees from ProMedica Home Care were the first to move on Oct. 23, with ProMedica’s central business office, corporate finance acute and non-acute care, and payroll departments to follow throughout the month of November. Please refer to ProMedica’s online directory on myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) for new contact information for these departments and their employees.

Donald Crescenzo, MD; Christopher Riordan, MD; William Rachwal, MD; and Michael Moront, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio
On Oct. 12, ProMedica Physician Group welcomed Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio. Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio is the largest cardiothoracic surgical program in Northwest Ohio. The group performs a wide variety of open heart, lung and thoracic surgery. In addition, they also specialize in cardiac surgery without the use of blood products (bloodless surgery). Cardiothoracic Surgeons for Northwest Ohio is located at 2142 N. Cove Blvd. in Toledo and can be contacted at 419-291-2077.

2010 Medicare Open Enrollment
During 2010 Medicare open enrollment, Sun., Nov. 15 – Thurs., Dec. 31, 2009, all Medicare members are eligible to enroll in Paramount Elite. Paramount Elite members have the convenience of low monthly premiums, affordable copayments and Part D prescription drug coverage—all in one plan. If you or someone you know would like more information about Paramount Elite or wants to enroll, call a Paramount Enrollment Specialist at 1-888-891-0707 or 1-888-740-5670. Representatives are available onsite to meet on an individual basis, conduct group presentations or enroll members over the phone. Paramount Health Care, a locally owned and operated health plan in Maumee, is pleased to offer this and other valuable health plans. Visit www.paramounthealthcare.com/medicareplans to view health plan information, benefits and premiums.

Quality Report
To help empower patients and families to make informed decisions regarding health care choices and providers, PHS launched a “Quality Report” web site to provide transparency in the care and services measured across our system. Quality data are reported for PHS acute-care hospitals to show how effective and safe care is, as well as patient satisfaction levels. Explanations and definitions are provided for each measure to make it easy as possible to understand. Click the “Quality Reports” link under the “Tools” section on www.promedica.org to view these quality measures, as well as quality recognitions received by each hospital. Phase two of the project will include reporting quality measures for continuing care services and outpatient measures. ProMedica is committed to being accountable to the communities we serve and is pleased to empower patients and families to make informed decisions about their health care by providing transparent information.

ProMedica Federal Credit Union
ProMedica Federal Credit Union is giving $50 to members each time they refer a new account with direct deposit and checking, or any time a current member adds direct deposit and checking. The new member also receives $25. Go to PFCU via the myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) “Departments” tab or www.promedicafcu.com, or visit any PFCU branch to get referral coupons.

First Lady Strickland Visits FH Campus

Mrs. Strickland, far right, speaks to the group about health and wellness initiatives during her tour of the Fields of Green future headquarters.

ProMedica Health System (PHS) welcomed Ohio’s First Lady Frances Strickland to Flower Hospital (FH) campus on Sept. 1 to learn about PHS’ signature program to combat obesity in our communities—Fields of Green. PHS established Fields of Green in 2008 to raise awareness in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan about obesity by encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting solid nutrition and exercise habits.

“We were honored to have Ohio’s First Lady visit to learn about Fields of Green,” says Barbara Petee, ProMedica’s chief communications and government relations officer. “Frances is dedicated to the health and well-being of Ohio families, so it was reaffirming for us to see her interest in what we believe to be a very innovative program and vision to improve the future health of our region.”

Also present for the visit were: Becky Epstein, a student from the winning team (PB Jammers) of last year’s Fields of Green scholarship program; Becky’s father, Scott Epstein; and Maureen Knowles, a nurse from McKinley Elementary—the school that, in Spring 2009, implemented lunch programs designed by PB Jammers and other winning teams; Ohio State Representative Barbara Sears; and Stephanie Cihon, director of community relations, advocacy and corporate events, PHS.

After learning about myriad programs created to encourage healthy habits and better nutrition and exercise choices, Mrs. Strickland and the others were given a sneak peek into what ProMedica envisions to be the future headquarters of Fields of Green—the barn located on the FH campus. ProMedica hopes to transform the currently unoccupied barn into an instrumental “Living Learning Lab” where each component of Fields of Green projects can be connected and housed.

While ensuring the integral history of the barn, ProMedica would like to renovate it to include features such as: a small museum dedicated to accomplishments of the medical field in northwest Ohio, classroom area complete with teleconferencing capabilities, working kitchen with classroom space, outdoor vegetable garden, composting area, and lab space where a variety of health care careers can be explored.

Fields of Green is yet another example of how ProMedica is making a commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. To learn more about ProMedica’s most current Fields of Green scholarship program, please visit www.promedica.org/fieldsofgreen.

News Briefs

During National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, ProMedica Health System teamed up with Men Against Prostate Cancer (MAPC) to provide screenings to more than 225 local men during a two-day event at The Andersons general store locations in west Toledo and Maumee. MAPC is a Toledo-based group whose goal is to provide free, no insurance required, prostate cancer screenings to communities across the United States through the use of a traveling screening unit provided by Project Zero—The Project to End Prostate Cancer. Also included was a charity golf event at Stone Oak Country Club, in which 28 teams of four players participated to raise funds for this cause.

Steve Hunyadi, Jr., MD—a board-certified otolaryngologist—became the newest member of ProMedica Physician Group when he joined Northwest Ohio ENT on Oct. 1. He completed his residency and internship in general surgery at University Hospitals in Cleveland, and received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.

In October, employees from ProMedica Health System’s central business office, corporate finance acute and non-acute care, ProMedica Home Health Care, and payroll departments will begin relocating to the Corporate Office Building III, located at 5220 Monroe Street in Sylvania. Please refer to the online directory on the myProMedica home page for new contact information for these departments and their employees.

NOTE: This article contains links to ProMedica Health System’s employee intranet myProMedica, that can only be accessed from within ProMedica’s network. If you are offsite, or outside of the network, you must first log in to myProMedica to access these links.