to download a PDF of the newsletter. - Catholic Health System
to download a PDF of the newsletter. - Catholic Health System to download a PDF of the newsletter. - Catholic Health System
February/March 2013 Volume 6, Issue 1 Mercy Opens New Service To Help Dialysis Patients Mercy Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of the new Dialysis Access Center (DAC) to help dialysis patients maintain a healthy access site to receive lifesaving blood cleansing treatment. In above photo, DAC team members include: (l.-r.) Deborah Hetrick, RN, nurse manager ASU, DPU, & PST; Jeffrey Park, RPA-C; Janet Evoniuk, RN, director of PeriOperative Services; RN; Dr. George A. Blessios, director of DAC; Dawn Ruettimann, RN; Catherine McDonald, office coordinator; and Tonya Bosch, RN. Christina Proefrock, RN, is missing from photo. In This Issue 2 •Sparkling Dish Machine •Associate Council Update 3 •Angel of Mercy is Thanked 4 • Kudos to Family BirthPlace • LOVE Award Honorees 5 • Central Transport Shines • Waiting Room Underway 6 • Mercy At Work Submit news items to: Melanie Griffis, Public Relations Manager at mgriffis@chsbuffalo.org It is estimated that 1,300 people in the Buffalo region require dialysis treatment for kidney failure – a number that continues to increase by about 12% annually. In response to the growing need for vascular access services, Mercy Hospital has opened a Dialysis Access Center (DAC) to provide comprehensive care for dialysis patients in one convenient location. One of the biggest problems facing dialysis patients is maintaining their vascular access site, so they can continue receiving this lifesaving blood cleansing treatment. Sometimes, even when patients are careful, their access site can become clogged, infected or develop other complications, requiring immediate medical attention. The DAC is focused on helping patients manage their care and keep their access sites in good condition for uninterrupted dialysis treatments. The center is staffed by a team of surgical interventionalists, physician assistants, registered nurses, and special procedure and ultrasound technicians. Together, this team of renal specialists employs the latest evaluation tools, treatments and Continued on page 2 Page 1
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- Page 4 and 5: Baby Girl Arrives 12-12-12 at 12:12
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February/March 2013<br />
Volume 6, Issue 1<br />
Mercy Opens New Service To Help Dialysis Patients<br />
Mercy Hospital is pleased <strong>to</strong> announce <strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new Dialysis Access Center (DAC) <strong>to</strong> help dialysis patients maintain a healthy access<br />
site <strong>to</strong> receive lifesaving blood cleansing treatment. In above pho<strong>to</strong>, DAC team members include: (l.-r.) Deborah Hetrick, RN, nurse manager ASU,<br />
DPU, & PST; Jeffrey Park, RPA-C; Janet Evoniuk, RN, direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> PeriOperative Services; RN; Dr. George A. Blessios, direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> DAC; Dawn<br />
Ruettimann, RN; Ca<strong>the</strong>rine McDonald, <strong>of</strong>fice coordina<strong>to</strong>r; and Tonya Bosch, RN. Christina Proefrock, RN, is missing from pho<strong>to</strong>.<br />
In This Issue<br />
2 •Sparkling Dish Machine<br />
•Associate Council Update<br />
3 •Angel <strong>of</strong> Mercy is Thanked<br />
4 • Kudos <strong>to</strong> Family BirthPlace<br />
• LOVE Award Honorees<br />
5 • Central Transport Shines<br />
• Waiting Room Underway<br />
6 • Mercy At Work<br />
Submit news items <strong>to</strong>:<br />
Melanie Griffis, Public Relations<br />
Manager at mgriffis@chsbuffalo.org<br />
It is estimated that 1,300 people in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Buffalo region require dialysis<br />
treatment for kidney failure – a<br />
number that continues <strong>to</strong> increase by<br />
about 12% annually.<br />
In response <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> growing need<br />
for vascular access services, Mercy<br />
Hospital has opened a Dialysis<br />
Access Center (DAC) <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
comprehensive care for dialysis<br />
patients in one convenient location.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest problems facing<br />
dialysis patients is maintaining<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir vascular access site, so<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can continue receiving this<br />
lifesaving blood cleansing treatment.<br />
Sometimes, even when patients are<br />
careful, <strong>the</strong>ir access site can become<br />
clogged, infected or develop o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
complications, requiring immediate<br />
medical attention.<br />
The DAC is focused on helping<br />
patients manage <strong>the</strong>ir care and keep<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir access sites in good condition<br />
for uninterrupted dialysis treatments.<br />
The center is staffed by a team <strong>of</strong><br />
surgical interventionalists, physician<br />
assistants, registered nurses, and<br />
special procedure and ultrasound<br />
technicians. Toge<strong>the</strong>r, this team <strong>of</strong><br />
renal specialists employs <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
evaluation <strong>to</strong>ols, treatments and<br />
Continued on page 2<br />
Page 1
Dialysis Center Opens,<br />
continued from page 1<br />
New Dish Machine Sparkles With Savings<br />
surgical interventions <strong>to</strong> help patients<br />
maintain <strong>the</strong>ir vascular access.<br />
“Our center’s advanced clinical management<br />
system enables us <strong>to</strong> develop<br />
individual treatment plans for our<br />
patients and enhances communication<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir referring physicians,”<br />
said Dr. George Blessios, medical<br />
direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> DAC at Mercy Hospital.<br />
“It also provides vascular access<br />
coordination and tracking, management<br />
<strong>of</strong> complications, referrals for<br />
interventions, and outcome analysis.”<br />
The DAC is located on <strong>the</strong> 4 th floor<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hospital (Main building). For<br />
more information, or <strong>to</strong> make an<br />
appointment, please call <strong>the</strong> Dialysis<br />
Access Center at 819-9750. v<br />
Associate<br />
Council<br />
UPDATE<br />
The Mercy Associate Council,<br />
representing patient care units<br />
and departments throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital and <strong>of</strong>fsite locations, meets<br />
monthly with a goal <strong>to</strong> make Mercy<br />
an outstanding place <strong>to</strong> work while<br />
improving overall communications.<br />
The <strong>Health</strong> & Wellness Team<br />
recently introduced Zumba classes,<br />
<strong>the</strong> latest exercise craze that is<br />
sweeping <strong>the</strong> country. Classes are<br />
held on Wednesdays from 1:00 pm<br />
<strong>to</strong> 1:45 pm and 3:15 pm <strong>to</strong> 4:00 pm<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Marian Building conference<br />
room, basement floor. Classes are free<br />
for hospital gym members and nonmembers<br />
are $5 per class.<br />
In o<strong>the</strong>r news, <strong>the</strong> Wellness Team<br />
just launched <strong>the</strong>ir 2 nd Annual<br />
Smallest Winner Contest running<br />
from January 21 through March 21.<br />
Read about all <strong>the</strong> winners in our<br />
next Mercy Connection.v<br />
Food & Nutrition staff, pictured above, celebrated <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> a new high-efficient dish machine<br />
that washes over 200,000 food service items monthly and features significant cost savings that<br />
stack up instead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dishes, including: electrical cost <strong>to</strong> heat <strong>the</strong> water- $5,787 per year versus<br />
$10,251; water cost- $508 (169,000 gallons) per year <strong>to</strong> operate 8 hours per day, 7 days a week,<br />
compared <strong>to</strong> $1,157 annually; water usage- 58 gallons per hour versus 132 gallons per hour; and<br />
chemical usage- $923 annually versus $2,101. Now, <strong>the</strong>se are savings that really clean up!v<br />
As we continue on our quest <strong>of</strong> Enhancing<br />
<strong>the</strong> Patient Experience, we<br />
are reminded <strong>of</strong> suggestions provided<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Studer Group, a national<br />
organization committed <strong>to</strong> helping<br />
hospitals achieve high quality care<br />
and patient satisfaction.<br />
The “10/5 Rule”<br />
The “10/5 Rule” helps assure patients<br />
and visi<strong>to</strong>rs that we are attentive<br />
and responsive <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Jeffrey Park, PA, and Dawn Ruettimann, RN visit a<br />
»» When patients or visi<strong>to</strong>rs come patient in <strong>the</strong> new Dialysis Access Center.<br />
within 10 feet <strong>of</strong> any associate,<br />
we make eye contact and smile.<br />
»»<br />
Within 5 feet, we greet <strong>the</strong> patient<br />
or guest.<br />
The rule applies when somebody<br />
approaches us while we are on <strong>the</strong><br />
phone talking with a different person;<br />
if we are riding <strong>the</strong> eleva<strong>to</strong>r; walking<br />
in <strong>the</strong> hallways/stairwells or parking<br />
ramp; or visiting <strong>the</strong> cafeteria. It is<br />
also <strong>the</strong> way we treat our fellow coworkers,<br />
physicians and staff.<br />
»»<br />
»»<br />
Some Key Questions To Ask<br />
Is <strong>the</strong>re anything else I can do for<br />
you I have <strong>the</strong> time.<br />
May I take you where you are going<br />
»» Is <strong>the</strong>re anything I can do <strong>to</strong> make<br />
this better<br />
“Sorry, Glad, Better”<br />
The Studer Group’s “Sorry, Glad,<br />
Better” suggests some ways <strong>to</strong> respond<br />
<strong>to</strong> a patient’s concern or poor<br />
experience...“I’m sorry this happened.<br />
I’m glad you <strong>to</strong>ld me about it.<br />
What can I do <strong>to</strong> make things better”<br />
Words Never To Say<br />
• Staff is at lunch<br />
• We’re <strong>to</strong>o busy<br />
• We’re short staffed<br />
• Nobody is available<br />
• That’s not my job; I don’t knowv<br />
Page 2
Referee Thanks His Angel <strong>of</strong> Mercy<br />
by Thomas Gugino<br />
Contributing Writer<br />
Martek and Hudecki<br />
reunite at Mercy Hospital.<br />
Jim Martek,<br />
a local<br />
high school<br />
basketball<br />
referee had a<br />
recent brush<br />
with death,<br />
but thanks<br />
<strong>to</strong> Melissa<br />
Hudecki, an<br />
athletic trainer<br />
with <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
<strong>Health</strong> AthletiCare,<br />
he<br />
will live <strong>to</strong> see<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r day.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> evening <strong>of</strong> January 4, Martek<br />
was <strong>of</strong>ficiating a girl’s high school<br />
basketball game between Mount<br />
Mercy Academy and Christian<br />
Central Academy, when he suddenly<br />
collapsed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> floor.<br />
“The last thing I remember was<br />
walking in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> locker room <strong>to</strong> get<br />
dressed. And <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> next thing, I<br />
was waking up in ICU,” said Martek,<br />
a 54 year-old mortgage risk manager<br />
from Lancaster, NY.<br />
Luckily for Martek, trainer Melissa<br />
Hudecki, whom he has known for<br />
years through area sports circles,<br />
sprang in<strong>to</strong> action. Realizing he had<br />
experienced what she thought was<br />
an apparent heart attack, she called<br />
upon her Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation<br />
(CPR) training and <strong>the</strong> use<br />
<strong>of</strong> an au<strong>to</strong>matic external defibrilla<strong>to</strong>r<br />
(AED) <strong>to</strong> revive him. Buffalo firefighters<br />
<strong>the</strong>n stepped in <strong>to</strong> continue<br />
<strong>the</strong> resuscitation efforts.<br />
Martek was taken by ambulance <strong>to</strong><br />
Mercy Hospital where he was put<br />
in<strong>to</strong> a medically induced coma with<br />
hypo<strong>the</strong>rmia <strong>the</strong>rapy under <strong>the</strong> direction<br />
<strong>of</strong> neurologist Catalina Ionita,<br />
MD. By lowering his body temperature,<br />
Dr. Ionita was able <strong>to</strong> stabilize<br />
Martek’s critical condition. When he<br />
woke up two days later, he had no<br />
recollection <strong>of</strong> what had happened.<br />
“We use <strong>the</strong> hypo<strong>the</strong>rmia<br />
treatment<br />
<strong>to</strong> protect <strong>the</strong> brain<br />
in <strong>the</strong> resuscitation<br />
process,” said Dr.<br />
Ionita.<br />
Before going home<br />
on January 10, Dr. Catalina Ionita<br />
Martek had a chance<br />
<strong>to</strong> thank Hudecki and his caregivers<br />
during a reunion planned at <strong>the</strong> hospital.<br />
A ga<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>of</strong> staff and news<br />
reporters watched as <strong>the</strong> two met<br />
eyes and embraced. With an outpouring<br />
<strong>of</strong> emotion, Martek <strong>to</strong>ld her, “If it<br />
wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.”<br />
He called her his “Angel <strong>of</strong> Mercy.”<br />
According <strong>to</strong> Cardiologist Dr. Rob<br />
Wall, who was also on hand for <strong>the</strong><br />
reunion, Martek’s event was caused<br />
by an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).<br />
He noted, “The death rate<br />
associated with what Mr. Martek experienced<br />
is very high. Only less than<br />
five percent <strong>of</strong><br />
people actually<br />
survive, and<br />
fortunately he<br />
is alive and it<br />
started with<br />
Melissa.”<br />
To prevent<br />
Martek from<br />
Dr. Rob Wall, cardiologist<br />
experiencing<br />
similar future events, Dr. Wall<br />
implanted a small heart moni<strong>to</strong>ring<br />
device in Martek’s chest, similar <strong>to</strong> a<br />
pacemaker, that can detect an arrhythmia<br />
and immediately correct it<br />
by delivering energy <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart.<br />
Martek expressed extreme gratitude<br />
<strong>to</strong>ward all <strong>of</strong> those involved in<br />
saving his life. In an effort <strong>to</strong> “pay it<br />
forward,” he pledged that his new<br />
year’s resolution is <strong>to</strong> receive proper<br />
CPR training, so that one day, he may<br />
be able <strong>to</strong> save someone else’s life.v<br />
Sweet Mercy!<br />
People In The News<br />
Kulwant S.<br />
Bhangoo,<br />
MD, was<br />
recently<br />
inducted<br />
in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Cosmetic<br />
Surgery<br />
Hall <strong>of</strong><br />
Fame at <strong>the</strong> Dr. Bhangoo accepts award<br />
International from Parvathy Omnakuttan,<br />
Cosmetic Miss World Runner-up.<br />
Surgery Symposium held in<br />
Kovalam, India last November.<br />
Dr. Bhangoo delivered a keynote<br />
lecture on Recent Advancements in<br />
Facelift Surgery and a guest lecture on<br />
Challenges in Rhinoplasty. v<br />
Congratulations<br />
<strong>to</strong> Anne<br />
McGillicuddy<br />
who was<br />
recently<br />
presented <strong>the</strong><br />
Mercy Charism<br />
Award from<br />
Mount Mercy<br />
Academy. As<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong><br />
Anne McGillicuddy<br />
Volunteers &<br />
Guest Relations, she is <strong>the</strong> key Mercy<br />
liaison for a high school shadowing<br />
and internship program with MMA<br />
and Bishop Timon High School. v<br />
A registered<br />
nurse at Mercy<br />
Hospital for<br />
over ten years,<br />
Bruce Trzepacz<br />
stepped in<strong>to</strong><br />
his new role<br />
as nurse<br />
manager <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Emergency<br />
Bruce Trzepacz<br />
Department (ED)<br />
in July <strong>of</strong> 2012. He and his family<br />
reside in Marilla where he is a<br />
volunteer EMT for <strong>the</strong> Jamison Road<br />
Volunteer Fire Company. v<br />
Page 3
Baby Girl Arrives<br />
12-12-12 at 12:12 pm<br />
Family BirthPlace Recognized for Quality Care<br />
Baby Skyler Woronchuk, daughter <strong>of</strong> Halie<br />
Woronchuk and Kip Hund <strong>of</strong> Hamburg,<br />
(pictured above) will have an easy time<br />
remembering her birthday, right down <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> minute—born 12/12/12 at 12:12 pm at<br />
Mercy. The next day, Buffalo Bills mascot,<br />
Billy Buffalo, presented <strong>the</strong> family with a Jim<br />
Kelly #12 gift package in honor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> famous<br />
#12! Kim Mecca,CNM, right, helped deliver<br />
<strong>the</strong> bundle <strong>of</strong> joy.v<br />
Meet Our<br />
Residents<br />
Dr. Daniel Molloy was inspired <strong>to</strong> become<br />
a doc<strong>to</strong>r while working at Mercy Hospital.<br />
Mercy Hospital is an active educational<br />
site for <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Buffalo<br />
(UB)/<strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Internal<br />
Medicine Training Program. In this<br />
issue, we would like <strong>to</strong> introduce<br />
Dr. Daniel Molloy.<br />
Born at Mercy Hospital and a<br />
former Mercy associate, Dr. Molloy<br />
said, “It feels great <strong>to</strong> be back at<br />
Mercy as a resident.”A graduate <strong>of</strong><br />
Ross University School <strong>of</strong> Medicine<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Caribbean and <strong>the</strong> University<br />
<strong>of</strong> Buffalo, he worked at Mercy as<br />
an assistant in <strong>the</strong> ER and a rehab<br />
aide while in college. A 3 rd year resident,<br />
he will graduate in June and<br />
hopes <strong>to</strong> become a hospitalist. v<br />
Mercy Hospital’s Family BirthPlace, which includes Maternity and Labor & Delivery Services,<br />
recently earned <strong>the</strong> MORE OB Recognition Award for its outstanding performance in <strong>the</strong><br />
application <strong>of</strong> knowledge, communication and teamwork <strong>to</strong> make quality care and patient safety a<br />
<strong>to</strong>p priority. Mercy was selected <strong>to</strong> be a demonstration site for MORE OB (Managing Obstetrical<br />
Risk Efficiently) in 2012, which is a national patient safety, pr<strong>of</strong>essional development and<br />
performance improvement program <strong>of</strong>fered by Salus Global Corporation. Pictured above, Salus<br />
Global representative Sheri DeMeester, far left, presents <strong>the</strong> award <strong>to</strong> Dr. Lawrence Gugino,<br />
chair <strong>of</strong> Mercy’s OB/GYN Department and several members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> BirthPlace team.v<br />
LOVE Awards Honor Caring Associates<br />
The LOVE Award (Living<br />
Our Values Effectively)<br />
is designed <strong>to</strong> recognize<br />
outstanding associates<br />
throughout <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
<strong>Health</strong> who demonstrate a<br />
commitment <strong>to</strong> our values<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir daily work.<br />
Our 2 nd quarter LOVE<br />
Award winner was Marcy<br />
Doyle, RN, <strong>of</strong> Labor & Delivery.<br />
Jim Fitzgerald, PA,<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Emergency Center<br />
received 3 rd quarter honors.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> 4 th quarter, staff from<br />
8 McAuley East, Maternal/<br />
Child, and Labor & Delivery<br />
were recognized.<br />
A LOVE Awards Luncheon<br />
was held on Valentine’s<br />
Day at <strong>the</strong> hospital <strong>to</strong><br />
pay tribute <strong>to</strong> all <strong>the</strong> 2012<br />
nominees and winners for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir heartfelt actions. v<br />
The LOVE Award was presented <strong>to</strong> Jim Fitzgerald, PA, by<br />
Dr. Richard Elman, left, and Mercy President & CEO C.J.<br />
Urlaub with many co-workers and family present.<br />
Sister Mariella Enright gives Nurse Manager Maureen<br />
Sullivan a hug during <strong>the</strong> 8 East LOVE Award<br />
presentation while Sister Sheila Marie Walsh looks on. v<br />
Page 4
The spotlight<br />
shines on <strong>the</strong><br />
Central Transport<br />
Department, a staff<br />
<strong>of</strong> 52 associates<br />
who work round<strong>the</strong>-clock<br />
<strong>to</strong><br />
transport patients<br />
throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> hospital,<br />
including inpatient<br />
and outpatient<br />
discharges.<br />
Did you know<br />
that this bustling<br />
staff is on target <strong>to</strong><br />
complete 167,000<br />
patient transports<br />
in 2013 Currently,<br />
<strong>the</strong> team averages about 535 patient<br />
moves per day. Over <strong>the</strong> past two<br />
years, <strong>the</strong>y have been successful in<br />
reducing average trip times from<br />
30 minutes <strong>to</strong> just under 22 minutes<br />
per transport. In addition, new<br />
Service Spotlight<br />
Some members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> busy Central Transport Team are from left, Mike<br />
Galbraith, direc<strong>to</strong>r; Mike O’Connell; Denise Tomilo; Barb Knightner<br />
and Damon Hendrix. Barb LeCounte, manager, is missing from pho<strong>to</strong>.<br />
Teletracking technology introduced<br />
last December uses “dispatch logic”<br />
<strong>to</strong> match <strong>the</strong> most appropriate<br />
transporter <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> nearest prioritized<br />
job. One might say this busy Central<br />
Transport team is truly on <strong>the</strong> move! v<br />
Grant Benefits New Waiting Room<br />
The Mercy Hospital<br />
Foundation received a<br />
grant for $375,000 from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Margaret L. Wendt<br />
Foundation <strong>to</strong> complete<br />
a $500,000 renovation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> surgical waiting<br />
room at Mercy Hospital<br />
<strong>of</strong> Buffalo <strong>to</strong> be named<br />
The Margaret L. Wendt<br />
Family Center.<br />
“The number <strong>of</strong> patients turning <strong>to</strong><br />
Mercy for care has steadily increased,<br />
not only in <strong>the</strong> Emergency Department,<br />
but in our surgical services as<br />
well,” said Mercy Hospital President<br />
& CEO C.J. Urlaub. “When you have<br />
a loved one in <strong>the</strong> operating room,<br />
it can be a stressful time. Our new<br />
surgical waiting room will provide<br />
a peaceful and comfortable environment<br />
for our patients’ families.”<br />
An artist’s rendering <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new family waiting room<br />
The new family waiting room, that<br />
will be located on <strong>the</strong> 3 rd floor near<br />
<strong>the</strong> Mercy Café, will feature advanced<br />
technology <strong>to</strong> track a patient’s<br />
progress throughout <strong>the</strong> surgery,<br />
enabling <strong>the</strong>ir loved ones <strong>to</strong> stay<br />
constantly informed. New consultation<br />
rooms will be added as well <strong>to</strong><br />
provide space for private discussions.<br />
This project is being funded through<br />
<strong>the</strong> Mercy Hospital Foundation.v<br />
Stroke Education<br />
Room Dedicated<br />
Stroke Center staff recently ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>to</strong> bless<br />
and dedicate its new Stroke Education Room<br />
on 5 McAuley West. The room was named in<br />
honor and memory <strong>of</strong> Charleen Grzybowski.<br />
Since 2009, her family has coordinated an annual<br />
golf <strong>to</strong>urnament <strong>to</strong> benefit stroke services<br />
at <strong>the</strong> hospital. To date, <strong>the</strong> Grzybowski family<br />
has donated $14,500 <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mercy Hospital<br />
Foundation. Pictured above, Chris Grzybowski<br />
presented a $5,000 donation from proceeds<br />
raised at <strong>the</strong>ir 2012 golf event. Save <strong>the</strong> date<br />
for this year’s <strong>to</strong>urnament, set for August 19,<br />
2013 at Fox Valley Country Club.v<br />
Facility Updates<br />
Construction projects continue<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> hospital campus. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> parking ramp, a new Lorraineside<br />
eleva<strong>to</strong>r is expected <strong>to</strong> be completed<br />
in March. When operational,<br />
work will <strong>the</strong>n begin <strong>to</strong> modernize<br />
<strong>the</strong> Alsace eleva<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
In o<strong>the</strong>r construction news, <strong>the</strong><br />
Cashiers <strong>of</strong>fice was relocated <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong><br />
main lobby; <strong>the</strong> Foundation moved<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> former cashiers area on <strong>the</strong> 3 rd<br />
floor; and Spiritual Care moved <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> former Foundation <strong>of</strong>fice on <strong>the</strong><br />
3 rd floor near <strong>the</strong> chapel. A newly<br />
constructed Admissions <strong>of</strong>fice will<br />
soon open near <strong>the</strong> front entrance.<br />
Cashiers Phyllis Dunning, left, and Susan<br />
Betlewicz are busy in <strong>the</strong>ir new <strong>of</strong>fice.v<br />
Page 5
Mercy at Work<br />
Mission Corner<br />
Mary Pat Barth, VP, Mission Integration<br />
Dedicated Associates Honored<br />
In 2012, <strong>the</strong>re were 198 dedicated associates<br />
who reached 5 and 10 years <strong>of</strong> service <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Health</strong>. A luncheon was recently<br />
held at <strong>the</strong> hospital <strong>to</strong> recognize and present<br />
<strong>the</strong>se associates with <strong>the</strong>ir anniversary<br />
pins. Pictured above are: (l.-r., standing)<br />
Elgina Baker <strong>of</strong> Hospitality Services;<br />
Jonathan Hendrix <strong>of</strong> Environmental<br />
Services; Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Williams, RN, Christine<br />
Michaels, RN, (seated) Ashley Prezyna,<br />
Immediate Treatment Assistant; and Jessica<br />
Nice, RN, <strong>of</strong> 5 McAuley West.v<br />
Passport <strong>to</strong> Mercy Fair is a Hit!<br />
More than 500 associates recently <strong>to</strong>ok an<br />
“Around <strong>the</strong> World” Tour <strong>of</strong> Mercy Hospital<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Passport <strong>to</strong> Mercy Fair. The<br />
Fair featured s<strong>to</strong>ps in England (Foundation),<br />
Germany (Administration); Switzerland<br />
(Finance); U.S.A. (Facilities & Parking);<br />
Italy (HR); China (Associate Council); Poland<br />
(Patient Experience); Ireland (Spiritual<br />
Care); France (Infection Control); Canada<br />
(Respira<strong>to</strong>ry); and Mexico (Quality). Mary<br />
Ellen White <strong>of</strong> Maternity won <strong>the</strong> Grand<br />
Prize $500 Southwest Airlines voucher.v<br />
Win Movie Tickets By Completing Puzzle!<br />
Steve McKee, Mercy’s physician<br />
liaison, is our latest winner! Associates,<br />
physicians and volunteers are<br />
invited <strong>to</strong> complete <strong>the</strong> Associates In<br />
The Know puzzle for a chance <strong>to</strong> win<br />
a pair <strong>of</strong> free movie tickets.<br />
Just drop <strong>the</strong> completed puzzle in<br />
<strong>the</strong> designated box in <strong>the</strong> hospital<br />
cafeteria, or fax completed puzzles <strong>to</strong><br />
Melanie Griffis at (fax) 828-3499, <strong>to</strong><br />
enter <strong>the</strong> drawing.<br />
Name________________________<br />
Phone_____________<br />
ACROSS<br />
1 Proceeds from <strong>the</strong> Autumnal will<br />
benefit <strong>the</strong> new ______room<br />
4 Mercy held <strong>the</strong> first _______<strong>to</strong> Mercy DOWN<br />
Fair <strong>to</strong> keep associates informed 2 Staff should show _____ for <strong>the</strong>ir actions<br />
7 Associate Council’s Communications 3 Associate Council’s Mission Committee<br />
Team has nursing, admissions, and held <strong>the</strong>ir annual _____Sale<br />
imaging services on <strong>the</strong> _________ 5 For guidance, <strong>the</strong> ____for Annointing <strong>the</strong><br />
8 This department has plumbers,<br />
Sick can be found on <strong>the</strong> Intranet<br />
electricians, engineers & mechanics 6 Associate Council’s Wellness Committee<br />
10 Mercy is rated in <strong>the</strong> ____ 100<br />
started a _______class on Wednesdays<br />
hospitals in <strong>the</strong> country for orthopedic, 9 Patients can now use ______ for virtual<br />
spine and prostatec<strong>to</strong>my<br />
visits with relatives and friends v<br />
At <strong>the</strong> successful Maternity Bake Sale<br />
were: (l.-r.) Nancy Peterson, Sister Carmen<br />
Gualtieri, Linda Pollinger, Elaine Keegan,<br />
and Debbie Stamer.<br />
The entire Mercy Hospital family<br />
continues <strong>to</strong> show a huge heart<br />
when it comes <strong>to</strong> giving <strong>to</strong> people<br />
in need. Several events were held<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> holiday season <strong>to</strong><br />
raise money for <strong>the</strong> Helping Hands<br />
Fund and <strong>the</strong> City Mission. Dozens<br />
<strong>of</strong> families were helped through <strong>the</strong><br />
Adopt-a-Family program, many<br />
<strong>of</strong> whom were identified through<br />
our Mission Integration Office. The<br />
annual Maternity Bake Sale raised<br />
$939 and <strong>the</strong> Holiday Basket Raffle<br />
raised nearly $2,500. The Christmas<br />
Mitten Tree filled up twice with<br />
donations going <strong>to</strong> families in need<br />
in our community. These caring<br />
and generous efforts continue <strong>to</strong><br />
demonstrate <strong>the</strong> Spirit <strong>of</strong> Mercy and<br />
our <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Mission! v<br />
Read Across America<br />
Mercy President & CEO C.J. Urlaub joined<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r community leaders at Lorraine Elementary<br />
School in South Buffalo on March 1 <strong>to</strong><br />
participate in Read Across America Day. v<br />
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