JANUARY 2010
SOMC, LIFE Ambulance Strengthen Partnership
In an effort to reinstate and strengthen the partnership between Southern Ohio Medical Center and LIFE Ambulance Services, SOMC logos will now appear on LIFE Ambulance emergency and non-emergency vehicles. Pictured above (l to r) is Mike Pistole, President and CEO of LIFE Ambulance; Claudia Burchett, vice president of SOMC Patient Services; Doug Avery, chief operating officer of LIFE Ambulance; and Mary Kate Dilts Skaggs, director of nursing for SOMC Emergency and Outpatient Services.
January 27, 2010 » For more than 20 years, Southern Ohio Medical Center and LIFE Ambulance Service, Inc. have partnered to provide the residents of Scioto and surrounding counties with top-quality, timely patient care.
“The partnership between our two organizations stemmed from a general understanding of respect, camaraderie and belief in our community,” Randy Arnett, president and CEO of SOMC, said. “We both feel a strong obligation to the people of this area and hold a very high commitment to strengthening the bond between our local companies and philanthropic endeavors.”
To reinstate this belief, SOMC logos will now appear on the LIFE Ambulance emergency and non-emergency vehicles.
“We’ve always had a strong partnership, but we were looking for a way to make our support for each other more known throughout the community,” Doug Avery, chief operating officer for LIFE Ambulance, said. “Adding SOMC’s logos to our vehicles will further demonstrate our commitment to the growth of and dedication to our local businesses, healthcare system and people of this area.”
Vice President of SOMC Inpatient Services Claudia Burchett explained that the two organizations also will continue collaborating with local companies to increase health awareness and knowledge within the community.
“During our partnership, SOMC and LIFE have worked together to provide our local residents with better health care opportunities through screenings and events like the Scioto County Fair,” she said.
“These opportunities have also been offered through the help of teams from Shawnee State University, local city health departments and even other health care systems throughout the region. We hope this aspect of collaboration will continue to evolve with the needs of our community and we look forward to expanding our possibilities with other local resources in the future.”
SOMC wins Distinctive Workplace Award
January 25, 2010 » Southern Ohio Medical Center recently received notification from Press Ganey Associates, Inc. that the organization has received the 2009 Distinctive Workplace Award.
“This is a great honor for our organization,” said President and CEO Randy Arnett. “This award recognizes that our employees love what they do and take pride in practicing their gifts right here at SOMC.”
Press Ganey currently partners with more than 10,000 health care facilities (including more than 40 percent of U.S. hospitals) to measure and improve the quality of their care. The company’s databases are the largest in the industry and allow facilities nationwide to benchmark their results against peer organizations.
Southern Ohio Medical Center is one of only nine Press Ganey clients in the nation to receive this prestigious honor. The award is given based on clients who have reached and maintained the 95th percentile or better in employee satisfaction. Southern Ohio Medical Center currently stands at the 98th percentile for overall employee satisfaction.
SOMC has been recognized nationally and statewide for employee satisfaction. SOMC has been named to the FORTUNE Great Places to Work list three years in a row and has been in the top three on the Ohio’s Best Employer list for the past four years.
“Without the dedication and high-level of quality our staff provide every day, we would not be considered for such designations. We are proud of our team of experts at SOMC and are proud to offer the best to our community in quality care,” Arnett said.
SOMC Introduces Seasonal Selections Room Service
January 25, 2010 » To enhance the quality of service provided to patients and better meet their nutritional needs, Southern Ohio Medical Center is proud to announce the addition of the Seasonal Selections Room Service program for 2010.
“After receiving feedback from both patients and staff members, Nutrition Services started
creating a program that would provide a wider variety of food options, while maintaining our patients’ specific
diet and nutritional requirements,” Nicki Welch, chief clinical dietitian at SOMC, said.
Seasonal Selections Room Service began Jan. 26 and has replaced the hospital’s previous meal program. The new service gives patients more individualized, personal control of their menu selection.
“Our new menus will contain items specifically designed by our own nutrition specialists and will give patients the feeling of a higher-class restaurant-style of dining,” Jack Smathers, manager of Nutrition Services, said. “The program also will give our patients and their guests the ability to order what they want, when they want it, which is a completely different set-up than that of the past. It’s going to make a huge difference.”
Nutrition Services Director Mike Cremeans explained that the program has been in the works for more than a year and is the reason behind the hospital’s cafeteria reconstruction project.
“To provide a higher quality and quantity of menu items, a renovation was needed,” he said. “The new cafeteria space and kitchen will allow both employees and our customers to see improvement in our services.”
Patients and their guests will be able to order room service between the hours of 6:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. A Nutrition Services Ambassador will be available for questions and to aid patients in ordering from a Seasonal Selection Room Services menu.
SOMC Named Healthy Worksite
January 22, 2010 » Southern Ohio Medical Center was recently recognized by Healthy Ohio and received the Healthy Worksite Honorable Mention Award. This award identifies Ohio employers that demonstrate a commitment to employee health by incorporating comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs.
Regina Tipton, wellness specialist at SOMC explained that the award acknowledges efforts of employers in Ohio to facilitate and encourage employee health, enhance productivity and ensure a healthy work environment.
A questionnaire, proof of policies and examples of programs used to encourage better health amongst employees are part of the application process. All worksites in Ohio, large and small, for profit and non-profit have the opportunity to apply for the award.
“SOMC strives to be the example not just to our employees but for other employers and the community,” Tipton said. “We want to encourage a healthy community resulting in our children and their families living long and happy lives.”
SOMC Named a FORTUNE 100 Best Company to Work For
January 21, 2010 » Southern Ohio Medical Center learned today that not only has the organization been named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the third year in a row, but also moved up five spots. The full list and related stories will appear in the Feb. 8 issue of FORTUNE magazine, available on newsstands on Monday, Jan. 25, and now at fortune.com/bestcompanies.
“We are truly proud to once again be named to this prestigious list,” said Randy Arnett, President and CEO of Southern Ohio Medical Center. “It continues to confirm that we have excellent employees who love what they do and show it through the care they provide.”
FORTUNE Deputy Managing Editor Hank Gilman says, “The most important considerations for this year’s list were hiring and the ways in which companies are helping their employees weather the recession. All 100 companies on our list are currently hiring, many of the aggressively, leading to more than 96,000 open job positions expected in the next year.”
“We put our employees and patients first in all decision making.” said Vicki Noel, Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development, “Staff are actively involved in the organization which helped us maintain a strong workforce while other organizations have been forced to place freezes on retirement programs and hiring or reduce wages during this recession. We have a dedicated staff who are focused on what is best for our patients and one another.”
To pick the 100 Best Companies, FORTUNE partners with the Great Place to Work Institute to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America. Two-thirds of a company's score is based on the results of the Institute's Trust Index survey, which is sent to a random sample of employees from each company. The survey asks questions related to their attitudes about the management's credibility, job satisfaction and camaraderie. The other third of the scoring is based on the company's responses to the Institute's Culture Audit, which includes detailed questions about pay and benefit programs and a series of open-ended questions about hiring, communication and diversity.
“I am proud to say that I am a member of the SOMC family. And that is really what we are here – family. You just can’t match what we have and what we provide to our patients anywhere else in the region,” said Christy Aeh, Nurse Manager of ICU.
Community Unites to Benefit Breast Cancer Fund
January 21, 2010 » During the next two weeks, Southern Ohio Medical Center will team with Shawnee State University, the Portsmouth Area Arts Council and Portsmouth West High School to host programs geared at creating awareness of breast cancer and raising funds for those receiving treatment.
“We all know someone who has battled breast cancer, which is what makes the disease so personal,” Wendi Waugh, director of the SOMC Cancer Center, said. “It’s a topic that not only impacts our patients, but affects the lives of our whole community. That’s why so many supporters have graciously stepped forward to help our cause.”
SOMC and SSU will kick things off with a “Pink Out!” during the homecoming men’s and women’s basketball games at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Rhodes Athletic Center. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a free “Pink Out!” T-shirt.
“Breast cancer is a topic that is important to our employees, faculty members, students and student athletes,” SSU President Rita Rice Morris said. “It is something that is very real, and personal for us, as we’ve had friends, co-workers and family members affected by this disease. Helping to raise awareness is our way of supporting them and their families.”
The public is also invited to an evening of song and celebration during “A Night of Broadway” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. All proceeds of the evening will benefit the SOMC Breast Cancer Compassion Fund.
“While there are often resources for breast cancer patients, there are still many who have a critical need and fall through the cracks,” Dr. Scarpinato, senior medical director of Surgery at SOMC, said. “Some can’t even afford to travel a few miles to get their treatment. This production will raise money to help those people.”
“A Night of Broadway” will feature vocal selections from both alumni and current Portsmouth West High School students under the direction of Vocal Music Teacher Linda Tieman. Several quality merchandise and event packages also will be available for raffle.
“The students have been working day and night to put this show together and have invested their heart and soul into seeing it succeed,” Tieman said. “They really want to do something for the good of the community and the whole process has been very inspirational for them. We’re honored just to be able to help.”
Dr. Scarpinato explained that he and Tieman partnered to produce last year’s performance of “The Story Goes On,” which raised more than $16,000 for the compassion fund.
“‘The Story Goes On’ was amazingly successful and we hope to top it this time around,” he said. “It’s been such an honor to work with these students and have the support of so many within the community. These projects are truly terrific and we thank everyone who has offered to be a part of them.”
A limited number of seats will be released for the event and are $50 per person for the VIP section, $25 per person for the patron section, and $11 per person for the reserved section. Purchase of a VIP ticket will include invitation to a champagne reception, which will follow in the Howland Recital Hall.
Tickets are available exclusively through the McKinley Box Office and can be purchased by calling 351-3600, visiting the box office between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday—Friday or going online to www.ticketmaster.com.
Neurologist Turkewitz Welcomed At SOMC
January 21, 2010 » Jay Turkewitz, MD, a physician specializing in Neurology, has been welcomed to the medical staff of Southern Ohio Medical Center.
Dr. Turkewitz received his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine in Boston, Mass. He completed a residency in Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y. He is board certified in Neurology and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
Dr. Turkewitz joins Dr. Leon Rosenberg, neurologist and can be reached at the SOMC Physician Specialty Associates, 1735 27th St., Waller Building Suite 206, Portsmouth, Ohio, 45662. He will begin seeing patients Feb. 1, 2010. Call (740) 355-9240 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
SOMC Vascular Surgeon Receives High Satisfaction Scores
January 21, 2010 » If you ask Marion Hochstetler, M.D., vascular surgeon at Southern Ohio Medical Center, what he does for a living, he’ll jokingly say, “I’m a human plumber.”
“If a vein or artery is blocked, I go in and remove the blockage,” Hochstetler said. “I spent two years specifically studying artery and vein diseases.”
He was raised on a farm in Orrville, Ohio. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and spending time with his wife and two children. Hochstetler’s uncle was a physician who taught him a variety of skills and inspired him to become a surgeon.
While only practicing with the Surgery Associates of SOMC for six months, Hochstetler has already made quite an impression on the employees at SOMC, achieving the 99th percentile in the most recent satisfaction survey.
One of Dr. Hochstetler’s patients, Merlyn Cole, 73, from South Webster said, “He is the most wonderful physician. He’s so down to earth and the ‘doc’ explained everything in a way my wife and I could easily understand, which calmed our nerves.”
Dr. Hochstetler literally “plumbed” Cole’s arteries in his legs to relieve blockage created by the build up of cholesterol. Cole used to walk two miles everyday until he began to feel pain in his legs. After correcting his artery blockage, he feels better than he has in years and is thankful for Dr. Hochstetler.
“Dr. Hochstetler is a breath of fresh air,” Sally Berry, RN, CNOR, staff nurse in surgery, said. “He is relaxed with his patients which in turn lowers their anxiety. I wish I was on his surgery team just so I could work with him more often.”
In addition to removing blockage from patients’ legs, Dr. Hochstetler offers a variety of vascular and surgical services. He treats peripheral arterial disease, complex aneurysms, aortic diseases, varicose veins, venous and diabetic ulcers, placement and revision of dialysis access, and the management of neck artery blockage with stenting or open surgical treatment.
One such patient is Mr. Homer Lute, who suffered from severe neck artery blockage. Lute, 73, from McDermott felt short of breath and came to SOMC’s emergency department. During his workup, he was found to have critical neck artery blockage, placing him at high risk for having a stroke. Dr. Hochstetler performed surgery to remove the blockage and he went home the next day.
“Just before the new year, I had my surgery. Dr. Hochstetler made me feel comfortable and everything went smoothly,” Lute said. “He is a very good doctor and I would recommend him to anyone.”
Cole added,“You won’t find a better doctor anywhere. I’ve been to the big cities for healthcare but the care I’ve received at SOMC is excellent and we are lucky to have Dr. Hochstetler here in Portsmouth."
Dr. Hochstetler is currently accepting patients and can be reached at the SOMC Surgical Associates, 1735 27th St., Waller Building, Suite 102, Portsmouth, Ohio. Call (740) 353-3562 for more information.
SOMC to Host Knit for Hope
January 21, 2010 » Knitters and crocheters of all skill-levels are invited to get-together for an evening of fun, food and to support a good cause as part of the Knit for Hope group at Southern Ohio Medical Center.
The group will meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the SOMC Friends Community Center, 1202 18th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio.
Patterns for lap quilts, throws, shawls, hats and caps will be available, though attendees are asked to bring their own needles and yarn (of any color). Finished products will be donated to breast cancer patients of the SOMC Cancer Center.
For more information, please call the Friends Center at (740) 356-7101.
Crohn’s Disease Support Group to Meet
January 14, 2010 » The local chapter of the Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis support group will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 in Classroom 2 of the Gibson Building on the East Campus of Southern Ohio Medical Center, 2201 25th St., Portsmouth, Ohio. The group meets every third Tuesday of the month, weather permitting.
Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. The meeting will focus on participants who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The group is supported by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. For more information, please call Angel at (740) 259-5080.
SOMC Held Master Zumba™ Class
January 14, 2010 » Southern Ohio Medical Center’s Portsmouth LIFE Center recently held a master Zumba™ class, taught by master Zumba™ instructor, Nathan Blake from New York (pictured front left). More than 100 attendees braved the bad weather to participate, learning new dances and Zumba™ moves. The event was a fundraiser of the Friends Community Center for the purchase of medical equipment.
SOMC Forms Local AMSN Chapter
January 14, 2010 » Southern Ohio Medical Center recently formed a southern Ohio chapter of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN). The group will meet quarterly and provide continuing education opportunities at each meeting. Medical surgical nurses in the region are invited to join.
AMSN was founded in 1991 and is the only specialty nursing organization dedicated to the medical-surgical nursing practice. The formation of the southern Ohio AMSN chapter at SOMC started with four officers and has grown to more than 20 members.
“The purpose of the chapter is to recognize medical surgical as a nursing specialty,” Lynn Chamberlin, nurse manager of the Med-Surg Care Unit at SOMC, said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for nurses to sharpen their skills with continuing education activities.”
Chamberlin explained that members will be given access to an online mentoring program, forums and chat rooms to prepare for med-surg nursing certification exams or to help nurses as they complete schooling.
“The online tools enable members to connect with peers and provides networking opportunities,” she said.
In addition, members will also receive six issues per year of the MEDSURG Nursing journal and MedSurg Matters newsletter as well as 12 issues per year of the MedSurg Nursing Connection e-newsletter. Members will have opportunities to volunteer both regionally and nationally while enhancing their leadership skills.
During the quarterly meetings, discussions will be held on any business needs and the allocation of chapter dues. One benefit of the local southern Ohio chapter is the opportunity to provide scholarships for nursing students.
“I’m very excited about the new AMSN chapter and I look forward to nurses in the community benefiting from this association,” Chamberlin said.
For more information or to join the southern Ohio AMSN chapter, please contact Lynn Chamberlin at (740)-356-8225.
Scioto Guild Presents Donation to SOMC
January 14, 2010 » Members of the Scioto Guild (pictured above), a part of the Friends of SOMC, recently presented Kimberlee Richendollar (back right), breast health navigator for the SOMC Cancer Center, a donation of $5,000. The contribution was collected through the guild’s annual Flower Sale, held every May. The funds will go toward SOMC’s Breast Cancer Compassion Fund, which provides assistance to local breast cancer patients.
SOMC Cardiologist Gill Receives Certification
January 14, 2010 » M. Taimoor Gill, M.D., interventional cardiologist at Southern Ohio Medical Center recently received board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine/Interventional Cardiology.
Dr. Gill received his medical degree from the Allama Iqbal Medical College. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia University. He is now board certified in Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Nuclear Cardiology.
Dr. Gill is in practice with the SOMC Heart and Vascular Associates on the main campus of Southern Ohio Medical Center, Waller Building, Suite 207. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (740) 356-8772.
SOMC Safety Leader Elected to OSHRM Board
January 14, 2010 » Leeann L. Sammons, vice president of Health and Safety at Southern Ohio Medical Center, was recently elected to the board of directors of the Ohio Society for Health Care Risk Managers (OSHRM), representing the Central District. OSHRM is an affiliated state chapter of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Managers of the American Hospital Association.
“I’m excited about joining the board. It’s a great opportunity to help the risk management and patient safety professionals in Ohio have a voice,” Sammons said.
Founded in 1978, OSHRM was created to establish a forum for health care risk managers in the state of Ohio. The society's mission is to promote risk management, which protects human and financial assets in a manner consistent with compassionate, quality and cost-effective health care.
“My duties will include planning a bi-annual education day and furthering patient safety initiatives in health care,” she said. “Bringing back what I learn will benefit patients, employees and the community.”
Sammons will represent Portsmouth and Scioto County with state leaders in dealing with risk management issues. As a board member, she will serve a two-year term.
“As one of our strategic values, physicians, leaders and front line staff are always working to provide exceptional care through safety,” Sammons said. “As an OSHRM board member, I look forward to sharing the success of our organization and giving our employees the recognition they deserve for producing excellent results.”
SOMC’s Skaggs Presented at Regional Research Conference
January 14, 2010 » Mary Kate Dilts Skaggs, RN, MSN, NE-BC, director of nursing for SOMC’s Emergency and Outpatient Services and chair of the Nursing Research Committee, recently presented at the 35th annual Nursing Research Conference, held Dec. 4 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind.
More than 150 nursing colleagues from Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana were in attendance, showcasing approximately 30 poster presentations of varying topics. Two posters from Southern Ohio Medical Center were featured and included Reducing Blood Culture Contamination in the Emergency Department and Is There a Santa Clause? Fun Methods to Teach Principals of Nursing.
Fun Methods to Teach Principals of Nursing was also recently published in the October 2009, Volume 39 Issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration.
“It was a privilege to present our research posters at the conference,” Skaggs said. “Conducting research is an integral part of our Magnet status and the results help us to improve quality of care as well as to provide excellent service for our patients and their families.”
Kids Cope Christmas Party
January 14, 2010 » The SOMC Cancer Center recently held a Christmas party for the Kids Cope group (pictured above). Stephanie Craft, a social worker, started the program two years ago for children with family members receiving cancer treatment at SOMC. During the event, Santa visited on his sleigh (provided by Nile Township Fire Department) and participants enjoyed food, games and gift bags provided by employees of the center.
Promise Guild Donates Robes to Cancer Center
January 4, 2010 » Members of the Promise Guild, a part of the Friends of SOMC, recently donated 60 robes to the Cancer Center at Southern Ohio Medical Center. The guild raised money to purchase and monogram the robes through various fundraisers during the year. The idea for the robes came from a patient suggestion and will provide comfort and privacy for cancer patients during treatments.
Pictured above are: (back, l-r); Kelly Lawson, clinical manager of SOMC Oncology Services; Rose Havens, promise guild member; Joyce Payton, promise guild member; Kristie Meeker, assistant nurse manager of SOMC Oncology Services; (front, l-r); Sherrill Day, promise guild member; Marilyn Mercer, promise guild member.
SOMC Highlighted in Joint Commission Video
January 4, 2010 » Southern Ohio Medical Center was recently selected to participate in a Joint Commission Resources (JCR) satellite video special titled “Facing the Challenges of Joint Commission.” The program featured several hospitals nationwide and their approach and outcomes of pain management efforts.
“Pain management is more than assessing or administering medications to reduce the patient’s discomfort, it’s about listening to the patient and providing the most excellent care possible,” Jill Preston, manager of workforce development, said.
A Chicago representative from JCR and a film crew came to the hospital in November to shoot clips for the program. The satellite video special aired online Dec. 17 for JCR members.
“Being selected for this video special was an honor and a wonderful opportunity for others to see SOMC’s tools and processes for reducing pain,” Valerie DeCamp, director of inpatient services and accreditation, said. “We look forward to using the video for employee education and to improve our patient care efforts.”
Local Students Brighten Spirits at SOMC
January 4, 2010 » Fourth grade students from Oak Intermediate School in New Boston recently visited Southern Ohio Medical Center in hopes of spreading joy and cheer to patients during the holiday season. The students made spirits brighter by caroling through the halls of the inpatient units and delivering homemade cards that will be given to patients Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Shown above with the students are Progressive Care Unit staff members (back row, l to r) Kathy Moore, Debbie Kamer, Connie Florek, Paula Reinhardt and Linda Horner.
Carolers Bring Joy to Patients at SOMC
January 4, 2010 » Members of the Minford Church of the Nazarene choir recently sang Christmas carols to patients at Southern Ohio Medical Center. The group brought teddy bears for pediatric patients and lifted spirits with beautiful songs in the lobby, Heart Care Unit and Rehab Unit. Pictured above are members of the choir.
