HHS news_12_12 - Harrington Memorial Hospital

News for the Extended Harrington Family
Finally Lisa’s Gives To
The Cancer Center
Finally Lisa’s Hair Salon in Southbridge presented
a check for $2,729 to The Cancer Center at
Harrington on Dec. 4, 2012. This is the fifth year
that the salon has offered pink hair extensions
to signify hope in the fight against cancer. Over
the five-year period, Finally Lisa’s has donated
$12,339 to The Cancer Center. Pictured, from
the left, are Lauren Pettinelli, Paula Mallozzi, Kim
Bruce and owner Lisa Bodreau. Accepting the
check were Dr. Chris Seidler (center), Medical
Director of The Cancer Center, and Harrington
President and CEO Ed Moore (far right). Finally
Lisa’s employees not pictured are Lisa Hufault,
Michelle Livernois, Diane Alicea and Jennie
Miskell. ■
First Skills Camp
For Employees
Approximately 100 staff members recently
attended the first Educational Skills Camp in
Southbridge put on by the Harrington
HealthCare Education Council. The two-day
event allowed staff to enhance their
professional skills. The council would like to
thank the many local businesses who
contributed to the raffle prizes. Harrington
hopes to have another educational skills camp
in May 2013. ■
W E L C O M E A B O A R D
Jennifer Bolduc ————— Medical Staff Office Assistant, HPS
Sandra Curry ————— Applications Analyst, HPS
Kelly McNally ————— Medical Records
Ilene Torchia ————— WIC
Trishia Vear ————— Pharmacy
Unvaccinated Staff Must Wear Flu Masks
Beginning Wednesday, December 12 at 7 a.m., Harrington HealthCare System required all
employees, physicians and volunteers at all facilities, including physician offices, who did
not receive the flu vaccine to wear surgical masks when coming within three feet of a
patient or entering a patient room or enclosed treatment area. “Requiring unvaccinated
employees to wear masks when they are near patients is critical to patient safety.” said
Edward H. Moore, President and CEO of Harrington HealthCare System. Employees who wish
to receive a flu shot should call CompreCare at 508-765-3093. ■
QUALITY ✔ CORNER
How To Reduce The Risk Of
Healthcare-Associated Infections
One of our National Patient Safety Goals this year is prevention of Healthcare-Associated
Infections, also known as HAIs. Hand hygiene is crucial for the prevention of HAIs. Wash
hands with soap and water with friction for at least 15 seconds or apply alcohol based
foam and rub on all surfaces until dry. (Alcohol foam is not effective for c-difficile -- one
must use soap and water.) Our annual mandatory education keeps us up-to-date with
prevention strategies. We also must educate our patients.
Implement evidence-based practices to prevent HAIs due to multi-drug resistant organisms:
■ Use appropriate identification, signage and personal protective equipment
■ Pre-screen Total Joint patients
Implement best practices to prevent central line-associated blood stream infections:
■ Do not use femoral veins when other sites are available
■ Use a central line bundle kit for insertion
■ Use a safety checklist and barrier precautions prior to insertion
Implement best practices for preventing surgical site infections:
■ Keep the patient warm; do not shave; clip hair instead
■ Give a prophylactic antibiotic within 60 minutes of incision and discontinue within 24 hours
■ Prep the site with ChloraPrep
Implement practices to prevent urinary catheter-associated infections
■ Limit use and duration to situations that meet criteria
■ Use a bladder scanner to evaluate the need for a Foley catheter; consider using
a straight catheter
■ Use aseptic techniques for insertion.
Webster Rehab Department Wins FOTO Award
The Harrington Webster campus Rehabilitation Department,
located on Cudworth Road, has earned recognition
from Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc., (FOTO), a
national leader in measurement and reporting for the
rehabilitation industry.
FOTO uses data from many rehabilitation clinics
throughout the country to compare results of therapy and
patient outcomes. They adjust the data for the patient's
age, medical issues and any other factors to compare
patients as objectively as is possible. From July 2010 to
September 2012, the Webster campus patient outcomes have exceeded the national average.
“We are very proud of this award,” said Karen Bussiere, Supervisor for the Webster Rehab
Department. “We take our patient care standards seriously and our staff is committed to going
above and beyond to provide excellent care.” ■
S A V E T H E D A T E !
Employee Winter Gala. Friday, February 8, 2013
Sturbridge Host Hotel • More details to come.
H a r r i n g t o n H e a l t h C a r e S y s t e m • 1 0 0 S o u t h S t r e e t , S o u t h b r i d g e , M A 0 1 5 5 0 • 5 0 8 - 7 6 5 - 9 7 7 1 • w w w . h a r r i n g t o n h o s p i t a l . o r g