Pulse - Monadnock Community Hospital

PulseThe Heartbeat of Monadnock Community Hospital FALL/WINTER 2008InsideWomen’s Imaging Department…Dr. D’Agostino andPat Johnson, RNon Medical Missionin Bolivia PAGE 2Advances to All Digital EquipmentNew Digital MammographyLeads the Fight Against Breast CancerHendersonAssociatesWins MCH GolfClassic PAGE 2Dr. Sachin DaveJoins MCH Staff asNeurologist PAGE 2CapitalCampaign PAGE 2DepartmentNewsand More! PAGE 3Off the Cuff PAGE 3Teen PrescriptionAbuse EducationCampaign PAGE 3Upcoming Events PAGE 3Caughtin the Act PAGE 4NEW FACES PAGE 4Green Corner PAGE 4The Women’s Imaging Department inMCH’s Radiology Department has alengthy history of offering women inthe Greater Peterborough area the mostadvanced, comprehensive imagingservices provided by a highly qualifiedteam of technologists and radiologists.The Women’s Imaging Departmentprovides patients with comfort and privacyin a caring environment. They offer amulti-disciplinary approach to women’shealth care with easy access toa wide range of services, including therecently installed Hologic digitalmammography system. With digitalmammography, the images appear inseconds on the computer, providingbetter visibility, greater image flexibility,shorter exam times, faster results andfewer callbacks. The system is alsoequipped with a computer aideddetection system which provides asecond read by a computer.The Department also offers the latestin bone densitometry with HologicDiscovery. This helps identify those at riskfor osteoporosis or in the early stages ofthe disease (osteopenia). According toGretchen Mathieu, Lead MammographyTechnologist, “Osteoporosis is oftencalled the ‘silent disease’ and morewomen need to be educated about theimportance of this procedure, since thereare rarely signs until there is a significantdegree of bone loss.Critical to diagnostic imaging isUltrasound which is a procedure thatuses sound waves to produce an image.The Department uses an Acuson Antaresultrasound machine which is capableof performing all types of general,OB-GYN, carotid and venous ultrasound.The Ultrasound Department joins aselect group of NH hospitals that arefully accredited by the AmericanCollege of Radiology in General andVascular Ultrasound.The department is staffed by ninetechnologists and a mammographycoordinator. With more and moremammograms being performed, thedepartment recognized the need for afull-time coordinator who would act asthe liaison between the doctors, surgeons,technologists and patients. According toLouise G., Mammography Coordinatorand ten year veteran of the department,the job is extremely busy and, at times,emotionally intense, especially when thereare screening abnormalities and thepatient needs to return for more tests ora biopsy. “If there are any changes in theFront row left to right:Wendy Walthers, Lindsey Ramsey,Gretchen Mathieu, Mary Alice LavelleBack row left to right:Robin Muller, Vivian Bowen,Josiane Bohanan, Michele Stone,Melinda Gullage and Louise G.Missing from the photo:Kerrie Michaud and Kenda Henkebreast, the woman automatically gets acall and is ‘fast-tracked’….getting themback within a day or two,” says Louise.“We don’t want to scare patients, but wantto impress upon them the seriousness ofan irregular exam. It doesn’t mean thatthe outcome is going to be bad. It may bejust normal and there are all kinds ofvariations of normal.”The department performs approximately25 mammograms a day and, on average,34 patients out of 4,000 exams arediagnosed with cancer or less than onepercent. “I worked as a technologist inCalifornia and the women in thiscommunity are much more informedwhen it comes to healthcare and ask alot of questions,” states Josie Bohanan,Mammography Technologist. “Thewomen in this area are aware of thelatest technology and MCH is proud tooffer that to them.”Like the coordinator, the technologistshave to be attentive and understanding.“All of the technologists have cried withtheir patients,” says Gretchen. “Lots ofpsychology is involved in dealing withpatients and you do get attached andbond with many of them. To be a goodtechnologist, you have to truly careabout people.”Comments & FeedbackSince the Pulse is written for MCH employees, we value your opinion and would appreciateyour comments or suggestions for future issues of the newsletter. Please call or emailNancy Clarke with your feedback at extension 1702 or nancy.clarke@mchmail.org.280660_PMS2623

Dr. D’Agostino and Pat JohnsonTravel to the Jungles of Northern Boliviaon Medical MissionDr. Bob D’Agostino and PatJohnson, R.N. are notnewcomers to third worldtravel and medical care. Bob travelledon a medical mission to China in 2004,and Pat spent four years in a row workingin a clinic in Belize. But their two-weekadventure to the jungles of northernBolivia in late August and early Septemberwith Project Helping Hands wouldqualify as a strong contender for anextreme medical reality show.…completewith death defying travel, jungleescapades, and primitive facilities. Whileboth said it was the most intense trip intheir lifetime, they both agreed it wasalso the most rewarding.After joining 35 other Americans inMiami, including five doctors and15 nurses, the group took a ten-hourflight to La Paz, Bolivia. In La Paz theyjoined 31 Bolivians, called the NationalTeam, which included five dentists, twodoctors and many translators. Theyboarded a bus for a 12-hour journeythat would take them over DeathRoad which is classified as themost dangerous road in theworld, followed by a “canoeferry” that dragged the bus toGuanay, the first of seven villageswhere they would set-up clinics.For the next two weeks they travelledin three teams to remote villagesaccessible only by river. Three longbanana boats, with 25 people in eachboat along with belongings and medicalsupplies, were used for transportation.At one point in the journey, their boatcapsized and caught fire, but thanks totheir Bolivian hosts, no one was injured,no supplies were lost, and the boat wasrefurbished and continued the trip.“There was no HIV and very fewdiabetic or obese patients,” said Dr.D’Agostino. “The patients we saw didn’thave high blood pressure and had verylow cholesterol. Many people smoke, sowe saw patients with COPD and there wassome TB. During the two-week period,we saw a total of 2,725 patients, and 587patients were seen by dentists. We alsodistributed 478 pairs of glasses.”At each clinic, the patient would beseen and treated by a triage team andif they required further care, theywould be seen by a doctor or dentist.Some of the more common ailmentsincluded headaches, abdominal pain,general aches and pains, and worms.In many cases, they would prescribeover-the-counter medications likeMotrin or ibuprofen.Despite the rigorous travel and clinicschedule, the organization did plan acouple of sightseeing trips, including asafari adventure where the group had theopportunity to handle an anaconda, catchAbove: Dr. D’Agostino and PatJohnson on a banana boat.Left: Banana boat capsizedand on fire.pirhana and swim with pink dolphins.“The living conditions were extremelyprimitive and we usually slept on thefloor of the church or school where theclinic was held,” says Johnson. “Butdespite the hardships, the experience wasincredible…beyond description. Thenatives were very kind and appreciativeof our work, and we became a veryclose and cohesive group. It gave me amuch greater appreciation of everythingwe take for granted here in the U.S.,and it was wonderful to come hometo hot showers, conventional toilets, acomfortable bed, and American food.”Henderson Associates WinsAnnual MCH Fall Foliage Golf ClassicThe Henderson Associates team from Bedford was the first-place winner inthe 12th annual MCH Fall Foliage Golf Classic held on September 5th atCrotched Mountain Resort. The tournament benefits Monadnock HealthyTeeth to Toes. Second andthird place were won byHutter Construction andTD Banknorth teams,respectively. Approximately$50,000 was raised.MCH is always lookingfor more sponsors for thetournament, so if you knowa MCH vendor who youthink we should talk with,please call Audrey Whiteat extension 4692.Left to right: Tom Nardone, Bryant Robertson,Kevin O’Neil, and Mike Blaisdell.Dr. Sachin DaveJoins MCH Staffas Full-timeNeurologistIn August Dr. Sachin Davin joined theMCH medical staff as a full-timeneurologist. Dr. Dave comes to MCH from the Department of Neurology at theUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas where he was selected forfellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology. Previous to that he became Board eligible bythe American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of TexasSouthwestern Medical Center, and was part of the internal medicine program atWestlake Hospital in Melrose Park, IL.Dr. Dave earned his undergraduate degree at Gujarat State which lead to hismedical diploma at BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujart, India, in January 2000.He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology.2MCH Launches Public Phaseof FundraisingCampaignBY LAURA GINGRASMonadnockCommunityHospital haslaunched the “publicphase” of the fundraisingcampaign for ourexpansion project! Thecampaign is calledInvesting in YourCommunity HealthCare. During the past18 months, we havemet with our pastmajor contributors,Board members,INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY HEALTH CAREThe Capital Campaign forMonadnock Community HospitalChris Long and Waide Pillsbury greet donors at theCapital Campaign kick-off at the Woodbound Inn onSeptember 25.Executive Team, and Medical Staff leadership, for the “quiet phase,” and $5.6 millionwas raised during this phase. The total fundraising goal for the campaign is$7.3 million. Our community values MCH tremendously, and this is certainlydemonstrated in the commitments we have received for the campaign.The public phase of the campaign will expand participation to all pastcontributors, medical staff, volunteers and employees. You will be hearing moreabout the Employee Campaign next year. Investing in Your Community HealthCare will continue through 2010.The campaign has been a huge success thanks to the wonderful care ourpatients receive from each and every one of you here at MCH. Our patients praiseMCH time and again when compared to hospitals found in bigger cities! You are thereason we have been so successful with this important capital campaign!

Caught in the Act Making a Difference at MCHHere are just a few of the kind acts that we see happen every day at MCH, where fellowemployees go out of their way to help another person or take the extra effort to makeMCH a better place to work. If you observe one of your co-workers “Making aDifference,” please fill out one of the “Caught in the Act” forms, and we may publishyour comments in the next issue of the Pulse.Caroline Gallus, Bond Wellness Center – Knowing one of our long termmembers was disappointed that she wouldn’t be able to get an appointmentfor a massage until next month, Caroline gave the member her appointmentwhich was scheduled for that day. This was quite a sacrifice for Caroline asshe had been looking forward to this massage after a stressful day!Amanda Murray, APU – Thank you for always being a great team player; helpingeven when it’s not your patient, and having a positive attitude. You are a greataddition to our floor.Bob Clinton, Respiratory – Thank you for jumping in and assisting with a verydifficult patient. We so appreciated your help.Patrick Deshane, Environmental Services – Thank you for going the extra mileon 8/28 when we needed beds moved. We know it’s “not your job” but youalways find ways to help. ICU loves you.New FacesMay 2008 through September 2008NEW FACES DEPARTMENT POSITIONAmanda Anderson Obstetrics/Gynecology Registered NurseConstance Austin Medical and Surgical Unit CoordinatorLeo Barrows Material Management Storeroom Clerk/ReceiverPauline Belanger Medical and Surgical Lic. Nursing AssistantPamela Belanger-Kendall Patient Business Services Patient Account RepKrista Blasi Obstetrics/Gynecology Registered NurseLinda Bragg Monadnock Behavioral Rehab Referral SpecialistApril Buck Communications Switchboard OperatorJoshua Burdick Laboratory Services PhlebotomistRodney Bush Environmental Services Floor Care SpecialistThomas Carney Security Security OfficerSusan Comeau Physician Consultants ReceptionistJulia Cormier Accounting Accountant/AnalystLouise Danforth Community Relations Program ManagerSachin Dave Neurology PhysicianCurtis Dude Security Security OfficerArlene Edes Monadnock Internists Medical AssistantSandra Ellis Rehab Administration Rehab Referral SpecialistCaitlin Fitzgerald Fitness Exercise Instructor IIStephanie Florio Medical and Surgical Registered NurseElissa Gorecki Medical and Surgical Registered NurseBrigitte Heissenberger Medical and Surgical Registered NurseWakenda Henke Radiology Medical TranscriptionistDeb Elliot & Susan Lang, Patient Accounts – Thank you both for assisting mein my credit card recording dilemma recently… Deb, who received my requestswith willingness and a team player attitude. Susan, ditto to you for filling in forDeb when she was on vacation.Dr. Carrie Klonel, Emergency Department – In our time of need, Dr. Klonelresponded promptly and pleasantly to a plea for help in a very busy ED onSunday, 8/24. Thank you.Claire Cook, Patient Billing – For inviting me to join her and her friends forlunch. Whenever I join them I’m always made to feel welcome and part of thegroup. Thank you Claire. (submitted by a volunteer)Judy O’Mara, Emergency Department – She stayed several hours late on a daywhen we had 60 patients! She went above and beyond for us. Thanks Judy.Mary Payne, OB/UC Supervisor – Mary showed us a short cut in Registrationto “change user” much faster when switching desks. This actually reduces patientwait times and efficiency. Thank you Mary.Andy Jones, IT – “The Go-to Guy” …in one day I saw Andy in four differentdepartments answering calls. He helps so much and is always pleasantand accessible.NEW FACES DEPARTMENT POSITIONCynthia Ingraham Member Services Member Services RepAmanda Kandoll Environmental Services Env Services TechnicianKerrie Kennett Jaffrey Family Medicine Nurse, Medical PracticeLinda Legere Monadnock Surg. Ass. Medical AssistantBrandi Maleski Dietary FD Svcs Aide INancy Mallory Emergency Department Registered NurseRobin Marchand Laboratory Services PhlebotomistJason Martin Emergency Department Registered NurseRussell Mears Security Security OfficerLeon Moody Environmental Services Env. Services TechnicianStacey Morton Medical and Surgical Registered NursePamela Nation Physical Therapy Physical TherapistRobert O’Mara Emergency Department Ed. Support AsstMarian Overby Human Resources HR AssistantJames Ramey Jaffrey Family Medicine ReceptionistMonique Randall Operating Room Unit CoordinatorSamuel Rosario Monadnock Behavioral Adv. Practice TherapistCarol Roosa Information Technology Chief Inf. OfficerMelissa Saviski Medical and Surgical Registered NurseBeata Sapeta Physical Therapy Physical TherapistJeannine Somero Environmental Services Env. Services TechnicianMackenzie Stone Obstetrics/Gynecology Lic. Nurse Asst.Cheryl Surette Medical and Surgical Registered NurseDeirdra Taylor Operating Room Registered NurseMichael Tempone Environmental Services Locker Room AttendantKimberly Titzer Intensive Care Unit Registered NurseChristine Wayrynen Environmental Services Env. Services TechnicianPamela Zahara Medical and Surgical Registered NurseGreen CornerMCH Successfully Continues Green Initiative with an EnvironmentallyFriendly New Pharmacy and Stepped-up Campus RecyclingBY ELIZABETH FAZIO, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES MANAGERThere is some new and excitingnews to report on MCH’scontinuing efforts to be more“green” and environmentally friendly.The hard flooring surface in the “new”Pharmacy is rubber. This product has anexceptionally long life (30 years istypical) and, therefore, does not need tobe replaced as often as other materials.The rubber flooring is made from highquality renewable/natural rubber,recycled rubber, abundant natural fillersand environmentally compatible colorpigments. It is also free of PVC,plasticizers and halogens. The “new”pharmacy will also have five-star ratedT5 lights. Food Services has switched toEcolab Apex detergents and sanitizers.These products decrease environmentalimpact through optimized efficiency andless packaging.Our on campus recycling programcontinues to grow. The recyclingcontainers are getting a lot of use.The kitchen now recycles all of itslarge containers. MCH is workingcollaboratively with Crotched Mountainto help keep up with our growingrecycling needs. Crotched Mountainteachers and students are nowtransporting our recyclables (glass,aluminum cans and plastic bottles) threetimes a week. This is a win/win situationfor both organizations. We no longerhave to pay an outside company totransport our recyclables. Crotched4Mountain students bring the recyclablesto their recycling center, where thecenter houses a vocational recyclingprogram for the students.The biggest recyclable commodityMCH has is paper. Unfortunately due tothe lack of space on campus, we areunable to recycle the amount of paperwe accumulate. Paper comprises up to40% of our solid waste. Paper recyclingis an obvious and easy way for us toreduce the amount of solid waste wecurrently dispose. By recycling paperand using recycled paper, trees arespared — every ton of paper made fromrecycled fiber saves approximately 17trees. Cutting down carbon-absorbingtrees contributes to global warming, soilerosion, habitat destruction, and otherenvironmental problems. Currently,we are seeking a donor(s) for acommercial shredder and recyclingcardboard/paper compactor. Thecardboard/paper compactor would lieparallel to the current regular wastecompactor. This would eliminate theneed for increased recycling storagespace within the facility. Acquiring thesepieces of equipment would allow us todrastically increase our cardboard/paperrecycling, and decrease our solidwaste stream. If you would like moreinformation on becoming a “greenteam” member, please emailElizabeth.Fazio@mchmail.org.