Baton Rouge General and General Health System Employee Newsletter | November-December, 2014

A Satellite Campus ofTulane University School of Medicine

ExchangeIt’s important that we be able to make healthy choices when we’re at the office…and at BRG, we can. From nutrition to exercise to stress relief, the hospital supports Employee health by offering many worksite wellness programs. A new year is just around the corner, so if you’re thinking about focusing on a healthier you, be sure to take advantage of these options:• Employee gyms: Both campuses have Employee gyms that include treadmills,

weights, stationary bikes and other fitness equipment. The Mid City gym is open 24/7. The Bluebonnet gym is open on weekdays.

• Health Mile: If the weather is nice, take a stroll around the Bluebonnet campus on the new BRG Health Mile trail. It’s easy, convenient, and only takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

• Tobacco-free policy: Beginning January 1, 2015, both campuses will be tobacco-free. To help Employees kick the habit, free smoking cessation classes are available year round.

• Flu vaccine: A mandatory (free) flu vaccine is now in place, providing Employees with protection from the influenza virus.

• BRG Fit! classes: To help Employees stay in shape, BRG Fit! offers boot camp, yoga, cardio kickboxing and many other fitness classes on both campuses.

• Take a break: Employees are encouraged to take a break during the workday to stretch or exercise in the Employee gym, or walk outdoors on the Health Mile trail.

• Healthy meal options: The cafeteria offers a daily Chef’s Table with fresh salads, fruit, and healthy entrees.

• Weight management coaching: Employees can meet with a BRG Fit! dietitian or nutritional counselor to discuss a variety of weight management options.

• Biometric screenings: Get a free annual assessment that includes blood pressure and weight, and receive a special reward card if you meet your fitness goals. The screenings start in January.

Call the following numbers for more information on: BRG Fit! classes (225) 237-1767; smoking cessation (225) 387-QUIT; and weight management plans (225) 819-1175.

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Employees work on improving their health by walking the Health Mile (above), working out in the gym (below) and getting their flu shots (left).

Here’s to Your Health! PEOPLE

As the holiday season begins and 2014 draws to a close, I look back on the accomplishments we have made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the strides we are making

toward the future. We’ve started off our 2015 fiscal year on a high note — top honors in patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, thirteen #1 designations from CareChex, five-star ratings in four categories from Healthgrades, and recognition as one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures™ from the Joint Commission. Please note the “Top Marks” insert in this issue…I encourage Employees to hang or post it in your work areas as a reminder of our team’s ability to work together and achieve success on so many levels.

Thank you all for doing your part to create the caring and professional environment our patients and families deserve. Every day, we are offering hope, healing and comfort to others — I don’t think there could be a higher calling!

Please accept my warmest wishes for a safe and Merry Christmas. Happy New Year and God bless you and your families.

Sincerely,Mark Slyter BRG President and CEO

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New Service Award Recognizes EmployeesBRG has a new Employee recognition program called Service Excellence Reward & Recognition (SERR). It has replaced the President’s Award program, which began in 2005, and it will continue to honor those who go above and beyond the responsibilities associated with their job duties. The first group of recipients was announced in September (see page 3).Nominations can come from co-workers, patients, visitors, physicians, customers and volunteers. You may submit your nomination in the card distribution boxes which are placed throughout the hospital(s), by mail, or online. An Employee Advisory Committee will meet monthly to discuss the nominations and select the winners. Beginning in February 2015, winners will be recognized at the quarterly Employee Forums and Leadership Development Institute (LDI) meetings. They will receive a lapel pin and special certificate, and will be featured on the Intranet home page and in E News. At the end of the year, they will be honored at a special luncheon or dinner.

Commit…to Stay Fit7 holiday eating and exercise tipsAh, the feasting, the football, the friends and family. The holidays are busy, but they don’t offer many opportunities to burn calories. Here are some ways to avoid holiday weight gain and stay as fit as possible. (Tips provided by BRG Fit!)

Exercise• Sneak in a workout: Take a

brisk 10-minute walk through the neighborhood while you’re visiting relatives. If you’re traveling and get stuck in an airport with time to kill, store your luggage and take a hike through the terminal.

• Do something relaxing: Get the whole family involved in a yoga or tai chi exercise routine to unwind after a big meal or a long, busy day.

• Create new traditions: Start a family tradition that focuses on fitness ... ice skating, a touch football game in the back yard, or a holiday walk/run that the family can do together.

Nutrition• Don’t forget breakfast: Before that

shopping marathon, fuel your body with a balanced breakfast (protein, fat and fiber). Examples include a protein shake or protein bar, a veggie omelet or an apple with peanut butter.

• Stay hydrated: Water helps regulate temperature, eliminate toxins, control appetite and fight fatigue. Carry a bottle of water in your car, purse or backpack.

• Keep healthy snacks on hand: Don’t skip meals. Pack dry roasted nuts, cheese cubes, chopped fruit or protein bars for a balanced snack-on-the-go.

• Make simple recipe changes: It’s easy to tweak your favorite holiday recipes without giving up taste. For instance, replace processed cheese products with natural cheeses; use fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits instead of canned.

PEOPLE

PEOPLE

Message from the CEO

As we approach the holiday season, you may encounter times when you are offered (or consider giving) gifts. Here are some tips to help you navigate those situations:

What makes it a gift? A gift is anything of value given to an individual, and can include meals, cookies, entertainment tickets, gift certificates, personal discounts, etc.

What if a patient offers you a gift? Usually, the patient is offering an expression of appreciation, so it is okay to accept cookies or small tokens of gratitude. Some gifts, however, may attempt to influence care, and accepting them may damage the integrity of the patient/provider relationship. Always be sensitive and respectful of the patient’s feelings, but turn down gifts that seem to encourage preferential treatment.

What if a vendor (or someone other than a patient) offers you a gift or meal? Employees must obtain approval from their direct supervisor before accepting or giving any gift greater than $50. Employees must report to their manager and the Corporate Compliance Officer gifts totaling $300 or more from a single source in one calendar year. If your primary job function is purchasing, you must report any gift over $30 within a week of receiving it.

Can I give a gift to a physician? Because of federal and state laws such as Stark and the Anti-kickback statute, which affect referrals among healthcare providers, you should contact the Corporate Compliance Officer to discuss any proposed gift to a physician.

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ComplianceQUALITY

‘Tis the season of giving…but is it appropriate?

APPLAUSE

Michelle Capone, CPMSM, CPCS, has been named President-Elect of the Louisiana Society of Medical Staff Services. LSMSS is made up of medical staff and other healthcare professionals from around the state. Michelle, Director of Medical Staff Services, has worked at BRG since 2009.

Michelle Lacour has accepted the role of Director of Information Systems Security. In her new role, Michelle is responsible for the Access Control Group and service desk deliverables and IS Security.

Jared LeDoux, PhD, Manager of Compensation and Development, is now assuming the lead of the Payroll function in addition to his Human Resources and Compensation responsibilities.

SERR Award Winners

Twenty-one Employees were selected in September to receive the SERR (Service Excellence Reward & Recognition) Award, which replaces the President’s Award program. The award honors those who go above and beyond the responsibilities associated with their job duties. Nominations come from co-workers, patients, visitors, physicians, customers and volunteers.

Congratulations to the following: Sean Altazin, Information Systems; Venkat Banda, MD, HMG; Lisa Beal, Health Information Management; Ruth Brown, Pastoral Care; Brittany Castilaw, RN, Surgery/Orthopedics; Melissa Dargin, Telemetry/Cardiac; Kasey Deshotels, RN, Endoscopy; Amber Doiron, LPN, Lipid Clinic; Natasha Eames, RN, Telemetry/Pulmonary; Ashley Henk, Physical Therapy; William Hubbard, MD, BRG; Ajohnika Johnson, Telemetry/Pulmonary; Dwayne Labatut, HMG; Dorothy Long, Central Sterile; Kristen Naquin, RN, Medical/Surgery; Navin Patel, MD, BRGP; Tanya Robinson, Business Services; Bernice Rogers, EVS; Alma Scott, Endoscopy; John Selvage, Information Systems; Brunetta Spears, EVS.

PEOPLE

Michelle Capone

Michelle Lacour

Jared LeDoux

Compliance Corner information is provided by Corporate Compliance Officer Jennifer Smith. If you have questions, contact her at (225) 237-1588 or email Jennifer.Smith@BRGeneral.org.

Comments? Story ideas? Email: Lisa.Tramontana@brgeneral.org

Exchange is produced by Baton Rouge General’s Corporate Communications Department

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Weight Loss Surgery Seminar Thursday, December 4 Wednesday, December 10 6-7 p.m., Bluebonnet Conference Rooms 1 & 2 Register at: brgeneral.org/weightloss (225) 763-4242 for details

‘Kick the Habit’ Classes Beginning January 5 Mid City, Bluebonnet, BR Radiology Imaging Center To register, (225) 387-QUIT

Ideal Protein Seminar Thursday, January 8 5:30-6:30 p.m., Mid City Conference Rooms 1 & 2 (225) 819-1175, Free

Other Ongoing Classes Boot camp, Ideal Protein, Lymphedema support, art workshops, AARP Home Fit, AARP Drive Smart

For a complete list, go to brgeneral.org/events

Mark Your Calendar! COMMUNITY

Ebola UpdatesBRG continues to monitor the Ebola virus situation as it evolves. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that the risk of an Ebola outbreak in the U.S. is very low, we recognize that this situation has caused concern among healthcare professionals all over the country, including our staff at BRG. Please know that the safety and health of our staff, patients, visitors and families is our highest priority, and we are well prepared in the event that an Ebola patient should be admitted to our hospital. Please bookmark our Ebola information page and visit it often for updates and breaking news. The hospital also continues to provide current information and facts about the virus on its Facebook and Twitter pages. If you have questions or concerns, send an email to InfectionControl@brgeneral.org.

QUALITYBluebonnet Gift Shop Bigger and Better The Gift Tree at Bluebonnet has a new and improved look, thanks to 3,000 additional square feet in its new location on the first floor of the Medical Office Tower. If you’re still doing your holiday shopping, drop by for some great gift ideas. New to the gift shop is a full-time florist service and a manicure/pedicure station, which will open in early December.

Briefs

The Gift Tree is offering all Baton Rouge General Employees an exclusive discount! Get 20% off of any holiday item!

Valid: December 1–24, 2014

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Cannot be used with other discounts. Normal exclusions apply.

Gift Tree20% off

Two members of BRG’s Board of Trustees were honored with prestigious community awards in November for their service and generosity to Baton Rouge General.

Janice Pellar, Vice Chair of the hospital’s Board of Trustees, received the Volunteer Activist Award from the Emerge Center (formerly Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation). She was honored for her leadership and commitment to the hospital and to the Baton Rouge General Foundation.

Margaret Hart received a Leave a Legacy Award from the Foundation at the community-wide National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).In 2014, Ms. Hart joined the Foundation’s Legacy Gift Society by naming Baton BRG in her estate plans. This gift will ensure that the hospital will continue to provide the highest caliber of healthcare for our community.

Foundation News

Board Members Honored with Community Awards

Auxiliary Hosts Jewelry SaleThe Volunteer Auxiliary is hosting a $6 Jewelry Fundraising Sale to raise funds to support BRG.

Mid City Lobby Monday, December 1, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bluebonnet Lobby Thursday, December 4, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, December 5, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Gingerbread TeaTickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Gingerbread Tea, which will take place Sunday, December 14 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children. Reserved tables are also available. The event will feature a tea, story time, children’s activities, cookie decorating, holiday music and much more. To order tickets, go to BRGeneral.org/Gingerbread or call (225) 381-6783.

FMAL Event Benefits Burn Center

The Fire Marshal Association of Louisiana (FMAL) hosted a Fire Prevention Barbecue Cook-off fundraiser on Saturday, October 11 to support BRG’s Regional Burn Center. The event featured team competitions for slow-cooked southern barbecue. Dr. Tracee Short, BRG burn and cosmetic surgeon, center, participated in the event as a judge.

Janice Pellar

Margaret Hart

Save the Date: Sweetheart DanceThe annual Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Baton Rouge River Center. Online registration will be available in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information.

Baton Rouge General Foundation presents

Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance

COMMUNITY

CareChexCareChex has designated Baton Rouge General #1 in the following clinical categories this year:

• #1 in the State for: Heart Attack Treatment, Heart Failure Treatment and Orthopedic Care.

• #1 in Greater Baton Rouge for: Overall Medical Care, Cancer Care, Heart Attack Treatment, Heart Failure Treatment, Vascular Surgery, Orthopedic Care, Women’s Health, Hip Fracture Repair, Neurological Care and Pulmonary Care.

Leapfrog GroupFor the fourth year, BRG is the only hospital in Baton Rouge to earn an “A” for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group. The organization’s Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Scores rated hospitals across the nation on their overall performance in protecting patients from injuries, accidents and infections. BRG was also the only “A”-rated hospital in the region.

Joint CommissionBRG has been recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® for 2013 (heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care). Top Performer status demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to assuring that evidence-based interventions are delivered in the right way and at the right time.

HealthgradesBaton Rouge General was recognized by Healthgrades as a 2015 five-star recipient for treatment of heart failure, stroke, pneumonia and respiratory failure. The independent healthcare rating service reports annually on national

hospital quality outcomes.

Team BRG Earns Top Marks for

Patient Care!

HOSPITALSAFETYSCORESMA

Fall 2014

The results are in! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the BRG team, the accolades keep coming!

®

The Joint CommissionTop Performer onKey QualityMeasures®

2013