A publication for Hartford HealthCare employees February 2014

The news is out!

The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute is the proud fi rst member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance — and we want everyone to learn about it

“Together. Ahead of cancer.” That’s the theme driving the news that the

Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute is the charter member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance. It’s the tagline for the partnership’s new website, togetherahead.org; and it’s the message behind every print or electronic ad that people in our communities are starting to see on their TVs and in newspapers. In the months to come, the message will be spread on billboards, through more social media and in community talks.

For Hartford HealthCare employees and providers, though, it is not just an advertising slogan. It’s a message of innovation and hope — a chance to learn and help others understand how, as part of MSK’s Cancer Alliance, our Cancer Institute will improve the quality of cancer care and the lives of cancer patients.

The effort to spread the word about the collaboration began on the last day of January, when a gathering of HHC cancer care leaders reviewed the messages at Heublein Hall in the Education Resource Center. The communications kickoff featured a

NetworkNews

Continued on page 4

L to R: Andrew Salner, MD, director of the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital, Donna Handley, vice president of operations for the HHC Cancer Institute, and Jeffrey Flaks, HHC executive vice president and chief operating offi cer, join hands in celebration at the communications kick-off for the Cancer Institute on Jan. 31.

The Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network is partnering with The Connecticut Forum to host, “An Honest Look at Mental Illness: A conversation about perceptions, realities, and what it’s like to work and live with the stigma of mental illness” on Friday, March 7 at 8 p.m. at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford.

This unscripted evening of unforgettable conversation supports HHC’s efforts to further the national dialogue on mental health and to help “Stop the Stigma” that surrounds mental illness.

Featured panelists include Hank Schwartz, MD, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Hartford Hospital and psychiatrist-in-Chief at The Institute of Living; fi rst-round NBA draft pick and mental health advocate Royce White; author and psychologist Andrew Solomon; and bipolar disorder expert Kay Redfi eld Jamison. John

Dankosky, host of WNPR’s “Where We Live” will serve as moderator.

Hartford HealthCare employees receive a $6 discount on all tickets to this event, and a 10 percent discount on two-event memberships to The Forum. For tickets, visit www.CTForum.org, or call 860.509.0909.

In association with this event, The Connecticut Youth Forum and the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital are hosting a pre-forum program aimed at youth entitled, “Our Beautiful Minds,” on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Our Beautiful Minds” features an open lecture on mental health, a tour of the Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center lab and the opportunity to visit the IOL’s “Myths, Minds and Medicine” museum.

Behavioral Health Network to Host Next Connecticut Forum at the Bushnell

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Your e-mail signature is an important part of HHC’s brand image, much like the signs on our buildings and the logo on our lapel pins. Please follow the following guidelines when creating your e-mail signature. Also, please be sure that e-mail sent from your HHC account never includes photos, colored or patterned backgrounds or taglines (such as inspirational quotes or sayings) of any kind. You can fi nd instructions for creating your automatic e-mail signature and a cut-and-paste template at our “A New Outlook” SharePoint site https://myhhc.hhchealth.org/HHCUnity/Email/default.aspx under “Outlook How-To’s.”

• All text is Verdana 10 pt.• Dominant color is black.• Color of name and organization name are

Hartford Blue• Signature should contain the url for Hartford

HealthCare followed by the url for the your organization’s web site.

E-Mail Signature Guidelines

First name Last nameTitleOptional Second Title

Organization Name Street AddressCity, State ZipOffi ce phone numbers (and cell if applicable)Fax number (if applicable)eMail: fi rstname.lastname@hhchealth.org

www.hartfordhealthcare.orgOrganization URL

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If you’ve been to Westfarms Mall or the Connecticut Science Center recently, you’ve no doubt noticed the Hartford HealthCare logo on display as part of our ongoing sponsorship with these family-friendly locations.

In 2014, HHC will continue building relationships with these types of destinations, as we spread the word about Hartford HealthCare’s vision in the most common-sense way possible: going where the people are. These are part of long-term strategic plans to help us grow our system.

“Thoughtful sponsorships like this are purposeful investments in making our community an access point for our system,” said Jeffrey Flaks, HHC’s executive vice president and chief operating offi cer. “We are making the most of opportunities to bring people together around their health — and demonstrate what we can do to provide care and keep them healthy.”

The numbers are impressive. More than 17 million people visit Westfarms Mall every year, and the Connecticut Science Center is expected to receive 310,000 visitors this year. These venues provide a great way to communicate the depth and breadth of our services, as we look to reach everyone from families to seniors.

HHC began a pilot program with Westfarms in 2012. Since then, a number of activities have occurred including the addition of an HHC-branded family lounge area, physician lectures on health topics, and a holiday gift wrap promotion.

This year, the gift wrap station – which featured joyful HHC-branded wrapping paper – raised nearly $17,500 for HHC’s Behavioral Health Network, said Eveline Schaffer-Shekhman, director of marketing for Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, who handles our Westfarms sponsorship.

Additional plans, like hosting a health fair and working more closely with mall employees and merchants are in the works, so that HHC will be perceived as the healthcare partner of choice for those who are in need.

Similarly, the Connecticut Science Center provides another avenue for HHC to showcase its mission and vision. Since the center’s biggest draw is health and sports exhibits, there is an obvious synergy with HHC.

“The Connecticut Science Center is a family venue that focuses on education and exploration. This sponsorship helps us create awareness of our brand and aligns well with our strategic goals,” said Amber

Sadosky, marketing manager for Clinical Laboratory Partners and coordinator for our Connecticut Science Center sponsorship.

Our sponsorship with the science center allows all of our affi liates to explore their creativity and host an exhibit that connects to their organizational goals. The topics each month often center on common health observances, like Heart Health Month or Stroke Awareness Month.

“There are many exciting opportunities in the planning stages. We are looking to align with the three major exhibits the science center is hosting this year. One is called ‘Mind Bender Mansion,’ which incorporates the neurosciences, and another is ‘Grossology,’ which looks at bodily fl uids and is a great tie-in to our laboratory services,” said Sadosky.

Going Where The People Are

Elliot Joseph, chief executive offi cer and president of Hartford HealthCare, speaking to a group of children in front of the HHC-sponsored Health Lab at the Connecticut Science Center.

L to R, Stephen Larcen, PhD, senior vice president of Behavioral Health for Hartford HealthCare; James Blazar, senior vice president and chief strategy transformation offi cer for Hartford HealthCare; Jeffrey Flaks, executive vice president and chief operating offi cer for Hartford HealthCare; and Kevin Keenan, general manager of Westfarms Mall.

Continued on page 8

preview of two TV commercials that fi rst aired, on a limited regional basis, during the Feb. 2 Super Bowl.

At the kickoff, Donna Handley, vice president of operations for the HHC Cancer Institute, thanked everyone at HHC and MSK who worked to make the partnership a reality. She said the work that is being done between the organizations will serve to benefi t untold numbers of patients throughout the region by providing them with the very latest in cancer care — including breakthroughs in research and treatment, and access to clinical trials.

“We will lead the way in bringing Memorial Sloan Kettering standards of care and clinical trials into community settings,” Handley said.

Jeffrey Flaks, HHC executive vice president and chief operating offi cer, told the enthusiastic crowd that cancer services provided by HHC and its fi ve acute care hospitals are now being unifi ed into a single center of excellence where patients can expect the highest level of care across the system.

“We will have one cancer center — one great cancer center — that operates on fi ve campuses,” he said, explaining the value of a having a single standard of care.

HHC cancer leaders explained that MSK selected the HHC Cancer Institute as the charter member of the new Alliance because of HHC’s reputation for clinical excellence and its range of services for cancer patients.

“The HHC advertising campaign is really a measure of HHC’s enthusiasm for our collaboration and the signifi cant improvements it will bring to regional cancer care when the program launches later this spring,” said Richard Barakat, MD, deputy physician-in-chief for MSK’s Regional Care Network and Alliances.

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The news is out! Continued from page 1

Accompanying the advertising campaign kick-off were informational materials to inform people about the new partnership, and what it means. This included FAQs for patients and physicians, a newsletter, and copies of our

print ads.

You can learn more about this unprecedented initiative and the HHC Cancer Institute on the Internet and social media. Visit www.togetherahead.org. Use the Twitter hashtag #TogetherAhead, or “like” our posts on Facebook.

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Change is now the norm in health care. With hospital mergers and affi liations, electronic health records, ObamaCare and evolving payment systems and regulations, it can be diffi cult to keep up.

There is yet another huge change on the horizon that will demand our time and attention. On October 1,the United States will adopt ICD-10, a new medical coding system.

While it may seem a long way away and not very signifi cant on our busy radar screens, it will change everything for us. The bottom line: if we don’t code our diagnoses and treatments properly, we won’t get paid.

ICD-10 is the latest version of the International Classifi cation of Diseases, used throughout the world. Here in the U.S., we have been using version 9 since 1979, and have been federally mandated to make the complex transition to ICD-10 by October 1.

The change to ICD-10 may be the most challenging transition since the inception of medical coding, andwill require changes throughout the health care industry.

Since ICD-10 is the fi rst new coding system adopted since the widespread use of computers, the change will involve updated software installation, as well as staff training, changes to business operations, data conversion,

testing, reprinting of manuals and other materials, and more. For physicians, documentation of patient care must be adapted to conform to ICD-10 coding requirements.

It will be time consuming, labor intensive, and costly for all involved.

It is essential to the fi nancial wellbeing of Hartford HealthCare to prepare for the change to ICD-10. We are committed to helping all our staff adapt to this changing environment with minimal disruption.

We are planning a series of communications and training — written, web-based and in person — to assist you with this transition.

Please take some time to familiarize yourself with what ICD-10 is all about. We have set up a SharePoint page (https://myhhc.hhchealth.org/hhcProjects/icd10/info)with links to a variety of information. Take a few minutes to look over the resources we have posted there.

We will share information, links and tips that will help you get ready for what promises to be a massive change. If you have questions, please send them to ICD10.info@hhchealth.org.

Together, we will meet the challenges posed by the transition to ICD-10. We have 239 days to get ready, and the clock is ticking.

New medical coding system coming

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If you’re looking for music to keep you motivated during your workout, check out Hartford HealthCare’s signature Pandora station. It features music to move by. The station supports our mission of helping our communities get healthy and provides an exciting new way for us to spread our message of health and well-being.

To download, launch Pandora and type Hartford HealthCare into the search bar.

Get fi t with Hartford HealthCare’s new Pandora station

Backus and Windham Hospitals hosted the second annual Diabetes Symposium for Healthcare Professionals on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Hartford HealthCare East System Support Offi ce in Norwich. More than 145 people were in attendance. With 16 expert speakers and diabetes vendor representatives on hand, the objective of this event is to provide increased awareness and knowledge of issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diabetes, both in the hospital and in the community.

Congratulations to the Backus nursing staff on A-4/Orthopedics. The team’s original nursing research, “The CONNECTION Study: Comparison of Pain, Anxiety and Patient Experience after Caring Touch in Orthopedic Nursing,” was accepted as a poster presentation for the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses’ Annual Congress in Las Vegas in May. Objectives of the congress include providing exemplary continuing nursing education related to current issues, trends, evidence-based practices, and research in orthopaedic healthcare.

On Jan. 28, Hartford HealthCare and Westfarms Mall hosted a Mommy & Me program for moms and kids. Dr. Sowmya Kurtakoti, of Farmington’s Hartford HealthCare Medical Group Primary & Urgent Care offi ce and Latasha Raineault, DPT, from Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network, spoke to moms about winter weather safety and staying active in the winter.Moms and their kids gathered for the fi rst Mommy & Me program at the Hartford HealthCare Wellness Lounge at Westfarms Mall.

The Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network is sponsoring the fi rst annual Killingly High School Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, Feb. 20. Killingly students will attend one of two assemblies with presentations by Rushford’s Sheryl

Sprague, CPP-R, and a representative from the National Institute of Mental Health. Natchaug Hospital staff will also attend to hand out information on treatment and solicit signatures for the Stop the Stigma pledge.Rushford Prevention and Wellness

Manager Sheryl Sprague, CPP-R, will present to students from Killingly High School on mental health fi rst aid.

Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network’s certifi ed athletic trainers provided coverage at the New England Winterfest Games in late January. This is the largest tournament of its kind in New England, with more than 188 teams competing in the three day event.

HAPPENINGS

Hartford HealthCare’s Central Region is celebrating American Heart Month with a series of events on February Fridays targeting heart disease awareness and prevention. Events kicked off on Feb. 7, National Wear Red Day®, with group photos — aimed at raising awareness of heart disease’s prevalence in women — at The Hospital of Central Connecticut campuses and MidState Medical Center. Events also include free BMI, blood pressure screenings 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February Fridays in the cafeterias; free cholesterol screenings, by appointment (860-224-5753) at each campus on select days; and heart-healthy lunches on Fridays. On Feb. 7, Red Bags of Courage were part of the Women & Heart Disease theme giveaways. HOCC is a founding member of WomenHeart National Hospital Alliance and provides a peer-led support network for women with heart disease.

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Dr. Mani Seetharama, Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network medical director, was recently interviewed by FOX CT and featured in a story about concussions and how they affect football players. The story aired in the week prior to the Super Bowl.

Dr. Seetharama pictured with FOX CT’s Tim Lammers

Nearly 40 medical students from Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine visited MidState Medical Center on Jan. 16. The students toured the hospital, visiting inpatient units, the Family Birthing Center, Emergency Department, and Center for Clinical Simulation. They also watched live streaming video from the operating room, which showcased the daVinci robot and new hybrid operating room. MidState will serve as a clinical rotation site for the new medical school. MidState Chief-of-Staff Dr. Richard Smith and Lynn Faria, marketing director for the Central Region, lead a tour of Quinnipiac medical students in the Family Birthing Center.

Mulberry Gardens of Southington recently held a birthday celebration for 103-year-old Dorothy Rizzi, a Southington Native.Dorothy Rizzi, center, is all smiles after receiving congratulations on

her 103rd birthday from her grandson, Matthew Forbotnick, left, and his wife, Shelley Forbotnick.

On Wednesday, Mar. 19 at noon, the Eastern Connecticut State University Foundation will host its seventh annual luncheon to benefi t Natchaug Hospital’s education programs. The luncheon, which requires a $100 minimum donation for attendance, will be held in the Betty Tipton Room at the ECSU Student Center and features a keynote speaker. Over the past six years, the luncheons have raised more than $25,000 for Natchaug’s inpatient, residential and clinical day treatment schools.Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa Núñez speaks at the 2013 ECSU luncheon.

Rushford at Glastonbury is now offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid recovery. This program uses either Buprenorphine (Suboxone) or Naltrexone (Revia, Depade, Vivitrol) medications that may offer several benefi ts compared to other drugs. Along with prescriptions and monitoring, the program focuses on treating adults 18 and older with psychosocial and other core therapies, all provided with the utmost privacy and discretion. It includes a Working Professionals Program, where group therapy sessions are offered early mornings or evenings. For more information, please call 1.877.577.3233.

A grant of $39,200 has been awarded by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to Rushford at Glastonbury for acupuncture services for low-income Glastonbury residents and Rushford at Glastonbury clients receiving substance use and mental health treatment services. Acupuncture has been proven benefi cial to people in reducing stress, treating addiction, and managing some of the symptoms commonly associated with depression. The grant is from the Norma and Natale Sestero Fund at the Hartford Foundation.

On Jan. 20, Dr. Heather Swales, cardiologist and director of the Women’s Heart Wellness Center at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, discussed heart health as part of the Westfarms Mall Walker Program. Hartford HealthCare coordinates monthly programs with the mall walkers designed to offer health tips to the older population while staying active.Dr. Healther Swales leads a talk on heart health to the Westfarms Mall Walkers.

Craig Stegmaier, a security offi cer at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, saved the lives of two people who were involved in a car crash in front of his Newington home Jan. 19. Stegmaier, who is also a Newington fi re captain and father of seven, ran

outside and found two cars engulfed in fl ames, one a minivan. He pulled two unconscious people from the van before the fi re could get to them, although he and responding police could not rescue a third passenger, who died. Both of the people Stegmaier saved are now recovering from their injuries.Craig Stegmaier, security offi cer at The Hospital of Central Connecticut

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The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC) received a $50,000 pledge toward its new cancer center from Tilcon Connecticut on behalf of its employees. The center, under construction, is on the New Britain/Plainville line and expected to open by early 2015.

L to R, Gary Wall, general manager and Dan Stover, president, Tilcon Connecticut; Dr. Steven Hanks, MMM, FACP, vice president Medical Affairs, Hartford HealthCare Central Region; and John Dillaway, HOCC chairman of the board.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Chest Pain Center at Hartford Hospital, the Windham Hospital Emergency Department has two new stretchers designed to make the transfer of patients from the ED to LIFE STAR even faster and ensure that STEMI patients receive the advanced life-saving treatment they need. The hospital received the stretchers on Jan. 6.

L to R, Christopher Watkins, LIFE STAR business manager; Karen Habig, RN, MS, nurse director of cardiovascular services at Hartford Hospital; Marcin Dada, MD, associate director of the Chest Pain Center at Hartford Hospital;

Greg Shangold, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department at Windham Hospital; and William Muskett, EMS manager at Windham.

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group neurologist Dr. Michelle Boudreau is the newest member of Windham Hospital’s neurology department. Dr. Boudreau earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed her residency at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and a fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology from the University of Buffalo. Dr. Boudreau specializes in epilepsy, EEG testing, EMG and nerve conduction studies.

VNA HealthCare’s Independent Living Services division is currently offering free installation and fi rst month of

service for Phillips Lifeline through Mar. 31. Those interested can email Lifeline@hhchealth.org and include their employee name, patient name, and phone number.

Heart-Smart Women: An Evening of Education, Fun and Fashion!Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m.Westfarms Mall, Hartford HealthCare Wellness Lounge, Lower Level, by Nordstrom

Physicians across Hartford HealthCare will speak on how heart disease affects women; the symptoms and treatment for atrial fi brillation; the benefi ts of being active; WomenHeart of

Central Connecticut support network on hand; emceed by Fox CT news anchor, Sarah Cody. Receive a 25% off coupon from the Westfarms Talbots.

What it Takes to Be an Olympic Athlete Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Connecticut Science Center, Hartford HealthCare Health LabTherapists with Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network will conduct speed skating simulations, focusing

on the coordination and balance it takes to be a successful speed skater.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Topics for other exhibits this year will focus on why it’s important to visit your doctor, cardiology, metabolic health and more. The team is even looking at placing a retired daVinci surgical robot on display.

There’s added value for employees, as well.“The best part of our sponsorship with the science

center is that admission for all HHC employees is free when employees present their badge, and guests’ admission is 25% off,” said Amber.

“The most successful interactions with your customer occur any time you can create engagement with your audience,” said Keith Fontaine, vice president of marketing and branding for Hartford HealthCare. “That’s why our marketing strategy includes building touch points to showcase what HHC is all about.”

Going Where The People Are Continued from page 3

Kate Lubin, MSW, resident services coordinator at Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, received the Alzheimer’s Association’s Excellence in Caring Award for her professionalism and compassion for residents and

caregivers. Kate is one of the facilitators for the Caregiver’s Support Group at Arbor Rose.L to R, Patty O’Brian, Alzheimer’s Association; Mary Roberts, Mulberry Gardens; Kate Lubin, Arbor Rose; and Carolyn Derocco, Alzheimer’s Association

On Jan. 23, Cedar Mountain Commons hosted “Pierogis & Polkas,” a special mid-winter Polish-themed party where Chef Joseph Chmura of Cedar Mountain Commons, with the help of volunteers, served pierogies, kielbasa and sauerkraut as well as dessert to members of

the Elmwood Senior Center in West Hartford. Chef Joseph Chmura of Cedar Mountain Commons, along with volunteers, serve Elmwood Senior Center members.

Dr. Robert Sidman, FACEP, CPE, was recently named medical director of Backus Hospital and chairman of the division of medical services. Dr. Sidman assumed these roles as Dr. Peter Shea transitioned from Backus senior vice president and chief medical offi cer to East

Region vice president and chief medical offi cer. In these new roles, Dr. Sidman will provide medical direction for all activity within Backus Hospital and outpatient practices. Dr. Sidman came to Backus in 2005 as chief of emergency services.

Dr. Robert Sidman, FACEP, CPE, Backus medical director and chairman of the division of medical services

Backus medical director of emergency medical services and Emergency Department physician Dr. Kyle B. McClaine, FACEP, has been elected as co-chairperson of the Connecticut EMS Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. McClaine joined the Backus medical staff in 2000. During his tenure, he has served as the visionary for

transforming the operation of the EMS system. He strives to improve the quality of EMS and pre-hospital care through continuous education, attention to quality and integrity.Dr. Kyle B. McClaine, FACEP

H3W project teams from Joshua Center Windham Clinical Day Treatment School and Joshua Center Enfi eld Clinical Day Treatment School took home the fi rst annual Olga and Mervyn Little Award after they tied in voting at a board of directors’ meeting on Jan. 22. The Little Award, named after Natchaug Hospital’s founders, recognizes the year’s top project team. Windham CDT’s project empowered students to refi nish tabletops as works of art, while Enfi eld CDT’s project implemented transition services for graduating seniors.

L to R, Windham CDT principal Tom O’Day; Windham CDT clinician Sandford von Eicken, MSW; Natchaug medical director and H3W executive sponsor

Deborah Weidner, MD, MBA; Enfi eld CDT teacher Ashley Fasollo; Enfi eld CDT principal Kayne Gregory, PhD; Natchaug H3W facilitator Mary Kinsella-Shaw

Christine Scully, director of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health for the Central Region, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s foremost professional society for healthcare leaders. Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. To obtain fellow status, candidates must

pass a comprehensive examination, meet academic and experiential criteria, earn continuing education credits, and demonstrate professional and community involvement.Christine Scully, director of inpatient and

outpatient behavioral health, Central Region

ACCOLADES

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Tatania Allen, RN-BC, recently became MidState Medical Center’s very fi rst Medical-Surgical Certifi ed Nurse. This outstanding achievement through the American Nurses Credentialing Center demonstrates Tatania’s commitment to professional development

and providing excellent care to her patients. Tatania has been a night shift nurse on Pavilion E since 2011 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing. Tatania Allen, RN-BC

Pam Waranowicz, RN-BC, has been promoted to nurse manager for Rushford. In her role, she will oversee nursing services at Rushford’s Middletown residential, detox and admissions areas as well as Rushford’s Durham Campus, including Rushford at Stonegate and Rushford Academy. Over the next year, Pam will

be working to incorporate nursing services at Rushford in Meriden. In addition to her promotion, Waranowicz recently earned her board certifi cation in psychiatric and mental health nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Pam Waranowicz, RN-BC, Rushford nurse manager

The Hospital of Central Connecticut has been recognized for excellence in lactation care, receiving the IBCLC (International Board Certifi ed Lactation Consultant) Care Award. The award was given to the hospital by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). It recognizes the hospital’s staffi ng of IBCLC professionals and provision of a comprehensive breastfeeding support program for families. The award also recognizes medical staff training toward breastfeeding support and management. HOCC employs two IBCLCs.

Hospital of Central Connecticut Senior Technologist Kathy Scrittorale, MT (ASCP), displayed the poster Mislabeled Specimens: One Institution’s Story at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s 23rd Annual National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care in December in Orlando, Fla. The poster refl ects the HOCC Mislabeled Specimen Committee’s work to implement new safety behavior initiatives that include steps to avoid mislabeled specimens as part of HOCC’s High Reliability Safety Behaviors program.

The Orchards at Southington was presented with the Crystal Award and recognized as a NuStep Pinnacle Award Gold Winner by NuStep Vice President Steve Sarns on Jan. 15. The award was given in honor of the communities’ successful Good Life Fitness Programs. Following the awards presentation, Sarns toured Central Connecticut Senior Health Services’ Southington communities to witness the Good Life Fitness Programs in action. The Orchards will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Journal on Active Aging. Fitness director Jennifer Wade-Vauter accepted the Crystal Award from NuStep Vice President Steven Sarns.

Hartford Dispensary, an outpatient substance use treatment and prevention center, has generously donated $25,000 to support the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) Fellowship Program at Rushford. This fellowship offers physicians a one-year training opportunity in the evaluation and treatment of patients with substance use disorders. Rushford is home to one of 18 ABAM-certifi ed fellowship programs in the United States and Canada. L to R, Dr. Vincent McClain, Rushford associate medical director; Dr. J. Craig Allen, Rushford medical director; Dr. Samuel Silverman, director of Rushford’s ABAM Fellowship Program; Stephen W. Larcen, PhD, Rushford president and senior vice president of Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network; Paul McLaughlin, president and CEO, Hartford Dispensary; Bruce Simons, board chairperson, Hartford Dispensary; and Shauna Pangilinan, director, Rushford Foundation.

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Dr. Edward Sawicki and Storrs attorney Stephen M. Bacon were approved as new members of the Windham Hospital Board of Directors during the hospital’s Annual Meeting of the Corporators on Jan. 16. Sawicki is a practicing internal medicine physician who has been

active at Windham Hospital since the 1970’s. Bacon is a partner in the legal fi rm of Kahan, Kerensky & Capossela, in Storrs. Dr. Edward Sawicki, new board member at Windham Hospital (no pic). This is S. Bacon.

Thanks to a joint effort by Windham Hospital’s Integrative Health Program and Volunteer Services, the comforts of home now come rolling right to the patient’s beside. The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Cart, loaded with donated books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles, tours Windham’s 4Shea and the CCU units Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons. Volunteer Cindy Pasternak pushes the WOW Cart on Windham’s units.

Patrizia Iovine Cable, home care aide for VNA HealthCare, was recently recognized with the Shamrock Award by Home Health Aide Digest. She was acknowledged for her hard work, her fl exibility with her patients, and her dependability. Patrizia is part of VNA HealthCare’s Hospice Program.

Patrizia Iovine, VNA HealthCare home care aide, pictured with her Shamrock Award

Every year VNA HealthCare/VNA East recognizes its top employees at its annual meeting. All employees are invited to recognize their peers whose work ethic, effort, performance and achievements represent standards of excellence. These individuals set examples for success and exemplify the professionalism that defi nes VNA HealthCare. This year’s winners, named at the annual meeting on Jan. 14, are: Wioletta Remiszewski, a visiting nurse with Central HOPE/Hospice, for the Martha Wilkinson Award for Nursing Excellence; Gloria Meier, quality care coordinator for the Waterbury Region, for the John N. Lewis Leadership Award; and Shirley Pepin, home care aide, Central Region, for the Heart of the Agency Award. L to R, Shirley Pepin, winner of the Heart of the Agency Award and Gloria Meier, award recipient for the John L. Lewis Leadership Award. Not pictured is Wiloetta Remiszewski.

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