Service Awards Continued

T
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
Stephen H. Kupperman
Chairman, Governing
Board
ouro is a special place. A walk down any
hall inevitably brings forth from the staff
friendly smiles and greetings of “How are
you?” and “Hello!” These are small gestures, ones
that those I pass probably don’t think twice about,
but to me, our patients and their families, it makes
a world of difference.
Encounters like these may be part of your
everyday job as an employee, but being in a
hospital is not an everyday experience for our
patients. Touro employees treat our patients, their
families and friends like they are the most
important people in the world. That caring attitude
has always made Touro unique, and will continue
to set us apart from other healthcare providers in
the future.
Service Awards Continued
Lori Vidrine (Neonatal Intensive Care),
Linda West (Medical Records), James
Roseberry (Information Services), Shelley
Byrne (Medical Records), Cheryl Johnson
(Operating Room) and Thomas Schlegel
(Information Services).
20 years-Mary Gaillot (Clinical
Resources Management), Veronica PriceLaux (Facilities Management), Lillian
O'Cain (Partial Hospitalization), Dianna
Lauve (Radiation Therapy), Sandra Leblanc
(Day Surgery Unit), Valerie Llopis (Pain
Day Program), Roland Jordan
(Maintenance/Repair), Robert Wicker
(Radiology Diagnostic), Barry Gaillot
(Maintenance/Repair), Mitsue Lagraize
(Marketing) and Marion Foto (Physical
Rehab M6).
15 years-Lee Leblanc (Medical/Surgical
Acute Q8), Carmen Carmouche (Physical
Therapy), Elvira Mangubat (Obstetrics
Acute M2), Anthony Foret (Respiratory
Therapy), Alvin Fandrich (TRC Hospital
Administration), Michael Riley (Radiology
Diagnostic), Deborah Burns (Operating
Room) and Jewel Thompson (Obstetrics
Acute M2).
10 years-Karen Holliman
(Medical/Surgical Acute Q8), Kellie
Leblanc-Crochet (TRC Admissions), Keith
Connor (Housekeeping), Suzanne
Hoffpauir (Recovery Room Services),
Sylvia Knighten (Admitting), Kathleen
Jones (Emergency Room Physicians), Kevin
Jordan (TI Hospital Administration), Joseph
Untereiner (Respiratory Therapy), Betty
Founds (Physical Therapy), Shannon Riera
(TRC Admissions), Nicolet Superchi
(Anesthesia), Kevin Cook (Home Health),
Ann Daigrepont (Occupational Therapy),
That future will be written by you, the Touro
staff, under the umbrella of our new strategic plan.
The plan will play a vital role in preserving what
makes Touro special, while guiding the hospital’s
development in the years ahead. It charts an
exciting direction -- one we will all be proud to
participate in -- with the cornerstone being a firm
commitment to patient safety, quality and service
excellence. Improving patient satisfaction, clinical
outcomes and the financial well-being of our
organization are just a few of the priorities set by
the plan for 2007.
A lot has changed recently in New Orleans, but
I am confident in Touro’s future. The unique
atmosphere of healing and caring created by our
Touro staff will lead the way. Just keep smiling
and saying “Hello!”
Susan Hill (Physical Therapy), Sheila Smith
(Patient Financial Services), Lisa
Cressionnie (Recovery Room Services),
Erin Cook (Occupational Therapy), Mignon
Johnson (Housekeeping), Loretta
Cushenberry (Radiology Support), Maria
Molina (Home Health), Irene Robicheaux
(Neonatal Intensive Care) and Angela
Warner-Smith (Neonatal Intensive Care).
5 years-Bernard Hall (Housekeeping),
Charles Caminita (Fiscal Affairs), Denice
Eshleman-(Admitting), Janice Kornman
(Woldenberg Rehab), Miriam Finley (Gift
Shop), Renee Latino (Speech Pathology),
Minhthu Tran (Medical/Surgical Acute T8),
Daniel Dyess (Physical Rehab M6), Virginia
Weinman (Physical Rehab M6), Dana
Duggan (Day Surgery Unit), Danielle
Guillot (Ultrasonography), Robin
D'Arcangelo (Fiscal Affairs), Tessie
Fontanos (Flex Nurses), Desiree Washington
(Housekeeping), Caren Levy (Newborn
Nursery), Thuc Tran (Cardiac Cath
Services), Cykia Videau (Touro At Work),
Jennifer Teague (Occupational Therapy), Iva
Adams (Admitting) Mike Vail (Wound
Care), Jacqueline Havnen (Physical Rehab
M6), Devanjee Ceaser (Radiology Support),
Kirt McCoy (Security), Mary Burns
(Outpatient Oncology), Ascencio Trevino
(Medical/Surgical M4), Karen Bell
(Physical Rehab Care M9), Larry Smith
(Home Health), Angela Mercadel (Patient
Financial Services), Hosea Lafleur (Home
Health), Michele Nelson (Partial
Hospitalization), Adam Allen (Information
Services), Sonya Smith (Patient Financial
Services), Erica Little (Coronary T6),
Marianna Clayton (OB Administration),
Clark Thomas (Security), Peggy Viera (Day
Surgery Unit), Mark Buehl (Physical
Therapy), Jeffrey Dorsa (Med/Surg
Intensive Care), Meredith Dougherty
(Medical/Surgical Acute T8), Vicky Watts
(Emergency Room Physicians), Keri Landry
(Rehab Case Management), Shelly Duet
(Diabetes Center), Donna Villavasso (Labor
and Delivery Services), Michelle Ladreyt
(Wound Care), Byron Brady
(Housekeeping), Hope Silbernagel (Cardiac
Cath Services), Caroline Heymann (Day
Surgery Unit), Angeline Rossignol (OB
Administration), Deborah Pennier
(Obstetrics Acute M2), Richard Forest
(Laboratory Support Services), Robert Ritter
(Med/Surg Intensive Care), Ted Williams
(TASC), Thomas Schoonenberg (Med/Surg
Intensive Care), Sylvia Fisher (Flex
Nurses), Sheila Seal (Physical Rehab M6),
Marijke Whitaker (Woldenberg Rehab),
Henry Edwards (Security), Virgie George
(Dietary), Alice Johnson (Admitting),
Sandra Selman (Medical/Surgical Acute
Q8), Trenee Maechling (Medical/Surgical
T7), Lori Rodrigue (CT Scanner), Crawford
Johnson (Plant Operations), Pecola King
(Communications), Roy Lapeyronnie
(Information Services) and Irma Ramirez
(Medical/Surgical Acute Q8).
Volume 14, Issue 1
January/February 2007
A NEWSLETTER
FOR THE
PRESIDENT’S
CORNER
TOURO COMMUNITY
T
L E A D I N G H E A LT H C A R E F O R O V E R 1 5 0 Y E A R S
TOURO HONORS EMPLOYEES FOR YEARS OF SERVICE
ouro honored 141 staff
members who marked
anniversary milestones at
a service award banquet in
December.
Individuals who were
recognized have been
employed at Touro for five, 10,
15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50
years.
“It is spectacular when you
look at the list of names,”
President and CEO Les Hirsh
said. “These people make up
the fabric of Touro.”
Honorees selected their own
gift of appreciation from an
Katherine Smith, who celebrated her 50th year with Touro in November 2006, sliced
online catalog that featured
the first piece of cake at Touro’s annual service award banquet.
clocks, jewelry and other
keepsakes. They also had the
Jackson (Housekeeping),
Care), Joyce Chambers
option to choose a gift
Bernadette
Barnes
(Information Services),
certificate from the gift shop.
(Housekeeping),
Gilda
Daniels
Priscilla Mercadel (ATC),
The following employees
(Purchasing),
Bobbie
Clark
Shelia Francois (Nursing
were honored:
Administration)
and
(Nursing
Administration) and Bruce
50 years-Katherine Smith
Edwina
Beco
Jackson (Security).
(Dietary)
(Communications).
25 years-Holly Kattengell
40 years-Joan Giles
30
yearsRonald
Williams
(Information
Services), Nancy
(Dietary)
(Operating
Room),
Marilyn
Werner
(Emergency
35 years-Carol Harris (OB
Wiltz (Medical/Surgical T7),
Department), Eveline Farrell
Administration), Michele
Beryl
Jones
(Human
(Histology), Pearl Gervais
Sullivan (Information
Resources),
Michelle
Delatte
(Histology), Sharon Kelly
Services), Ethel Bromley
(Peer
Review),
Brenda
(Labor and Delivery Services),
(Ultrasonography), Joan
Holloway (Neonatal Intensive
Eleanor Mitchell (Admitting),
Continued on back page
INSIDE:
2 - Hospital News
4 - Values In Action: Welcoming Spirit
6 - Our Voices
7 - On the Move
Back Page - A Letter from the Chairman of the Governing Board
E
Leslie D. Hirsch,
President & CEO
very year on January 1st,
most everyone starts the
New Year with a list of
resolutions in hand…and the best
intentions to fulfill them. I’ve
tried all the standard resolutions—
exercise more or eat better—but
this year I’m making a different
kind of resolution. I resolve to
make Touro the best place for
patients to receive care, for
physicians to practice and for
employees to work. I invite you
to join me in working toward
making this resolution a reality.
I want to introduce VIA
Touro, an initiative you will hear
a lot about in 2007. Derived
from Latin, the word via means
‘the way’ or ‘the course’. VIA
Touro will bring to life our
values—welcoming spirit,
respect, integrity,
professionalism, teamwork and
stewardship—and will chart the
course for Touro’s Living these
values will make Touro a better,
stronger and more successful
organization.
Every day we face challenges
as we strive to recover and move
forward. Healthcare providers in
New Orleans, especially Touro,
face unprecedented challenges.
The marketplace is competitive,
and to succeed we must excel.
We don’t need to be the biggest
hospital, but we do need to be
the best.
Together, we can make Touro
the best in the region and among
the best in the country. I look
forward to the coming year with
great anticipation and hope
you’ll join me in my resolution
to make this year a landmark one
for Touro.
HR NEWS
JOIN THE TRUE
BREW CREW
TRUE BREW COFFEE SHOP NOW OPEN
True Brew is looking for
honest, positive and motivated
people to staff Touro's new
coffee bar located in the
Foucher Street lobby.
Applications for baristas are
now being accepted. Shifts
are from 5:30-11 a.m. and 11
a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday.
Applications are available
in Touro's Human Resources
Department. For more
information call 897-8340.
EMPLOYEE SELF
SERVICE
At the beginning of 2007,
Touro discontinued printing
paper payroll check stubs and
moved to an interactive
system. The new system
allows employees to print
payroll check stubs, modify
tax withholdings, review leave
balances and update personal
information at the click of a
mouse.
Touro employees can access
this new system, Lawson
Employee Self Service, on
inside.touro.com.
Computer workstations are
located in Café Touro 24
hours a day and in the Human
Resources Department
Monday-Friday from 7:30
a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information call
Human Resources at 8978340
2
The Touro Infirmary Auxillary officially opened True Brew Touro Jan. 31. Located in the Foucher Street
lobby, the coffee shop features fresh pastries and a variety of coffees and teas from around the world.
Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Proceeds from True Brew will support the
the Touro Infirmary Foundation. Back row from left to right: True Brew owner Pat Wingerter, manager
Benjamin Van Leeuwen. Front row from left to right: Co-chairs of the True Brew Touro committee Carol
Hirsch and Linda Baum, True Brew Owner Denise Austin, Auxillary President Caroline Drumm and
President and CEO Leslie D. Hirsch.
TRG NAMED
NEW RADIOLOGY GROUP
Touro selected a Georgia-based company, The
Radiology Group to provide state-of-the-art
imaging services to the hospital.
“We believe they (TRG) will bring Touro a
wealth of medical and technological expertise to
better serve our patients,” President and CEO
Leslie D. Hirsch said in a letter to employees.
TRG’s extensive use of voice recognition
dictation and PACS (Picture Archive
Communication System) digital technology will
greatly enhance turnaround time in reporting
results, Hirsch said.
The selection of TRG also complements the
direction Touro has taken with respect to its
acquisition of state-of-the-art imaging
technology which includes two CT scanners (64
and 16 slice units) and a PACS.
PACS will become operational during the first
half of this year and will allow physicians to
view images via the internet.
LEADING HEALTHCARE FOR 150 YEARS
TOURO PARTNERS
WITH SIEMENS
As of Feb. 12, Touro established a strategic
partnership with Siemens Corporation to manage
Information Technology Services at Touro.
As part of the agreement, Touro IS employees
will transition employment with Siemens.
Hirsch said a significant factor in Touro's
decision to align with Siemens was the
realization that the ability to achieve information
technology objectives over the next 10 years
would be nearly impossible for the hospital to do
on its on.
“It was clear that we needed the critical mass
and technical expertise of a strategic partner,”
Hirsch said.
Siemens has a reputation for excellence in
their work with many hospitals around the
country, as well as a worldwide reputation as a
leader in the development of cutting-edge
healthcare technology. The new partnership also
builds on the relationship Touro has had with
Siemens in recent years.
ON THE MOVE
Carol Scioneaux, RN, was named
Director of the Infection Control
Department. She has worked as
Touro's nurse epidemiologist since
1998.
Mary C. Foley, MSN, RN, was
appointed Director of Nursing for
Touro at Home. She joined Touro in
2005 as a staff registered nurse and
later promoted to Patient Care
Coordinator in 2006.
Roger Grant joins Touro as
Director of Security. He has 26
years of experience with the New
Orleans Police Department and most
recently served as the facility and
training officer for the NOPD
Mounted Patrol Division.
Norman A. Stiteler, MBA, JD, was
appointed Director of Corporate
Compliance and Internal Audit. His
primary role will be to establish and
oversee a new corporate compliance
program and internal audit function at
Touro. Stiteler joins Touro with an
extensive professional background
with more than 20 years of healthcare
and legal experience.
Mary Jo D'Amico, RN, was
appointed Associate Vice President
for Perioperative Services. She is
now accountable for the Ambulatory
Treatment Center. D'Amico joined
Touro last year as the Director for
Perioperative Services.
Reginald Vicks, MBA, RN, was
appointed Associate Vice President
of Patient Care Services. He is now
accountable for the Emergency
Department, ICU, T-6 Telemetry,
Pulmonary Services, Cardiac Rehab
and the Wellness Center. Vicks joins
Touro with 15 years of healthcare
management experience.
Theresa Williams, MSN/MBA,RN,
was appointed Associate Vice
President of Patient Care Services.
She is now accountable for the
medical surgical units, Nursing
Resources Office, education and
professional development and all
education functions and services.
Williams joins Touro with over 17
years of experience.
Elizabeth Heinrich, MSN, MBA
was appointed Performance
Improvement Director. She joins
Touro with vast management
experience in performance
improvement.
Jovonne Foster, MS, joins Touro as a PI Statistician.
She previously worked at Emory University and has
years of experience in clinical outcomes research.
Foster received a master's degree in biostatistics from
Harvard University.
Pam Matthews, BSN, joins Touro as a PI
Statistician. She previously worked at Memorial
Medical Center and has over 20 years of experience in
direct patient care and management.
Greg Barker was appointed Director
of Planning. His primary responsibilities
are business and strategic planning,
business strategy for the development of
hospital wide and service line specific
strategies and initiatives. Barker joins
Touro from Central Carolina Hospital in
Sanford, NC with 15 years of experience
in marketing strategy, business and
strategic planning.
David Heikamp, MT, ASCP,
MBA, was appointed Administrative
Director of Pathology. He joins
Touro from Ochsner where he served
as the Venipuncture Supervisor post
Katrina. Prior to his work at Oschner,
Heikamp was the Lab Director at
Memorial Medical Center and St.
Charles General Hospital.
Christine Albert, MPP, was
appointed Director of Marketing
Communications. Her primary role
includes serving as the hospital's
media liaison, developing marketing
communications strategies and
products and increasing Touro's
presence in the New Orleans
community. She joins Touro from the
Department of the Navy and has eight
years of experience in
communications.
Meredith Dougherty was appointed manager of T7.
She previously worked as manager of T8.
Gigi Anfone was appointed manager of T8. She
previously worked as manager of Q8.
Lisa Cressionnie and Cindy Repass, two of Touro's
PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses were recently
certified in perianesthesia nursing, or CPAN certified.
HOW TO
ACCESS YOUR
TOURO W-2
ON-LINE….
n
n
n
n
n
Go to
www.atsprintfreedom.com.
A log on screen for
American Technology
Solutions will be displayed.
Enter 10137 in the Access
ID field.
Enter your 5 digit Touro
employee number in the
Username field.
Enter the last four digits of
your social security
number in the Password
field (unless you accessed
the system last year and
changed your password –
then use that password.)
The first time you access
the system you will be
asked to change your
password. The password
must be five or more
characters long and
must include one number.
After you have changed
your password you will be
asked for your consent to
receive this and all future
W-2s electronically. Please
read the consent form then
click on the Accept
Consent option and the
Submit button – you are
now ready to use the
system.
Call the IS Help Desk at
897-7911 during normal
business hours for all
questions about how to access
your online W-2.
Call the Payroll Department at
897-8535 during normal
business hours for questions
regarding the information on
your W-2.
LEADING HEALTHCARE FOR 150 YEARS
7
2007 JUNIOR
VOLUNTEERS
HOW DO YOU CREATE A WELCOMING SPIRIT AT TOURO?
Volunteer Services
announces the return of the
summer Junior Volunteer
Program.
This program is an
excellent opportunity for
local high school students to
help their community and
Touro Infirmary, while
participating in an
educational and personally
rewarding experience.
Student participants in this
program must meet the
following requirements:
-Have their 14th birthday
by June 1st and/or
completed the eighth
grade,
-Donate at least 50
volunteer hours over the
summer,
-And attend a one day
mandatory orientation.
If you are a parent of a
high school student or know
of an eligible teenager,
please contact the Volunteer
Services Office to request an
application at (504) 897-8107.
Enrollment is limited!
6
“The best way to greet a guest is to introduce yourself and
always have a smile on your face. Make everyone feel
welcome and let them know that we are glad they are here.
It’s always important we make sure our guests have a
positive experience.”
TOURO
TIDBITS
A NEW YEAR,
A NEW YOU
Classes offered through the
fitness center include: Senior
Exercise (fitness center
membership required). For
more information contact Hesh
Bolno at 897-8186.
-Ashley Triggs – Tech. Assistant/Radiology
“I always greet everyone with a smile, ask them their
name and see how I may be of service. I always try to
throw in a bit of humor to ease their spirits, since hospital
visits can often be stressful. I always end by thanking them
for coming to Touro.”
BE A GOOD
NEIGHBOR
Edgar James, Jr. – Patient Escort Courier
“I help everyone to realize that this is a facility that will help
them to live a higher quality of life. I share a holistic approach
to health with all of my patients – health and balance for the
mind, body, feelings and spirit. I try to instill in them a sense of
self-motivation and let them know that the hardest step is
walking through the door. By helping themselves, they are all
in a better position to help others.”
Sis. Mary Valerie Gros – Exercise Leader
The renovation to the Sixth Floor Family Lounge was made possible by the employees of Touro Infirmary
and reflect our welcoming spirit. The space is a relaxing place for patients’ loved ones to take a break from
the stress of having a friend or family member admitted to the floor’s two units, ICU and cardiology.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS CHRIS PAUL VISITS TOURO
HONEYBEES VISITS TOURO BABIES
Two members of the New Orleans Hornets Honeybees visited babies in the Family Birthing
Center at Touro’s Go Red For Women Day. Touro employees raised $1,500 for the American
Heart Association.
LEADING HEALTHCARE FOR150 YEARS
ICU FAMILY LOUNGE
New Orleans Hornet point guard spoke to nearly 50 Touro employees at a meet and greet Jan. 26 in Cafe’
Touro. Selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA draft, Paul led all rookies in
points, assists, steals and minutes, garnering him the 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. The 6-foot
guard currently leads the Hornets averaging 18 points per game.
Please continue to be
mindful that Touro is located in
a residential area. Show
neighbors respect by; not
parking in front of homes,
blocking driveway; littering
and playing loud music. Touro
has placed “Quiet Zone” signs
around the hospital. Thank
you in for your cooperation.
TIMING OF
MEDICAL RECORD
ENTRIES
The time of medical record
entries is crucial for patient
safety and quality of care.
Timing applies to all medical
record entries, not to the
authentication of verbal orders.
This includes orders, progress
notes, procedure notes, patient
assessments, H&Ps, etc.
Timing establishes when an
order was given and when an
activity, treatment or procedure
is to take place and establishes
a baseline for future actions or
assessments. Many patient
interventions or assessments
are based on time intervals or
time lines of various signs,
symptoms or events.
Submit hospital-related news
briefs to the Marketing
Department or via email to
Gabrielle Maple at
mapleg@touro.com.
LEADING HEALTHCARE FOR 150 YEARS
3
Welcoming Spirit
We provide a healing environment that is safe, caring and inviting.
I give directions and escort people
whenever possible.
I act quickly and decisively
when anyone’s physical safety
or well being is at risk.
I conclude interactions by asking
if there is anything more I can
do to help.
I acknowledge others, make
eye contact and smile.
4
LEADING HEALTHCARE FOR 150 YEARS
I routinely invite patients to
ask questions about their
healthcare and to play an
active role in it.
I keep patient care areas and my workplace
clutter free and clean.
I identify myself and my role
when meeting new people.
LEADING HEALTHCARE FOR 150 YEARS
5