Hear About Health Care Reform - Northeastern Vermont Regional

APRIL 2014
NVRH Corporators
Hear About Health Care Reform
Laural Ruggles, Vice President of Marketing and Community
Health Improvement and Sam Kempton, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital Trustee gave presentations to the hospital Corporators
at the March quarterly meetings.
Ruggles reviewed the results of a study showing the effectiveness of
the area patient-centered medical homes and community health team.
The results, reported in the 2013 Vermont Blueprint for Health Annual
Report, show that we are making a difference toward the three goals of
healthcare reform: improving population health, improving the patient
experience, and lowering per capita costs.
Additionally, the NVRH area community health team underwent a 30 month rigorous evaluation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that showed the community health team is
making significant improvements in patient well-being and life satisfaction.
Kempton explained the hospital’s role in Vermont’s efforts to reform
the healthcare system. Current reforms center on creating Accountable
Care Organizations. Kempton explained that the dynamics of health
care reform are changing rapidly and NVRH will continue to adapt our
budget, policies, & practices as the situation evolves. Kempton concluded by saying that the hospital needs the support of the community
more than ever.
The NVRH Corporators meet quarterly and represent all the
towns in the hospital service area. They are an invaluable source of
wisdom and perspective for hospital leadership. The Corporators are
key links in the essential communication system between members of
the community and the hospital. To learn more about the governance
structure at NVRH or hospital services and to download a copy of the
2013 Vermont Blueprint for Health Annual Report visit www.nvrh.org.
In this issue of The BrightLook
 Foundation Goal: Artwork in Every Patient Room
 Fifth Annual Radiothon
 National Doctors’ Day
 Neon Day
 National March for Meals Month
 Bill Coleman Attends A.C.A. Annual Conference
 ASTHO Million Hearts Campaign
 Linda Wells, RN Retires
 Auxiliary/Volunteer News
 Harvest Hill CSA
 News from The Courtyard Café
 In My Opinion
 “The Tooties” with the Golden Shoe Award
 An Open Letter
 Winners Announced!
 Hospital-Wide News Update
 Donate Life New England
 Kudos... Corner Medical
 Vermont Ethics Net Work
 Gray Gallery - Artists' Reception
 De-Escalation of People Experiencing a Psychiatric
Crisis
 A+ Standard of Caring - February 2014
The BrightLook is a monthly publication for NVRH
employees, volunteers, physicians, corporators and
board members.
Our next deadline is May 16 for the May 2014
issue. Please contact Hilary De Carlo at ext. 7303 if
you have an article or picture(s) to submit.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Albert Camus
FOUNDATION GOAL:
Artwork in Every Patient Room
A quick search on the internet for information on
the benefits of art in the healthcare setting will yield numerous studies. Most of these studies will document how
art placed in hospitals and other healthcare institutions will
shorten recovery times, help the patient focus on getting
better and generally improve the lives of those who might
come in contact with it. The history of art at NVRH reflects
the wisdom of numerous individuals that have had the
foresight to bring it here and, by doing so, adding to the
culture of the hospital. Scattered throughout the facility one
can find the prints of clouds and weather phenomena by
Helmut Siber that were donated by Marjorie Hoyt (now located mostly in the basement area around the Information
Services department). In 2004 the Bright Look documented
“The Legacy of the Sawyer Prints at NVRH”; the hand-tinted
colorful photographs that once adorned each patient room
here (now on display throughout the business center). Jim
Flynn, Director of Development, the department that has
taken on the role of art curator at NVRH, also mentions that
a tip of the hat should be made to Dr. Hartley Neel, Medical
Director of Diagnostic Imaging. Dr. Neel was responsible for
seeing to it that the halls of that department and its vicinity
were festooned with numerous prints of notable artists,
including his mother, famous American artist Alice Neel.
With the renovations made to the first floor that
included the Day Surgery Unit, the opportunity arose to
include space for a revolving art show. The curved hallway
was specifically made to accommodate the showing of artwork. That area, as well as the hallway leading towards the
Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging, has become a popular
local art gallery, adding to the Athenaeum, the Fairbanks
Museum, Catamount Arts, Lyndon State College and St.
Johnsbury Academy as locations where art is on display for
the community.
Recently, work has begun that will bring back art
to the patient rooms here at NVRH. Elise Braun began the
Susan Sebastian Foundation in 2011. Named for her daughter, the foundation’s work is to donate artwork to all of
Vermont’s hospitals. Susan, who died in 2009, spent many
hours in hospital rooms toward the end of her life, apparent-
Field of Lupines, by Deborah Holmes
ly looking at blank or boring walls.
Elise vowed to provide some color in
the way of Vermont art that would
hang in patient rooms in Vermont’s
hospitals.
The job of purchasing the
artwork for NVRH has gone to Jim
Flynn and Jennifer Layn, Development Coordinator. They bought
artwork from The Northeast Kingdom Artisan’s Guild and The Frame
Dames as well as from some of the
artists that have recently shown
their work here at NVRH. There are Silver Moon, by Phyllis Chase
also several pieces of art that were
given to NVRH by the Foundation. In addition to the stipulation of the artwork being by Vermont artists, the only other
requirements are that they are colorful and framed behind
museum glass. Jim and Jen have chosen art made by artists
from the Northeast Kingdom. They said they have chosen
art that is calming and, as Jim describes it, is easily discernible. (Those same studies mentioned above do point out
the negative effects some abstract art has on the psyche
of those coming out of anesthesia or suffering from various
illnesses.)
Prior to hanging in patient rooms in the Birth Center,
Medical/Surgical area, Pediatrics and Women’s Wellness
the 28 pieces of art purchased through the Sebastian Foundation will be on display in the first floor gallery the week
of April 21. (Also on display will be some recently donated
pieces by local artist Naomi Bassom.) Jim said that “NVRH
is grateful to the Susan Sebastian Foundation for brightening patient rooms and making hospital stays here a bit
more pleasant”. Jen mentioned that they hope to be able to
express their gratitude personally when Elise Braun is invited
to the official opening of the display sometime that week.
Submitted by: Jim Coulson
Summer Haying, by Matthew Payeur
Playbox Fun, by Theresa Somerset
NVRH Hosts Fifth Annual Radiothon
Colleen Long and Kristin Michaud from St. J Auto take a break between
on-air appearances during the hospital’s recent Radiothon. St. J Auto made a very
generous gift to the Radiothon and business participation increased significantly.
The focus of the fundraising was a new, hospital-wide patient monitoring system
that will replace four separate pieces of technology currently used in our ER, OR,
Recovery Room and ICU. The new system will transfer patients’ data directly to
their electronic medical records. Jim Flynn, Director of Development at NVRH
was very pleased with business, community and employee participation. “This is our
local hospital and it’s great to feel the support coming from so many facets of our
community. We deeply appreciate the great announcers and staff at WSTJ 1340 AM,
Kix 105.5, Magic 97.7 and Northeast Sports Net.”
Patients who were interviewed spoke of the great care – sometimes life-saving – they received at NVRH. Gary Swenson spoke about his
great experiences in our ER, Janis Henderson discussed her early discovery of breast cancer by our diagnostic imaging group, Abby Johnson said
our Birth Center figured in her decision to move to St. Johnsbury, and several patients spoke about the post-operative care they received on our
Med/Surg floor.
The Radiothon has become our major corporate fundraising effort, as we can provide more publicity for the donors by thanking them
on air throughout the day. This year, we raised almost $18,000, nearly 50% more than last year.
continued 
continued 
Fifth Annual Radiothon 2014
4
Paul Bengtson, Northeastern Vermont Regional
Hospital CEO, and Mark Price, MD and President of
NVRH’s Medical Staff flank Sam Klepper, Assistant
Manager of H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday)
while presenting Sam with a check for $1,000 in
honor of the hospital’s physicians for National Doctors
Day on March 30th. According to Sam, the money is
earmarked for H.O.P.E.’s knapsack program, a program
designed to feed children in the NEK. Each year, NVRH
gives a donation to a local non-profit organization in
honor of its’ physicians. Doctors day was started in
1933 to celebrate the contribution of physicians who
serve our country by caring for its’ citizens. It became a
national event in 1990.
Beating the Winter Blues: Medical Surgical Nurses at Northeastern
Vermont Regional Hospital sport their annual neon day colors. This year’s theme was
“animals”, so the floor was decorated with shiny, colorful animals and splashes of color
all around. “It brings smiles to the patients, their families and us! Laughter and smiles
help everyone,” said organizer Elaine Luther, RN and Clinical Coordinator.
From left to right: Donna Gilman, Elaine Luther, Rachel Malachuk, Brenda Smith,
Stephanie Porter, Mary Young-Coathup.
5
Arlene Madore, St. Johnsbury House resident, and Abby Pollender,
Interfaith Chaplain at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital talk during lunch at
the St. Johnsbury House. Abby volunteered to help serve lunch during March, which
was National March for Meals Month. If you’re interested in volunteering at the St.
Johnsbury House during lunch, please contact Mike Hutchins, Access Specialist at the
hospital. Even volunteering once a month would be helpful; it’s very much appreciated
and lots of fun!
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s Alcohol
Tobacco and Other Drugs (A.T.O.D.) Prevention Task Force
office located at Dr. Bob’s House on Summer Street was
recently represented at the Annual Conference of the
American Counseling Association (A.C.A.) in Honolulu,
Hawaii. Therapist Bill Coleman attended six educational
seminars as well as a regional business meeting of the
A.C.A.’s North Atlantic Division, while receiving a Branch
Development Award on behalf of A.C.A.’s Vermont chapter,
of which he is a Board Member at Large. Seminars
included the use of Eco-Wellness practices in conducting
outdoor therapy with young people in individual and
group settings, inclusion of spiritual practices in therapy,
applying values clarification to counseling, understanding
changes brought on by the new DSM-5, use of motivational
interviewing when working with behavioral addictions, and
the process of achieving internationalization of standards
for counseling in developing nations.
The conference was attended by over 2200
counselors, many of whom traveled from distant points
around the globe to attend. Bill remarked, “I returned with
great enthusiasm for achievement of the most widespread
possible improvements in education, training and practice
by members of the counseling profession on behalf of the
many millions of people whose lives are touched each
day.” A.C.A. is a proud organization with a long history of
defining and upholding the highest standards of integrity
and professionalism in the field of counseling. Next year’s
conference is planned for Orlando, Florida, and Bill has
already made an advance reservation for what will be the
A.C.A.’s 2015 Annual Conference.
The Corner Medical and Kingdom Internal Medicine Practices of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
held a patient education session on Monday, March 24th, as part of the ASTHO Million Hearts Campaign. The goal
of the campaign is to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017 by focusing on blood pressure control. This is
the first of a three-part series to provide patients with the tools and support to lower their blood pressure and improve their
overall health. Lunch was provided, as well as at-home blood pressure monitors, instruction and guidelines for tracking. The
practices will provide telephone support and appointments as necessary for the next month. The next session, on April 21 st,
will encourage patients to set realistic self-management goals and tips on reaching those goals. You can control your blood
pressure; we will provide you with the tools and support. For more information, contact Corner Medical (748-9501) or
Kingdom Internal Medicine (748-7500).
6
Linda Wells, RN, recently retired after working at NVRH for 48 years. You might say to yourself that
the hospital hasn’t been here that long. As Linda’s sister-in-law, Laural Ruggles quipped, “Linda came with the
building.” She worked at St. Johnsbury Hospital before the two hospitals (BrightLook & St. Johnsbury Hospital)
merged to create NVRH. Happy Retirement Linda and many thanks for all you’ve done for the community!
Auxiliary/Volunteer
NEWS
By Pat Forest, Volunteer Coordinator
At left is Dy Thresher, Reiki Practitioner at NVRH sitting in the new Reiki chair and
ottoman. The funds to purchase the chair and ottoman were donated to Volunteer Services in
memory of our friend and long-time volunteer, M.J. Hayes. Much like M.J., the chair and ottoman material is sassy, yet elegant. The chair will be located in the Chapel of the Four Chaplains to be available for our practitioners and other individuals who use the Chapel.
We are grateful that M.J. will be remembered by those who frequent the chapel.
Just a reminder, that there are still NVRH Auxiliary Raffle Tickets on sale at the main
information desk at NVRH. Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 and all proceeds support
the NVRH Auxiliary Scholastic Achievement Awards. If you have received tickets, please return
them no later than May 9th at 5pm. Cash prizes will be awarded at the Auxiliary Meeting beginning at 5:30pm on the 9th. You do not need to be present to win!
National Volunteer Week was April 6-12. A tea for volunteers, staff and the public was
held in the lobby of the hospital on Wednesday, April 9th. Even our beloved Maggie (therapy
dog) came!
Up-coming events:
Friday, May 9th at 5p.m. NVRH Auxiliary Scholastic Achievement Award Meeting, rooms 126 & 127.
Monday, May 12th 9:30a.m.to 4p.m. Bag Ali will be at NVRH located in room 127.
Thursday, May 15, 7a.m. to 4p.m. Books Are Fun will be in rooms 126 & 127.
7
continued 
Dy Thresher and Jane Rivera, Master Reiki
practitioners, recently spoke on WGMT, 97.7 about
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s Reiki program,
which has been in place for a year. Dy and Jane are both
hospital volunteers; Dy has been offering Reiki to patients at
the Norris Cotton Cancer Center in St. Johnsbury for the past
five years. Both patients and staff have found it to be very
relaxing, soothing and beneficial. Reiki is an ancient healing
technique originating in Tibet, and can help activate the
body’s natural ability to heal.
Harvest Hill CSA
Bill Half & Ellen Gershun
421 Watson Road
Walden, VT 05843
(802) 563-2046
gershunhalf@hotmail.com
This is the 6th year that NVRH employees have an
opportunity to participate in supporting a local farm
through the CSA. This will be the tenth year that Harvest Hill Farm has been providing veggies to the kitchen
throughout the summer, fall and early winter.
Despite the long winter,
green shoots are on their
way!
Bill Half is writing a weekly blog about Harvest Hill
Farm. Check it out at harvesthill-farmvt.com.
There’s still plenty of time to sign up for the CSA – all
the information is on the Pulse.
News from The
Courtyard Café
-by Karen Barss, Food Service Coordinator
We have the opportunity and responsibility to help prevent food-related health concerns by promoting fresh,
good tasting, nutritious food choices. As part of the Healthy Food in Health Care Pledge, we are focusing on fresh, local,
sustainable food. The way food is produced and distributed can adversely affect the environment and our health. I would like
to share some of the ways that food production can negatively impact our health and the environment.
Much of the meat produced in the U.S. comes from animals routinely fed antibiotics who are not even sick This
increases antibiotic resistance in humans that causes us to be more susceptible to infections. The amount of antibiotics used
in agriculture is about 7-10 times the total antibiotics used in human medicine (www.healthyfoodinhealthcare.org).
Air pollution caused by pesticide drift, field dust, waste burning, and toxic gases from degrading manure can lead
to asthma and other respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and lung cancer. Large-scale animal feedlot operations
contribute to water pollution when untreated animal waste releases biologically active hormones, nitrates and other toxic
breakdown products into waterways.
Farm workers and their families are exposed to dangerous chemicals due to widespread pesticide use. Pesticide
exposure has been linked to chronic health problems including cancer, birth defects, neurological, reproductive and behavioral
effects, and impaired immune system function.
To minimize and even prevent the negative impact of food production, at NVRH we have implemented a sustainable
food purchasing policy. We purchase meat locally from Tamarlane Farm, local produce from Bill Half, Joe’s Brook Farm,
and Black River Produce, and utilize local companies such as Koffee Kup Bakery. We purchase meats that are antibiotic and
hormone free and dairy products that are rBGH free. Yogurt, cheeses and butter are also among the products we purchase
locally.
We continue to look for local buying opportunities. By supporting food production that is local, humane, and
protective of the environment and health, we can help create food systems that promote the well-being of the whole
community.
8
In My Opinion
An Open Letter to the Hospital Community
The Truth about Heart Healthy
NVRH has recently joined the so-called Million Hearts Campaign, a federal initiative under the auspices of the Department of
Health and Human Services to promote cardiovascular health. The goal – hence the name – is to prevent one million heart
attacks by 2017. Along with efforts to promote smoking cessation, more physical activity and better blood pressure control,
one of the key elements of this program is an emphasis on a healthy diet. The role of diet, in particular the role of fats and
cholesterol, in the generation of cardiovascular disease has been well established now for over half a century since the
seminal Framingham Heart Study of the 1950s.
What is not so well known, though, is that official dietary recommendations are in general a watered down version of best
advice. As a prime example, the American Heart Association recommends a diet in which 30% of calories are obtained from
fat, with a further emphasis on unsaturated fats. While it is true that such a diet is better than a standard western diet,
which may entail 50% or more of calories from fat, it would be more accurate to say that it is simply less bad. What has been
repeatedly demonstrated is that the optimal diet for maintaining cardiovascular health, or reversing established disease, is
one in which no more than 10% of calories are obtained from fat. The promulgation of the 30% rule is entirely comparable to,
say, advising smokers to “cut down”, or contenting ourselves with assuring them that one pack per day is better than two.
When questioning these matters, one commonly hears that Americans are not ready to embrace radical dietary change,
or that the recommendations need to be tailored to the public taste. No doubt, sometimes pragmatic realism is a virtue of
necessity, but it is a mistake in looking to what might be done to lose sight of what ought to be done.
Our job is to give patients complete, accurate and truthful information. If they should decide not to accept our
recommendations that is their choice, but we should not let cultural habits or a jaded view of the foibles of humankind dictate
what constitutes sound medical advice.
David S. Brody, MD
2014 EXERCISE TEAMS
CORNER MEDICAL
ICU EXERCISING
THE TOOTSIES
ST J PEDI
FIRST FLOOR FIREBALLS
GLOW BUGS
COMMUNITY HEALTH
LAB
TEAM PT
TEAM LEAN
SOLE SISTERS
FLAT LINERS
DIETARY
EXERCISE O.R. ELSE
KIM
ACCESS
TOTALS
PARTICIPANTS
24
13
15
15
14
16
8
6
5
18
12
14
11
17
14
8
210
COMPLETED
24
GOLDEN SHOE WINNER
13
GOLDEN SHOE WINNER
15
GOLDEN SHOE WINNER
15
GOLDEN SHOE WINNER
14
GOLDEN SHOE WINNER
16
GOLDEN SHOE WINNER
8
6
5
13
10
13
9
15
12
5
193
Chris Douglas, RN and Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator (right) presents “The Tootsies” with the Golden Shoe Award
for their great accomplishment during the February Exercise Challenge among employees. There were six teams that had
100% participation, but since it was the first team put together for our volunteers, they were presented with the award. Laurel
St. James-Long, Auxiliary President and never to be deterred, organized the team as well as the cheering squad. Front row:
Laurel St. James-Long, Betsy Merrill, Cindy Gordon. Back row: Pam Comeau, Anna Pinkerton and Hartley Jackson. Missing
from the picture but still an integral part of the success: Pat Forest, Dy Thresher, Heidi Morrison, Carol Robinson, Donna May,
Dale Shields, Barbara Bradeen, Dr. Bill Long and Jeannette Farmer.
9
An Open Letter to the Community about Health
There are reports of studies in our in-box every day that advise us of a particular way of eating that will make us healthier.
As Americans, we are exposed to a plethora of information concerned with preventing or treating chronic diseases such as
diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity, which can have debilitating or deadly long term effects. How does one know what
is best?
The American Heart Association recommends general guidelines to prevent heart disease that emphasizes more fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, fish and more plant protein than animal protein. When choosing animal protein such as meat or
dairy, choose low fat and plant-based oils. Include good sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
No matter what we recommend or know to be true, in practice finding a nutrition therapy that moves the patient closer to
the “recommendation” or goal, whatever that may be, offers the most successful outcomes. Telling a patient there is one way
to prevent heart disease or any other chronic disease without providing the patient with strategies to bridge the gap between
where they are and the recommendations, chronic diseases will continue to plague our patients.
Evidence shows that the following can cut risk of chronic, debilitating conditions:
 Sustained 10% weight loss in the presence of obesity
 Fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants and phytochemicals that are long known to prevent diseases; now we
have recently learned that antioxidants can decrease inflammation which is a culprit in disease promotion
 Omega 3 fatty acids from fish and some nuts and seeds; and mono-unsaturated fatty acids within your caloric limits
 30 minutes of physical activity daily
The list can go on.
Disease prevention is about eating whole, unprocessed foods in the quantity that your body needs to achieve a healthy weight.
One “diet” does not fit all.
There are endless studies to prove one way is better than another. To our knowledge, there is no 100% reliable study outcome
stating that 10% of fat is better than a diet of 15% fat. If one starts at 40% fat in the diet, but can only achieve a reduction
to15% fat, has one failed? Studies continue. We are pretty sure we have not found the one ultimate truth to chronic disease
prevention.
Sharon Anderson, RD, CD (Registered Dietitian at NVRH)
Ginny Flanders, MS, RD, CDE (Diabetes Educator at NVRH)
Winners Announced!
Thanks to everyone who participated in last month’s Safety Word Search, Word Scramble and Haiku
competition. The winner of the word search/word scramble is Jon Augeri in the Emergency Room. Valerie
Lemieux and Michelle Stevens from Corner Medical won the Safety Haiku competition.
The three of you should look for your prizes in inter-office mail.
Valerie’s Haiku:
Infant Abduction.
Rapidly Call A Code Pink.
Find the Baby Fast.
Back Safety:
Immobile patient.
There is no one to help.
Ouch! Back pain severe.
Michelle’s Haiku:
CODE BLACK.
Meditech is down.
How will we get work done now?
Someone call I.S.
MSDS:
Chemical hazard.
M.S.D.S. now on-line.
Wow! Much easier.
The last two were submitted anonymously.
10
Hospital-Wide News Updates
NVRH was surveyed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services who conferred Rural Health Clinic status
for our Women’s Wellness program. The survey went very well, and NVRH will receive the enhanced reimbursement that
goes along with this distinction. The surveyor, who works nationwide, said that this was only the third clinic—and the only
women’s health clinic—that she would recommend as a flagship clinic.
Our lab was also surveyed recently, by the College of American Pathologists. As part of the CMS (Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid) regulations allowing the hospital to bill for testing, a laboratory must be registered and accredited.
Our inspection through the College of American Pathologists fulfills this accreditation regulation. Our recent inspection
was thorough, exhaustive (including 15 checklists and hundreds of regulations) and informative, yet surveyors found
very few opportunities for improvement. The inspectors noted that our Medical Director, Dr. Allison Ciolino, a pathologist
with Fletcher Allen Healthcare, is doing great work and is well respected by her peers. While NVRH Labs are inspected
biennially, we maintain inspection readiness at all times.
We have hired four new doctors:

Dr. Amanda Van Straten, a neurologist, will join us in mid-July and will be seeing patients in Dr Hammer’s former
office in the Medical Arts Building. She completed her residency at the University of Oklahoma and is now in a
clinical neurophysiology fellowship at DHMC.

Dr. Michelle Shepard, a pediatrician, will be joining St Johnsbury Pediatrics in September, after completing her
residency at DHMC. Michelle holds BS, MD and PhD degrees from the University of Vermont.

Dr. Annick Kaufman, a general surgeon, has been practicing in Oregon, She will be joining NVRH General Surgery
(Drs. Danielson, Danielson, and Larsen), later this summer.

Dr. Matthew Prohaska, an orthopedic surgeon, has one more year of residency at DHMC. Matthew will join Dr.
Gagnon’s practice in summer 2015.
We are still actively recruiting for internal medicine and family medicine, urology, hospitalist, and ENT.
In other personnel news, our new Chief Nursing Officer, Seleem Choudhury, was chosen recently as a Fellow of the
Emergency Nurses Association. He joins a select group of only 110 nurses nationwide. Seleem will be formally installed in
a black-tie ceremony this fall.
Construction on the Moffett Building, which houses St. Johnsbury Pediatrics and Dan Wyand Physical Therapy
is ongoing. The addition will allow five providers to practice simultaneously at St. J Pediatrics and will create space for a
Chronic Care Coordinator and a Behavioral Health Specialist. The new space also includes a conference room for group
visits and education sessions, which can be helpful to children with chronic conditions, and their parents.
In early April, NVRH changed its heating fuel from oil to natural gas. Given the ferocity of the last winter, our timing
was not terrific, but was a result of equipment shortages. NG Advantage, from Milton, VT, delivers a trailer truck with a
tank of compressed natural gas to the hospital approximately twice a week. We expect to save $200,000-$300,000 per
year in heating costs.
The hospital closed on the sale of Gregory Rubin Reynolds’s home in Peacham in March. Gregory’s generosity
completed our last campaign and reminds us how beneficial gifts of real estate—and bequests—can be. This is the fourth
property gift received by NVRH, including the Bloch Building. They have made an important difference to our financial
strength and to the breadth of services we are able to offer our community.
NVRH, working in collaboration with Northern Counties Health Care, Rural Edge Affordable Housing, the
Northeastern Vermont Area Agency on Aging and Northeast Kingdom Human Services, was awarded a State Innovation
Model grant of $176,400. The grant will be used to provide flexible funding for goods and services not normally covered
by insurance for patients who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. We believe these investments—in additional
nursing care, remote monitoring, or medical equipment—will reduce admissions to the ER or inpatient units and ultimately
save money for the system. Typically, these “dual-eligible” patients are elderly or disabled, and have low incomes as well.
They can be particularly vulnerable to slight changes in their health or other circumstances.
All of us at NVRH recognize that we are in the midst of complicated healthcare discussions, taking place both in
Vermont and nationwide. We are working to keep our eye on the ball, doing the best we can for our patients, as we adapt
to all that is coming our way.
11
Celebrate National Donate Life Month
with New England Organ Bank this April
This April marks the 11th annual National Donate Life Month, a celebration commemorating those who have given
the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. For those whose lives have been saved or healed by a transplant, National
Donate Life Month provides a chance to share their story to encourage more people to register as donors.
Suellen Canfield was a happy wife, mother and grandmother when she died suddenly in 2001. Her family had no
doubt that if given the opportunity she would continue to help others even after she had passed. At 61 years old, Suellen’s gift
of organ donation saved the lives of three people. Her husband, Bob, volunteers for New England Organ Bank sharing his story
of how in great loss he found comfort in his wife’s ability to help others.
In addition to organ donation, tissue donations help over one million individuals each year. Heart valve, bone and skin
donations give recipients a new chance at a healthy life, the recovery of tendons and ligaments can help heal a severe sports
injury, and cornea donations give the gift of sight.
“The transplant waiting list is made up of people of all ages,” says Laura Dempsey of New England Organ Bank. “It’s
important to show that people of any age can make a powerful difference in someone’s life by being a donor. Donation saves
and heals lives every day, but it can only happen when someone makes the important decision to register as an organ and
tissue donor. You can make that lifesaving difference by registering your decision to donate.”
There are now 112 million registered donors in the United States, over five and half million from New England. Still,
the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the supply of donated organs. More than 120,000 people
are currently awaiting a transplant, and sadly, an average of 18 patients die every day, because the organ they needed was
not donated in time. The solution to this problem is to continue educating the public about the lifesaving effects of donation
and transplantation and encourage them to sign up through their state donor registry.
To register to be a donor or for more information visit www.DonateLifeNewEngland.org
About New England Organ Bank
New England Organ Bank is the federally-designated, non-profit procurement organization responsible for the surgical
recovery of organs and tissues for transplant throughout the New England region.
About Donate Life New England
Donate Life New England is a public education project sponsored by organizations in New England dedicated to saving
and improving lives through organ and tissue donation. These organizations, including New England Organ Bank, have come
together to create a fast and easy way for citizens of New England to register as organ and tissue donors in a secure and
confidential manner. For more information, visit www.donatelifenewengland.org.
KUDOS: During my recent visit to Corner Medical for a regular checkup I was so impressed by something I just
had to write a short kudos.
From the first moment I entered the building, from checking in with the lovely ladies at the front desk to my time
with Nurse Mary and my visit with Dr. Broderick there was an overwhelming feeling that left me in a sense of astonishment
of this little Northern Vermont Practice. During this time I was methodically attempting to analyze what it was that was
giving me this emotional state of well-being and then finally it hit me. Their technology was amazing! Everything from the
sig pad I signed my signature on, to the computer systems and the printer that printed the order to the wireless laptop that
Nurse Mary was using was just bewildering. I thought of how there must be an enormous amount of staff supporting such
comprehensive use scientific-know-how. So kudos to them!
Oh yeah, I really like Nurse Mary, Dr. Broderick and all the staff there too.
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Members of Northeastern Vermont Regional
Hospital’s Palliative Care Team and Ethics Committee
recently attended a conference focused on how to best
support patients and family members during difficult illnesses.
“When Cure is No Longer Possible: Prognosis, Hope and
Professional Responsibility” was sponsored by the Vermont
Ethics Net Work and included workshops on relevant topics
such as Advanced Skills in Conflict Management and The Applied
Ethics of Stopping a Failing Therapy.
From left to right: Betsy Fowler, Behavioral Health Specialist;
Colleen Sinon, Vice President of Quality Management
Programs; Jim Coulson, Infection Control and Compliance
Officer; Abby Pollender, Interfaith Chaplain; Mary Ready,
MD, Hospitalist and Palliative Care; Joyce Dobbertin, MD,
DC, Family Practitioner and Palliative Care.
Pauline Dwyer holds her
son Jackson beneath his
painting at the recent
reception for local
elementary and middle
school artists at the Gray
Gallery at Northeastern
Vermont Regional
Hospital. Jackson
attends kindergarten at
the Lyndon Town School.
Participating schools
include the Burke Town
School, Danville School,
Good Shepherd School,
Lyndon Town School,
St. Johnsbury School,
Thaddeus Stevens School
and the Riverside School.
The show was on display
through April 17th.
Emergency Department staff and Physicians, Nursing Supervisors and
Sheriffs who provide Security for the hospital joined together on April
17th as participants in a training class titled “De-Escalation of People
Experiencing a Psychiatric Crisis”. The class was one in an educational
series offered by the VT Department of Mental Health.
A+ Standard of Caring
+ Very good experience at NVRH - Thanks.
+ Wonderful facility.
+ They made Garrett very comfortable and the nurse was
great. She made him laugh a lot.
+ Thought it was wonderful they called after and talked
to us and them him personally!
+ I thought that was special to him.
+ I did recommend to one of my friends their daughter
needs the same procedure and I suggested Dr. Rankin’s
office and St. J. Hospital.
+ Everyone I spoke with did an excellent job.
FEBRUARY 2014
Ambulatory Surgery
+ Very calm in the surgery center. I felt very relaxed.
+ Nurses - very professional and friendly. Very comfortable.
+ Very concerned for my pain.
+ I was very pleased with my care at NVRH. Thank you.
+ I am a phlebotomist and a terrible draw (no veins available or they collapse) but my IV went in on the first try.
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+ The warm blankets were the best.
+ Everyone was very friendly and I didn’t feel the IV at all.
The staff in the room did a very nice job making me feel
as comfortable as possible. I appreciated that!
+ Again an excellent job by all!
+ Thank you all so much for the care...
+ Excellent experience given the prep and procedure.
+ Always a good experience under Dr. Walko he will be
highly missed.
+ No delay, no pain.
+ Service was excellent- very professional and yet very
personal.
+ The explanations by the doctor and nurses was “over
and above” excellent.
+ The care I received was the “best”. I am very satisfied
and grateful for each person and quality of concern &
care. Thanks.
+ Dr. Walko will be missed!
+ This is one of the best small hospitals there is.
+ The lab staff and the person who accompanied me
there were excellent.
+ He made me laugh, which made me feel better about
the situation.
+ Very friendly staff! The wait time was not very long.
+ This was the fastest visit I have ever experienced in an
ER.
+ I felt like I was a priority - excellent care giver.
+ Nurse practitioner was good.
+ I am used to going to urgent care centers. My need
was not an emergency but I needed medical attention to
avert bronchitis going into pneumonia. The ER staff met
my needs and I was thankful. Traveling and not being
near your doctor can be frustrating.
+ Margi (nurse) was very caring and efficient.
+ Triage nurse was fast and efficient.
+ The nurse educated me more than I have ever experienced from a nurse.
+ Great that they offered coffee to my husband before
cafeteria opened for the day.
Emergency Department
Inpatient Department
+ My son broke his thumb while skiing at Burke. (We are
from Massachusetts.) Every part of our visit to NVRH was
an A+ experience. Thank you.
+ Extremely thoughtful & attentive.
+ Very accommodating & attentive not to disturb injury.
+ Arrived by ambulance, treated immediately.
+ Thank you all so very much for saving my life & the
kindness you showed to us and our family. It won’t be
forgotten.
+ I am so impressed with this hospital. I am closer to
Cottage Hospital but choose NVRH for their quality care
and attentiveness.
+ The radiology staff was very friendly, sincerely caring,
and comforting.
+ The nurses could not have been more concerned for
me.
+ The doctor was great. He, as well as the nurses, kept
me informed and comfortable.
+ I was treated like a queen from the time the EMT’s
arrived until I got in the car to come home.
+ I was seen by a doctor as soon as I was brought into the
ER by ambulance. The staff was there at once.
+ We have the BEST THERE IS to be had. Whatever we
need we have the best of people.
+ Excellent care given by nurse Susan nice nurse.
+ Excellent care and treatment given by Dr. Merrick nice
doctor.
+ Very helpful w/how to improve over the next few days.
+ Intake & nursing excellent.
+ Nurse who took my blood walked me through it, she
was very nice; same goes for the ultrasound doctor.
+ We were very well informed.
+ Saw a very competent nurse practitioner.
+ FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL throughout.
+ I went straight in -- I didn’t have to wait at all.
+ Yvonne was incredible! All were excellent.
+ Overall, all nurses were attentive and friendly.
+ I have no complaints about my stay. I was well cared
for in all aspects. Overall, staff very friendly from cleaning right through dietary & nursing PT.
+ They have new TV in the ICU rooms - plus new remotes!
+ Before surgery did an excellent job of IV - very pleasant
and kind.
+ Food was very good. Best I have had from other hospitals I had been to.
+ Kept my family informed of everything.
+ Dr. O’Connor was excellent. The doctor that puts you to
sleep was great.
+ I was taken very good care of and appreciate the care.
+ We very much liked the special meal for us at the birth.
+ Gift bag was very nice.
+ We had a great stay at the hospital. Special thanks to
the volunteers for the new baby blanket, that was very
nice.
+ I had the best experience ever in the ICU. God, the
nurses were the best that I’ve ever had!
+ They were very pleasant, asked very pleasantIy what I
would want.
+ They made me feel so welcome! They were SOOOO
GOOD -- to me, the best ever!
+ The ICU nurses were the best when they said my family
could come in they made SURE we had everything.
+ He was the best! He talked at my level. Thank God!!!
Kingdom Internal Medicine
+ A good practice - seems well organized.
+ I have always been treated very well.
+ Jessica MacLeod is a great addition to the practice -
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+ Excellent team work - Dr. Lee very informative, concerned and genuinely interested in assisting her patients.
+ Everyone is very personable.
+ Very good, everyone seems to care.
+ Frank M. is a good doctor.
+ They all care.
+ I enjoy going.
+ They keep you informed.
+ Jessica is extremely thorough and most congenial to
work with.
+ Staff is caring, polite and very good staff paired perfectly, wonderful care from the whole staff.
+ I know when I’m sick Jessica - Macleod AGNP-BC, always starts me on my path to feeling healthy, again and
Ms. Macleod always makes me get better fast.
+ A great practice and health care providers are the best
caring team I’ve experienced
+ They are wonderful at this office!!
+ Jessica MacLeod is awesome. They are great all the
time.
+ Anytime my husband or I call her line to leave a message, she calls back very soon but she never puts us off
or leaves it till the end of the day. Sandy Ingersoll is a
model of what a nurse should be!
+ I hope I never have to change because her help extends
beyond other doctors help.
+ Her care shows in all she does and says (Susan Erisman).
+ My doctor usually takes longer than other doctors but
she is worth the wait and I never mind it.
+ Very friendly staff, I felt very comfortable.
+ As always Dr. Erisman provided outstanding care.
+ Nurse Sandy & Dr. Erisman are super care providers.
Excellent care givers!
+ Sandy (I think her name is for Dr. Erisman always is
very courteous and friendly.
+ Relates everything you tell her that you want to speak
to the doctor about.
+ Dr. Erisman is a wonderful doctor. Very caring listens to
you, but if you need some extra prodding to do better for
yourself, she is there for that also.
Corner Medical
St. Johnsbury Pediatrics
+ I realize that my doctor gives all the needed attention
to all of her patients.
+ Everyone is great at Corner Medical!
+ Dr. Gresser is wonderful!
+ ALL the staff at C.M. make my visits a very positive
experience.
+ Good care at NVRH.
+ Susan Gresser understands me!
+ No complaints - always happy with Dr. Broderick and
his nurse.
+ Very good, caring doctor. We love him.
+ Corner Medical - has taken very good care of us. We
consider ourselves blessed to have such professional &
caring providers.
+ I have always felt very comfortable and secure in the
hands of all the staff.
+ They are all very nice & efficient.
+ Dr. Broderick & Mary are always very good to me when
I need help.
+ Dr. LeBlanc followed up when I called on a day Dr.
Broderick was not there. I am glad that he has joined the
team.
+ She is an excellent caring Dr. that will listen - is very
thorough.
+ Very good. I was very comfortable.
+ Excellent treatment.
+ Taken right on time, no wait.
+ I love Amanda; she’s always so lighthearted; good
personality + Dr. Gresser is always very good with me - I love her.
+ Dr. Broderick and nurse Mary wonderful!
+ RN, Danielle, was wonderful.
+ Dr. Stasny is fantastic. She is why we wait. Our family
chooses to see her exclusively.
+ Administrative staff - courteous, friendly, professional.
+ Cyndi - friendly, kids really liked her.
+ Deb Bixby - professional, thorough, provided health info
to kids - helps reinforce habits taught to me.
Womens Wellness Center
+ I have already recommended Dr. Paul to others.
+ Very clean.
+ They are ALWAYS courteous and friendly.
+ I never had a bad experience or I would not have returned.
+ Margaret is wonderful!
+ Dr. Paul was wonderful!
+ If Dr. Kenny was a primary physician I would choose to
go to her instead of mine.
+ It was my first visit so the dr. spent time w/me to answer my questions.
+ I had a very good experience w/dr. who took time to
answer my concerns.
Outpatient Departments
+ We are family! Good treatment all the way around.
+ I have periodic blood tests at the lab, and everyone I
encounter is friendly, helpful, and professional.
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