May 2013 Department Meetings

WellStar Cobb Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Advanced Practice Professionals General	May 1; 7 a.m.	Jasmine/Wisteria Room
Credentials	May 7; noon	ABR
Medical Executive Committee	May 21; noon	Jasmine/Wisteria Room

WellStar Douglas Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	May 7; noon	Sycamore Room
Medical Executive Committee	May 14; noon	Sycamore Room

WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	May 8; 7 a.m.	KMR
Medical Executive Committee	May 14; 6 p.m.	KMR
Surgery	May 15; 7 a.m.	Azalea/Camellia Room
OB/GYN	May 20; 5:30 p.m.	Azalea/Camellia Room
Pediatrics	May 22; 6 p.m.	KMR
Advanced Practice Professionals General	May 30; 7 a.m.	Auditorium

WellStar Paulding Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	May 9; 12:30 p.m.	Dogwood Room

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	May 15; 5:15 p.m.	Admin. Conference Room

May 2013 CME Events

Kennestone Surgical M&M: May 29; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Cobb Surgical M&M: May 23; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital

Trauma Grand Rounds-KH: May 30; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Cancer Conference (TB)-KH: May 6, 13, 20; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Cancer Conference (TB)-CH: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; noon; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital

Breast Cancer Tumor Board-KH: May 1, 8, 22, 29; 7 a.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Thoracic Clinic Kennestone-KH: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Thoracic Clinic Cobb-CH: May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Cobb Hospital

GI Tumor Board Kennestone-KH: May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Wound Case Conference-CH: May 3; noon; WellStar Cobb Auditorium

Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference: May 1; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Cardiology Case Conference: May 28; 7 a.m.; Kennesaw Mountain Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Anesthesia M&M: May 22; 7 a.m.; Anesthesia Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

PCP Update Course: May 18; 8 a.m.-noon; Pacific Auditorium; WellStar Development Center

WellStar Announces New Leaders, Appointments

Candice Saunders, executive vice president and WellStar Kennestone Hospital president, was promoted to chief operating officer for WellStar.









Dan Woods, senior vice president and Kennestone chief operating officer, has become WellStar Kennestone Hospital president.

Peter Jungblut, M.D., joined WellStar Medical Group as senior vice president and medical director. Dr. Jungblut was previously vice president of medical affairs for Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, N.J., for nine years and resumed an active clinical practice in internal medicine last year.








Arriving in April, Dr. Kristyn Greifer will report to Dr. Jansen and be responsible for facilitating clinical integration initiatives related to transitions of care and developing care models to assist WellStar in delivering patient-centered care.  She will act as a liaison and provide support for provider groups including the WellStar Accountable Care Organization network physicians and WellStar Medical Group and for the Piedmont WellStar health insurance plan.

Guillermo Pierluisi, M.D., joined WellStar as vice president of Medical Affairs for WellStar Douglas and Paulding hospitals. Noel Holtz, M.D., who currently holds this position, will be taking a part-time role with the System. Dr. Pierluisi has more than 20 years of healthcare experience, most recently as vice president of Emergency Medicine and Outpatient Services and assistant chief medical officer for Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Fla.



 

Veronica Martin, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, was named chief nursing officer for WellStar Cobb Hospital. Martin has more than 20 years of nursing experience, most recently as associate chief nursing officer for Tampa General Hospital.

Medical Interpretation Services Documentation Form in Patients’ Charts

In order to meet emerging regulatory guidelines regarding appropriate documentation of interpretation services in the medical record of patients with language needs, a new form has been developed.  Effective immediately, whenever an interpreter is used to communicate medical information to patients, whether in-person or telephonically, it should be denoted in the patient’s chart, using the Medical Interpretation Services Documentation Form.

This form is now available in the progress notes section of the patient’s chart. The blue color of the form should help with easy identification. When an in-person medical interpreter is present, he/she is responsible for completing the form.  When the telephone is used, the nurse/provider is responsible for completion of the form.  This template will be part of the WellStar Connect, (Epic®) system.

Providers should not use family members or minors to serve as medical interpreters.  While patients may request that family members or minors serve in this capacity, providers should always use a trained medical interpreter.  This will ensure that the information relayed to the patient is accurate and complete.  Often family members/friends do not have the language skills to convey medical information accurately or may not communicate the full extent of the information to the patient.  Use of a trained medical interpreter, in-person or telephonically, ensures that patients are fully informed and can better participate in decision-making and follow discharge instructions.

For more information about interpretation services at WellStar, please contact Stephanie Taylor, director, Cultural Competency at Stephanie.taylor@wellstar.org or 470-956-6419.

YWCA of Northwest Georgia Honors Ellen Langford

Ellen & her team at the YWCA 28th Annual Tribute to Women of Achievement ceremony.

On March 15, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia honored Ellen Langford, vice president and chief operating officer, WellStar Medical Group, at its 28th Annual Tribute to Women of Achievement. The ceremony was held at the Cobb Galleria Centre and included more than 500 attendees.

Langford was among a group of 15 honorees who were recognized for their “outstanding leadership in their personal and professional endeavors.” The honorees, who were inducted into the Academy of Women Leaders that evening, are leaders in business, not-for-profit and volunteer arenas and live and/or work in Cobb, Cherokee or Paulding counties.

The YWCA of Northwest Georgia also named Cassandra Buckalew, CEO of the Marietta Trolley Co. and community volunteer, as its Woman of the Year at the event.

“We are honored to have these women working and living in our community,” said Holly Tuchman, CEO and executive director of the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. “This is our chance, as a community, to thank Ms. Buckalew and the other honorees for all their hard work and their selfless contributions that enhance our quality of life in Cobb County. These individuals truly represent the very best in our community.”

For more information about the YWCA of Northwest Georgia or visit www.ywcanwga.com.

New WellStar Connect Video

WellStar Senior Leaders shared the benefits of the WellStar Connect (Epic®) electronic health record implementation with team members during spring Town Hall meetings. Click here to watch the video: http://youtu.be/GHxmURHLcKs (also available on the WellStar Connect website.)

CyberStars Needed for WellStar Connect

As part of WellStar Connect, our implementation of Epic® electronic health record system, super users, known as CyberStars, will be needed to provide departmental go-live support and serve as long-term resources for end users. More than 800 CyberStars will be needed Systemwide during the entire implementation. Leaders across the System have begun nominating team members to fill that role for each department.

CyberStars need to be individuals who are good communicators, are respected by peers as a go-to person in the department, understand departmental workflows and are competent in basic computer skills. Physicians and advanced practice professionals are encouraged to consider being CyberStars.

If you are interested, please contact Laika Steiger, WellStar Connect Training Manager, at 470-956-6418 or Laika.Steiger@wellstar.org. 

Ethics Forum to Discuss the Use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports

WellStar Diabetes Services Awarded Foundation Grant

WellStar Diabetes Services was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the WellStar Foundation to provide meters, testing strips and lancets to low-income or underinsured individuals. These supplies are quite costly and the grant will make a huge impact on people with diabetes who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford the appropriate supplies for testing blood sugar levels.

The in-patient educators at WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals will identify qualified candidates.  Participants will receive a meter and a one-month supply of test strips and lancets for free. They also will be allowed to purchase on-going supplies, at cost, through the WellStar Pharmacy Network.

Help Support the March of Dimes

Plus, Earn 10 HealthStart Points!

More than 10,000 babies are delivered at WellStar hospitals every year. We strive for each of those babies to arrive healthy and strong, which is why we remain committed to supporting March of Dimes research and the annual March for Babies. This year’s West Metro March for Babies will be held April 27 at Marietta Middle School. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 9 a.m.

The event also is a great way to earn 10 HealthStart points. Simply enter your participation in the HealthStart Cardio Log at www.wellstarhealthstart.org.

WellStar’s 2013 goal is to raise $40,000. Last year, thanks to your support, WellStar raised more than
$21,000 for the March of Dimes.

Go to www.marchforbabies.org/team/wellstar to join the WellStar team. You also can help by supporting March of Dimes fundraising activities such as bake sales being held throughout the System.

WellStar Named a Healthiest Employer

WellStar was ranked as one of Atlanta’s Healthiest Employers in the annual rankings compiled by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, ranking seventh in the Large Employer (500+ employees) category. WellStar was recognized for its HealthStart wellness program launch, which drew more than 3,000 team members.

“In addition to improving our team members’ health, the wellness program supports our efforts to better manage our medical plan costs, which continue to rise each year,” said Cecelia Wagoner, assistant vice president, WellStar Corporate & Community Health. “With healthier and happier team members we believe we will continue to see an increase in team member productivity and engagement.”

WellStar Inducted into 2013 Companies That Care Honor Roll

WellStar was recently inducted into the 2013 Center for Companies That Care’s 11th Annual Honor Roll. This is the sixth straight year that WellStar has made this prestigious list.

The Honor Roll, a national list recognizing employers for outstanding workplace practices and active community involvement, includes privately-held and publicly-traded organizations, as well as not-for-profit employers from around the country, and represents several industries. Each has outstanding workplace practices and active community involvement.

“WellStar continuously strives to be an employer of choice here in metro Atlanta,” said David Anderson, executive vice president, Human Resources, Organizational Learning and chief compliance officer. “Having awards and recognitions from organizations like the Center for Companies That Care demonstrates to all that we value our team members and thus allows us to hire and retain the best available employees.”

"These employers are among the best in the nation," said Marci Koblenz, Center for Companies That Care's co-founder and president. "They are engaged with their employees and communities. They are strengthening individuals and families within and outside of their workplaces with such practices as open communication, career development, volunteerism and health assessments. Their leaders are evaluated on how they lead others, as well as the business results they achieve. These organizations have consistently proven how values-driven practices can lead to success. They deserve to be emulated."

WellStar's Hitendra Patel, M.D., appears on WSB's The Weekly Check Up

Hitendra Patel, M.D., medical director of WellStar's sleep program, appeared on the Sunday, March 10 edition of the WSB Radio program The Weekly Check Up, hosted by Bruce Feinberg, M.D.

During the two-hour program, Dr. Patel discussed sleep apnea, night terrors, snoring, surgery options and narcolepsy.

Sleep disorders are a growing problem in the United States, with approximately 40 million children, teens and adults suffering from chronic long-term sleep disorders and an additional 20 million people experiencing occasional sleep problems.

To read more and listen to the interview, use the link provided here: 
http://www.wellstar.org/education/pages/press-releases/2013/weekly-checkup-hitendra-patel-03-10-2013.aspx.

Activity Kit Improving Care for Dementia Patients at WellStar Kennestone Hospital

 Shared Governance Council members with initial activity kit: Standing, Chad Dupree, RN, and Suzanne Wood, RN; sitting, Dorothy Clark, CCP; Emily Segars, RN; and Rhonda Sugalski, RN.

Thanks to Suzanne Wood, RN, on WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s 6 Blue West, and the WellStar Foundation, patients with dementia have new activity kits.

In Sept. 2011, Kennestone was designated as a NICHE hospital (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders). One component of the program is training RNs and clinical care partners on the unique characteristics of the older population and what they can do to help them have a safe and high quality hospital stay.

After attending a class taught by Darcia Jones, RN, WellStar NICHE coordinator, Wood was inspired to assemble an activity box based on NICHE research. The box contained puzzles, colorful building blocks, dominos and other items aimed at increasing safety and cognitive stimulation for patients with dementia.

“I introduced the initial kit through our Shared Governance Council,” explained Wood. “I researched therapeutic activities for our older patients using resources from NICHE, and funded the kit myself, but I had a limited amount to spend. I drove to multiple stores and used some of my own items. During our daily huddles, I educated staff on using the items with dementia patients. I covered the benefits of the kit, cleaning and safety.”

One patient’s daughter wrote a letter of appreciation about the kit. “She was so thrilled to be able to interact with her mother using the blocks,” said Wood. “She said it was a joy to see her mother using her hands to manipulate the blocks. ‘Please allow other incapacitated individuals the same mental pleasure,’ she wrote. I was determined to do that, by improving the kit and expanding its use throughout Kennestone.”

Wood researched a superior therapeutic kit with a reasonable price that could be ordered hospital-wide from one supplier.

“I am so grateful the WellStar Foundation generously funded new, larger, more durable kits,” said Wood. “They will provide many benefits for our older patients.”

The new kits will be implemented in April.

Disaster Drill Held

WellStar participated in a large-scale, weather-related disaster drill on March 5. The drill was conducted by the Georgia Department of Public Health and the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health, Institute for Health Management and Mass Destruction Defense. The drill tested our System’s response to multiple WellStar facilities being struck by tornadoes. Shown are WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s Pat Mayne, Laura Garlow and Janet Woods during the drill.

WellStar Wins Healthcare Supply Chain Achievement Award

WellStar was one of eight healthcare organizations nationwide to receive the Healthcare Supply Chain Achievement Award from the ECRI Institute. The prestigious award honors healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in overall spend management and in adopting best practice solutions in their supply chain processes.

The winning organizations were chosen from nearly 2,500 hospitals and health systems that subscribe to ECRI Institute’s supply and capital procurement advisory services.

NorthStar Church’s ‘Big Give’ Makes a Big Difference to WellStar Patients

  NorthStar member Diane Iderton and Lawrence Jones with his new pair of fuzzy socks at WellStar Kennestone’s Infusion Center.

On Feb. 5, members of NorthStar Church in Acworth delivered 500 pairs of fuzzy socks to WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s Infusion Center. As part of the church’s annual “Big Give,” they aim to have a big impact on the community.

“The patients’ reactions were awesome,” said Kathi Mansfield, manager, Infusion Center. “They can’t believe strangers are doing something so special.”

Each pair of socks sports a bow and a note telling patients they are being thought of and prayed for.

“Our patients have warm blankets thanks to WellStar volunteers’ donation of our two blanket warmers, but with cooler weather and feet sticking out from under blankets, the socks are perfect,” said Mansfield.

NorthStar is also donating 200 pairs of socks to WellStar Cobb Hospital.

March New Providers

Sheba Antony, M.D.
Dr. Antony received her medical degree from St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Board certified in pediatrics, Dr. Antony is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is certified by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. She is in practice with WellStar Kenmar Pediatrics.

 
Catherine Meredith, M.D.
Dr. Meredith received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, and earned her medical degree from Medical College of Georgia. She completed her internship and residency in family practice at the Floyd Family Practice Residency Program in Rome, Ga.
She is board certified in family medicine. Dr. Meredith is in practice with WellStar Urgent Care at the Cooper Lake and Shallowford locations.

New Medical Staff as Approved at the March Governing Board Meeting

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Memberships
Boleman, William T., M.D.	Allergy and Immunology	Center for Allergy & Asthma WG	CH, DH
McDonald, Kristine G., M.D.	Hematology/Oncology	Georgia Cancer Specialists IPC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Pickens, Beverly A., DO	Obstetrics and Gynecology	WellStar North Douglas OB/GYN	DH, WSMG
Schwartz, Steven J., M.D.	Urgent Care	WellStar Urgent Care (Acworth HP)	WSMG	CH, KH, PH
Siddhanthi, Madhavi, M.D.	Rheumatology	Rheumatology Associates	KH, WSMG

Advanced Practice Professionals

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Bright, Stephanie D., PA	Physician Assistant	Hospitalist Group	KH, WSMG
Churbock, Cathleen A., NP	Nurse Practitioner	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	PH	CH, KH
Foster, Stephen G., PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Hartley, Christina M., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Pediatric & Adolescent Center	CH, WSMG
Jean-Jacques, Emmanuel, PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH
Jeter, Nancy T., CRNA	Nurse Anesthetist	Windy Hill Anesthesia Asscs.	KH, PH	WH
Roman, Mark D., PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Vy, Nhu B., PA	Physician Assistant	Comprehensive Pain Management	CH

Patient Satisfaction Graphs