Two WellStar Team Members Among Top 10 Nurses in Georgia

On May 7, two WellStar nurses will be honored at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s annual Celebrating Nurses: Nursing Excellence awards event. Nancy Fischer, RN, CCRN, WellStar Kennestone Hospital, Step Down Open Heart/Vascular Thoracic Unit; and Sheny Hill, RN, CMSRN, WellStar Cobb Hospital, Medical Surgical Unit, were chosen from approximately 350 nominees as two of the top 10 nurses in Georgia. WellStar was the only health system with more than one honoree.

The nurses have a common bond – compassion – as you’ll discover through their nomination stories.

A nurse for 36 years, Nancy Fischer was nominated by her nurse manager, Paola Buitrago, MSN, RN, CNML, who said in her nomination, “Nancy impacts patients’ lives on a daily basis; she goes above and beyond with every patient encounter. I round on patients daily and hear how Nancy’s patients are always left with a positive and everlasting impression.”

Buitrago recounts the story of a mentally disabled patient who was so afraid to have open heart surgery he was refusing treatment. Fischer educated him, putting him at ease. He agreed to have the surgery, and Fischer was with him every step of the way, even coming in on her day off to bring him new clothes and toiletries.

“He called me to say Nancy had changed his life,” said Buitrago, “and how thankful he was for a nurse like her.”

Another patient, on the floor for more than a month, was hospitalized during Thanksgiving. Fischer brought this patient her favorite food to ensure she had a holiday as close to normal as possible.

“Nancy takes care of patients by loving them,” said Buitrago. “She inspires me to be a better nurse every day.”

“I want to make a difference in people’s lives, especially when they’re in difficult situations,” said Fischer. “I want people to love nurses – there’s no greater job than being at the bedside.”

Sheny Hill, a nurse for 10 years and WellStar 2012 Hall of Fame honoree, shows a similar brand of selflessness and passion for her profession. Her nominator, Kippie Lipham, medical interpreter, recounts an amazing gift the nurse gave to a patient.

Admitted for abdominal pain, a 27-year-old Guatemalan man on Hill’s unit was diagnosed with advanced gallbladder cancer after two weeks. He was then readmitted to the oncology floor, where he spent more than two months.

Born in Guatemala herself, Hill continued visiting the patient. She became close to him, and his wife, two-year-old daughter, two brothers and father, who traveled from Guatemala to see his son. They invited her to join them when the physician requested a family conference to explain the patient needed end-of-life care – there was nothing more that could be done.

When the young man, connected to a multitude of tubes, looked at his brother and said, “I want to go home,” Hill knew there was something more she could do. His last wish was to be with his mother, who he had not seen in seven years. Without hesitation, Hill volunteered to escort him home and help the family plan for his complicated, in-flight and on-arrival medical needs. Hill’s compassionate gift to the patient and his family was immeasurable. But, she explains, “I needed him as much as he needed me. He reminded me why we do what we do every day.”

“I can think of no other person who deserves this award more than Sheny,” said Lipham. “She demonstrates the same type of compassion for all her patients every day and we are truly lucky to have her at WellStar Cobb.”

New Medical Staff as Approved at the April Governing Board Meeting

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Memberships
Antony, Sheba A., M.D.	Pediatrics	Kenmar Pediatrics	KH, WMG
Aziz, Arif A., M.D.	Gastroenterology	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH	KH
George, Suku, M.D.	Gastroenterology	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH	KH
Jungblut, Peter R., M.D.	Internal Medicine	WellStar Medical Group	WMG
Kelotra-Jindia, Gunjan, M.D.	Anesthesiology	Windy Hill Anesthesia Associates	CH	WH
Kommor, Ross A., M.D.	Gastroenterology	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH	KH
McBroom, John W., M.D.	Gynecologic Oncology	Piedmont Gynecologic Oncology	CH, KH
Meredith, Catherine M., M.D.	Urgent Care	Urgent Care (Cooper Lake)	WMG
Patel, Viralkumar S., M.D.	Hand Surgery	Atlanta Hand Specialist	CH	DH, KH, PH, WH
Patil, Prashant V., M.D.	Hospitalist (Medicine)	Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, WMG
Shaffer, Don W., II, M.D.	Hematology/Oncology	NW Georgia Oncology Centers	WH	CH, DH, KH
Shah, Ritesh, M.D.	Gastroenterology	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH	KH
Sheikh, Aasim M., M.D.	Gastroenterology	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH	KH
Strauss, Robert M., M.D.	Gastroenterology	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH	KH
Vega-Bermudez, Francisco, M.D.	Intraoperative Tele-NeuroMonitoring	Impulse Monitoring, Inc.	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH
Watson, Steven B., M.D.	Hand Surgery	Atlanta Hand Specialist	CH	DH, KH, PH, WH

Advanced Practice Professionals

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Boyd, Michael, PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Brown, Lisa H., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Georgia Breast Care	CH, KH
Brown, Yvonne, NP	Nurse Practitioner	Hospitalist Group	CH, KH, PH, WMG
Churbock, Cathleen A., NP	Nurse Practitioner	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	DH	CH, KH, PH
Hannor, Tahisha B., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Douglasville Medical Center	WMG
Johnston, Jennifer B., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Kennesaw Medical Center	WMG
Nikhil, Sheela J., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, WMG
Schaefer, Kristen L., PA	Physician Assistant	Gastrointestinal Spec of GA	CH, DH, KH, PH
Stanley, Jon B., PA	Physician Assistant	Thoracic Surgery	CH, DH, KH, WMG
Stuben, Gloria A., PAA	Physician Anesthesia Asst	Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC	KH, PH
Winston, Brette C., NP	Nurse Practitioner	A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab	WMG

WellStar Health System Joins Joint Replacement Registry

WellStar Health System recently became a charter member of the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR), an independent, not-for-profit database designed to store comprehensive data about joint replacement procedures.  Last year, orthopaedic surgeons at WellStar performed more than 2,000 joint surgeries.

The AJRR monitors the performance of an artificial joint in a database containing information about the patient, the surgeon who performed the procedure and the hospital where the procedure took place. The data collected helps doctors more quickly identify joints that are performing poorly, and  helps them match patients, procedures and devices to ensure that every patient has the best  possible outcome.

“Joining the AJRR signals WellStar’s commitment to improving surgical outcomes for our patients who undergo joint replacement surgery, said Dr. Douglas Lundy, Co-Chair, WellStar Musculoskeletal Network. “Participation in AJRR will help us monitor the performance of implants, improve our techniques, and reduce the number of revisions.”

By offering a single source of data, surgeons who use the registry can easily access data from other AJRR members and use that information to make more informed recommendations to their patients, ultimately improving patient care.

More than a million hip and knee replacements are performed each year in the U.S., a number that is expected to increase as more men and women remain active as they get older. The lion’s share of replacement surgeries are successful, offering patients years of trouble-free use and helping patients resume their regular activities of daily living. But about 8 percent of patients nationally experience problems following surgery that require the artificial joint to be revised. Dr. Mark Diehl, Co-Chair, WellStar Musculoskeletal Network, added, “WellStar has been committed to providing joint replacement patients with a great experience, and now, the system has taken an added step toward improving  clinical outcomes by joining AJRR.

The American Joint Replacement Registry was founded in 2009 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and other orthopaedic industry leaders and stakeholders, and began collecting data in 2011. The AJRR’s goal is to optimize patient outcomes through collection of data on all primary and revision total joint replacement procedures in the U.S. The mission of the registry is to enhance patient safety, improve quality of care and reduce the cost of care. For more information about the registry and its objectives, visit www.ajrr.net.

WellStar Breaks Ground on New East Cobb Health Park

Pictured (from left to right): Tate McKee, VP, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC; Rhea Jeanne Starnes, architect at CDH; David Connell, president and CEO, Cobb Chamber of Commerce; Bill Chegwidden, founding partner, CDH Architects; Jim Budzinski, EVP and CFO, WellStar; Kim Menefee, SVP, Public & Government Affairs, WellStar; Robert Jansen, M.D.,  EVP, president of WellStar Medical Group and chief administrative officer; Tim Lee, chairman, Cobb County Board of Commissioners; Reynold Jennings, president & CEO, WellStar; Janie Maddox, chair, WellStar Board of Trustees; Mitzi Rubin, M.D., WellStar physician; JoAnn Birrell, Cobb County Board of Commissioners, District Three; Joe Brywczynski, SVP, Health Parks Development, WellStar; Robin Wilson, M.D., SVP of Medical Management and chief innovation officer, WellStar; and Bob Ott, Cobb County Board of Commissioners, District Two.

On Wednesday, April 3, 2013, WellStar officially broke ground on the WellStar East Cobb Health Park. The health park is an innovative approach to integrating a comprehensive array of outpatient health services with primary care and physician specialists.

This will be WellStar’s second health park (Acworth opened in July 2012) and will serve more than 200,000 residents who live within a 10-minute drive time of the facility. The East Cobb Health Park is located off Roswell Road in Marietta. It is expected to open in fall 2014.

LifeLink Event at WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Pictured, from left: Dan Woods, senior vice president and president of WellStar Kennestone Hospital; Arthur and Marian Weiss (recipient family); Pamela and Steve Guffey (donor family); Lee Langley, associate executive director, LifeLink of Georgia 

On April 5, 2013, WellStar Kennestone Hospital hosted its inaugural Donate Life flag raising ceremony in recognition of National Donate Life Month. The event was co-sponsored by LifeLink of Georgia and featured stories from an organ donor family, a living donor and an organ recipient. The flag, which will fly outside the hospital's main entrance throughout the entire month of April, was raised in honor of these donor representatives.

After April, the Donate Life flag will again be raised for 24 hours in honor of each future donor at Kennestone. A replica of the flag also will be presented to each family.

Due to the severity of trauma injuries, Kennestone’s designation as a Level II Trauma Center has helped our System touch more lives through the gift of organ donation. Thanks in part to WellStar’s partnership with LifeLink, Kennestone consistently ranks high in donations.

LifeLink of Georgia is an independent, non-profit organ and tissue recovery organization dedicated to serving patients in need of transplant therapy and their families. It is one of five divisions of LifeLink Foundation.

WellStar Cobb Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Receives Silver-Level Beacon Award for Excellence

WellStar Cobb Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was recently awarded a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six standards for a healthy work environment. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with gold, silver and bronze designations meet nation criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

The silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence earned by the ICU at WellStar Cobb Hospital signifies continuous learning and effective systems to achieve optimal patient care. The ICU at WellStar Cobb Hospital earned its silver award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria:
• Leadership Structures and Systems
• Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement
• Effective Communication, Knowledge Management, Learning and Development, Best Practices
• Evidence-Based Practice and Processes
• Patient Outcomes

About the Beacon Award for Excellence: Established in 2003, the Beacon Award for Excellence offers a road map to help guide exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater overall patient satisfaction. United States or Canadian units where patients receive their principal nursing care after hospital admission qualify for this excellence award. To learn more, visit www.aacn.org/beacon or call (800) 899-2226.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 240 chapters worldwide. The organization’s vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. To learn more about AACN, visit www.aacn.org, connect with the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aacnface or follow AACN on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aacnme.

Physician Partners Event Held April 3

On Wednesday, April 3, WellStar Foundation Physician Partners and guests met at Vino Venue for a spring event, which was held to thank those physicians who are giving back to the community.  Three new members were introduced by WellStar Foundation President, Tracey Atwater:  Dr. William Burak, Dr. Boykin Robinson and Dr. Brett Cannon.  Physicians who were honored by grateful patients in the recent Doctors’ Day mailing were also recognized. 

WellStar Foundation Physician Partners is a group of physicians that supports the philanthropic work of the WellStar Foundation by sharing the message that WellStar is a not-for-profit health system and helps to identify grateful patient opportunities.  Some of the projects supported by Physician Partners include:  WellStar Community Clinics, WellStar Cancer Network, Pediatric “We Can” Program, Cardiac Heart Pillows, Community Heart Screening Bus, and WellStar Community Hospice.  Physician Partners membership has now grown to 88.

WellStar Health System Named “Best Company for Hourly Workers” by Working Mother Magazine

Working Mother magazine recently named WellStar Health System one of the “Best Companies for Hourly Workers” for 2013, awarding those employers that have the best policies and programs for promoting women and a dynamic work life culture.

The survey, conducted by the Working Mother Research Institute, reveals that 41 percent of hourly employees at the Best Companies participate in family health insurance programs through their employers, and 61 percent participate in employer-sponsored personal health insurance programs. Women in full-time service jobs are often completely uninsured, with 35 percent of restaurant workers, 36 percent of cashiers and 26 percent of retail sales assistants lacking insurance versus only 16 percent of all U.S. women, according to an analysis of 2010 Census Bureau data by the National Women’s Law Center.

“Since 2006, the retail and wholesale sector has cut 1 million full-time jobs and added more than 500,000 part-time jobs," said Carol Evans, president of Working Mother Media. “Creating programs to help employees succeed at hourly jobs has become not only good business but also the right thing to do.”

“The Best Companies for 2013 have found solutions to providing opportunities for nonexempt employees to advance into salaried and management roles,” said Jennifer Owens, editorial director of Working Mother Media.

All of the Best Companies offer career advancement opportunities, including technology training and mentoring. Ten out of the twelve offer career counseling and language skills training.

WellStar Celebrates Construction Midpoint of Paulding Replacement Hospital

WellStar and the Paulding Chamber of Commerce hosted an event on March 27 to celebrate the midpoint of the WellStar Paulding replacement hospital. More than 200 guests enjoyed seeing the progress of the eight-floor, 295,000-square-foot hospital, scheduled to open in April 2014. Concrete for the 40-room Emergency Department has been poured and interior walls are starting to go up. The hospital will house 40 emergency exam rooms, four surgical suites, decentralized nursing stations, patient rooms, administrative offices and a café. A glass atrium will connect the hospital with an 82,220 square-foot medical office building.

Surviving Allergy Season: Tips from WellStar’s Dr. Grace Chiang

This spring, Atlanta allergy sufferers have been hit hard as pollen counts reached near-record highs.

“Tree pollen, prevalent throughout our region, is the cause of allergy woes – sneezing, itchy, red, watery eyes and the exacerbation of asthma symptoms,” said Grace Chiang, M.D., WellStar Medical Group, Allergy & Asthma. “This spring has been unusual because it arrived later than normal. The tree pollen count usually remains elevated through the end of May but this year it may stay high longer.”

Dr. Chiang said tree pollen is difficult to avoid because it’s carried long distances in the wind. She offers these tips for minimizing exposure:

• Keep your home and car windows closed.
• Shower at night.
• Change your clothes before you sit on your bed.
• Keep your pets inside.
• Use HEPA air filters.
• Limit time outside for children with allergies.
• Avoid exercising outside early in the morning; pollen count is highest from 5-10 a.m.

“There are safe and effective prescription and over-the-counter medicines,” said Dr. Chiang. “But it’s sometimes difficult to navigate all those drugs – it’s best to see an allergist to optimize their effectiveness.”

Immunotherapy – injections of substances to which patients are allergic – benefits many patients, according to Dr. Chiang. “It’s the closest thing we have to a cure for allergies,” she said. Patients usually experience relief after several months of injections.

Next year, you may want to heed the advice Dr. Chiang gives her patients: “Start taking your allergy medication daily around Valentine’s Day.”

Dr. Chiang speaks, not just as an expert physician, but as an allergy sufferer. “I have a built-in pollen meter: me!” she laughs. “I know when my eyes start getting itchy, it’s pollen season.”

Dr. Chiang sees patients of all ages at 4480 North Cooper Lake Road, Suite 101, Smyrna, and at her new office in East Cobb at 3939 Roswell Road, Suite 200, Marietta. To schedule an appointment, call 770-333-2027.

WellStar Paulding Hospital Surgical Team Donates Computer Station to Paulding Nursing Center

In an effort to positively impact WellStar Paulding Nursing Center residents’ quality of life, the WellStar Paulding Hospital Surgical Team raised more than $600 to purchase a new computer, desk and chair. The department hopes the Internet access will help Nursing Center residents keep in touch with family and friends. Money for the computer station was collected through a bake sale and other fundraisers. “We are so appreciative of the Surgical team’s commitment to keeping our residents active and engaged,” said Carol O’Connell, assistant vice president, Long-Term Care & Support Services, WellStar Paulding Nursing Center. Members of the team are shown here with the new computer, desk and chair.

Cancer: Screening, Treatment & Staging Continuing Education Course

April New Providers

Prashant Patil, M.D.
Dr. Patil received his medical degree from Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College in Gulbarga, India, and earned his master’s degree in exercise physiology from Northern Illinois University. He completed his residencies at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in family medicine and at York Hospital in internal medicine.

Board certified in internal medicine, he is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians. He is in practice with the WellStar Hospitalist Group.

Beverly Pottinger Pickens, D.O.
Dr. Pickens received her bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, where she majored in chemistry, and earned her medical degree from Western University of the Health Sciences in Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her internship at Florida Hospital East Orlando, and her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine in obstetrics and gynecology.

Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Pickens is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Osteopathic Association, Georgia Osteopathic Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Pickens is in practice with WellStar North Douglas OB/GYN.

Steven J. Schwartz, M.D.
Dr. Schwartz received his bachelor’s degree from Queens College in Flushing, N.Y., and earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Conn.

Board certified in emergency and internal medicine, he is a Diplomate of National Medical Boards. Dr.Schwartz has been serving WellStar Emergency Medicine since 1991. He is in practice with WellStar Urgent Care in Acworth.

Patient Satisfaction Graphs

 

 

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.)