Chiefs’ ChatterMESSAGES FROM CAROMONT HEALTH SENIOR LEADERSHIPOCTOBER 4, 2016

CaroMont Continues Performance Improvement Work with Surgical Value Stream Analysis (VSA)In early August, the Performance Improvement & Operational Efficiency Department and the Surgery Service Line brought together a group of staff members from across the organization to complete a Value Stream Analysis (VSA) for the Surgery process. Lead by Dr. Todd Davis, Senior Leadership sponsor, and Beth Vanderwalker, Service Line Director for Musculoskeletal, Neurosurgery and Surgery, the VSA took the team through the entire patient experience – from the moment a patient is scheduled for surgery until they are discharged from the hospital.

During this week-long event, key areas of improvements were identified, both in the processes and procedures used to care for the patient and the protocols our internal units and departments use to move a patient through the surgical experience. These key areas will be the focus of 14 Rapid Improvement Events (RIE) over the next 16 to 18 months.

This VSA is an exciting project for CaroMont because it is the largest we have done so far. We were pleased to have had members of the CaroMont Care Advocates along with Mr. Tim Gause and Mr. Michael Dickson, members of the CaroMont Health Board of Directors, join us and bring their unique perspectives to the VSA.

Please check back for more information as we continue to host RIEs and make changes to improve patient care and experience.

What is a Value Stream Analysis? A full look at an entire end-to-end process for patient care or the flow of a product, typically crossing multiple hospital departments.

What is Rapid Improvement Event (RIE)? A formally defined event, typically one week long, with a team that is formed to analyze the current process and to make improvements in a process or value stream.

Lead participants of the Surgical VSA.

Board Members Michael Dickson (left) and Tim Gause (right)

participate in the VSA. Group gowns up for the Operating Room. Mike Smith, RN, presents information at the report out.

Chiefs’ ChatterMESSAGES FROM CAROMONT HEALTH SENIOR LEADERSHIPOCTOBER 4, 2016

New Employee Parking Lot Security Gates Active Next MondayFor the last several months, the hospital employee parking lot gates at the Aberdeen and Court Drive entrances have been locked in the upright position due to significant mechanical issues that prevented normal, reliable operation. Understanding that a “quick fix” was not the answer, a collaborative effort was undertaken by Public Safety, Telecom and Facility Services to identify the root cause of these issues and a provide long-term, reliable solution.

We are pleased to announce that the team has completed their work and new security gates have been installed. After some additional testing, the gates will be active beginning on the morning of Monday, October 10.

The new gates and badge reader will require that every employee entering the parking lot stop, scan their badge or use the call box, and then proceed when the gate opens. Please be sure to allow extra time before your shift to accommodate for this new security measure.

Good Catch Award: O’Darius Rowlinson & Tissa EasterO’Darius Rowlinson, a Focused Observer, intervened when a visitor who was confused and agitated became aggressive toward staff. O’Darius was able to redirect the visitor’s attention until a Public Safety officer could arrive, preventing the person from injuring himself or others.

Tissa Easter, Care Coordination Nurse Navigator for CaroMont Medical Group, identified an issue with a recently-discharged patient’s prescription for antibiotics. After discussing the situation, Tissa realized the patient’s pharmacy had not given her enough of the prescribed medication. Tissa immediately worked to have the error corrected and got the patient the medication she needed. Her attention to detail helped prevent an under-dosing of antibiotics for the patient, which could have resulted in a readmission to the hospital.

Great job, O’Darius and Tissa!

The Good Catch Award recognizes employees for their contributions to the Patient Safety Program. For more information about the Good Catch Award or to nominate someone who has made a Good Catch, please visit the Patient Safety page on CHIP.

Tissa Easter (center)

O’Darius Rowlinson

Employee Flu shot clinics begin this week!

REMINDER: All employees, volunteers and students must have their vaccination or accepted exemption by November 15. See the homepage of CHIP for more information.

Chiefs’ ChatterMESSAGES FROM CAROMONT HEALTH SENIOR LEADERSHIPOCTOBER 4, 2016

Have You Had Your Mammogram? Did you know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? Breast cancer can affect anyone, and its impact reaches far beyond the patient to her family, friends, coworkers and her entire support system. The good news is that when caught early, the five-year survival rate is 99%. Remember, early detection is the best protection!

Regular and age-appropriate screening is the best protection against breast cancer. Women should perform monthly breast self-exams (BSE) to be familiar with their breasts and be able to quickly notice any changes. Once a woman turns forty, yearly mammograms are recommended.

All employees and their eligible dependents covered under CaroMont Health’s Consumer Driven Health Plan receive fully-covered preventive screenings with no copay. To learn more about this and all your benefits, please visit the Human Resources page on CHIP or contact them at 704.834.2141.

Are you looking for a doctor you love? CaroMont Medical Group has some of the best in the region.

Ashley Women's Center1225 E. Garrison Blvd. 1212 Spruce St., Suite 307Gastonia, NC 28054 Belmont, NC 28012704.865.7416 704.825.4449

Gaston Women's Healthcare2680 Aberdeen Blvd., Suite A Gastonia, NC 28054 704.865.2229

Joseph R. Holman, MD, FACOG

Sean M. Lynch, MD

Rachel Miller, MD

Charles A. Peach, MD, FACOG

Colleen Thibaut, DO

Sam Wilcox, II, MD

G. Ward Adcock, IIIMD

Eric B. Feinberg, MD

Kelvin C. Harris, MD

Carmelita Lugue, DO

Screening & DiagnosticsWith seven convenient locations, our diagnostic facilities offer digital mammography in several convenient locations.

CaroMont Imaging Services704.671.5300

Ashley Women’s Center704. 865.7416

South Point Family Practice - Blemont704.825.5333