SystemHappeningsDecember 7, 2012

a publication for the Berger family

ED Renovation UpdateCircleville Herald checks in on progress and project timelines.

In this issueBerger earns Gold Seal of Approvalfrom The Joint Commission ... upcoming Gift Shop Employee Appreciation Sale and more!

UpcomingEVENTS

DecemberFriday 12/7Berger Holiday CelebrationAmvets7:00 p.m.

Friday 12/7 through 12/14Gift Shop Annual Appreciation SaleHospital Gift ShopBusiness Hours

In honor of your Joint CommissionGold Seal of Approval honor, please join your colleagues in celebrating on Thursday, December 13th. All shifts and off-site locations will be included in the barbecue-themed celebration.

Thank you again for all of your hard work throughout the year and during the on-site survey process.

Thursday 12/13Joint Commission CelebrationsMeals ProvidedLunch, Dinner and PM ShiftsBerger Bistro Atrium

Interested in volunteering? Have something you would like to include in the next issue? Contact Kyleen Valone at kyleen.valone@bergerhealth.com or by phone at ext. 8391

Circleville’s Lenda Kaylor winsBerger Physical Therapy Bike

Berger’s Physical Therapy Team, as part of their ongoing sponsorship of the FitnessZone at Mary Virginia Crites-Hannan Park, held a contest to win a recumbent bike. The drawing was held at the unveiling in November after a month-long contest that included Pumpkin Show visitors.

The Gift Shop is hosting their Annual Appreciation Christmas Sale for all employees, vol-unteers and physicians at Berger. Show your ID badge and receive a 30% discount on all merchandise with the exception of non-taxable items, flowers, notions, Berger Health Foundation/Berger Health System apparel and items that have previously been marked down.

The Berger Gift Shop appreciates your continued support and wishes everyone a happy holiday!

Gift Shop Annual Appreciation Saleset for December 7-14

Upcoming Retirement PartiesBen Fraley - Facilities Tech III23 years of serviceParty - 12/18 from 2-3:30 pm in the Berger Bistro Atrium

Gayle Sinclair - Rehab RN 15 years of serviceParty - 12/20 from 1-2:00 pm in the Rehab Unit

Marilyn Frost - Infection Prevention/Employee Health Director37 years of serviceParty - 12/21 from 2-4:00 pm in Berger Bistro Atrium

Berger Awarded Accreditationfrom The Joint CommissionCIRCLEVILLE - Berger Health System has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for accreditation by demon-strating compliance with The Joint Com-mission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. The accreditation award recognizes Berger’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards. Berger underwent a rigorous unan-nounced on-site survey in November. A team of Joint Commission expert survey-ors evaluated Berger for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management. “In achieving Joint Commission accredita-tion, Berger has demon-strated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients,” says Mark Pelletier, R.N., M.S., executive director, Hospital Programs, Accredi-tation and Certification Services, The Joint Commission. “Accreditation is a vol-untary process and I commend Berger for

successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and in-

still confidence in the community it serves.” “With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality

on a day-to-day basis from the top down. Joint Commission ac-

creditation provides us a framework to take our organization to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence,” said Tim Colburn, Berger President and

CEO. “Achieving Joint Commission ac-creditation, for our organization, is a ma-jor step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide.” The Joint Commission’s hospital standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of hospitals. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement ex-perts and patients.

“All of this was made possible because of each one of YOU. Your pride, commitment to our patients, and your loyalty to Berger Health System makes our organization an outstanding place to work, receive care, and for The Joint Commission to visit. Berger Health System is truly a great organization, staffed with amazing team members, collaborating with out-standing physicians, and caring for the community’s healthcare needs with a commitment to excellence.” Tim Colburn, President and CEO

Excellence earns Gold Seal of Approval® after comprehensive review process

President’s Reception set for Jan. 25 The Annual President’s Reception will be held on January 25, 2013 at Pinnacle Golf Club. If you’ve celebrated a milestone year at Berger in 2012, please be on the lookout for an invitation, coming very soon.

HUMANresources

Welcome to Berger

• Amy Wood, Respiratory Therapist Cardiopulmonary• Seth Elliot, RN Emergency• Erin McCullough, Ultrasonographer Radiology• Michelle Fuller, Patient Registrar Registration• Courtney Salyers, Patient Registrar Registration• Samuel Walters, Radiographer Radiology• Erica Manring, Surg. Tech Surgery• Lauren Burgoon, Endoscopy Tech Surgery• Christina McCarty, Phlebotomist– Tech Assistant, Lab• Mary Cheney, RN Emergency• Kristin Burkhardt, PCT Med/ Surg• Ashley Scott, Radiographer Radiology• Amanda Weaver, Phlebotomist-Tech Assistant, Lab• Brittany Alan, LPN Hospice• Paige Niezgoda, PCT Med/ Surg• Ann Snoke, Diet Aide Nutritional Services• Ashley Evoy, Register Cardiovascular Technologist, Cardiopulmonary• Tiffany Davis, PCT Med/Surg• Kelly Snively, Respiratory Therapist Cardiopulmonary• Laurie Botirius, Registered Cardiovascular Technologist, Cardiopulmonary• Kendall Lemaster, Diet Aide Nutritional Services• Susan Kearns, RN Med/Surg• Rachel VanFossen, Technical Assistant Radiology• Ruby Furniss, RN Med/Surg• Cathy VanHorn, Patient Care Coordinator Patient Care Services

Wellness & Safety Fair, Feb. 2013 Mark your calendars for February 2013! The event will feature health screenings, wellness tips, safety tips, demonstrations and the rollout of a new safety incentive program and wellness program.

Reporting Safety Incidents & Tips Berger Health System was named one of the state’s safest hospitals in 2012 by the Ohio Hos-pital Association. In 2013, let’s stick together to stay safe and go for the award again. Don’t forget, should any employee have a safety incident, please notify your supervisor or the PCC immediately. During the hours of 7:30am-4pm, Monday through Friday, please go to Employee Health to be assessed. Further instructions will be given at that time. Also, please call ext. 4444 to report the incident. Remember, at Berger, ensuring the health and well-being of everyone in the Berger environment is PRIORITY NUMBER ONE! Here are a few tips to keep you safe through the holiday season and into the new year: • Never take risks when it comes to your safety. • Never take short cuts. Always follow proper procedures. • Pay attention to your work surroundings. • If you have a suggestion on how to make things more safe or call attention to something we need to have in place, please contact HR.

Fifteen Graduate Leadership Institute

Congratulations to this year’s graduating class of the Leadership Institute through the Univer-sity of South Florida. These graduates attended a year long program that sharpened their leader-ship skills, enhanced their contribution and allowed them to collaborate with their colleagues. Dr. Keith Holten presented the following graduates with the title of Fellow, (from left to right) Dr. Gayle Melnick, Dr. Joy Leverich, Aaron Kanas, Susanne Hess, Larry Halm, Sally Galecki, Michelle Bone-Minor, Tiffin Barthelmas, Melinda Manyer, Kristen Gardner, and Amy Gregg. (Not pictured, Dr. Brett Call, Dr. Mir-M Feraydoon Maher, Dr. Trent Timmons, and Thomas Scherer.

November-December New Hires

Circleville Herald: Berger Hospital ED Renovation Underway

CIRCLEVILLE - The emergency department at Berger Hospital is in the middle of a six-month renovation that will separate areas foremergency patients and outpatient testing among other changes. “Our emergency department is being ren-ovated not only to update the look and com-fort of the area, but we’re redesigning the space to provide easier and more convenient access for our patients to receive care,” said Tim Colburn, CEO of Berger Health System. The renovation will involve moving the lab draw station and EKG area closer to reg-istration for close proximity and convenience; updating the amenities of the emergency de-partment and outpatient; providing furniture

that is more comfortable, safe and adaptable to patient needs; relocating triage adjacent to the emergency department area so patients can be taken directly into treatment areas; streamlining the registration processes for outpatient testing; and expanding the consult room to provide a comfortable environment for care planning. Although construction is noticeable in the hospital, Colburn said it should not affect pa-tient care. “The construction process is going very well and we have taken all precautions to en-sure that care during this improvement phase is not affected in any way,” he said. The total project will cost about $600,000 and should be completed by early spring.In addition, Berger Hospital’s emergency department was recently recognized as an

Emergency Center of Excellence by EmergencyExcellence, an organization specializing in emergency department benchmarking. The hospital was also designated as such in 2010 and is the only hospital in Ohio to qualify for the title. Eligibility is based on the results of more than 100 key performance indicators linked to seven Pillars of Excellence – safety, satisfaction, space, staff, support, systems and solvency – that are determined by emergency department performance, surveys from hospital employeesand an on-site assessment. “We know when families walk through our doors, they have immediate health care needs,” Colburn said. “Our team is dedicated to providing patients the highest quality of care, in a timely manner. The award validates our efforts.”

Murphy: “Berger Hospital’s emergency department was recently recognized as an Emergency Center of Excellence by Emergency Excellence, an organi-zation specializing in emergency department benchmarking.”

By Kristi MurphyCircleville Herald

Welcome to BergerNovember-December New Hires

Berger Unveils New FitnessZone at Mary Virginia Crites-Hannan Park

By J.D. RiverCIRCLEVILLE HERALD

CIRCLEVILLE — The Mary Virginia Crites-Hannan Park welcomed its newest ad-dition Tuesday, a fully functional outdoor Fitness Zone beside Starkey Pavilion. Beth Starkey-Hill, daughter of Crites-Hannan Park developer Ralph Starkey, sees the new addition as “another jewel in the crown of this park.” “He (Ralph Starkey) would be so proud of how far this park has come, of all the people who make this possible on a daily basis,” she said. Berger Hospital, which sponsored the equipment installation, had several em-ployees attend the unveiling. Doctor Gregory Lam, cardiologist at Berger, saw several positives in adding an local outdoor workout facility. “It makes a huge difference,” he said. “It’s an easy recommendation for pa-tients who can’t get to a gym to come out here and exercise.” Also of note was the speed at which the Fitness Zone was assembled. Snyder & Associates, the company contracted to place the new equipment, was able to complete the task in a single week. The Crites-Hannan Park is the first in the state of Ohio to utilize this type of outdoor equipment, according to representatives from Greenfields Outdoor Equipment. Previously, Greenfields has partnered with professional sports teams the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Heat, supplying similar equipment to parks within their respective cities. “We are very excited, the idea is just amazing,” said a representative of Greenfields. “We have seen so much enthusiasm across the country for our outdoor equipment, and we hope to put up more soon.”

Berger Unveils New FitnessZone at Mary Virginia Crites-Hannan Park

Gift Shop Holiday Bazaarearns over $4,400 The Berger Hospital Gift Shop hosted their annual Holiday Bazaar on Thursday, November 15 and Friday, November 16. Proceeds from the sale support Berger Hospital with equipment purchases for patient care and find scholarships for high school graduates pursuing a health-related degree. “Berger Gift Shop Board and volunteers extend their sincere appreciation to the hospital administration staff and all Berger employees for the wonderful support they have always given the Gift Shop,” said Doris Gillespie, adminis-trative chair of Berger Hospital Gift Shop. “Without this wonderful support, we would not be able to provide all the equipment we have given over the years.” The Friends of Berger hosted their annual Holiday Food Sale and Raffle on Thursday, November 15. Proceeds from the sale benefit Berger employee continuing education. A special thanks to both of these volunteer groups for their continued support!

aroundBERGER

Gift Shop makes holiday donations to Sleep Center and Cardiovascular Ultrasound Department

The Berger Hospital Gift Shop recently donated funds to purchase a blanket warmer for the Sleep Center and Cardiovascular Ultrasound De-partment. The blanket warmer is a new addition to the sleep and cardio-vascular area and benefits patients by providing them comfort with warm blankets throughout their procedures. Proceeds from the Holiday Bazaar as well as purchases made in the Gift Shop year-round are used to help provide an annual average of over $50,000 in equipment for patient care.

Bentley Beagle begins holiday rounds in Circleville and ColumbusBentley Beagle had a busy Saturday making three appearances to spread holi-day cheer in the Circleville, Grove City and Columbus communities. - Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis, Downtown Columbus Bentley joined his local mascot friends to kickoff the event by greeting participants and cheering on the kids during the Snowflake Run. - The Downtown Business Association Santa Parade, Downtown Circleville - The Grove City Christmas Parade, Historic Grove City Driving Top Performance through the streets of Circleville and Grove City! Thank you to the employees who joined Bentley in representing Berger at the events this weekend