Share Your Opinions

By Margaret Sabin
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
President & CEO

Today, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services began its annual Associate Partnership Survey, and we hope you’ll share your confidential opinions. The online survey is being conducted again by Press Ganey Associates via a confidential e-mail message to your Centura Health e-mail account. The e-mail contains a private link to the survey on the Press Ganey Web site. All results are combined anonymously into work groups.

The survey will be open through May 3, and is available to all associates hired before Feb. 22. Look in your Centura Health e-mail for the first message from survey@pressganey.com today.

The survey includes two open-ended questions, and 44 questions for you to rate as strongly agree, tend to agree, tend to disagree, or strongly disagree.

The Senior Team at Penrose-St. Francis wants to partner with you to create a stronger team, and we encourage your honest, candid feedback about your work location. Press Ganey receives all responses, and no individual responses will ever be reported to this facility or to Centura Health.

The results do make a difference! As a result of associate survey responses over the past two years, many things have changed to make PSF an even better place to work. Also, we’re in the process of developing new opportunities for associate development, growth and enhancement. Your participation in this year’s survey will help guide our current efforts and create new strategies to meet your needs at work and allow you to reach your aspirations.

We want you to feel ownership, involvement, passion and purpose in your work. If you do, it will help Penrose-St. Francis and Centura Health provide the highest quality health care to our patients and the people in our communities. 

Our goal is 75 percent participation rate for PSF; WHEN we achieve it, we’ll celebrate with a BBQ!  Departments with a 100 percent participation rate will be entered into a drawing, and five lucky teams will be treated to a dinner prepared and served by the Senior Team … you won’t want to miss this!

For more information on the survey, contact the HR department at 776-4784, or find one of our Associate Satisfaction Team Ambassadors wearing an “Ask Me about the Associate Survey” button, they will be glad to help you.

Associate Campaign

The Associate Financial Assistance Fund was created by and for the employees of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and is funded solely through Associate Campaign giving. 

There has been an increase of requests for help and those associates in crisis may be your co-workers, your neighbors, or even you.  You never know when you might be the one in need.

During these tough economic times, we have all been blessed to be a member of the PSF team. Now is your chance to become an even more integral part of the team by participating at ANY LEVEL.

The kick off for this year’s campaign is April 23.  Our theme is, “Imagine, Believe, Achieve,” with a goal of $315,000 and 50 percent participation of employee giving.

We’re very happy that the Hospital Volunteers will be invited to participate this year!  Volunteer pledge forms will be available in the volunteer office at Penrose Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center following the kickoff April 23.

When your pledge form is turned in to your department “Associate Campaign Volunteer” or the Foundation, by May 7, you will be entered into a drawing for an IPod Touch!

This year's Hour Club gifts are a choice of a commuter mug with handle or a sling back pack. Both can be seen in the glass case outside the PH cafeteria, in the EVS office window at SFMC, online at My Virtual Workplace, and the Foundation website, www.psffound.org, click on the Associate Campaign link. 

A “Camp Rivalry” will be held this year. The first camp to reach 50 percent of employee participation will win a Jeans Day and an Ice Cream Social, served by leadership of the opposing camp.  Individual departments are invited to get creative, make posters, hold mini-competitions, etc., to help the overall camp reach its goal. 

Camp 1 – SFMC, SFHC, Namaste, Medalion, Home Care, HME, ASC,and all other support services.
Camp 2 – Penrose Hospital employees

This year’s Associate Campaign video will soon be ready for distribution for department staff meetings.  Please call the PSF Foundation at 776-7060 for a copy of the video.

As Chairperson of the 2009-2010 Associate Campaign, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the past, present and future donors of the annual Associate Campaign.  Without you, the campaign would not exist. 

Thank you!
Pam Herrera
2009-2010 Associate Campaign Chairperson

Outreach Committee

The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Outreach Committee is a group of associates that sponsors monthly donation projects to benefit community organizations in Colorado Springs and beyond. 

The committee is made of associates from many sites and departments from all PSF locations including Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, St. Francis Health Center, the Volunteer Association, the ASC, Namaste Alzheimer Center and Medalions. 

“We hope you’ve seen the signs and donation buckets at each of your sites when we collect items like hearing aids/eyeglasses for Lions Club; sweats for the ERs; coats/hats for Community Network of Caring clinics; school supplies for CNC health fairs; and baby items for the Life Support Center,” said Theresa Gregoire, Outreach Committee Chair.  “We’re excited about some new collections for this year.” 

In conjunction with the HIIP health screening, the committee just finished a collection of first aid supplies, summer clothing and flip flops for mission trips.  Starting April 13 through April 24, the Outreach Committee will be collecting baby food and formula for the Life Support Center at Catholic Charities.
 
“These are all wonderful organizations who help us reach out to the community, and through our associates’ generous donations, we’ve made significant contributions over the years.  Thank you so much for your support; you truly ‘live the mission’,” Theresa said. 

The Outreach Committee invites associates to join the group.  They would like to add representatives from Penrose Community Urgent Care, Langstaff-Brown, CCOM, CSSC, and EAP. 

“If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, you don’t need to travel clear across the world,” Theresa said. “You can do it right here at PSF.  You can become a member of the committee or you can make a donation.  Whatever you choose will change lives.”

The Outreach Committee meets the second Thursday every other month. The next meeting is scheduled for May 14. 

For more information or to participate, please contact Theresa Gregoire, Committee Chair, at 776-2682. 

The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Outreach Committee at Penrose Hospital March 2009. (Photo by Stacey Knott)

News Briefs

Patient Access Week April 6-10
Please join Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in recognizing the Patient Access Representatives, Health Benefit Advisors, Central Schedulers and Financial Counselors for all the hard work and dedication they provide to PSF patients as well as associates. When you see one of these hard working folks, let them know how much they are appreciated! 

Call for Nursing Memorabilia
Are you a "seasoned" nurse who has been in nursing for many years through all the different changes that have occurred? Have you served in the military as a nurse in war time? The Nurses Week committee is looking for pictures, written materials, uniforms, caps, etc… that symbolize "Nursing Through the Ages" for Gift Shop window displays.  The committee would also like to include anything related to military nursing through the ages.  Both hospital gift shops will have items prominently displayed during Nurses Week May 6-12. Items will be returned to the owners, so please include name and unit on the items borrowed. Please bring items for the display by April 12 to either Kathy Guy, Penrose Hospital 11th Floor Clinical Manager, and for St. Francis Medical Center to Frank Thornburg. For more information or questions, please contact Kathy Guy at 776-5760.  

Nursing Excellence Award Nominations Due Wednesday
Each year during National Nurses Week in May, the PSF Nursing Department presents awards to members of the nursing staff and management who exemplify excellence in their work. Nomination forms are available on posters in all PSF lobbies or cafeterias as well as on units.  Or contact Kathy Creech, PSF Nursing Administration, at 776-5082, for an easy-to-fill-out form. Completed forms are due to Kathy by Wednesday.  For questions or more information, contact Rochelle Salmore at 776-5563.

You're a Good Egg
Today through Sunday, the Associate Satisfaction Team is sponsoring “You’re A Good Egg.”   This is an Egg-cellent free opportunity to rec-Egg-nize a co-worker for the great job they do each day. Team members will be stationed near all PSF cafeterias or other des-Egg-nated areas to Egg-plain the program during mealtimes.  This is open to all physicians, associates, volunteers, visitors and families. For questions or more information, call Dee Faricy at 776-5117.

Keep the Earth Clean: Pick up Butt’s! Tuesday 
Help make the community a cleaner place. The first Tuesday of every month, from 11:30 a.m.- noon. Meet outside of PH/Outside Valet area. Receive HIIP Fitness credit by attending.

PSF Associate Campaign
The Penrose-St. Francis Health Services 2009 Associate Campaign is coming April 23.  The Associate Campaign Hour Club Gifts may can be seen in the glass display case in front of the PH Cafeteria, at SFMC in the EVS Office, and on the foundation website, http://psffound.org/, click on Associate Campaign on left side of the home page. For more information, please contact the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation at 776-7060.

Relay for Life
The Colorado Springs relay for life is June 19 at Liberty High School. Help support the Penrose Cancer Center team by purchasing a long-sleeve t-shirt or a variety of jewelry. All proceeds benefit the local American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. T-shirts and jewelry are available for purchase in Medical Oncology, Suite CC #201 at Penrose Hospital. People interested in joining the team, may register at Medical Oncology or online at www.acsrelay.org. For more information or questions, please contact Mary Wolf or Gina Biondi at 776-5454.

Wine for Health

Celebrate OT Month

By Terri Cassidy
PSF Occupational Therapist

April isn’t just a chance to celebrate the coming of spring and Easter. It’s also Occupational Therapy Month.

Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent or live better with injury, illness, or disability like traumatic brain injury and stroke.

“It’s a practice deeply rooted in science and is evidence-based, meaning that the plan designed for each patient is supported by data, experience, and ’best practices‘ that have been developed and proven over time,” said Troy Pontello, therapy coordinator for Capron Rehab Unit at Penrose Hospital..

Occupational therapy doesn’t just treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on “doing” whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the person.

“It’s the occupational therapist’s job to get beyond problems to the solutions that assure each patient lives life to its fullest,” Troy said. 

Occupational therapists do this by helping people surmount their disabilities or medical conditions to do everyday things such as getting dressed, calling to schedule an appointment, or preparing breakfast for their family. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment; occupational therapists consider the whole person when developing a therapy plan. 

Starting in ICU, Penrose-St. Francis OT’s engage their patients with simple activities of self care like brushing their teeth. Therapy continues through a patient’s stay in acute care, rehabilitation, and on to outpatient therapy once they return home. 

“At each step of the way the individual’s abilities and personal goals are considered in creating the treatment plan,” said Melissa Chang, occupational therapist also on the Capron Rehab Unit. “Occupational therapy addresses one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery – the return to a normal life.”

During this week, a PSF occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants display will be in the Penrose Hospital Cafeteria lobby, and the week of April 12 at St. Francis Medical Center. Please stop by for more information on how OT’s make a difference in the lives of people with diverse medial issues.

Watch for Occupational Therapy Awareness activities throughout the month of April including trivia questions in the Penrose Pulse.

For Your Spirit

Holy Week

The celebration of holy week has begun.  It is a time to live more deeply in the love God so generously bestows on us every day.  Certainly we can keep our eyes on Jesus this week and the tremendous sacrifices he made.  However, his ministry was to awaken in us our own blessedness, compassion and eternal life.

What is holy in you?  How can you express your holiness today?
What and who is holy around you?  How do you receive their holiness today?

Hosanna-Hosanna-Hosanna-Hosanna-Hosanna

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Holy Week Services

Holy Week offers several opportunities for participation in contemplation and celebration of the sacred.

Holy Thursday
Ecumenical Communion Service – A symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice for the brokenness of humankind
Foot Washing – a re-enactment of Jesus washing the feet of his  disciples and speaking the great commandment, “Love One Another”
Noon in both Chapels
Catholic Mass at 4 p.m. in both chapels

Good Friday Service
Meditation on the Last Seven Words of Christ–pondering the significance of the ancient sacrifice of Jesus in terms of contemporary issues of truth and justice
Noon in the Chapel

Easter Sunday
The Resurrection and Renewal of Life–the triumph of good over evil, God’s joy visible on earth
Protestant Service at 9 a.m. in the Chapel
Catholic Mass at 11 a.m. in the Chapel

*All services televised on channel 15

Retirement Benefits

Do you have questions about the Centura Health retirement plan? 

Great-West representatives, Wendy Knott, Chris Bowen and Marula Blue, will be here at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services to provide information about plan options and answer questions (as well as provide games and prize raffles.)

The PSF Retirement Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the Penrose Hospital Cafeteria and Friday at St. Francis Medical Center in Conference Room 1 near the Cafeteria. 

For more information or to speak with a Great-West representative about retirement plan benefits, call 800-947-4409. Or contact the Centura Health Benefits Service Center at 303-770-4750 or toll-free at 1-888-622-1111.

Education & Research Center

By Stacey Knott
PSF Marketing & PR

A non-profit center created to promote the understanding of health and disease through a variety of education, research and community outreach programs opened in Colorado Springs March 31.

The Julie Penrose Health Education & Research Center, located at 6071 East Woodmen Road at the St. Francis Medical Center Campus, fulfills the region’s longstanding need for a multidisciplinary, community-based, state-of-the-art health education center that can coordinate and translate medical and research advances to the community.

“This center will train and educate healthcare professionals on various medical disciplines, discoveries and the latest and most advanced surgical practices,” said Dr. Allan Bach, medical director for the JP-HERC. “We’ll also coordinate research projects for medical care, science, and patient quality.”

The facility boasts its own wet lab, which is a flexible and multi-functional teaching and research area that can support the examination, dissection and manipulation of hard and soft tissue anatomy samples and anatomical models for both individual and group learning. 

A state-of-the-art theatre outfitted with telemedicine functionality serves as a multi-person platform for viewing educational and technical procedures from the wet lab area and digitally connected surgical suites. A multi-purpose conference room is a flexible space complete with food prep and storage areas that can host a variety of functions and engagements.

“This is the only facility of its kind in Southern Colorado,” Dr. Bach said. “It’s on a par with many university medical centers and has the potential to build joint educational and research programs with regional hospitals, universities, and health agencies.

The backbone of the JP-HERC is a complex and fully-integrated information technology system. In addition to internal broadcasts, the IT system facilitates distance learning with digital broadcasts to remote sites including off-campus healthcare facilities and community venues such as school classrooms, auditoriums and conference rooms.

“Our community outreach will help inform, educate and disseminate health advances, knowledge and research to the community too,” the doctor said. “The Julie Penrose Health Education & Research Center is designed to improve the health of the entire Pikes Peak Region.”

Construction of the Center was possible due to a donation from the El Pomar Foundation. The Center’s goals are consistent with the community enhancement vision of Julie and Spencer Penrose who created the El Pomar Foundation.


A guest at the Julie Penrose Health Education & Research Center grand opening March 31 listens to the heart beat of a medical mannequin in the Wet Lab. (Photo by Stacey Knott)

Going Green

Did you know….that Penrose-St. Francis’ old computers are recycled?  When a computer is replaced at PSF the old computer is picked up by an electronics recycling company that removes all data from the PC hard drive and then either resells or gives the machine to other organizations like schools.  Items that are broken and cannot be repaired are sent to other environmentally friendly recycling companies.

This process indirectly allows PSF to assist other community organizations to take advantage of technology as well as preventing PSF’s “e-waste” from going into landfills.  According to the EPA, “e-waste” (computers, cell phones, fax machines, televisions, etc.) is responsible for 70 percent of the toxic heavy metals leaking into landfills.

Going Green Tip of the Week…Try using voice mail at home rather than an answering machine.  The Green Book reports that voice mail reduces the amount of energy people use and, “if all answering machines currently used in the U.S. homes were replaced by voice mail, the annual energy savings would be nearly 2 billion kilowatt-hours, equivalent to taking 250,000 cars off the road.”

The Going Green Section of the Penrose Pulse was developed to educate and inform Penrose-St. Francis associates, physicians, and volunteers on how to Reduce and Reuse valuable resources.  For questions or to share a tip, please contact Ann Martin at 776-5111 or by email annmartin@centura.org.

Donate Life-2

Are you a registered organ and tissue donor?

Losing a love one can be one of the most difficult experiences a family will go through; yet in the midst of tragedy, many families find comfort and hope in the opportunity to create a legacy of their loved one by choosing the gift of organ and tissue donation. 

At the same time families are in the height of their grief, there are more than 100,000 people nationwide who are currently hoping that someone, somewhere, will say yes to donation.  In doing so, those who await a transplant are given the precious gift of life and are forever changed.

Did you know…?

- 1,842 Colorado and Wyoming residents are currently on the waiting list to receive a life-saving organ transplant.
- Just one donor can save the lives of up to eight people, and enhance the lives of up to 100 others.
- Organs that can be donated are the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and small bowel.
- Tissue is needed to replace bone, tendons and ligaments lost to severe trauma, cancer, and other diseases. Corneas restore sight, heart valves repair cardiac defects and damage, and skin grafts help burn patients heal.
- Anyone interested in giving the gift of life should register their decision regardless of age or health concerns. Don’t rule yourself out!
- Virtually all religions support organ and tissue donation as an unselfish act of charity.

Transplantation can only happen with the generosity of organ and tissue donors.  Unfortunately, the need for donors is much greater than the number of people who donate and 18 people die each day due to a lack of available organs. 

You can help to change this epidemic by giving the gift of life. Please consider registering your decision to become an organ and tissue donor today by visiting the Colorado online Donor Registry at www.ColoradoDonorRegistry.org. 

For more information on organ and tissue donation, please contact Donor Alliance at
(303) 329-4747 or visit their web site at www.donoralliance.org. 

You have the power to Donate Life. Be an organ and tissue donor.

Sisters Celebrate

DELHI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – In 2009, the Sisters of Charity throughout the United States and Canada celebrate the 200-year history of charity and dedication.

The Sisters of Charity was begun by a small band of young women under the inspiration of Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1809.

This is a special year of rejoicing and celebration as Sisters and Daughters of Charity honor the life and accomplishments of a remarkable woman, wife, mother, convert and foundress – the first native-born American saint.

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have served the dioceses of Colorado Springs, Pueblo and the Archdiocese of Denver since the mid-1800’s, ministering in education, healthcare, social justice, and service to the poor and marginalized.

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, whose Motherhouse is located in Delhi Township, a western suburb of Cincinnati, is an apostolic Catholic women’s religious community that exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world.

Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, pastoral and social services, currently live and minister in 17 U.S. states and in Guatemala and Mexico. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor. One hundred seventy two lay Associates join more than 450 Sisters in their mission.

To learn more about the 200th anniversary and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, visit www.srcharitycinti.org.

Cafeteria Menu

TODAY
Breakfast: Ham & Swiss Quiche; Lunch: Baked Potato Bar, Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, Cherry Pineapple White Cake

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage McMuffins; Lunch: Beef Taco Bowl, Tri-Pepper Chicken Fajitas, Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings, Warm Blueberry Crunch

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos; Lunch: Glazed Salmon, Curry Chicken Breast, BBQ Beef Brisket, Homemade Apple Strudel

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: Beer Battered Cod, Beef Pepper Steak over Rice, Country Fried Chicken, Triple Berry Granola Crisp

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza; Lunch: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, English Breaded Orange Roughy, Bourbon Baked ham, German Peach Cake

SATURDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza; Lunch: Red Hook Fried Shrimp, Turkey Pot Pie, Meat Lasagna & Garlic Bread, Blueberry Cherry Cobbler

EASTER SUNDAY
Breakfast: Belgium Waffles; Lunch: Pineapple Raisin Glazed Easter Ham, Apple Glazed Chicken, Cornbread Apricot Stuffing, Delmonico Potatoes, Baby Minted Peas, Buttered Chive Carrots, Leek & Potato Soup, Carrot Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Green Garden, Spring Mix, and Citrus Vinaigrette

For the SFMC menu, please call the daily menu phone line 571-1001.

HIIP News

LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “Healing Touch”
Healing Touch is a relaxing and nurturing energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being while working with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal. It is safe for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care. Health benefits include reducing stress/anxiety/depression/pain, strengthening the immune system, enhanced recovery from surgery, care for neck and back problems and much more. Join Myra Tovey, RNBS, CHPI, as she teaches an overview of the healing touch practice.
April 15, 12:05-12:35 p.m., SFMC/Conf Rooms 2-3            
April 16, 12:05-12:35 p.m.,  PH/E-Tower Gala Room       
Special Offer: Please join us for A Healing Touch Seminar on May 30-31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C.   Registration required and available at the Lunch ‘N’ Learn or by calling Liz at 776-7393. See registration flyer for more information. 

National Start Walking Day
Wednesday is The American Heart Association National Start! Walking Day. Meet Michelle Somers at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Penrose Hospital entrance to take 30 minutes to walk for your health.

HYPERTENTION INTERVENTION
Want to try another way to Protect Your Heart?
Fridays noon – 12:30 p.m.: April 3, 10, 17, 24 at the PH/E-tower basement aerobics room
Was your blood pressure high at the health screening? Did you ever want to try relaxation, guided imagery or meditation? Each of these can help protect your heart by lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and bringing a sense of peace and calm. Join us for the Club HIIP Education class series on lowering your blood pressure.
Incentive: If you start class with high blood pressure and are able to lower it to within normal ranges by week 4 you will receive a $20 gift card to a place of your choosing! You must attend three out of the four classes to be eligible.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form

St. Francis Medical Center
Yoga: Sess 1: Starts today from 4-5:15 p.m. at the SFMC/2 floor hallway next to the HIIP Office for a 6 week session. 

Penrose Hospital
Belly Dancing: Sess 3: Starts today from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 week session
Nia: Session 6: Starts April 14 from 4-5 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 week session

WEIGHT WATCHERS AT WORK; Free Info Session:
Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/Volunteer Conf Room
Now is your chance to join Weight Watchers at work. If 15-19 people sign up it will be a 13-week series and if 20+ people sign up it will be a 17-week series (with a cost savings per week overall). The 13-week series price this session is $156 and the 17-week series price is $186.  Meetings will be held on Wednesday’s from 5-6 p.m. at PH/Volunteer Conf Room.  For questions or more information, please contact Michelle Somers at 776-5034.

HIKING CLUB
Saturday at 9 a.m., Paul Intemann Trail
Difficulty Rating: 2 boots, 2.5 miles
Directions:  Corner of Manitou Ave. and Ruxton Road in Manitou Springs. We will meet at the corner
of Manitou Ave and Ruxton Ave. and go up Ruxton to begin the trail at Spring Street.
**No restrooms so use facilities before you get to Manitou Springs. Bring water and sun screen! Dogs welcome on leash. For more information, call Lynette at 201-7554. This trail was reviewed in the Gazette Happy Trails on March 11.

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations below via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2. Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers.
PH Wellness Center- Thursday at 8 a.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- April 16 at 5 p.m.

SELF CARE CLASS
Tuesday from 12-12:45 p.m. at ASC/1st Floor Skyline Room