Art Meets Science

The public and hospital personnel attended a special evening of entertainment and celebration Friday in the Penrose Cancer Center.

Guests were able to check out the latest renovations and upgrades, as well as receive tours of the facility, including a new medical oncology and chemotherapy infusion suite, and the revolutionary new CyberKnife non-invasive radiosurgery suite.

The evening also included a demonstration of the da Vinci robotic surgery system, performances by the Peakharmonic Youth Orchestra and Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, artwork created by patients and area artists, and a special survivors’ dedication ceremony.

Patrick O’Neal from Intuitive Surgical talks to community members about the capabilities of the da Vinci Surgical Robot as it relates to Gynecological Oncology. (Photo by Johnny Rea)

Kate Crow, genetics counselor with the Penrose Cancer Center, discusses the importance of knowing family health history with visitors to Friday’s Art Meets Science event. (Photo by Johnny Rea)

Peggy McKinney (right) and Linnea McDonald check out the new Chemotherapy Infusion Suite in the Penrose Cancer Center. (Photo by Johnny Rea)

Greg Gibbs, MS, Medical Physicist with the Penrose Cancer Center, demonstrates the new CyberKnife technology to visitors. (Photo by Johnny Rea)

Peter and Luke Forister from Peakharmonic Youth Orchestra perform during the Cancer Center’s Open House.  (Photo by Linnea McDonald)

Dr. James Young, Medical Oncologist, presents flowers to a cancer survivor during Friday’s event.  (Photo by Linnea McDonald)

Associate Survey Winners

Congratulations to the department winners in the drawing for 100 percent participation in the Associate Partnership Survey. 

Lunch will be served to these departments, and in some cases subsets within these departments, by administration in the upcoming week. The winners are PBX Ops Center, Clinical Effectiveness Team, SFMC Dietary Department, PSF Cancer Center, and Materials Management Construction.
 
Sixty five departments achieved the 100 percent goal.  Those 64 department names were entered into a lottery and the six department names were chosen.
 
Not to be overshadowed is that while 64 departments reached 100 percent, 81 departments reached 90 percent, and 114 departments reached 75 percent.  Almost every department posted a higher percentage than last years’ participation numbers. Outstanding!

Liver Life Walk Kickoff

Margaret Sabin, President & CEO of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, spoke to people affected by liver disease and corporate sponsors at the American Liver Foundation Liver Life Walk kickoff, held June 5, at the Sky Sox Stadium. (Photo by Julie Cox)

Margaret is the Corporate Chair for the Liver Life Walk and invites everyone to join her at the walk August 15 at Memorial Park.

The American Liver Foundation facilitates, advocates and promotes education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

For more information on the Liver Life Walk, visit www.liverfoundation.org/walk.

News Briefs

TEMPORARY 7TH FLOOR RELOCATION
Today the unit and patients on the 7th floor at Penrose Hospital will temporarily move to the 10th floor. The move allows a thorough cleaning and revamp of the 7th floor, including new carpet. The plan is to relocate back by the end of June. Incoming calls to the 7th floor will be automatically forwarded to the 10th floor. Please help get the word out to customers about the temporary relocation. For questions, please contact Rose Ann Moore at 776-5802.

HR AT PENROSE HOSPITAL
The PSF Human Resources Department is delayed in moving back to Penrose Hospital. In the meantime, HR is offering onsite support hours Mondays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesdays, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. HR representatives will be located in the PH Wellness Center in the E-Tower basement. For questions or more information, please contact Gary Morse at 776-4782 or Cecilia Peat at 776-4785.

ASSOCIATE REMINDERS
• HR forms and policies can be found on DocuShare through “My Virtual Workplace” web site.
• All job postings and applications are online at http://www.penrosestfrancis.org
• Associates who need a computer for compliance training purposes, may contact Education Resources at 776-5186. They have a computer located in a private area. 

TRAUMA EDUCATION DAY-June 12
Great speakers, interesting topics! Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Penrose Hospital Gala Room. The cost is $20 per person and includes lunch, breaks, and education credits. To register contact Sherrie Rozwick @ 776-5926 or via email sherrierozwick@centura.org. The event is presented by the Penrose-St. Francis Trauma Department.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Penrose Cancer Center’s 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast is Friday, 7 to 9 a.m. in the Penrose Cancer Center Lobby. A minimum donation of $3 is requested.  Pancake fixin’s were donated by Penrose Hospital Nutritional Services. T-shirts and a variety of jewelry is also for sale. All proceeds benefit the local American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. Don’t forget to join the PSF Team participating in "Relay For Life" June 19 at Liberty High School. For more information or to sign up, please call team captains Gina Biondi and Mary Wolf at 776-5454, or visit the website at www.acsrelay.org.

JASON HOLLEY MEMORIAL FUND
A memorial fund has been set up in “Memory of Jason Holley,” the son of Penrose Hospital Pharmacy associate Jan Holley.  Donations will be used to pay for funeral expenses and all remaining funds will be donated to the KS&A Foundation.  To donate, please contact Wells Fargo Bank at 719-528-4515, or visit at 560 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs.

STAR ASSOCIATE NOMINATIONS
Do you know someone who demonstrates integrity by speaking positively about other people, departments, and the entire organization? Nominate an associate for this quarter’s Star Associate.  Just e-mail a nomination too stars@centura.org; or fax them to (719) 634- 1874; or interoffice them to Michelle Powers at EAP. You will receive an e-mail notification that your nomination has been received. Click on the nomination link here: Star Associate Nomination.pdf

Operation Medicine Roundup
July 22 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Penrose Health Learning Center, 1644 Medical Center Point. Never trash or flush medications! Instead, bring them to Operation Medicine Roundup™. Join us in protecting seniors from accidentally using expired medications as well as safeguarding them from the potential theft of medications from their homes. All medications are incinerated at high temperatures that can destroy up to 99.9 percent of all hazardous elements. Help us to protect our water supply and the environment. Here’s all you need to do: 1. Remove pills from bottles and place in resealable plastic bag. 2. Liquids may stay in original containers with labels removed or marked out. Place bottles in resealable bag. We will also be collecting used needles and inhalers. For more information, please call Home Instead at 534-0908.

First & Main Concert

Friday was the first night of the 5th Annual First & Main Free Concert Series, which runs throughout the summer. 

Each Friday night is a different band and festivities starting at 3 p.m., with the band playing from 5-7 p.m. Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is the presenting sponsor for the event. A different PSF service line is highlighted each week.  Friday night was the St. Francis Medical Center Nutrition Services. This Friday night will feature the PSF Trauma Services.

Festivities include live music, food tasting, special entertainment for children, an ice cream eating contest by Cold Stone Creamery, beer garden hosted by Rock Bottom Brewery and giveaways!

The event is located in front of Cinemark Theater on Powers Boulevard between Constitution and N. Carefree.

2009 Concert Line-up

June 12: Orquesta Sabroso (Latin/ Salsa)
 
June 19: Rockin Horse (Country)
 
June 26: Otis Bump & The Riptides (High Energy Jazz)
 
July 3: John Wise & Tribe (Zydeco/ Blues)
 
July 10: The Parable Sons (Rock)
Harmony in Motion during intermission
 
July 17: George Whitlell & Hits Allstars Featuring Jill Watkins (Swing, Blues, Big Beat))
 
July 31: The Wendy Woo Band (Alternative Rock)
 
August 7: The Jake Loggins Band (Blues/Rock)

Sharon Jacob (right), SFMC nutritionist, hands a free chicken salad sandwich to a guest at the 5th Annual First & Main Free Concert Series June 5. (Photo by Julie Cox)

Jane Glimco, SFMC Nutrition Services manager, and Chef Taylor Olson, SFMC executive chef, prepare food for guests at the 5th Annual First & Main Free Concert Series June 5. (Photo by Stacey Knott)

Sharon Jacob (right), SFMC nutritionist, hands out cole slaw and talks with guests at the 5th Annual First & Main Free Concert Series June 5. (Photo by Julie Cox)

Immunization Training

Even as local children go on summer vacation, there is a need to prepare for the next school year. The community needs for access to health continue to grow and the opportunities to share professional skills grow along with the need.

In preparation for the Back to School Health Fairs in the area, there will be immunization training for registered nurses Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Francis Medical Center. The event is hosted by the Faith Community Nurses of Penrose-St. Francis, El Paso County Department of Health and Environment and the Colorado State Health Department. 

This class enables nurses to volunteer to assist children from 4-18 years old become updated on immunizations for vaccine preventable diseases. This FREE training will provide a review on vaccine preventable diseases, vaccinations required for this age group, vaccine administration and shot record checks.

The health fairs are free to families who are eligible by federal guidelines for the Vaccine for Children Program.

Childhood immunization clinics are only one of the many opportunities to offer professional skills to improve the health of the community. Others include outreach clinics for adult immunizations, health risk assessments, and working alongside the Faith Community Nurses at one of the crisis intervention sites.

For more information, please contact Cyndy Wacker at 571-1113 or via email cynthiawacker@centura.org.

Banding Together

Do you know what the Centura Standards are and how many are there? 

There are seven to be exact: Compassion, Excellence, Imagination, Integrity, Respect, Spirituality, and Stewardship. 

The Rewards and Recognition Team is rolling out a new program beginning Wednesday. Penrose-St. Francis leaders have been invited to attend a class that day where they will learn more about rewards and recognition. 

Each leader will receive lavender wristbands with the Centura standards imprinted on them.  The Rewards and Recognition Team is asking them to look for associates, volunteers and physicians who consistently demonstrate one of these standards, then give that person a wristband to proudly wear. 

So if someone approaches you and starts to explain how you epitomize one of the standards, you should be very proud! 

These wristbands are a limited edition; there are only 1,000 available.  PSF has 2,600 associates, plus volunteers and physicians. A person wearing the band stands out amongst the crowd by embodying Centura’s core values. 

If you see someone wearing a lavender wristband, stop and ask them why they were recognized. 

Let’s start banding together to appreciate all the wonderful people we work with everyday.


PSF leaders begin giving out these  lavender wristbands with the Centura standards imprinted on them starting Wednesday as part of a new PSF recognition program.  (Photo by Stacey Knott)

Women's Programs, FertilityCare

Now available at St. Francis Medical Center, support for couples who wish to achieve or avoid pregnancy.

The Creighton Model FertilityCare System, a unique program in its 15th year at Penrose-St. Francis, is a true method of family planning in keeping with PSF’s Catholic mission.

Besides assisting couples to either achieve or avoid pregnancy, the method heightens understanding of the reproductive cycle and provides women a way to monitor their gynecologic and reproductive health.  FertilityCare is scientifically based, highly reliable, natural, morally acceptable and easy to learn.

Kristine Hardesty (photo left), a Certified FertilityCare Practitioner, conducts a free introductory session each month at St. Francis Medical Center.  To register call 571-3101.

Couples who decide to use the program can begin right away and then meet confidentially with Kristine at a later date to learn additional program details.  For more information, please call Kristine at 571-3472.

Going Green

Although Southern Colorado has been getting rain for the past few weeks, it does not mean it will continue.  Here are six tips to help save 60 gallons of water per day, according to the Planet Green (Discovery) Web site.

Going Green Tips of the Week… 
• Take a five-minute shower instead of a 10-minute shower
Savings: 12.5 gallons

• Put a bottle filled with gravel in the toilet tank
Savings: 7.5 gallons

• Turn off the water while brushing teeth and shaving
Savings: 8 gallons

• Fill dishwasher to max capacity
Savings: 2 gallons

• Mulch the garden
Savings: 25 gallons

• Fix that leaky faucet
Savings: 5 gallons 

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.

Community Education

Carolyn Kalaskie, ANGEL Network Liaison at the Penrose Cancer Center, is giving FREE education classes the second Saturday each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Hillside Plaza, 309 S. Hancock.

The first four sessions are: June 13: What is Cancer?; July 11: Breast Health; Aug. 8: Women’s Reproductive Health (ovarian & cervical cancers); and Sept. 12: Prostate, Testicular & Colorectal Health.

The purpose is to reach as many people as possible with life-saving information. Carolyn will give vital information about what various cancers are like, how to detect them early, how to prevent or lower the risk of getting them, where to get screened, what treatment options are available, and information about free or low cost screening events in the community.

For more information, please contact Carolyn at 776-5826 or via email at CarolynKalaskie@Centura.org.

Ideas Wanted!

Did you have one of those light bulb moments while sitting at your desk? Did you think to yourself, “This is a great idea!  Someone should do this.” 

The Rewards and Recognition Team would love to hear from you!  Just e-mail your idea to rewardsandrecognitionsuggestions@centura.org.  It’s in the Centura Global Email address book. 

Share your suggestions for ways to reward and recognize people.

We hope to hear from you soon!

June Blood Drives

June 9, noon to 4 p.m., St. Francis Medical Center, 6001 Woodmen Road, in The Blood Vessel

June 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., El Paso County Employees, 2880 International Circle, in The Blood Vessel

June 11, 9 a.m. to noon, Penrose ASC, 3030 N. Cascade Ave., in The Blood Vessel

June 14, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Gabriel’s , 8755 Scarbough, in The Blood Vessel

June 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., PIMA, 3770 Citadel Dr., in The Blood Vessel

June 24, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Focus on the Family, 8605 Explorer Dr., Inside the Main Building Chapelteria

June 26, 5 to 7 p.m., First & Main Concert Series, no blood drive, The Blood Vessel

June 27, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Fitness 19, 5980 Stetson Hills, in The Blood Vessel

June 30, noon to 4 p.m., First & Main, 3180 New Center Point, in The Blood Vessel

Webb Memorial Library

For people interested in keeping abreast of current medical news or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consider reading some of Webb Library’s monthly newsletters:

 *Consumer Reports on Health
 *Environmental Nutrition
 *Harvard Health Letter
 *Mayo Clinic Health Letter
 *Dr. Weil’s Self-Healing
 *Tufts Health and Nutrition Letter
 *University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter

The articles are usually brief and the information can be quickly comprehended.

For more information about the newsletters, call Casey at 776-5288.  The library will be closed June 11 and 12 for staff vacation.

Cafeteria Menu

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

Penrose Hospital daily lunch menu.

NOTE:  The Penrose Hospital cafeteria hot line will be closed for construction.  A temporary hot line will be in place by the cashier stand, however hot choices will be limited. The salad bar, sandwich bar, and grab and go cooler will remain open and accessible. Construction is anticipated to last six to eight weeks.  Nutrition Services will host an outdoor BBQ every Friday during the construction.

TODAY
Breakfast: Eggs Florentine & Mornay Sauce; Lunch: Baked Potato Bar, Garlic Butter Red Snapper, BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, Cherry Pineapple White Cake

TUESDAY
Breakfast: Sausage, Egg & Cheese McMuffin; Lunch: Beef Taco Bowl, Tri-Pepper Chicken Fajitas, Roast Turkey, Warm Blueberry Crunch

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

THURSDAY
Breakfast: Sausage Biscuits & Gravy; Lunch: Beer Battered Cod, Beef Pepper Steak over Rice, Country Fried Chicken, Triple Berry Granola Crisp

FRIDAY
Breakfast: Green Chili Cheese Omelet; Lunch: Outdoor BBQ, English Breaded Orange Roughy, Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli

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

SUNDAY
Breakfast: Pancakes; Lunch: Country Fried Chicken, Meatball Hoagie, Macaroni & Cheese, Apple Dumplings

HIIP News

June is the last month of Fiscal Year 2009, so finish up your HIIP Incentive Program in order to get a choice of $100 or a paid day off! You can do it! There are still many education classes and fitness activities in June. Be good to yourself and to your health!

NATIONAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH & FITNESS DAY
Congratulations to Diana Patterson, PSF Education Resources, for winning the Dick's Sporting Goods gift card for the stair climb event.

HEART-HEALTHY CAFETERIA ITEMS
Live Better. Love Longer. Choose to improve the quality of your life. Eat heart-healthy! Look for heart-healthy food choices in the PSF cafeteria marked with a red heart.

HYPERTENSION INTERVENTION PART 2
Want to try another way to protect your heart?
Session 2: Fridays 12 – 12:30 p.m.: June 12, 19, 26 at the PH/E-tower basement aerobics room
Did you miss the first session? Hypertension Intervention is back for a second session due to AMAZING RESULTS! Don’t let this class pass you by a second time! 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, 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 (120-125/80-89) by week four, 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. 
**If you attended session 1 and begin session 2 with a BP equal to or less than your last BP reading for session 1: receive a $10 gift card to a place of your choosing!

BIKE TO WORK DAY AT PSF: FRIDAY
People who bike to PH, SFMC, SF or ASC will receive a free breakfast in the Cafeteria complements of Club HIIP.  **Stop by the following locations to receive a $4 meal ticket to the cafeteria between 7-9 a.m.
PH- HIIP Office (E-tower basement), SFMC- HIIP Office (2nd Floor, past admin/HR), SFHC and ASC- please contact the HIIP office at x7393.

SELF CARE CLASS
Tuesday from 7:30-8:15 a.m. at PH/Cancer Center Rooms A-C

FY09 HIIP EDUCATION CLASSES
Think Before You Eat: June 10 from 11:30-12:15 p.m. at SFMC/Conference Rooms 2-3

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
Body Toning: Session 7a/b: Starts today from 11:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for the orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Thursday at 8 a.m.
SFMC Wellness Center- June 17 at 1 p.m.
Anyone over 40 years old must have a physician’s form signed giving permission to use Wellness Centers.
*SFMC Wellness Center Orientations: Please note that if you previously had access to the PCH Wellness Center, you must attend an orientation at SFMC in order to gain access to that facility.

COMMUNITY WALKS
2009 Walk Now for Autism Colorado Springs, Saturday, June 13, Cottonwood Creek Park
Registration: 8:30 a.m.   Walk begins: 10 a.m. Contact Brooke Hauser for more information at 720-879-1870, or visit www.walknowforautism.org/coloradosprings

Relay For Life: June 19, Liberty High School.
Join the PSF Team participating in Relay For Life, in support of the American Cancer Society. For more information or to sign up, please call team captains Gina Biondi and Mary Wolf in the Penrose Cancer Center at 776-5454, or visit the website at www.acsrelay.org.

American Heart Walk: Saturday, June 20, Grand Lawn at Cordera
Celebrate PSF’s status as a “Platinum Fit Friendly” Company from the American Heart Association.
Registration beings at 7:30 a.m. with the walk at 9:45 a.m. Contact Michelle Somers, Club HIIP for more information at 776-5034. When registering please join team “Penrose-St. Francis/Club HIIP”  www.csheartwalk.org 

JEANS DAY
June 19, donate $5 to wear denim. In support and to help fundraise for the American Heart Association Heart Walk. To donate, contact: Penrose Hospital: Liz Berardi, Wellness Center/ E Tower; St. Francis Medical Center: Jean Turk, Administration; St. Francis Health Center: Liz Benavidz, Nutrition Services; ASC:  Deb Thurber, Upstairs.

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday, 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle Somers 776-5034
SFHC Walking Club:  Every Monday, 11:30 a.m. outside of the Foundation building. Contact Tracy 776-7085
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance. Contact Rox 571-1064