Town Hall Meetings

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services Town Hall meetings during the week of July 27 at various PSF sites.  All associates are encouraged to attend a meeting, which includes news and information from PSF leadership and a chance for associates to ask questions.

July 27 
9:30 a.m., Penrose Hospital Gala Room
2 p.m., St. Francis Medical Center Conference Room #1
4 p.m., Penrose Hospital Gala Room

July 28
7:30 a.m., Penrose Hospital Gala Room
Noon, Penrose Hospital Gala Room
2 p.m., EAP/CCOM/Sport & Spine/HLC, Pikes Peak, Longs Peak & Mount Evans Rooms
4:30 p.m., St. Francis Medical Center Conference Room #5

July 29
7:30 a.m., St. Francis Medical Center Conference Room #1
10 a.m., St. Francis Health Center, 5th Floor Summit Room
2 p.m., Penrose Hospital Cancer Center Conference Rooms A, B, & C
4:30 p.m., Penrose Hospital Cancer Center Conference Rooms A, B, & C

July 30
9:30 a.m., St. Francis Medical Center Conference Room #1
Noon, St. Francis Medical Center Conference Room #1

Department Spotlight

Drum roll, please. It’s the Rewards and Recognition Team’s pleasure to share this month’s Department in the Spotlight – Profile EAP (Employee Assistance Program). 

 

While the spotlight is shining on them, it’s a good time to remind everyone what a great benefit EAP is to all PSF associates. From a small local counseling department started in 1982, they have grown into a national employee assistance presence.

Many associates probably know EAP provides counseling, but probably don’t know the scope of issues covered. And, did you know associates can get eight visits per year per issue at NO COST to the associate? 

EAP counsels associates on everything from conflict resolution to stress to depression to parenting and everything in between.  This is a benefit provided not only to all PSF associates, but to all Centura associates, which is no small task.  But, that is not all – they provide these same services to outside employers in communities throughout the state. 

They provide EAP programs to more than 70 companies in Colorado and some of those companies are national contracts.  Some of the largest companies in Colorado Springs have been with EAP since their inception like the City of Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs Utilities. 

In order to facilitate Centura and other employers statewide, EAP has offices around the state:  Colorado Springs; Pueblo; Canon City; Woodland Park and Denver.  They are readily accessible and have a counselor on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 719-634-1825. 

A fun fact is that EAP provides all these services in all these places with 7.5 counselors, 2 front office people, an office manager and one associate for sales and marketing. 

A fairly recent addition to their menu is Life Cycle Counseling.  They now make available resources and referrals for most issues from birth to death.  This can include childcare, parenting, marriage, financial, legal, wellness and/or eldercare issues, and more.  They can address almost anything life throws at a person. 

Another big advantage for employers is the Drug Free Workplace program started and coordinated by EAP.  The program is designed to assist businesses with creating and maintaining a drug free workplace.  EAP sets up the programs with employers and offer policy development, supervisor trainings, employee trainings and employee assistance and rehab services, which includes case management and back-to-work agreements. Another program that works alongside this is Organizational Development, which can include leadership training; supervisor training; workshops for management and conflict resolution.

EAP wants people to know about their website.  EAP information can be accessed any time by visiting www.profileeap.org.  The member login is:  Centura and the password is: 3850.  Their site also offers a helpful ongoing blog.

For the past year, a number of new programs were started:  Department in the Spotlight, Star Associate, “You Rock” rocks, values bracelets and a suggestion email site.  These programs have come through the Rewards and Recognition Committee, which also has its roots in EAP.  Steve Tucker, Manager of EAP, chaired this Mission in Motion committee that hit the ground running and has been instrumental in so many associate recognition programs. 

When asked what has changed the most in his 20+ years with EAP, Steve Tucker said, “The vision hasn’t changed, but has gotten so much broader as the workplace has changed.  Helping people happens in communities and the employer is one of the biggest communities.  They share a common ‘set’ of problems so that we continue to evolve to answer those needs.  EAP crosses all cultural borders which is so important for personal and professional growth.” 

Let’s extend a big thank you to EAP for being there for us and to PSF and Centura for making EAP available.

SET Receives Grant

SET Family Medical Clinics’ Comprehensive Healthcare Re-entry Program 
Recognized with a $475,000 Matching Grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Zelna Joseph, President and CEO of SET Family Medical Clinics announced July 14 at St. Francis Health Center that SET recently received national recognition via a three-year $475,000 matching grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  

The grant will support SET’s Comprehensive Healthcare Re-entry Program, the first program in the Pikes Peak Region devoted to the health and wellbeing of individuals re-entering the community after a period of incarceration.

Catholic Health Initiatives embraced the program by providing the initial local funding and nominating the project for the matching grant under RWJF’s highly competitive Local Funding Partnerships program.  

“SET Family Medical Clinics and all the collaborating partners have worked diligently to create a comprehensive, compassionate network of care and support for those individuals leaving the prison system," said Diane Jones, Vice President, Healthy Communities, Catholic Health Initiatives.  "Catholic Health Initiatives appreciates the partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in its support of this vital program.”

Zelna is the visionary who established the Comprehensive Healthcare Re-entry Program to provide a community response system for formerly incarcerated individuals.  The program begins before a person is released from incarceration and promotes a comprehensive approach to health care including a mental health component. Collaborating partners include: Open Bible Medical Clinic, Mission Medical Clinic and A Turning Point of Colorado Springs, Inc. 

“These partners have been working with SET to identify and remove barriers to services which will ultimately help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into our community and avoid returning to prison,” Zelna said. 

“Health starts where we live,” said Pauline M. Seitz, director of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Funding Partnerships. “We were impressed with this program’s holistic approach to helping these individuals remake their lives in the community.  The CHRP project also creates uncommon connections by combining the efforts of volunteers and paid staff with law enforcement and correctional officials. This new model of collaboration may inform communities around the U.S. endeavoring to create successful re-entry programs.”

In El Paso county almost 100 people per month are released from the Department of Corrections and leave prison with only $100 and a limited supply of medications.  As many as 75 percent are homeless, 20 percent suffer from mental illness and 80 percent need substance abuse treatment.  Former inmates experience great difficulty accessing needed community services because the services are fragmented, hard to find or non-existent. 

The CHRP Network of over 40 community service providers will help to eliminate these barriers by offering wraparound services for program participants that include assistance with housing, job placement and connecting with various advocacy groups.  The RWJF grant will also enable SET to act as a clearinghouse for the local service providers and provide peer education and support groups.  Together they strive to reduce the recidivism rate in the Pikes Peak Region.  What is learned and demonstrated locally may later be replicated throughout Colorado to reduce the state’s 53.4 percent recidivism rate.

“We want to thank the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and our local funding partners for recognizing the value of the Comprehensive Healthcare Re-entry Program and for providing their generous support," Zelna said. "We are also very excited about the number of organizations willing to work together to help ex-offenders through what we are calling a community response system.  Our goal is to remove as many barriers to services as possible for this population and reduce the recidivism rate.  If the program is successful, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

SET Family Medical Clinics, a 501 (c)(3) is a non-profit organization that provides basic medical services and holistic health programs to uninsured, under-insured, homeless and low income people without discrimination.  SET offers a Family Clinic for acute and chronic needs at the St. Francis Health Center and also provides a Health Literacy Center.  The SET Homeless Clinic, located at The Hanifen Self Sufficiency Center, is available five days a week for homeless people to access free basic health care.  SET also offers Senior Wellness Clinics to several Housing Authority apartment buildings in Colorado Springs.

News Briefs

Generation 2 Generation Strategies & Opportunities for Connecting
The 2nd Annual, Larry R. Smith, MD Health & Wellness Symposium for seniors is July 22 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, 2886 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs. The keynote speaker & the 5 workshop presenters will address issues such as generational differences, joyful care giving, community support systems, stages of grief, care for the care givers & healthier living. The cost is $25 for a Senior & A Family Member/Care Giver, $10 for Seniors 60+ / $20 for Senior Care Givers.  The fee includes keynote, workshops, breakfast and lunch. To register or for more information, please call 776-8850 or visit the SET website at www.setofcs.org. 

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.

BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH FAIRS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 
Mission Outreach/Faith Community Nurses are gearing up for the two big Back to School Health Fairs/Immunization Clinics of the season! Consider offering your services to one of these two events. PSF brings a Childhood Immunization clinic to each of these events, plus a Health Risk Assessment to the Northern Churches Care Fair. There are also opportunities for providers and nurses in the areas of school physicals.  For more information or to volunteer, Contact Cyndy Wacker at 571-1113 or email cynthiawacker@centura.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Centura Health is offering up to 30 Healing Ministry Scholarships to associates who wish to pursue “high need” jobs within Centura. Applications will be accepted now through July 31. The “high need” jobs include nursing, clinical technicians, therapists, pharmacists, and many more. To see the full list, see the instructions below for accessing the information on My Virtual Workplace. To apply, download and print the application, then submit it via e-mail to CENTURASCHOLARSHIPS@CENTURA.ORG or fax 303-804-8234. Once an application has been submitted, a confirmation will be sent to the associate. If the confirmation is not received, the associate should e-mail CENTURASCHOLARSHIPS@CENTURA.ORG. For more information, please contact Andrea Carter at 303-804-8256 or ANDREACARTER@CENTURA.ORG.

LIVER LIFE WALK-Aug. 15, Memorial Park 
On Aug. 15, members of the community will come together to participate in the Liver Life Walk, a fun, 5K walk event benefiting the American Liver Foundation. During this 5K walk around Memorial Park in Colorado Springs, participants will walk for the more than 30 million Americans, including children, who are affected by one of more than 100 diseases of the liver. As a proud sponsor of this event, we invite you to walk with us as part of the Penrose-St. Francis Liver Life Walk Team. It’s easy to join or make a donation – just visit the Penrose Team website http://go.liverfoundation.org/goto/penrose. Or form a team of your own and engage your friends, family, or company in this cause too. Contact the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Liver Foundation for more information or for assistance with registration and setting up a personal team Webpage – lkarpiel@liverfoundation.org or 303.988.4388. Visit http://www.liverfoundation.org for more information.

DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
SET Family Medical Clinics, a local 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, is hosting a Family Market Fundraiser Aug. 29, at Penrose-St. Francis Health Center located at 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Garage sale items and volunteers are needed for the event. Donations are tax deductible. Bring donations to the SET office at 825 East Pikes Peak Ave, Bldg. 29 Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opportunities are available for anyone willing to help too. To volunteer or for more information, please call 776-8850.  Or visit the website at www.setofcs.org.

TEMPORARY 7TH FLOOR RELOCATION
The unit and patients on the 7th floor at Penrose Hospital are temporarily moved 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. 

Sky Sox Game

Click on the image above for a larger version of the flyer.

Going Green

Going Green Tips of the Week… INEXPENSIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS 

Make a quick trip to the local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy-saving tools and equipment, according to www.pioneerthinking.com.

Replace outdoor lighting with a motion-detector equipped bulb or fixture.
Outdoor lights that are left on all night can add unnecessary waste energy and disturb wildlife. Safely and efficiently light the outside of a home by installing light fixtures that are activated by motion sensor or a timer. These devices will keep areas well lit when needed while reducing energy bills.

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.

Liver Life Walk Events

Click on each of the images below to see full size flyers.

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 Crumb Halibut, 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: English Breaded Orange Roughy, Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli, Outdoor BBQ:  Pulled Island Pork, Hamburgers & Hotdogs, Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions, Chipotle Baked Beans, Cookies, Assorted Chips, Lemonade, and Iced Tea

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

Supply Chain "Links"

Supply Chain “Links,” keeping you connected to the latest supply and clinical initiatives from Supply Chain Management Operations:
 
Conversion Update July 2009

60-Day Contracts
-Refillable Ice Bags, Canfield, Integrated Medical, Cardinal To Kerma
-Cart Dust Covers, Cardinal To Vital Care
-Sterilization Packing, Cardinal and Medical Action To Vital Care
-Equipment Drapes / Probe Covers, Microtek To Vital Care
-Yankauer Suction / Connecting Tube, Committed to Cardinal

30-Day Contracts
Casting / Splinting, Remains BSN
-Headwear and Shoe Covers, Medline to Broadline
-Impervious Boot Covers, Remains Medline
-Baby Bonnets & Stethoscopes, Cardinal to Kerma

New Contracts
-Orthopedic Soft Goods,  Remains DJO
-Blood Collection / Vacutainers, Greiner to BD with some BD Upgrades

HIIP News

LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN: “New Club HIIP Program for Fiscal Year 2010”
Come celebrate the end of Club HIIP Fiscal Year 2009 and find out about the exciting programs and classes to come with a potluck party. We will have a surprise guest and an exciting new incentive!
*If you are willing to bring something, pick up a sign-up form and enjoy lunch.
 July 28, SFHC/5th Floor Summit Room, 12:05 - 12:45 p.m.
 July 28, ASC/2nd Floor Breakroom, 2:05 - 2:45 p.m.
 July 29, SFMC/Northcare Bldg 2nd Floor Julie Penrose Center, 12:05 - 12:45 p.m.
 July 30, PH/E-Tower Basement Gala Room, 12:05 - 12:45 p.m.

LIGHTEN UP COLORADO: FUN RUN/WALK
Did you know that as a Lighten Up Colorado participant, you receive free entry into the 5K Run/Walk at the State Games of America on August 2? Go Team PSF!  This is for fun and a good way to show your team spirit to get us all ready for the games! We will meet at the PH E-Tower Valet, and then proceed out for a 5K run/walk around the local neighborhood. ALL FITNESS LEVELS WELCOME!
Thursday from 4:30-5:15 p.m.

PSF EXTENDED FITNESS CLASSES
Pick up a schedule at HIIP Wall pockets at all sites for registration form
Penrose Hospital
Belly Dancing: Session 1: Starts July 27 from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 6 weeks
Pilates: Session 1: Starts July 29 from 5-6 p.m. in the PH/E-Tower Aerobics Room for 5 weeks

WELLNESS CENTER ORIENTATIONS
Please register for orientations via HealthCalc on My Virtual Workplace or call 776-5839, ext 2.
PH Wellness Center- Tuesday at 4 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 used to have access to the PCH Wellness Center, you must attend an orientation at SFMC in order to gain access to that facility.

WALKING CLUBS
PH Walking Club: Every Thursday at 7:15-7:50 a.m. outside of valet. Contact Michelle Somers x5034
SFHC Walking Club:  Every Monday at 11:30 a.m. outside of the Foundation building. Contact Tracy x7085
SFMC Walking Club:  Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. meet outside 1st floor/valet entrance- Winter season- the group will walk the stairs indoors. Contact Rox x11064

Health Learning Center

All classes require pre-registration / cancellation a minimum of 24 hours prior. A $20 no show fee will be billed to the participant if registration not cancelled 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, please call the Penrose Health Learning Center at 776-3600. 

T’ai Chi – A form of ancient Chinese martial arts that works to improve body awareness, strength and coordination.  Monthly, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning the first Tuesday of each month 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 4-27; Sept. 1-24. The cost is $40 for the 4-week session.

Basic Weight Training For All Ages - A wonderful strength and conditioning class for the entire family.  This class will challenge all fitness levels with its varied class format of circuits, resistance training, and core stability training. One hour twice per week for 4-weeks. The class is Mondays and Wednesdays, Aug. 3-26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  The cost is $40 for the 4-week session.

Essential Core Training - Core strength and stability is essential in maintaining functional ability for activities of daily living.  Core training is not just sit ups and crunches but incorporates stability muscles from your chest to your knees to create a foundation for all movement.  Come and join us for great workouts and “take home” information, Thursdays, Aug 6-27, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.  The cost is $30.

Meditation – A body friendly meditation style using holistic movements and music to promote relaxation. The class will help you to quiet your inner dialog, reach a relaxed body and peaceful state of mind. Class is Wednesdays, Sept. 2-23, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30.

New! Cover Your Knees – “Cover Your Knees” is a special program being offered this fall to teach girls, their parents and coaches about preventing knee injuries. The program includes an overview of anatomy and risk factors, physical assessments for attending athletes as well as a participatory warm-up and conditioning program. Teams are welcome; parent or coach must accompany the athlete. Appropriate for ages 10-18. An orthopedic doctor, physical therapist, recreational therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist will present. Tuesday, Aug. 25, 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5.  

New! Resistance Training with Bands – Resistance band training is a unique resistance training method that may easily be accomplished at home or work with very little space and just a few varied tensions of bands.  Join us for this creative class that will provide exercises and direction for your mobile training system.  Monday, Sept. 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m.  The cost is $20.

New!  Stretching – If you are like most of us, you were taught the importance of stretching back in grade school.  Science, however, has moved on.  Come learn the latest techniques on effective stretching and how it can improve your overall fitness.   Mondays, Sept. 14-28, 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. The cost is  $23 for 3-weeks. 

Aquatics Classes – The Penrose Health Learning Center in cooperation with Colorado Sports and Spine. A structured class two to three times per week, concentrating on range of motion, overall strengthening and general cardiovascular conditioning.  All Aquatics classes are located at 1625 Medical Center Point (Union and Templeton Gap).  The cost is $46 per month for 2x / week or $66 per month for 3x / week.
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Monday/Wednesday: 5-6 p.m.
- Monday/Friday: 12:30-1:30 p.m
- Tuesday/Thursday: 8:30-9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m