5 Things You Need to Know this Week
1. “5-Diamonds:” Dialysis Awarded for Patient Safety. Read more…
2. WHA: Hospitals Receive Gold Level Achievement. Read more…
3. Your Vote Counts: Community Health Survey Results. Read more…
4. Fresh Faces: Hospitals Welcome New Leaders. Read more…
5. Safety Message of the Week: Blood-Borne Exposure. Read more…
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital
1. Grant Aids Adolescent Mental Health Programs:
Read more…
2. Construction Update: 2-North & 8-West Swap Locations
and Chapel Hallway Closed for Two Weeks. Read more…
3. Retirement Announcement for Ruth Collis: Read more…
4. Upcoming Events: Read more…
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital
1. Tours and Blessing: New Medical Office Building to Open.
Read more…
2. Department News: Read more…
3. Upcoming Events: Read more…
1. Renal Dialysis Centers Earn “5-Diamond” Status for Patient Safety
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital’s Renal Dialysis Centers, located at both HSHS Sacred
Heart & St. Joseph’s hospitals, have earned renewed status as a “5-Diamond Patient
Safety Facility” by Renal Network 11. As the quality control arm for Medicare, Renal
Network 11 (serving MI, MN, ND, SD, and WI) is one of 18 Networks in the U.S.,
established by the federal government to improve the quality of dialysis and kidney
transplant services for people with end-stage renal disease.
“Our patients and staff continue to work together to ensure we have the safest
environment possible for dialysis treatments,” said Mary Richbourg, RN, MSN, Director
of our Renal Dialysis Centers.
Diamonds are earned by completing educational modules designed to build a culture of
patient safety within the dialysis unit, promote patient safety values, create an
awareness of patient safety issues, and help the dialysis unit learn more about specific
areas of patient safety. The 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program is endorsed by the
American Nephrology Nurses' Association, the Renal Physicians Association and the
National Renal Administrators Association.
2. Hospitals Receive WHA Gold Level Achievement
HSHS St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart hospitals received the Wisconsin Hospital Association
Partners for Patients Collaborative Gold level of achievement for three years of hard work,
commitment and dedication, said Kelly Court, WHA Chief Quality Officer.
In those three years, Wisconsin hospital teams came together to learn evidence-based
practices and shared what they know about reducing hospital-acquired harm and unnecessary
readmissions.
“The amount of collaboration that has taken place through the WHA partnership has been
unique, and more importantly, highly effective,” Court said. “As a result of this collaboration, 86
hospitals achieved gold and four hospitals achieved the bronze level.”
For more details on WHA 2015 improvement initiatives, visit www.whaquality.org.
3. Community Health Survey Results
Beginning February 3, join a conversation in your community about the recent
Community Health Survey results and vote on the top issues. Prize drawings and a light
meal will be included at each meeting. All events are from 5:30 to 7 pm unless noted.
Tuesday, Feb. 3, Cornell High School
Wednesday, Feb. 4, Altoona UW-Extension Office
Thursday, Feb. 5, Cadott High School Auditorium
Monday, Feb. 9, Bloomer Area Rec Center
Tuesday, Feb. 10, UW-Eau Claire Centennial Hall
Thursday, Feb. 12, Chippewa Falls Public Library
Monday, Feb. 16, Fall Creek Village Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 17, Augusta Community Center
Wednesday, Feb. 18, Eau Claire RCU Corporate Building (*8:30-10 am)
4. Hospitals Welcome New Leaders
To view photos of these and other recent new team members, click here.
HSHS Sacred Heart & St. Joseph’s hospitals are pleased to welcome two new
executives to the hospitals’ divisional leadership team.
Nick Berger joined the two hospitals as the Divisional Client Services Executive
on January 12. In this new role, Nick will grow and foster relationships with
referring hospitals, further develop relationships between the two hospitals and
area business communities, and work with the two hospitals’ service lines to
carry out growth initiatives.
Nick earned his bachelor’s in secondary education from the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has spent the last 10 years as a pharmaceutical
representative with the Pfizer Corporation. A native of the area, he remains
involved in the community and is a member of Peace Lutheran and Trinity
Lutheran Churches’ Musical Worship Teams.
Shari Tieman joined the two hospitals as the Divisional Director of Managed
Care on December 22. In her role, Shari will negotiate and maintain contracts
with the two hospitals’ payors.
Shari most recently served in contracting and payor relations at Marshfield Clinic.
She earned her bachelor’s in business administration from the University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Shari is currently pursuing her MBA at Lakeland
College.
5. Safety Message of the Week: Blood-Borne Exposures
Q: Why is it important to contact the House Supervisor immediately after a blood-borne
exposure, such as contaminated needlesticks and sharps exposures (or have a
colleague assist you with this if you are unable to do so)?
A: The House Supervisor plays a critical role in obtaining information about the source
so appropriate treatment can be given.
Q: What do you need to tell the House Supervisor?
A: Give the name of the person exposed and the source name and location (if known)
as soon as possible after the exposure.
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital
1. New Grant Aids Development of Adolescent Mental Health Programs
The Friends of Sacred Heart Hospital are excited to announce that Sacred Heart Hospital
was recently awarded a matching grant from The Otto Bremer Foundation — totaling
$100,000.
The grant, which will include an additional $100,000 matched by the Friends of Sacred
Heart over the next two years, is designated to help address the behavioral health needs of
children, ages 18 years and younger, that are cared for by Sacred Heart’s Adolescent
Behavioral Health Services. For those interested in helping, this is an outstanding
opportunity to have your generous donation doubled to help support our area’s youth.
As a main priority identified during the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment in
2012, adolescent mental health services have since become a major point of emphasis here
at Sacred Heart. The good news is that although our children and youth are the population
most at risk to adopting poor health behaviors, they also possess the greatest opportunity
for successful intervention.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 12%
of people age 18 or older in Western Wisconsin suffer from serious psychological distress.
This startling statistic makes it ever more important to reach these individuals at a younger
age — setting them on the correct path toward a healthy and bright future.
Those interested in helping the Friends Office raise the matching funds for this grant or other
projects should contact the Friends of Sacred Heart Hospital at 715-717-4925.
2. Construction Update:
2-North Oncology Swaps Locations With 8-West Ortho-Surgical
Construction will begin in two weeks for the 2-North Oncology Unit and 8-West OrthoSurgical Unit to switch locations.
The purpose of this change is to not only provide greater efficiency between orthopedic
surgery patients and their recovery rooms, but to also offer our Oncology patients
additional privacy on a more secluded floor. In addition, the switch will allow for minor
cosmetic upgrades to be made to both units before patients transition to their new rooms.
First, Ortho-Surgical has moved temporarily to 3-North while renovations are completed
on 8-West. When complete, Oncology will move to 8-West while renovations are
completed on 2-North. At that time, Ortho-Surgical will move to 2-North.
Construction is expected to be completed in approximately six weeks. If you have any
questions if this will affect your area, please contact your department supervisor.
Chapel Hallway Closure
Beginning next week, the chapel hallway will be closed for construction between the two
sets of fire doors near the chapel entrance. The renovations, which include adding
additional fire-separation material in the ceiling, should last for about two weeks. While
this work is being completed, the chapel entrance and the hallway going to the Chapel
and POB will be closed, except for emergency egress. During this time, people can
access the Chapel and the POB by going to the Lower Level and using the stairwell or
elevator in the POB. If you have any questions about this project, please contact your
department supervisor.
3. Retirement Announcement for Ruth Collis
Congratulations to Ruth Collis who is retiring from HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital after
providing nearly 30 years of loyal service to the mission of the Hospital Sisters. Ruth is a
valued member of the Surgical Services team who excels in her role as Surgical
Technologist. She supports Sacred Heart by showing a positive attitude, and demonstrates
expertise and competency in all areas of the surgical process. She always displays a
professional approach with an emphasis on safety.
Ruth, your longstanding commitment to our hospital is greatly appreciated. Best wishes for a very
happy retirement! Congratulations!
4. Upcoming Events
Jan. 26 ● Hospital Blood Drive ● 10 am – 4 pm ● Sacred Heart Rotunda
All colleagues, providers and volunteers are encouraged to participate in HSHS Sacred
Heart Hospital’s Red Cross Blood Drive. Interested parties can sign up online at
www.redcrossblood.org by searching for our 54701 zip code or by calling Lynn
Gullicksrud at 715-717-4071 or emailing Lynn.Gullicksrud@hshs.org. A Picture ID or
donor card is required.
Feb. 6 & 7 ● Got Red Macy’s Events ● Macy’s-Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire
Cardiovascular disease kills more than 480,000 women in America each year. It also
claims more lives than the next four most common causes of death combined.
For this reason, HSHS Sacred Heart & St. Joseph’s hospitals are partnering with
Macy’s to offer several free community events for heart disease and stroke awareness
in February. Join us for two days of heart-healthy activities, presentations and fun gifts
on February 6 and 7 at Macy's-Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire.
Activities will include informative sessions with healthcare professionals, heart-healthy
cooking demonstrations, exercise activities, face painting, a heart-healthy happy hour
with tasty treats, blood pressure screenings, a Macy’s fashion show and more. Special
prizes will also be given.
Remember to wear red on February 6 & 7 and receive 20% off select purchases
throughout Macy’s. For more information, visit www.sacredhearteauclaire.org.
Feb. 9 - 11 ● Sacred Heart Colleague Updates ● Community Auditorium
Please attend during one of the following times:
 Monday, February 9
7:15am
1pm
5:30pm

Tuesday, February 10
7:15am
11am

Wednesday, February 11
11am
1pm
2:30pm (Held in the Professional Plaza Building)
5:30pm
Feb. 19 ● Successfully Aging Seminar Series ● 2 – 3 pm ●
St. Francis Apartments (851 University Drive)
Held from 2 to 3 pm on the third Thursday of each month through November, this
Successfully Aging Seminar Series will be held at St. Francis Apartments.
Presented by Moira Kneer, the program is called, ‘At the End of the Day: Leaving a
Living Legacy.’ We will learn about the importance of living in the present so that we can
reflect on the past from our more mature perspective. That way we can define our hard
earned wisdom and share it with those who come after us.
Space is limited, so please RSVP by calling 715-834-1338. Refreshments and door
prizes will be provided.
Events of The Healing Place: A Center for Life’s Journeys
Jan. 26 ● 5 – 6 pm or 6:30 – 7:30 pm ● Practicing Mindfulness Sessions ●
Jan. 28 ● 11 am – Noon ● The Healing Place (1010 Oakridge Drive, Eau Claire)
The Healing Place, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital’s free grief support and holistic healing
center, is hosting sessions on “Practicing Mindfulness,” a free education program for
those who wish to learn more about meditation and prayer.
Classes are offered on the second and fourth Mondays and the second and fourth
Wednesdays of each month in January, February and March. Monday sessions are
offered from either 5 to 6 pm or 6:30 to 7:30 pm the second and fourth Mondays.
Wednesday sessions are offered from 11 am to Noon on the second and fourth
Wednesdays.
This educational offering will focus on providing information on the practice of
meditation and prayer. In recent years, science has confirmed that people who regularly
engage in meditation and prayer have improved mental functioning, emotional and
physical health. Meditation and prayer can play an important role in helping people deal
with the ups and downs that accompany major life transitions.
This Week’s Session:
 The Spirituality of Imperfection: Learning to see ourselves and our flaws
through the eyes of compassion
Upcoming Sessions:
 Loving Kindness Meditation: Learning how the wellbeing of others is related to
our happiness
 Cultivating Generosity: Learning how mindfulness can foster a spirit of
generosity
 Mindful Speech and Communication: Learning to be mindful of the language
we use when communicating to others
 Mindful Ways of Dealing with Anger: Learning to respond to anger with skill
and integrity
Jan. 27 – Mar. 17 ● Spouse Loss Support Group ● 10:30 am – Noon ●
The Healing Place (1010 Oakridge Drive, Eau Claire)
The death of a spouse or life partner is difficult to handle. If you are struggling to cope
with the loss of your loved one and worried about facing the future without your partner,
The Healing Place offers a structured setting for participants to safely and comfortably
discuss issues related to the death of their spouse. Topics include managing the
emotions of grief, dealing with holidays and special days, finding hope in the challenging
days ahead and caring for ourselves in the midst of change.
The group will meet for eight consecutive Tuesday mornings, January 27 through March
17, from 10:30 am to Noon at The Healing Place. Advance registration is requested
by calling The Healing Place at (715) 717-6028.
Feb. 5 ● Thankful Thursdays ● 10:30 am ●
The Healing Place (1010 Oakridge Drive, Eau Claire)
The Healing Place is offering “Thankful Thursdays” at 10:30 am on February 5 (Love and
Gratitude) and March 5 (From Get to Gift: The Relationship between Gratitude and Giving).
These sessions are a chance for people to come together to learn healthy ways of nourishing
our mind, body and spirit.
No advanced registration required. These free sessions will take place at The Healing Place.
Feb. 12 ● Toward Renewal: Nurturing Your Inner Fire ● 6 – 9 pm ●
The Healing Place (1010 Oakridge Drive, Eau Claire)
The Healing Place is offering a mini-retreat that will help participants explore important life and
vocational questions faced in the winter of our lives. In the natural world, winter is a time of great
beauty, hushed stillness, darkness, dormancy and death.
Using carefully designed individual and shared activities, poetry, stories, wisdom traditions,
nature and hands-on experiences, participants will be invited to renew their heart, mind and
spirit. This retreat will be led by Laurie Hittman, Ph.D, and Mary Peters, MSE. Both Laurie and
Mary are Courage and Renewal Facilitators prepared by the Center for Courage and Renewal.
The retreat uses a Circle of Trust approach based on the work of Parker Palmer, educator,
author, speaker and Senior Advisor for the Center for Courage and Renewal.
This free mini retreat will take place February 12, from 6 pm to 9 pm at The Healing Place.
Advanced registration is required by February 6 by calling The Healing Place at (715) 717-6028.
Feb. 19 ● Movies with a Message ● 10 am ●
The Healing Place (1010 Oakridge Drive, Eau Claire)
The Healing Place, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital’s free grief support and holistic healing
center, is offering movies with a thought-provoking message the third Thursday of the
month in January, February and March.


“Lincoln”
February 19 at 10 am
“We Bought A Zoo”
March 19 at 10 am
All movies will take place at The Healing Place. Discussion and pizza will follow the
movie. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is requested by calling The
Healing Place at 715-717-6028.
Feb. 26 ● Stepping Stones Through Grief ● 10:30 am & 6 pm ●
The Healing Place (1010 Oakridge Drive, Eau Claire)
The Healing Place is offering a new ongoing grief support group for anyone who has
experienced the loss of a loved one through death. Gather with others who understand
and wish to offer support. Sessions will be offered the fourth Thursday of each month at
10:30 am and again at 6 pm. Participants can attend any session that works for them.
Upcoming Dates and Topics:

February 26: Choice Points Through Grief
We always have choices in our lives. When the death of a significant loved one
happens, we must begin to make choices we did not want to make. While grief is
not a choice, how we navigate the journey of grief can be.

March 26: How a Fortune Cookie Can Heal Grief
Did you ever think that a fortune cookie could offer a profound message of
comfort, happiness and peace in a life stressed by grief? This session focuses on
the messages of hope that we may offer ourselves or receive from others when
grieving the loss of a loved one.
There is no cost to attend the sessions, and registration is not necessary. All sessions
will take place at The Healing Place.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital
1. Tours, Blessing Set for New St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Office Building
After nine months of construction, the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Office Building has
been completed. Come and check out the state-of-the-art facility during an open house from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, at the medical office building, 2509 Highway I, across
from the hospital’s main entrance.
Take self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., witness an official ribbon cutting by the
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber at 11:30 a.m. and participate in a blessing of the building by
Fr. Francis Ibanga at 11:45 a.m. Refreshments will be available.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Office Building, located on the former site of the St.
Francis Convent on the hospital’s campus, is a 25,600 square-foot facility that will house
HSHS Medical Group-Family Health, hospital outpatient Rehabilitation Services, hospital
Occupational Health and Medicine, and a retail pharmacy.
2. Department News:
Colleague Forums slated for January 29 and 30
Colleague Forums with Joan Coffman will be at 8:30 a.m., Noon, 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. on
Thursday, Jan. 29, in McDonald Hall; and at noon on Friday, Jan. 30 at L.E. Phillips-Libertas
Treatment Center in the lecture hall. Breakfast, lunch or a snack will be provided 15 minutes
prior to the presentation.
Transamerica Representative on Campus
Melanie Graff, the hospital’s Transamerica representative, will be at HSHS St. Joseph’s
Hospital on Feb. 18. Click the following link to schedule your appointment:
https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/723qxt30/
3. Upcoming events:
Jan. 28: Joint Renew Camp. This program helps patients who will undergo joint replacement
surgery. The one-night program is free, and patients are encouraged to attend two to three
weeks prior to surgery. Information includes preparing for surgery, pain management,
equipment, and therapy and self-care techniques. The goal is to help decrease patients'
anxiety and help them feel better about the entire process. Registration is appreciated. To sign
up, call Rehabilitation Services, 715-717-7455, or visit www.stjoeschipfalls.com.
Jan. 31: Hands-Only CPR. This class is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to
perform this life-saving technique. The class begins at 10 a.m. in McDonald Hall. Register as a
family or with a group of friends. Each group will receive one free American Heart Association
Hands-Only CPR Anytime Kit to take home. Register by calling ext. 4265.
BEGINNING Feb. 3: Community Health Survey results. Join a conversation in your
community about the recent Community Health Survey results and vote on the top issues.
Prize drawings and a light meal will be included at each meeting. All events are from 5:30 to 7
p.m. unless noted.
Tuesday, Feb. 3, Cornell High School
Wednesday, Feb. 4, Altoona UW-Extension Office
Thursday, Feb. 5, Cadott High School Auditorium
Monday, Feb. 9, Bloomer Area Rec Center
Tuesday, Feb. 10, UW-Eau Claire Centennial Hall
Thursday, Feb. 12, Chippewa Falls Public Library
Monday, Feb. 16, Fall Creek Village Hall
Tuesday, Feb. 17, Augusta Community Center
Wednesday, Feb. 18, Eau Claire RCU Corporate Building, 8:30-10 a.m.
Feb. 3: Car Seat Safety Checks. A certified car seat safety technician from St. Joseph’s
Hospital will check your car seat to make sure it’s installed properly. Free. Call St. Joseph’s
Hospital Birth Center at 715-717-7421 to make an hour-long appointment between 8 a.m. and
5 p.m.
Feb. 4 & 18: Joint Renew Camp. This program helps patients who will undergo joint
replacement surgery. The one-night program is free, and patients are encouraged to attend
two to three weeks prior to surgery. Information includes preparing for surgery, pain
management, equipment, and therapy and self-care techniques. The goal is to help decrease
patients' anxiety and help them feel better about the entire process. Patients are invited to
bring a family member or friend to Joint Renew Camp to serve as his or her "coach." Joint
Renew Camp provides individuals and their coaches with an educational opportunity in a
supportive group environment. Registration is appreciated. To sign up, call
Rehabilitation Services, 715-717-7455, or visit www.stjoeschipfalls.com.
Feb. 6 & 7: Got Red? Join HSHS St. Joseph's and Sacred Heart hospitals at Macy’s in
Oakwood Mall for two days of healthy cooking and exercise demonstrations, educational
presentations, a Heart Healthy Happy Hour and Macy's annual fashion show. For a complete
listing of activities, visit www.stjoeschipfalls.com.
Feb. 9: Ribbon Cutting and Blessing for NEW HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Office
Building. Self-guided tours at the building, located at 2509 County Highway I, from 11 a.m. to
1 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. followed by a blessing of the building.
Refreshments will be served.
Feb. 19: Paint the Town Red. Chippewa Falls Main Street and St. Joseph’s Hospital have
combined to offer Paint the Town Red from 4 to 7 p.m. to promote heart health and wellness.
In addition to activities at more than 25 downtown businesses, St. Joseph’s Hospital will host
free screenings, share health information and offer giveaways. For a complete listing, visit
www.stjoeschipfalls.com.
Ongoing
S.P.O.T.S. Winter Groups. S.P.O.T.S. Pediatric Therapy is offering several groups including
Sensory and Social Exploration, Articulation Ala Carte, Introduction to Social Skills, Get It Write
Handwriting, Zones of Regulation, Pre-writing/Fine Motor Skills, Fine Motor Olympics and
Picky Eaters, among others. Call for costs. Financial assistance is available. For a full listing,
visit www.stjoeschipfalls.com/SPOTS or call 715-726-3447.
Grief Support: This is a monthly program. If you or someone you know has experienced the
loss of a significant person in your life, the Chippewa County Grief Support Group is here to
help. Discuss or just listen. Ongoing group sessions are free and are facilitated by a
collaborative group of grief professionals. The group offers sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the
second and fourth Mondays of the month. All sessions are in the St. Clare Conference Room
at St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2661 Highway I, Chippewa Falls. For more information, call 715-7177581.
Compassionate Friends: For those who have experienced the loss of a child, attend the
Compassionate Friends support group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third Thursday each month also
in the St. Clare Conference Room. For more information about that group, call 715-833-2009.
Stay connected!
SHEC Website | SJCF Website | Intranet | E-mail news
5 Things You Need to Know This Week is a HSHS Western Wisconsin Division
newsletter that appears every Monday and is available internally on the
Communications page of the hospital’s Intranet. It is also distributed by email and
posted under the Media Center link at www.sacredhearteauclaire.org. Please direct
comments, suggestions or requests for email newsletter subscriptions by phone at
(715) 717-6589; or by email to Dan.Paulson@hshs.org.