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A weekly publication for Genesys Employees, Physicians and Volunteers
Genesys Heart Institute introduces newest heart technology
Vol. 14, No. 49
The Impella catheter-based heart pump device – considered the
world’s smallest heart pump – is now used at Genesys for very
high-risk patients with severe heart blockages and severely
weakened heart muscles. Many candidates for this procedure
have no other options except heart replacement surgery. This
FDA-approved left ventricular assist device, inserted
percutaneously, is used to treat conditions such as acute
myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock and low output
syndrome.
Here is how it works: an Impella catheter is placed into the left
ventricle over a guide wire. The catheter, which contains a small
heart pump slightly larger in diameter than a drinking straw – is
advanced into the left ventricle, the guide wire is removed, and
the catheter actively unloads the heart up to 2.5 liters of blood
November 24, 2008
per minute. The pump keeps blood flowing by pulling
oxygenated blood out of the left heart chamber and into the
aorta for delivery to the rest of the body.
This procedure – another life-saving option Genesys offers for
critical heart blockages – allows hearts to heal and recover
better, and enables patients to undergo needed heart procedures
that they previously could not tolerate.
Cardiovascular surgeons Marc Silver, MD; and Karsten
Fliegner, MD. PhD; along with interventional cardiologist
David Dobies, MD; have obtained the training to conduct this
procedure. Dr. Silver recently conducted the first case at
Genesys. For details, call 888-463-3268.
Congratulations
on your retirement
Jerry Broadworth
Pharmacy
31 years of service
Fay Gancsos
Food & Nutrition
30 years of service
Frances Harris
Patient Accounting
30 years of service
James Jaster
Materials Management
38 years of service
Clif Kittle
Materials Management
37 years of service
Lynndora L. Nelson
Emergency department
31 years of service
Rosann K. Schaffer
Finance
36 years of service
Susan M. Shults
Health Information Management
43 years of service
Congratulations, and have fun!
Happy Thanksgiving
Randy Kummler named Genesys controller
Chris Palazzolo, CFO, announces the
appointment of Randy Kummler to
Corporate Controller of Genesys Health
System. Kummler brings to Genesys
more than 20 years of health care
financial management experience.
Previously, he worked at St. John
Macomb – Oakland Hospital, where he
served as the vice president of Finance
and CFO for five years.
To reach our new corporate controller,
call 235-5124.
Genesys Hospice hosts annual Memory Tree ceremony
Genesys Hospice will host its 16th annual Memory Tree lighting ceremony
Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., at Holiday Inn Gateway Centre in Flint (Hill Road at US
23). This event is held to honor loved ones through the lighting of a 17-foot tree that
will stand in the lobby of the hotel throughout the holidays (Nov. 23 through Jan. 2).
The tree is decorated with hearts bearing the name of a loved one. Special gold
hearts engraved with names also hang on the tree. Anyone who makes a donation on
behalf of Genesys Hospice will receive a purple heart that will hang on the tree
during the holidays. Gold hearts also can be purchased at a cost of $500. These
hearts will hang on the tree every year.
Funds from Memory Tree donations are used to renovate bedrooms at Genesys
Hospice Care Center, where many patients have chosen to spend their last days.
If you would like to make a donation to the Memory Tree, please call Genesys
Hospice at 636-5010.
November is Home and Hospice Care Month. Please take a moment to thank this
Genesys team for the services they provide every day 365 day a year to patients and
families needing care in their home or at the hospice care center.
When holiday decorating, follow “Scrooge list”
This information is provided by the Genesys safety team.
When decorating work areas, please remember:
• Do not block exit routes.
• Do not block fire extinguishers.
• Do not block sprinklers.
• Place decorations no closer than 18 inches from the ceiling.
• Do not stretch cords across walkways or pathways.
• Artificial trees must have a fire resistant label.
• Do not use 110 volt lights for decorating.
• Only use battery-operated string lights or indirect lighting.
• Do not have any open flames (exception: candles used for religious ceremonies
in approved areas. Someone must attend lit candles at all times).
• Do not use any combustible or flammable materials.
• Turn off lights when no one is in the area.
• Do not use artificial snow sprays.
• Do not decorate fire doors.
• Do not use once-live trees or garland.
If you have questions about decorating, call Buildings and Grounds or Scott Cruzen,
Genesys safety officer.
IS pilots new virtual workstation technology; Catalyst
On Monday, Dec. 1, Genesys Information Services (IS) will pilot a new “virtual
workstation” that will allow users to sign on and launch applications once, roam to
other workstations and return to where they started.
“The new virtual workstation will enhance caregiver workflows and improve
access to patient clinical information,” says Jan Cepiga, IS security officer. “This
technology creates a virtual ‘follow-me’ workstation with advanced location
awareness that allows users to roam from device to device without re-launching
applications.”
Workstations will be located in the inpatient, acute and critical care areas of Health
Park. The pilot will last three weeks. Please continue to read INK for more
information on the Catalyst Project.
Donate a pair of shoes for a local child in need
Those interested in donating a pair of new shoes for a local child in need may
contact one of the following people to sign up and donate:
Values
Reflection
“After all these years, I am still involved
in the process of self-discovery. It's better
to explore life and make mistakes than to
play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues
one pays for a full life.”
– Sophia Loren
Health Park: Diane Thompson, Andy Kruse, and Cindy Bruett
Materials Management: Starr Johnson
Genesys Convalescent Center: Daphne Hajek
Genesys Hospice Care Center: Cheryl Laramore
East Flint Campus: Paulette Adams
West Flint Campus: Linda Blake
PHO: Jennifer Doyle
Donations to GHF a worthy cause
Those interested also may pick up the name of a child outside the Health Park
cafeteria on Dec. 1 and 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you have questions about
Shoes That Fit, please call Cindy Bruett at 606-6264.
Did you know that the Patient Assistance fund
helps to provide Genesys Health System
patients (inpatient and outpatient) with
clinical services, assists in treatment and
therapies of patients, and helps make services
available to those who cannot afford care?
Genesys Hillside Center offers help with SADS
The onset of winter often brings SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome),
a condition caused by lack of sunlight. Those affected by SADS may experience
mood changes – apathy, unhappiness, a sense of hopelessness or helplessness, and
irritability. Genesys Hillside Center for Behavioral Services reminds individuals
that help is available. Treatment options include medications, phototherapy and
psychotherapy. Even simple actions such as exercise and keeping lights on can
help improve this condition. If you think you may be a victim of SADS, please
talk with your family physician, or call 424-2400.
Last call: please consider adopting a family
Many families in Genesee County will not celebrate Christmas this year because
of limited incomes. Many employees have stepped forward already to adopt a
family through Health Access, but, unfortunately, this year many more families are
in need. If you have family members or friends who would like to adopt a family
this year, please call Health Access at 232-4200 or email rfbrown@genesys.org.
Health Access will match you with a family that will fit your needs.
Thanksgiving holiday pay day Nov. 26 and 28
Since the next pay day falls on Thanksgiving Day, employees can pick up their
paychecks Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Friday, Nov. 28,
from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Please note: the Payroll office will be closed Friday,
Nov. 28. Please also note: employees are allowed to pick up their own paycheck
only. If you are unable to pick up your check, it will be mailed to your home on
Fridays at noon.
If you are looking for a worthy cause to
contribute to this year, why not consider a
fund established through the Genesys Health
Foundation (GHF)?
If you are interested in donating to the Patient
Assistance fund, call 606-7909.
The Faces of Genesys
Featured at the top of this week’s cover
of INK: Mark Vogel, PhD, Psychology and
Behavioral Science director.
Living the Values
“Keisha Doolan, RN; Stephanie Rouse, RN; and
Erin Parker, RN, did everything possible and saved
my husband's life more than once! Thanks again
for the remarkable care.”
– The wife of a Genesys patient
We are called to: Service of the Poor, Reverence, Integrity,
Wisdom, Creativity and Dedication
Donate to the United Way and make a difference
The annual United Way giving campaign is underway. For more information or
contribution forms, please contact executive assistant Sharon Jones at 606-6918 or
sjones@genesys.org. All completed forms must be returned to her by Dec. 12.
Don’t wait to complete your annual safety training
Log into the GLI and complete your required courses by Wednesday, Dec. 31.
This is a mandatory Corporate Responsibility and HIPAA requirement.
EverGreen now selling holiday wreaths, poinsettias
Stop by the EverGreen cart in the Health Park atrium to purchase wreaths,
centerpieces, poinsettias and more to deck the halls this holiday season. Those
interested can place custom orders or purchase directly from the cart.
Remember to subscribe to online daily reflections
The Genesys Spiritual Care department developed an online daily reflection – short
Bible readings and reflections. What a perfect way to begin your day. You can access
these through the Genesys intranet homepage or subscribe to them. Daily reflections
are emailed every morning, Monday through Friday.
Transportation online survey
The Human Resource (HR) department is
working with MTA to determine the
feasibility of establishnig a quicker/more
direct route to Genesys Health Park.
Employees interested in express service
would need to commit to purchasing a
transporation pass costing $45 per month.
HR needs your feedback in order to
determine if there is enough interest to offer
this service. Interested employees can fill out
an online survey accessible via the Genesys
intranet homepage. Survey deadline is Dec. 8.
Inside Ascension Health
A new edition of “Inside Ascension Health,”
the national ministry’s video newscast, is now
available for viewing. To watch this newscast,
go to the Genesys intranet homepage and
click the link under the miscellaneous tab.
Employees, be mindful of protected health information
It is the policy of Genesys Health System (GHS) to use and disclose Protected Health
Information (PHI) only in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
GHS employees may access Protected Health Information for treatment, payment, or
operational purposes. Employees must remember that they may not access medical
records of friends, family members, or any one else, unless they are involved in the
treatment, payment, or operations for that patient. If you have questions about this
policy, please call Marcia Billingsley at 606-7781 or Jan Cepiga at 606-6077.
Third annual special edition of Advisor is coming!
On Wednesday, Dec. 31, the INK staff will publish the third annual special edition of
Advisor! All ads for the annual special edition must be sent on the form below.
ADVISOR
....
Transportation
Auto - ‘95 Pontiac Grand Prix. 140K miles. One
owner. $700. (586) 243-1463.
Housing
House - 2 Br. with attic room and finished
basement. No back taxes. Detroit. 814-9973.
Miscellaneous
Generator - Tecumsch engine. 4,000 watts.
Electric Start. $250. 636-2828.
INK Advisor special edition ad form – Please fill out this form completely.
Hot tub - Penthouse, two person, 500 gallon.
New in 1992. $300. 636-2828.
Name
____________________________________________________
Jet ski - ‘94 Kawasaki. $650. 343-0613.
Department
____________________________________________________
Malamute puppies - AKC. 6 weeks. 569-3894.
Work extension ____________________________________________________
Ski boots - Ladies, size 10. $25. (586) 243-1463.
Home phone
____________________________________________________
Sofa and loveseat - Beige. $200. (586) 243-1463.
Email address ____________________________________________________
Table - Wicker. Three bar stools. (586) 243-1463.
Please write your ad in the space provided.
Special edition Advisor ads will be a maximum of four standard Advisor lines.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Please fax your completed ad by Monday, Dec. 8, to 606-6279, attention Brett Rogers.
Or, interoffice your ad to the Genesys Marketing Department C/O Brett Rogers.
* The INK Staff reserves the right to refuse any ad that may be considered
inappropriate for the general public.
Table - Oak, four chairs. $100. (586) 243-1463.
Toner cartridges - Canon A30, EP-L; HP Laser
Jet 92298A, 92274A; HP Color Laset Jet 4500 4550. If anyone at work has these printers, call
Cindy McMurphy at 424-2209, for extras.
TV VCR DVD combo - (2) $70. (586) 243-1463.
INK ads?
Submit them online via the Genesys intranet
homepage, or email them to INK@genesys.org.
Sorry, no solicitation of businesses, please.