December 2007
Where caring counts. Feel the difference.
Where Caring Really Counted – for Gladysmi
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ladys Torstenson hated and feared hospitals, and did all she could to avoid them. Before moving to Shelton in 1993, Gladys swore she would never go into a hospital. However, in 1998 her family had no choice but to take her to the Emergency Department at Mason General Hospital. It was then she began a journey of many visits to MGH but only after she was won over by the attentiveness of Dr. Joe Hoffman, a board-certified Gladys’ family came back to thank some of the emergency services physician. staff that helped with her care, (l-r) Teresa TorstenThis visit was the first time she had son, daughter; Kathy Miller, granddaughter; Bill felt at ease in any hospital setting, and Tucker, lab assistant at MGH, Hildi Espino, R.N. it would also be the first of several trips in ICU; and Mary Johnson, daughter. to Mason General for Gladys, until her Hildi, the ICU nurse. “Everyone, from the death in October. doctors, nurses, and lab technicians, to even “Each time, the staff at Mason General the kitchen staff – were so kind and loving was wonderful with our mother,” said Gladys’ with her that she came to regard them as her daughter, Mary, naming everyone from Bill in the lab, to Pat in diagnostic imaging, and Continued on page 2…
MRI Now Available at Hospital
Mason General Hospital’s diagnostic imaging now has Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) available starting in mid-December. MRI technology combines a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce
high-quality images that assist physicians in assessing a patient’s condition. It differs from both the x-ray and CT scan because it uses radio waves to pass through the body. This allows exceptional pictures showing soft body tissue in great detail. There are no known side effects and the unit uses no harmful radiation. Nearly any body part may be evaluated from nearly any angle. “This system allows us to provide the best images available, aiding physicians in their efforts to provide the best diagnoses possible based on the additional information the MRI scan provides,” said Bob Appel, CEO at MGH. For more information call Shelly at (360) 427-9551.
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Vol. 23 No. 6
Lab Services Streamlined– Average Wait Time Reduced by 43% Changes were recently made in our laboratory service that were directed at improving the laboratory outpatient experience. Those changes are now paying off. According to Dee Ann Kline, Ph.D., director of laboratory services at MGH, the average total patient wait time for service over the last few months has been reduced by 43 percent. Factors contributing to this improvement include: ✽ Focusing on the priority of outpatients ✽ Adding extra morning lab assistants ✽ Increasing the number of lab assistants assigned to the outpatient draw station Continued on page 2…
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Where Caring Really Counted continued from page 1 own family,” added granddaughter, Kathy. “And we soon began to regard them as family, too.” Like many patients at MGH, it doesn’t take them long to learn that “Where Caring Counts. Feel the difference” is truly the hallmark of Mason General Hospital. With a reputation for care that one rarely finds in a larger hospital, MGH attracts healthcare professionals who purposely choose to work at MGH for the opportunity to interact on a caring and personal level with patients. “We are true professionals here, with a compassion that is natural to the staff, and that’s what makes this a very special place to work,” said Barbara Kreutz, BSN, director of MGH’s intensive care unit. Melissa Clark, R.N., ICU; Lulu Hernandez, As Gladys’ body gave way, her family gathered registration specialist; and Geri Coble, lab assistant, were also a part of the “family” that at her bedside with her favorite gospel music Gladys found to be so caring at MGH. playing in the background, and her ‘extended family’(MGH staff) were right there too, with a genuine love they had from knowing and caring for her. “Without the exceptional care and concern the hospital staff had shown our mother, I believe she would not have been with us as long as she was,” said daughter, Teresa, with a warm smile of gratitude.
Sponsors Title Sponsor Sherrie Vig, Olympic Station Deli & Espresso
Gala & Auction Sponsor Hiawatha Corporation
Swing Fever Festival Sponsor Peste Family, in memory of Fred Peste
Fashion Show & Luncheon Sponsor Fred Finn, West Brothers, LLC
Apple Cup Sponsor Dynamic Collectors
Father-Daughter Night Out Sponsor Christmas Village
Teddy Bear Party Sponsor John L. Scott Real Estate
Do You Take Medications on a Daily Basis? Write them down. The type of medications you take (this includes all over-thecounter ones, too) and the dosages, are important to your medical team at Mason General Hospital. Please remember to bring a list of these medications and dosages whenever you come to the hospital for care. We do not have access to your records at the local pharmacies or your doctor’s office. Because of this, it is very important to have these medications written on a card placed in your wallet. Please remember to update the card every time your medications change.
Lab Services continued from page 1
✽ Remodeling of the lab draw stations to handle more patients, with increased privacy ✽ Restructuring of processes for speed and accuracy. The patient’s order is now entered into the computer and the specimens are labeled with computer-generated labels while the patient is present at the draw station The good news does not stop at the draw station. During the last year, the laboratory has: ✽ Installed six new blood analyzers. Another chemistry analyzer was installed in November ✽ Implemented a new Laboratory Information System, creating a report interface with several local physicians’ offices ✽ Once again successfully passed a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) inspection with accolades from the surveyor ✽ Added several new tests to the testing menu, increasing the testing capability for patients ✽ Redesigned the chemistry quality assurance program
Community Open Houses Sponsor Sage Book Store
Gift Shop Sponsor Heritage Bank
Senior Tea Sponsor Alpine Way Retirement Apartments
Site Decoration Sponsor CellNetix Pathology Dennis F. Peck, M.D. Terrance A. Schulte, M.D. Jay M. Odell, M.D. Richard O. Whitten, M.D. Nisreen Fidda, M.D. Francois M. Cady, M.D.
Hall Sponsor Our Community Credit Union
Programs Sponsor Peninsula Credit Union
Forest Star Sponsors Bob & Melanie Appel Steven H. Bowers, DDS, PS Cardiovascular Associates, PLLC Mtn. View Women’s Health Center Curtis C. Sapp, DDS Shelton Health & Rehabilitation Center Verle’s, LLC Michael D. Wittenberg, CPA
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2007 Fantasy Forest Thank you... To the many hardworking volunteers, staff, administration, sponsors, donors, physicians, & community for supporting 2007 Fantasy Forest. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Tree Designers Holiday Cheer Designed & decorated by Beth Gregg, Janie Chamberlin, & Bonnie Kisbye
Craftmen’s Yuletide Designed & decorated by Sandi Brown
I’m Dreaming of a NASCAR Christmas Designed & decorated by MGH Future Generation Guild
A Mickey Mouse Christmas Designed & decorated by Adele DuPont
Very Fairy Christmas Designed & decorated by Kari Lanphear
Purple Fantasy Designed & decorated by Verna Liles, Amanda Thurber, Robin Thurber, & Robin Hudson, of Blooms by the Park
Spun Gold Designed & decorated by Patricia Heaton
Crystal Dreams & Winter Wishes
Larry Stevens and Dick Pasalich of Hiawatha, Incorporated.
The 2007 Mason General Hospital Foundation ‘Flame Award’ recipients are Larry Stevens and Dick Pasalich of Hiawatha, Incorporated. They were presented with the award at the 12th Annual Fantasy Forest Gala Dinner and Auction, for their outstanding support of MGH Foundation’s work in raising funds for Mason General Hospital. Hiawatha, under the direction of Stevens and Pasalich, underwrites and sponsors Foundation events such as Fantasy Forest and the Annual Golf Tournament. They also participate in these events and allow their employees to use business time to help the Foundation. Congratulations!
Designed & decorated by Lynch Creek Floral
Music from Heaven Designed & decorated by Linda Geary
Gone Fishing Designed & decorated by Sarah Stevens
Merry Mardi Gras Designed & decorated by Carolyn Vogel, Theresa Chamberlain, & Judy Lucero
Scottish Tree Designed & decorated by Rosemary Miller
Entry Way Tree Designed & decorated by Maggie Jonas of Oakland Bay Garden Center
Flying South for the Winter Designed & decorated by Lynn Harvey of Twigs ‘n Twine
Northwest Bears Designed & decorated by Sally Kesselman, Mary Kelley, & Debbie Hurst, of Ferguson Flowers.
Fund “2” Items Birthing Beds & Bronchoscope Within minutes, more than $60,000 was raised at the 2007 Fantasy Forest Dinner Gala and Auction to purchase two much needed pieces of equipment for Mason General Hospital. Funding of two Stryker birthing beds and an Olympus Bronchoscope were made possible by the supporters during the annual “Fund-an-Item.” The Stryker birthing beds, which will be used in MGH’s Birthing Center during deliveries, offer the highest level of patient safety and comfort, while also providing safety and security to the medical staff by way of enhanced ergonomics, simple operation, and advanced mobility. For the pulmonology specialists, the expanded Olympus Bronchoscope technology will provide state-of-the-art imaging in a high definition format, which will give the medical staff and surgeons the ability to observe and immediately treat lung tissue, on-site.
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SBAR means –
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Open to Serve You, Again
“Better Communication about Patient Care results in Better Care.” Situation, Background Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) is now a standard way of communicating with other healthcare providers at MGH. “By using this method of communication, patient safety is elevated at MGH,” stated Cheryl Ann Graf, ARNP, MSN, MBA, director of the emergency department. “SBAR helps physicians and nurses communicate with each other in a more effective way because this standardized form of communication helps caregivers speak about patients in a concise and complete way.” More specifically, the SBAR technique seeks to align methods of communicating critical information about a patient’s condition. It sets expectations for what will be communicated and how, allowing for an easy and focused flow of communication between members of the team – which is essential for developing teamwork.
Want to see what’s happening at Treasures Thrift Stores? Go to www.treasuresthriftstores.org
Colleen Ripley, Auxiliary Gift Shop manager, celebrates the recent ‘remodel’ of the shop, “opening it up for everyone to stroll inside.” Volunteers that helped to make it happen one fall Saturday included Ruth and Denis Snyder, Jim and Sherry Giglione, and David Cox. The proceeds from the Gift Shop help to purchase needed medical equipment and provide scholarships to nursing students.
om Our Patien r F s o ts! Kud
The Emergency Room doctor was great! His bedside manner was calming and direct. He developed a great rapport with the patient and our family.” – ER “Because of your staff’s excellent care, we were able to take care of my son and still pick up my husband on the pier as he was coming home from his overseas deployment.” – ER “The staff was excellent and gave coloring books and crayons to all 4 of my children, including the injured one. The staff was even tolerant with our 2-year old, who ran around your waiting room.” – ER “The nurses introduced themselves, explained everything, and gave me a warm blanket. They made me feel good. MGH is one of the best hospitals in Washington State.” – Surgery “The doctor and nurses were the best I have ever had. They made the procedure comfortable.” – Surgery “I was expecting regular hospital food! The food and service at Mason General Hospital is extraordinary! I want to come back and sample more goodies from the cafeteria.” – MSP “We were just visiting the area and wound up in the hospital. We could not have asked for better care and treatment. Thanks, to all the people at Mason General Hospital.” – ICU
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MRSA – What is the Real Issue? By Diana T. Yu, M.D., Thurston and Mason County Health Officer
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here has been a tremendous interest in erythromycin, because resistance to ClindaMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus mycin develops very rapidly. Aureus (MRSA) in the last few weeks, spurred Patients that cannot maintain appropriate by reports of seriously ill children admitted to hygiene and keep wounds covered should be hospitals for invasive MRSA disease. MRSA excluded from swimming, water sports, or is definitely more difficult to treat, needs to be activities where close contact occurs: as in diagnosed and treated promptly, and can be child care and athletic practices. invasive and deadly. Prevention More than 50 percent of MRSA cultures in Thurston County are community-acquired. Most ✽ Practice good hygiene; wash hands freMRSA infections are transmitted person-to-perquently with soap and water or use an son via frequent, close contact. MRSA can also alcohol-based hand sanitizer be transmitted by “fomites” such as shared towels ✽ Shower regularly and clothing. MRSA can also become colonized ✽ Wash, clean, and cover wounds with clean on pets and is a potential cause of recurrent bandages to prevent infection infections. It is important to remember that colo✽ Do not share towels or other personal nization with staphylococcus is fairly common. clothing Our skin provides a great barrier against infection. Athletes (especially those involved in contact Hygiene (daily showers, washing and cleaning ongratulations to Mandy Parez, age sports) should: wounds, washing hands) is the mainstay for 9, for winning MGH’s Intensive Care Unit ✽ Take a shower with soap and water as preventing infection with MRSA. “hand washing picture contest.” The soon after activity as possible. There is MRSA infections are often described as “spider purpose of the contest, that drew ten entries, no need for antimicrobial soaps to wash bites” or “bug bites.” They can cause superficial ages 3 to 14, was to help people remember off dirt, sweat, or germs skin lesions, cellulitis, lymphadenitis, or form to wash their hands in order to prevent the ✽ Launder uniforms and towels after each boils. MRSA can cause osteomyelitis, bacteremia, spread of infections and viruses. Mandy’s use and dry thoroughly in a hot dryer pneumonia, empyema or meningitis. art was selected by staff and visitors to the ✽ Clean and disinfect helmets, pads, wresMost community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) ICU. Mandy received $20 for her entry and tling mats, and other shared equipment are resistant to beta-lactams (example: penicileveryone else received a $5 McDonald’s gift with a household disinfectant and allow lins and cephalosporins); macrolides (example: certificate. All entries are now on display to air-dry completely erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin); and in the ICU department. ✽ Obtain adequate wound care, cover increasingly to fluoroquinolones and tetracywounds, and seek medical attention at clines. Incision and drainage is the treatment of choice for pustular the first sign of redness, pus, or discharge skin lesions. Antibiotics such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole ✽ Not participate when they have a skin infection, until after it is can be started as empiric treatment, while awaiting culture and treated sensitivities. Do not use Clindamycin in cultures that are resistant to
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Need a Support Group?
www.MasonGeneral.com/support_groups.htm Support Groups available at MGH: • AARP Driver Safety (55 Alive) • Childbirth Classes • Compassionate Friends • Depressed Anonymous • Diabetes Support Group • FIE (Fiercely Independent Elders) • Lap Band • Narcotics Anonymous • Tai Chi • Alcoholics Anonymous • Alzheimer’s Support Group • Assured Home Health & Hospice Grief Support Groups • Bereavement Support Group • Bereavement Support (Providence Sound Home Care) • Domestic Violence Support Group • MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers.
Click on This! Eye Surgery? Meet the surgeon! www.MasonGeneral.com/eyeclinic.htm Want more information on our Emergency Department? Go to www.MasonGeneral.com/ER.html The Foundation is doing great things for our Hospital. Check them out at www.MasonGeneral.com/foundation.htm Have you seen the Wellness Garden at MGH? www.MasonGeneral.com/wellness.htm
Go to
Patient Safety is paramount at MGH. For more information go to www.MasonGeneral.com/Safety_Brochure.pdf
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News Briefs ...Congratulations to MGH “Employees of the Month” for October - Hildi Espino, R.N., ICU; and November - Cindy Eaton, R.N., birthing center ...Treasures Thrift Store recognized “Volunteer of the Month” for September - Evelyn Nauman; and October - Robert Hayek. Congratulations! ...Dean E. Gushee, M.D., chief-of-emergency services at Mason General Hospital, was recently appointed to take on the new part-time Medical Director duties there, also. Dr. Gushee, board-certified in emergency medicine, will direct the development of clinical pathways and their integration in the technology initiatives currently underway at MGH. ...Kifflyn (Kiffy) Fuller, R.N.C., is the new Dean Gushee, M.D. director of the medical/surgical/pediatric unit at MGH, replacing Kathy Grover, R.N., who recently retired. Tana Snyder, R.N., is the new emergency department clinical coordinator. ...The Sherwood Hospital Guild recently presented $10,000 to MGH’s Board of Commissioners, to be divided between three hospital departments: the Laboratory, Safety, and Maintenance. Laboratory: Earlier this year the phlebotomy/ blood drawing area in the lab was remodeled, and replaced a patient bed with an electric phlebotomy chair which fully reclines and is height-adjustable. Safety Department: In their effort to improve safety and reduce risks for both patients and staff while moving patients, the safety department purchased repositioning sheets – special sheets with built-in straps placed under the bottom bed sheets of non-ambulatory patients who need full or partial assistance to move. The use of these sheets reduces the risk of patient skin lesions and stress (bed sores). Maintenance Department: Multiple maintenance equipment purchased. Sherwood Hospital Guild raises its funds for equipment for the hospital from its annual “Cooking with Xinh” event. This year the two-evening event will be held March 30 and 31 at Xinh’s Clam &
Oyster House. For information on the 2008 event, call the Foundation Office at (360) 427-3623 or (360) 275-8401 from Belfair.
...Karen Hilburn (center), founder of the Karen Hilburn Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund for uninsured and underinsured women who need diagnoses or treatment for cervical or breast cancer at Mason General Hospital, is shown here with Jeff McHargue of Arnold and Smith Insurance; and Renee Youngs of the Alderbrook Men’s and Women’s Golf Tournament. Jeff and business partner, Chris Ladner, donated $1,000 to the KHB&CC Fund, while the Alderbrook Golf Club raised $3,800 in a September tournament for the Fund. “These groups are so awesome,” said Karen, in response to the donations. “They do it to help women in our area receive necessary healthcare.” For more information on the Fund, call (360) 427-3623 or go to www.MasonGeneral.com/Hilburn.html.
EMPLOYEE FOCUS
Hildi Espino R.N., ICU & house supervisor “I love what I do,” said Hildi Espino, with her contagious smile. “I enjoy my job as it keeps me motivated and upbeat. On top of that, I have wonderful people to work with.” Hildi is a self-proclaimed “lover of learning,” and grabs every opportunity to improve her skills, which MGH encourages.
• Complete physical examinations – annuals & sports physicals • Diagnosis & treatment for common acute & chronic health problems & medical conditions • Lab tests/X-rays/EKGs • Immunizations & more
140 NE State Route 300, Belfair, WA
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Auxiliary Raises Monies for Medical Equipment & Scholarships – Want to Help?
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n the summer of 1950, the proceeds going to the hospital adminisscholarships for students trator at “Shelton General entering the nursing or Hospital” met with seven other medical profeslocal women who were sions. The Auxiliary also interested in organizing supports the Lifeline Proan auxiliary to aid the gram, to help low income only hospital in the area. subscribers. Following a luncheon for Varied fundraising prospective members, projects over the years there were 113 ladies have included card parwilling to participate in ties, concerts, cook books, fundraising projects. raffles, and bake sales. In 1968, the newly The ladies also assist with constructed and re-named the blood bank draws and Mary Anne Munson, vice president “Mason General Hospihelp with Fantasy Forest of the MGH Auxiliary, and Ann Peters-Batstone, membership tal” was dedicated, and activities. chair of the Auxiliary, enjoy a light the MGH Auxiliary was If you are interested moment at one of the Auxiliary’s reorganized under the in joining this dynamic monthly meetings. If you’d like name of Mason General group, plan to attend a to join this worthwhile group, call Hospital Auxiliary. The monthly meeting. They Ann at (360) 426-0447. membership continued to meet on the 2nd Monday grow, and over the years, through various of every month in the Ellinor Room at MGH. money-making projects, the Auxiliary has Lunch is provided by MGH Executive Chef, annually donated funds for new hospital John Cruse, and staff. The price is $7. If you equipment and scholarships. are interested in becoming a member and Today, the Auxiliary supports and staffs wish to attend the lunch meeting, call Ann the “Gift Shop” within the hospital, with Peters-Batstone at (360) 426-0447.
Go to www.MasonGeneral. com/birth.htm to read all about Mason General Hospital’s birthing plans and its physicians.
There’s
a lot to see...
Searching for a local physician? NEW 2008 Medical Directory now available in print or on MGH’s website. It includes physician photos, contact information, email addresses, etc.
New to the area?
• Eye Surgery • Routine Eye Exams • Diagnosis & treatment of eye diseases • Treatment of Glaucoma, Cataracts & Diabetes • Emergent Care
Go to www.MasonGeneral.com for detailed information on Services, Physicians, Classes, and Support Groups.
2300 Kati Court, Suite C, Shelton
Need a doctor? Want to get to know your hospital?
(360) 426-8717
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Looking for Christmas ideas for a loved one who lives alone? Try LifeLine®—an emergency response system at the touch of a button. Just $32 a month (with a $35 installation fee). Call MGH Patient Resources at (360) 427-9544 for further information and installation details.
(360) 426-3102 247 Professional Way, Shelton, WA
Our Mission: We take every possible action to protect and promote the health of the people in Mason County while extending respect and compassion as we serve each individual. Published by: Public Hospital District No. 1 for Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics, North Mason Medical Clinic, and Mason County Eye Clinic. Business Office: Office hours: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Spanish Translator Available. Located at Gateway Center, 2505 Olympic Hwy N., Suite 460, (360) 427-9547 Mason General Hospital: Visiting hours: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., daily. Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.): special hours on a patient-by-patient basis, call for Unit hours. Located at: 901 Mtn. View Drive, Building 1, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001, (360) 426-1611, from Belfair (360) 275-8614. Serving the medical needs of the county since 1968. Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. TTY/TTD: (360) 427-9593. Translation Services Provided. Se habla español. Equal Opportunity Provider.
Holiday Season… ❑ Ski Season… ❑ Wrestling Season… ❑ Flu Season…
✦ Well-baby checkups ✦ Immunizations ✦ Free prenatal consultations ✦ Physicals: school & sports ✦ “Electronic” medical records
Oakland Bay Pediatrics: 247 Professional Way, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 426-3102 North Mason Medical Clinic: 140 N.E. S.R. 300, Belfair, WA 98528, (360) 275-4084, from Shelton (360) 426-8405 Mason County Eye Clinic: 2300 Kati Court, Suite C, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 426-8717 Administration: Bob Appel, chief executive officer; Eric Moll, chief financial officer; Diane Stillman, chief operating officer; Bonnie J. Davis, M.D., chief of staff; Nancy Trucksess, commissioner/president; Scott Hilburn and Don Wilson, commissioners. Scope: Published six times per year. Editor: McCarty & Associates, Inc. “a marketing firm”
• To Bremerton
Mason General Hospital POB 1668 Shelton, WA 98584
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Shelton, WA Permit No. 56
ECRWSS Postal Customer