McLeodnewsMAY 2012

c a r i n g i n t e g r i t yp e r s o n q u a l i t y

McLeod Values in Action4 CARInG: Children’s Miracle network5 PeRsOn: new Board members6 QUALITY: welcoming new Physicians7 InTeGRITY: news Briefs

2 service excellence3 Accolades

8 Making Rounds 9 weight-loss strategies10 Looking Ahead

Dr. Michael Rose, Vice President of Surgical Services for McLeod Health, has been recognized as a recipient of the 2012 Lewis Blackman Patient Safety Champion Healthcare Executive Award. This distinction is given to a South Carolina hospital executive whose vision, guidance, and support have played a critical role in creating better, safer hospitals.

Dr. Rose is the second McLeod Health recipient of this honor. Donna Isgett, Senior Vice President of Quality and Safety, received the Healthcare Executive Award in 2009.

Dr. Rose accepted this award on behalf of the McLeod Surgical Services team during the 5th annual Every Patient Counts Patient Safety Symposium in April.

Sponsored by the SC Hospital Association (SCHA), Health Sciences South Carolina, PHT Services, and Mothers Against Medical Errors, the Patient Safety Champion Awards are named in honor of Lewis Wardlaw Blackman, a boy from Columbia whose life was cut short in 2000 as the result of potentially preventable medical complications after an elective surgical procedure.

Hospitals across the state, and throughout the country, are working together to improve patient safety and healthcare quality so that each patient’s experience is as safe as possible, which is key to the SCHA’s Every Patient Counts initiative.

More than two years ago, Dr. Rose and McLeod Surgical Services led a charge to adapt the Surgical Safety Checklist introduced by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement for surgical patient care at McLeod. This checklist, sponsored by the World Health Organization and championed by national healthcare leader Dr. Atul Gawande, is designed to improve care, foster clear communication, and encourage positive, engaging behavior between the members of the surgical team.

Dr. Rose and the team incorporated surgical time-out guidelines set forth by the Joint Commission to create a McLeod-specific safety checklist.

The team engaged McLeod Surgeons in the safety checklist philosophy and expanded the concept to every operating room

Championing patient safety

at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Their objective was to reach “every person, every patient, every time.”

The next phase for Dr. Rose and the team is to move forward and take what they have learned and share it with other health-care facilities throughout South Carolina and other states.

“Dr. Rose’s medical expertise and commitment to patient safety continues to support the efforts of McLeod Health as our organization evolves into one of the top performers in the United States for providing consistent quality healthcare,” said McLeod Health President Rob Colones.

“Dr. Rose’s insight and knowledge have led our surgical teams into making improvements that have a direct and crucial impact on the quality and safety of patient care at McLeod.”

Dr. Rose is a physician and a member of the McLeod Health management team. He provides direct patient care as a practicing anesthesiologist and serves as a member of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees.

On a statewide level, Dr. Rose serves as the Chairman of the Safe Surgery 2015 Leadership Team for the SCHA. His passion for safe surgery, eliminating risks, decreasing sentinel events, and improving the care to the surgical patient is demonstrated by this endeavor.

Dr. Michael Rose (center), with Keith Torgersen and April Howell, received the SC Patient Safety Champion Award on behalf of the McLeod Surgical Services team.

administratoraccepts awardfor surgical team

McLeod News l May 20122

McLeod Newsis published by

McLeod Communications & Public Information.

Celia Whitten, editor (777-2695 or CWhitten@McLeodHealth.org)

Sidney Glass, photographer

www.McLeodHealth.org or www.mrmc.McLeodHealth.org

service

— Catherine Lee FrederickAssociate Vice President, Service Excellence

How do we define the “quality” of an experience? If we were to dine in a fine restaurant, most of us would consider the taste of the food as the primary definition of quality.

However, there are other factors that may be just as important to some — the décor and atmosphere, the behavior and attitude of the wait staff, the creativity of how the food is presented, how easy it was to park, or how long it took for the food to be prepared.

Many things can define quality in a restaurant. In fact, I knew someone who refused to return to a lovely restaurant (where the food was wonderful, by the way) because the chairs were uncomfortable.

When it comes to health care, we know there are certain indicators of clinical quality that are fundamental. For example, patient safety is certainly a measure of quality; we must allow no harm, such as an incorrect medication or wrong-site surgery

If one of these events were to occur, we would easily define it as a failure in the quality arena. Additionally, we must provide our patients with evidence-based, best-practice interventions when they need medical care.

For example, we know we have a limited amount of time to administer an emergency heart catheterization to assure the best outcomes. If we were to miss the mark according to the clock, we would grade ourselves as having compromised the quality of care.

Specific parameters such as these make it somewhat easy for us to be able to say that we are, or are not, passing the quality test. However, just as there are many variables in how we might evaluate the quality of a restaurant, our patients also consider many aspects of their experience when they determine the quality of their health care.

Service Excellence exists because we want our patients to have an experience that fulfills our four core values of Caring, Person, Quality, and Integrity. We want our patients to have such an excellent experience that their anxiety is reduced and their potential for healing is increased.

The goal of Service Excellence is that our patients will be loyal to McLeod Health in the future. Part of that experience is

measured by a patient satisfaction survey from which we know, based on our scores, if we pass or fail the “patient experience” quality test.

It would be easy if that pass/fail score on a survey were all we needed to know to declare that we provide a high-quality experience. But no survey can encompass all that is important to any one patient. Some patients consider how long it takes us to respond to their needs as an indicator of quality, while others place high priority on speaking with their physician.

There are patients who place value on the taste or timing of their meals, while others focus on how easy it was to navigate the admission process. The sheer volume of variables affecting patients’ perception of their experience is almost limitless.

So, how do we begin to define “quality” when it comes to the patient experience? There are two approaches we must consider:

First, every caregiver should think about what the common needs are of his or her patients in general. Ask yourself, “What do my patients often ask about?” “What do they often need that I have to provide for them?”

Once you have listed those things based on a generalization of all of your patient population, you have an excellent starting point to create standard work. “Standard work” means that you will always do the same thing for every customer, every time.

If your patients often ask how long a procedure might take, choose to make it your standard work to pre-empt that question, by telling them before they can ask. By surprising them with answers before they can even ask, you are adding a component of “quality” to their experience.

Second, consider a very personalized approach for each patient or customer, as well as a generalized “standard work” approach. Ask your patient what is most important to him or her about the experience, and then cater to his or her needs, according to that unique answer.

Both of these approaches — Standard Work for all patients and Personalized Care for each individual — can only be implemented if you listen, observe, and analyze very carefully what your customers want and need. Then, apply that knowledge by making it part of how you measure the quality of the experience you deliver.

Measure yourself and the service you provide based on more than survey outcomes alone. Instead, measure based on what your customers tell you they want and how well you meet or exceed those wants and needs. Remember, it is the patients who have the final say in whether they had a “quality” experience.

Patient gets the last word on defining ‘quality’

McLeod News l May 2012 3

Awards and Recognition

Michele BrittOperating Room

McLeod DillonAwarded McLeod Merit Award,

April 12, 2012

Tiffany DavisCardiopulmonaryMcLeod DillonAwarded McLeod Merit Award,April 12, 2012

Dr. Peter Hyman has joined the McLeod Occupational Medicine Team as the Medical Director of McLeod Occupational Health and McLeod Employee Health.

Prior to accepting this position, Dr. Hyman served as the Medical Director of the McLeod Emergency Department for six years. During his 15 years of service in the Emergency Department, Dr. Hyman also provided medical support in caring for Occupational Health industry clients.

Dr. Hyman received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He attended the McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program and completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia.

The McLeod Occupational Health Department is equipped to handle non life-threatening occupational injuries and illnesses.

“My experience in emergency medicine will allow us to handle those cases that previously would have required emergency department treatment due to the seriousness of the injury,” Dr. Hyman said.

The McLeod Occupational Health Department provides a host of employment services including wellness programs, pre-placement screenings, physical evaluations, hearing and vision testing, immunizations, and drug and alcohol testing.

One of Dr. Hyman’s duties as medical director is supervising the nurses on staff as part of Occupational Health’s on-site nursing services.

“Currently, we have nine registered nurses and five nurse

McLeod Occupational Health and Employee Health

new director uses emergency trainingto care for employees’ injuries at work

Dr. Peter Hyman, who completed a residency in emergency medicine after earning his medical degree, is the new Medical Director of McLeod Occupational Health and Employee Health.

practitioners working at various industries in our region,” Dr. Hyman said. “It is a growing trend for industries to keep a nurse on site to care for minor injuries, as well as to offer support with preventative health-care programs and health and safety education.

“It is an exciting time for us now at McLeod Occupational Health. The addition of McLeod Loris and McLeod Seacoast has increased our coverage in the region,” he said. “I am looking forward to not only working with our new employees but also developing business relationships with the industries in Horry County.”

The McLeod Resource Center is now offering monthly sales with select items at 10 percent off.

For May, the featured item is Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags. Easy, fast, and reusable, the Quick Clean bags are micro-wavable and are the perfect way to sterilize everything from breast pumping accessories and pacifiers to toys.

Every package has five bags that can be used up to 20 times. This system is the most efficient way to disinfect new mom supplies.

The McLeod Resource Center also provides a friendly staff to assist with families’ health-care needs from pregnancy and childbirth to information about other health conditions and topics. Many items for expectant mothers are available at the Resource Center, such as childbirth and parenting magazines, baby care booklets, and samples of baby and maternity products.

The McLeod Resource Center is located at 927 East Day St. in Florence. For more information, call (843) 777-2890 or (843) 777-5493.

Resource Center offers monthly discount

McLeod News l May 20124

THE VALUE OF

MCLeOd VALUes In ACTIOnCaringThis year marks the 25th year of the Children’s Miracle

Network Hospitals Celebration broadcast at McLeod. It celebrates not only the successes attained at McLeod Children’s Hospital but also the amazing spirit so evident in the children who overcome physical and emotional challenges. But, they are not alone, because McLeod physicians, nurses, therapists, and staff provide excellent care and treatment, while families give love and hope, and donors at every level make specialized programs, equipment, and services possible.

WBTW TV-13 will broadcast the celebration live from the Child Life Activity Center of the McLeod Children’s Hospital on Sat., June 2 from 2-8 p.m.

Donations to McLeod Children’s Hospital can be made during the broadcast by calling 665-4100 or toll free 1-866-668-4862 or by visiting www.McLeodFoundation.org and clicking on the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals icon.

A hallmark of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is that 100 percent of every dollar raised in a community stays there to help children in need. The 2012 Miracle Children are the Lewis quadruplets, Blakeney Moore, and Harrison and Will Walker.

The Lewis QuadrupletsMatt and Susan Lewis of Florence were no different from

other young couples anxious to start a family. They just did not expect to announce that they would soon be a family of six, with the addition of quadruplets.

Susan’s obstetrician, Dr. Gary Emerson of McLeod OB/GYN, had never delivered quadruplets. This was a first for McLeod, too. McLeod Neonatologist Dr. Tommy Cox said the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team was informed that Susan was carrying quadruplets around the start of her second trimester. “We began to mentally prepare for how we would manage their care.”

On Thursday, June 30, at 33 weeks’ gestation, the babies — Maylee Margaret, Addison Claire, Brayden Elizabeth, and Matthew Parker — were delivered by c-section.

“This was the first set of quads under our care,” said Dr. Cox. “But you still treat them like four separate babies. At birth, they all weighed well over two pounds, and they each breathed on their own.”

“Maylee and Addison came home first on July 29,” Susan said. “Brayden followed on August 1, and Parker joined his sisters at home on August 3.”

Blakeney MooreLiz and Arthur Moore describe their daughter as an easy

baby. “Blakeney crawled and walked on time. Everything seemed normal,” said Liz. “However, when Blakeney was nearing three years of age, we started to notice a difference. Walking up a flight of stairs, Blakeney would swing her legs around instead of bending them at the hips and knees.”

“Blakeney was suffering from developmental dysplasia of the hip,” explained Dr. Al Gilpin, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who cares for patients at the McLeod Children’s Hospital. “If left untreated, Blakeney would experience significant problems in life with arthritis and ambulatory difficulties.” Multiple surgeries were inevitable.

Harrison and Will WalkerDawn and Mitch Walker credit McLeod Health for saving the

lives of their sons Harrison and Will three times and helping their growth and development in other ways. Born prematurely at McLeod Regional Medical Center, the twins required the lifesaving services of the McLeod NICU physicians and staff.

Five weeks into their stay, Harrison suffered a life-threatening setback but was saved by the skills of the NICU physicians and nurses. The boys were able to go home 12 days later.

At one-and-a-half years old, the twins’ pediatrician, Dr. Tom Spence, noticed their speech was not progressing as it should. He recommended that they enter speech therapy at McLeod.

Four years later, the boys each had tonsillectomy surgery. However, a little more than a week later, Harrison required emergency surgery to repair a bleeding blood vessel. “McLeod had all the assets they needed to care for our son,” said Mitch.

“If we did not have McLeod, Harrison would not be here today.” “We are so incredibly thankful to McLeod,” said Dawn. “Not

once, not twice, but three times, they have saved Harrison’s life, and they saved Will’s life with the care they gave him in the NICU.”

“Dr. Gilpin performed surgery on one hip, allowed her a short recovery, and then performed surgery on the other hip,” said Liz.

Blakeney required a body cast, which encases the entire body from mid-chest to the feet, ensuring that the body is not moved and will be able to heal properly.

Following surgery, Blakeney became a patient of the McLeod Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “We are grateful to the doctors and nurses,” said Arthur. “Blakeney was their patient, but they also cared for us as her parents.”

Blakeney needed physical therapy to help her regain the functional movements she had lost. The McLeod Pediatric Rehabilitation Therapists re-trained her body to physically handle the weight on her legs, to walk again, as well as going up and down stairs.

Blakeney endured six surgeries and one year of therapy. Today, she is a vivacious six-year-old.

Broadcast celebrates miracles, donors

The Lewis quadruplets will be celebrated as miracle children at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals broadcast on Saturday, June 2.

McLeod News l May 2012 5

THE VALUE OF

MCLeOd VALUes In ACTIOnPerson

Continuing its commitment to providing outstanding leadership, stewardship, and oversight of fiscal health, the McLeod Health Board of Trustees recently added three new members — Dr. William Boulware, Dr. Willie Boyd Sr., and Dr. Dale Lusk.

The McLeod Health Board is a governing team of professional leaders and physicians who represent the primary counties McLeod serves.

Dr. William BoulwareA native of Anderson, Dr. Boulware received his medical

degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 1980. He completed an internship and residency in 1983 at MUSC, where he stayed on as chief resident for an additional year of training and service.

Since the completion of his medical training, Dr. Boulware has been in the private practice of internal medicine, first in Dillon until 1989 and then in Florence where he currently resides and practices.

He has served in many leadership roles, including trustee of the SC Medical Association, president of the Florence County Medical Society, and president of the SC Society of Internal Medicine.

He has served as governor of the South Carolina Chapter of the American College of Physicians and chaired its health and public policy committee. He is also a recipient of the Laureate Award from the American College of Physicians.

At McLeod, Dr. Boulware has been involved with the Clinical Effectiveness program, currently serving as the chairman of the Stroke Clinical Effectiveness initiative. He has also served as the chair of medicine of the McLeod Medical Executive Committee, chair of the McLeod Quality and Outcomes and Credentialing committees, and as chief of staff at both Saint Eugene Hospital in Dillon and McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Boulware cares for patients at Internal Medicine Specialists of Florence.

Dr. Willie Boyd Sr.A native of Newberry, Dr. Boyd has a BA degree in social

science, a master’s degree in education, and a PhD in counseling. He has been the assistant superintendent for administration for the Darlington County School District since 1994. For the past 44 years, Dr. Boyd has served the school district in several roles, including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district coordinator.

Dr. Boyd is very active in his church and community, including serving as a member of the Darlington County Free Medical Clinic, Board of Trustees for the First Church of God, Lee Street, in Darlington, Board of Trustees for Florence-Darlington Technical College, and McLeod Darlington Advisory Board. In addition, Dr. Boyd is a mentor for at-risk children.

Professionally, Dr. Boyd is a member of the National Educa tion Association, the SC Education Association, the Darlington County Education Association, and the SC Association of School Administrators.

Dr. Dale LuskDr. Lusk is a native of Greenville. After graduating from The

Citadel, he received his medical degree from MUSC, graduating in 1985.

He completed his OB/GYN internship and residency at the USAF Medical Center Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss., serving as chief resident from 1988 to 1989.

Dr. Lusk remained in the Air Force until 1993, when he began caring for patients at Advanced Women’s Care in Florence.

Currently, Dr. Lusk is the Chief of Staff of McLeod Regional Medical Center. He is involved in the Quality Operations and Credentials committees, is the Chair of the Medical Executive Committe, and a member of the McLeod Community Board.

He is a member of the SC Medical Association, Florence County Medical Society, and the SC OB/GYN Society. He is also a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Diplomate of the American Board of OB/GYN, and a member of the American Association of ProLife OB/GYNs, Christian Medical and Dental Association, and American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.

Additionally, Dr. Lusk served as a member of the Maternal, Infant and Child Committee of the SC Medical Association for 16 years and the Pee Dee Regional Perinatal Board for seven years.

While in practice, Dr. Lusk has taken on many roles in his com-munity. He is an organizer and founding board member of First Reliance Bank in Florence. He also serves as a trustee and member of the board of visitors at Charleston Southern University.

Boulware Boyd Lusk

Physicians, educatorjoin Mcleod HealthBoard of trustees

McLeod News l May 20126

THE VALUE OF

MCLeOd VALUes In ACTIOnQualityWelcoming New Physicians

Dr. BenjaminMitchell

McLeod dillon Hospitalists

Dr. Benjamin Mitchell has joined the Hospitalist Program at McLeod Dillon. Dr. Mitchell is an accomplished physician with 20 years of experience. A native of Saluda, he will be relocating from Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, where he most recently practiced as a Hospitalist.

After receiving a medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1992, Dr. Mitchell completed a family medicine residency at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood in 1995. He is board certified in family medicine.

Dr. Mitchell enjoys the flexibility of a career as a Hospitalist and the challenges involved with caring for inpatients. He looks forward to improving the health of patients in the Dillon community.

Dr. Mitchell is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. rameshBharadwaj

McLeod RegionalMedical Center

HospitalistsFlorence

Dr. Ramesh Bharadwaj is caring for patients hospitalized at McLeod Regional Medical Center as a member of the McLeod Hospitalist Program. He can be contacted through Practice Manager Edna Young at (843) 777-5753 or Ellen Hearne, Associate Vice President of Medical Services, at (843) 777-5737.

Additionally, Dr. Bharadwaj will care for patients in the office one day each week in the McLeod Family Medicine Center. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (843) 777-2800.

Dr. Kievers Cunningham has joined the Emergency Department at McLeod Dillon. He most recently practiced at McLeod Family Medicine in Florence, where he also served as a faculty member in the Family Medicine Residency program.

Previously, he served as a medical di r ector and provider in Kershaw County. Dr. Cunningham has experience with patients of all ages, from infancy to end of life.

Dr. Cunningham specializes in Emer-gency Medicine and is board certified in Family Medicine.

He graduated in 2003 from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed a family medicine residency at the McLeod Family Medicine Residency Program where he served as chief resident in 2005-06.

Dr. Cunningham is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Medical Association, and the SC Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Kimberly Kozak is an Otolaryn-gologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon with Seacoast ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery, a McLeod Physician Associates practice. She comes to McLeod Health from Oregon, where she has cared for patients for more than 15 years.

Board Certified in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery, Dr. Kozak is a member of the American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryn-gology – Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Kozak received a doctor of osteo-pathic medicine degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., in 1992. She completed residencies at Oakland General Hospital in Madison Heights, Mich. — one in general surgery in 1994 and one in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery in 1997.

Dr. KimberlyKozak

seacoast enT & Facial Plastic

surgeryLittle River

Dr. KieverscunninghamMcLeod dillon

emergency department

Hospitalist seeing patients at McLeod Regional, McLeod Family Medicine

Osteopathic physicianjoins Seacoast practice

Physician moves to Dillonto care for inpatients

Physician moves from Family Medicine to Dillon Emergency Department

MCLeOd VALUes In ACTIOn

McLeod News l May 2012 7

THE VALUE OF

MCLeOd VALUes In ACTIOnIntegrity

Ashley Costas of Communications and Public Information has completed the training to become a certified Safe Sitter instructor.

According to the Safe Sitter program, Safe Sitter courses teach young adolescents valuable skills for being safe, nurturing babysitters.

McLeod is a registered Safe Sitter teaching site. Classes are scheduled for June 5, July 10, and August 7. Students ages 11-13 who are interested in attending the June 5 class must register by May 22.

The class will be held from 8:30-4 p.m. in the classroom on the first floor of McLeod Medical Plaza in Florence. It provides hands-on practice in basic lifesaving techniques, safety precau-tion tips, and knowledge for babysitting children of all ages. The $35 fee includes materials, a T-shirt, and lunch.

For more information, contact Costas at (843) 777-5021 or the McLeod Resource Center at (843) 777-5493.

Emergency departments at McLeod Loris Seacoast are under new leadership, and the Loris Extended Care Center has a new Director of Nursing.

After serving in a variety of health-care positions, the new director Warren Faulk says he is ready to get back into the emergency department. “I am an ER nurse at heart,” he said.

“I love the ER because you can see the immediate results of your actions,” Faulk said. “Patients come in, they have needs,

and we fix them.”He earned an associate degree in nursing

from Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, a BSN degree from University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and a master’s degree in nursing informatics from American Sentinel University in Colorado.

Faulk has extensive experience in emergency and intensive care nursing, having served most recently as manager of clinical improvement.

Emergency departments, extended care center announce new leaders

Faulk

Loris Extended Care Center’s new Director of Nursing, Laurie Williamson, says she is excited about the challenge ahead. The 88-bed nursing home, sub-acute, and rehabilitation center is located at McLeod Loris.

As director of nursing, Williamson will be responsible for the daily activities of the 75-person staff of RNs, LPNs, and nursing assistants and overseeing the quality of care given daily to residents.

“Our focus has always been on providing excellent care for our elderly and short-term patients,” says ECC Administrator Linda Johnson.

“Laurie brings a wealth of experience in long-term care that will allow us to achieve even higher levels of quality care. She has also exhibited a commitment to understanding the needs and wishes of our residents. I am very excited about her joining our team.”

“Caring for the elderly is very close to my heart,” Williamson says. “It is a career that is both exciting and very gratifying. My goal is assist with the growth and development of programs so that we can improve the quality of life for our residents and ensure outstanding rehabilitative services.”

Williamson

Costas trained to teach Safe Sitters classes

Local students ‘shadow’ in departmentsOn March 27, local high school students observed daily operations in many different departments at McLeod Regional Medical Center to learn more about careers in health care. Marques Robinson (L) and his brother Brandon Robinson are the sons of Vera Durant in the Laboratory. Marques shadowed staff in the Pharmacy. Daniel Evans (3rd from L) is the son of Evelyne Evans of Cardiovascular Services. He spent the day shadowing staff in Biomedical Services, where Brandon also shadowed. Stanton Gause, who visited in Radiology, is the son of Lisa Gause of the McLeod Children’s Hospital.

The Soarian Clinicals “Go-Live” in April at McLeod Regional Medical Center and McLeod Darlington was successful, according to Jenean Blackmon, Vice President of Information Systems.

“McLeod teams were supportive and accessible,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who stepped up to support the physicians and nursing units as we implemented Soarian hospital-wide. We could not have accomplished this roll-out without the hard work and dedication of each member of the team.”

The next phase is computerized order entry by physicians at McLeod Dillon on Tuesday, May 15.

Soarian ‘Go-Live’ successful

news Briefs

McLeod News l May 20128

MAkInG ROUndsMcLeod Florencechild Development center

Our sympathies to Sylvia Augustus and Kote Byrd on the recent death of their loved ones.

Medical recordsWe extend our deepest sympathy to

Cynthia Williams on the death of her father.

environmental servicesCongratulations to Jean Harrison on

the birth of a new grandbaby boy, Elijah Benjamin Harrison.

Our sympathy is extended to Rosena Green on the death of her sister and to Phil Green on the death of his brother.

3 West/stroke unitMichelle Harris has completed the

American Association of Neuro science Nurses review course and has passed the examination to become a Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse. Congratulations!

LaboratoryCongratulations to Thursten Singletary

on her retirement after 29 years of

dedicated service in the Lab Office. We are sad to see her go but are delighted that she is embarking on a new journey in life. Best wishes from all your co-workers, Thursten! You will be missed!

Congratulations on the birth of Mary Brackett’s granddaughter. Catelynn Elizabeth Brackett was born April 4.

Respiratory CareCongratulations to Ann Bochette, who

is now an asthma educator.

cardiac servicesOur condolences to Faye Colvin on the

death of her mother and to Gene Dennis on the death of his mother.

Occupational/Employee HealthCongratulations to Dr. Peter Hyman

on receiving his certification as a medical review officer.

Congratulations to Tara Lee on her promotion to Occupational Health Specialist.

Congratulations to René Springs, Karyn Wilson, Mary Lyn Kleinknecht, Hollie Johnson, and Janet Hyman on completing their urine drug screen certification.

McLeod Darlingtonnursing administration

Our condolences to Jennifer Williams in the Operating Room on the death of her grandfather.

Behavioral HealthCongratulations to Brian Langley on

the February 15 birth of twin boys, Eli and Evin.

Congratulations to Nicole Wilson on the March 14 birth of her daughter, Morgan.

Our sympathies are extended to Dr. Cathy Layne on the death of her father.

McLeod DillonCardiopulmonary

Congratulations to Jessica Strickland on the birth of her son, Maddox.

Congratulations to Amy Suggs on becoming certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and to Tiffany Davis on becoming a certified instructor in Basic Life Support.

Postpartum and Newborn Nursery Services at McLeod Regional Medical Center has relocated from the second to the fourth floor of the McLeod Pavilion. Additionally, new mothers now receive a different type of nursing care than they previously experienced.

The relocation of these patients now allows women to receive all of their delivery and recovery services on the same floor. These changes were made in an effort to improve patient care, and staff already has seen improvements in patient satisfaction scores as a result.

Upon arrival at the McLeod Pavilion, expectant mothers can go straight to the fourth floor for bedside registration. Labor and Delivery, as well as Pre-Term and Testing services, remain on the north end of the floor.

Newborn warmers have been stationed in the Labor and Delivery rooms so that,

immediately following delivery, nurses can now perform immediate newborn care in the room with the family, if the newborn does not need to be taken to the nursery for recovery first.

New mothers are then taken to Post partum rooms located on the south end of the floor. In what is called “family-centered care,” mothers now have the same nurse as their baby. This change allows for more seamless communication between the mother and the nurse on postpartum and newborn issues.

“We began piloting the program in March, before the move, and in one month, our patient satisfaction scores rose significantly,” said Director Barbara Pritchard. “Mothers appreciate that their nurse knows everything that is going on with their baby, and they do not have to check with another nurse who works specifically in the nursery.”

Additional services that previously had been performed in the nursery, including bathing of the infant, now have moved to patient rooms for more family-centered care. The discharge class, which was once held in a group setting, now is offered in patient rooms for greater convenience to the patient.

The 14 Postpartum rooms feature DVD players and individual refrigerators.

Gynecological surgery patients continue to receive recovery care on the second floor of the McLeod Pavilion.

Fourth-floor rooms in the McLeod Pavilion are once again being used for Postpartum and Newborn Nursery Services.

Family-centered care brings togetherservices for both mother and baby

McLeod News l May 2012 9

McLeod Health Eating Well Strategy

Obstacle:

“I have a hard time not eating something when watching television or when I’m at the movies or a sporting event.”

— from Mayo Clinic: Healthy Weight for Everybody

Strategies for overcoming weight-loss barriers

There is nothing inherently wrong with doing this, but when you are distracted by a TV show, movie, or event, you tend to eat thoughtlessly — which typically translates into eating more

— Kitty Finklea, McLeod Health & Fitness Center

than you intend. If you cannot break this habit, at least make sure you’re munching on something low in calories and try to limit how much you eat.

Many activities and events are associated with food, and it is quite easy to eat when food is readily available and tastes good. If eating that way becomes a habit, it can be a challenge if you’re trying to lose weight or make healthier choices.

You may look forward to having certain foods with different events such as popcorn and candy at the movies or hot dogs at the ball park. The pleasure principle of these foods can make saying no a challenge when feelings of deprivation follow.

Another aspect to consider is that pairing activities such as watching TV, movies, and sporting events with eating usually means one is eating without full physical awareness. This is also called distracted or mindless eating.

Food might be going in the mouth and body, but the mind is focused more on the activity. The mind is less aware of tasting and feeling the physical sensations of fullness. Overeating is common when the mind is otherwise occupied!

StrategiesThere are several strategies for different events and to

become more aware of your intake of food.

Television or computer eatingl Portion, portion, portion — the number-one rule is no open-

container eating. If you open a large bag of chips or pretzels, the usual signal to stop eating is when the bag is empty! Instead, measure out portions, and limit how much you eat.

l Keep trigger foods out of the house — we all have foods that call our name. If you do have unhealthy snacks and treats around for other people, make sure to purchase types that are not as appealing to you.

l Limit computer and TV time to two hours per day. Schedule your favorite TV programs instead of watching mindlessly. Find other hobbies and pleasurable activities you enjoy.

Movies and sporting eventsl Make sure to eat regular meals and snacks to keep from

arriving over-hungry.l Use your non-dominant hand to eat popcorn or peanuts.

Studies show people eat less.l If you have to have popcorn, get a smaller serving and leave

off the butter.

Tips to become a more mindful eaterl If you’re a fast eater, slow down. Slower eating gives the

stomach time to signal the brain it is full.l Put your fork or sandwich down for 60 seconds in the

middle of the meal, especially if you are a fast eater. Studies show people eat more when standing, so be sure to sit.

l Take several seconds to focus on the taste and texture. If possible, close your eyes to help you fully enjoy the

sensations.

If you need food coaching for healthy meal and snack ideas to fit into your lifestyle, find out more about the nutrition programs at McLeod Health and Fitness Center.

Call (843) 777-3000 for more information.

So that she doesn’t overeat, high school student Margaret Barnes uses a measuring cup to portion out nuts for an after-school snack. A handful or a quarter-cup is the correct portion size for a snack.

Be aware of portion size to avoidmindless, unhealthy overeating

McLeod News l May 201210

coMMunity eventsMarch of Dimes March for Babies walk (Call Jeanie Elmore at 777-8397 / 8335)

Sat., May 5, 9 am, Florence Rail Trail at McLeod Health & Fitness CenterMobile Mammography Unit Screenings (Call 777-2095)

Thurs., May 10, 8:30 am-3:45 pm, Pate Medical Associates, BishopvilleThurs., May 24, 8:30 am-4 pm, McLeod Family Medicine JohnsonvilleTues., June 5, 8:30 am-4 pm, McLeod Family Medicine Timmonsville

special oBservancesMay is: Arthritis Awareness Month, National Asthma & Allergy Awareness

Month, Better Speech & Hearing Month, Breathe Easy Month, Cancer Research Month, National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Global Employee Health & Fitness Month, Healthy Vision Month, Hepatitis Awareness Month, National High Blood Pressure Education Month, Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month, Lupus Awareness Month, Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month, Mental Health Month, Neurofibromatosis Month, Older Americans Month, National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month, National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, Stroke Awareness Month, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, National Toxic Encephalopathy & Chemical Injury Awareness Month, Trauma Awareness Month, Ultraviolet Awareness Month, Women’s Health Care Month

April 29-May 5 — Safe Kids WeekMay 6-12 — National Hospital Week, National Nurses Week, Children’s

Mental Health Awareness Week, North American Occupational Safety & Health Week, Suicide Awareness Week

May 13-19 — Food Allergy Awareness Week, National Women’s Health Week, National Neuropathy Awareness Week

May 20-26 — Emergency Medical Services Week, Running & Fitness WeekMay 27-June 2 — National Hurricane Preparedness WeekWed., May 30 — National Senior Health & Fitness Day

american red crossblood drive

Register for a donation time at www.GiveLife.org/index.cfm?

Sponsor=McLeodor by calling 777-2005.

Bring a first-time donor and be entered into the drawing for prizes.

Your donation not only saves lives but also helps McLeod

receive discounts on blood products.

looKing aHeaD

Third Thursday with Kohl’s Safe Seats

(monthly) Thurs., May 17, 4-6 pm, Kohl’s parking lot, Florence

(Free; bring child & child safety seat.Call 777-5021 for information.)

McLeod Diabetes CenterMonthly Support Group

(Free; call 777-6000) Mon., May 14, 6:30-7:30 pm

Medical Park East, Suite 290, conference room

training prograMs Pee Dee AHEC: Pediatric Wheelchair Seating & Mobility:

the Decision-Making process Sat., May 5, 9 am-4:15 pm, McLeod Medical Plaza, conference centerPee Dee AHEC: Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome: The Scope Fri., May 11, 9 am-12:15 pm, Family Medicine Center, classrms A & BPee Dee AHEC: Working Therapeutically with Depressed Clients Tues., May 15, 9 am-4:30 pm, Family Medicine Center, classrms A & Bpee Dee aHec: gangs 101 Wed., May 23, 9 am-3:45 pm, Family Medicine Center, classrms A & B

To register for Pee dee AHeC classes, call 777-5343.

Tues., May 2910 am-4 pm

McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Pavilion, 5th floor

auditorium & Medical Plaza, conference center

Thurs., May 311-6 pm

McLeod dillon, Auxiliary Room

Remarkable skills. Teamwork. Integrity. Compassion. Along with a dedication to patient care and safety

that is unsurpassed. Those are just some of the exemplary qualities that make McLeod nurses some of the

best in the nation. And why we take every opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks and admiration for

what they do for our patients and their families every day.

Please join us in saluting our nurses for their outstanding public service and dedication to such a noble

profession. They are another great example of why McLeod remains your most trusted and capable choice

for medical excellence.

Choose Wisely.Make the choice for extraordinary nursing care.

Heather Williamson, RN (left),shares a smile with McLeodpatient Beverly Evans.

McLeod HealthThe Choice for Medical Excellence

www.McLeodChooseWisely.org