Med West Pressan employee & physician centered publication of medical west

vol 4 issue 45 2013

a l e t t e r f r o m k e i t h p e n n i n g t o n

It is officially Thanksgiving week, a time to celebrate with family and to share the things we are thankful for.

As with many of us, I am thankful for my health, my family, friends and the people I work with. Medical West is such a great place to work with a promising future, but sometimes we don’t take the time to think of all of the positive things when we are busy with our daily routines and the stress each day brings.

I am thankful for all of our nurses, doctors and staff who take care of our patients to make sure they are calm, comfortable and well cared for. I am appreciative for all of the support staff who make sure the hospital daily operations and financials are handled to allow us to serve our patients. In short, I am thankful for each and every one of you. It takes all of us to make our hospital great, and I am grateful you are all a part of the Medical West team!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving spending time with your loved ones.

Thanks for all you do,

Keith Pennington, CEO and President

11.25.13features

pg. 2YOUR HEALTH10 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving

MEET YOUR CO-WORKERSFaye Todd, Food Services

pg. 6

There will be no MedWestPress

next week due to theThanksgiving Holiday.

Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, so why not go ahead and splurge? Because gaining weight during the holiday season is a national pastime. Year after year, most of us pack on at least a pound (some gain more) during the holidays -- and keep the extra weight permanently.

But Thanksgiving does not have to sabotage your weight, experts say. With a little know-how, you can satisfy your desire for traditional favorites and still enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast. After all, being stuffed is a good idea only if you are a turkey!

Get Active

Create a calorie deficit by exercising to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods.

Eat less and exercise more is the winning formula to prevent

weight gain during the holidays. Increase your steps or lengthen your fitness routine the weeks ahead and especially the day of the feast.

Make fitness a family adventure. Take a walk early in the day and then again after dinner. It is a wonderful way for families to get physical activity and enjoy the holiday together.

Eat BreakfastWhile you might think it makes sense to save up calories for

the big meal, experts say eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast -- such as an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast, or a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk -- so you won’t be starving when you arrive at the gathering.

Eating a nutritious meal with protein and fiber before you arrive takes the edge off your appetite and

allows you to be more discriminating in your food and beverage choices.

Lighten UpWhether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a few dishes to share, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories.

There is more sugar and fat in most recipes than is needed, and no one will notice the difference if you skim calories by using lower calorie ingredients.

Try using fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy.Use sugar substitutes in place of sugar and/or fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods.

You can also try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.

your health

10 tips for a healthy thanksgiving

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your health

10 tips for a healthy thanksgiving

Police Your PortionsThanksgiving tables are bountiful and beautiful displays of traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table and decide what you’re going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without.

Don’t waste your calories on foods that you can have all year long. Fill your plate with small portions of holiday favorites that only come around once a year so you can enjoy desirable, traditional foods.

Skip the SecondsTry to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings.

Leftovers are much better the next day, and if you limit yourself to one plate, you are less likely to overeat and have more room for a delectable dessert.

Choose the best bets on the buffet. While each of us has our own favorites, keep in mind that some holiday foods are better choices than others.

White turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, thin gravy, and pumpkin pie tend to be the best bets because they are lower in fat and calories. However, if you keep your portions small, you can enjoy whatever you like.

Slowly SavorEating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food, experts say. Choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness.

Go Easy on AlcoholDon’t forget those alcohol calories that can add up quickly.

Have a glass of wine or a wine spritzer and between alcoholic drinks, enjoy sparkling water. This

way you stay hydrated, limit alcohol calories, and stay sober.

Be RealisticThe holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good

time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.

This way, at the start of the new year you will be ahead of the game if you can avoid gaining any weight over the holidays.

Focus on Family and FriendsThanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends.

The main event should be family and friends socializing, spending quality time together, not just what is on the buffet.

For more information on healthy eating and a healthier lifestyle, please contact a Medical West Dietician at 481-7934.

Source: www.webmd.com

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mw earns top performer recognition from joint commission

Medical West Hospital was recently named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America. Medical West was recognized by The Joint Commission for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. The clinical processes focus on care for heart attack, pneumonia, surgery, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services.

New this year is a category for immunization for pneumonia and influenza. Medical West is one of 1,099 hospitals in the U.S. earning the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. Medical West was recognized for its achievement on the following measure sets: Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2012 calendar year. The list of Top Performer organizations increased by 77 percent from last year and it represents 33 percent of all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals reporting accountability measure performance data for 2012.

Medical West and each of the

hospitals that were named as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures must: 1) achieve cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures; 2) achieve performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there are at least 30 denominator cases; and 3) have at least one core measure set that has a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and within that measure set all applicable individual accountability measures have a performance rate of 95 percent or above. A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice – examples include giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients, giving antibiotics one hour before surgery, or providing a home management plan of care for children with asthma.

“Medical West and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and they should be proud of their achievement,” says Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president

and chief executive officer, The Joint Commission. “We have much to celebrate this year. Nearly half of our accredited hospitals have attained or nearly attained the Top Performer distinction. This truly shows

that we are approaching a tipping point in hospital quality performance that will directly contribute to better health outcomes for patients.”

“We understand that what matters most to patients at Medical West is safe, effective care. That’s why Medical West has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. Medical West is proud to receive the distinction of being a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures,” says Keith Pennington, Medical West CEO.

In addition to being included in today’s release of The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, Medical West will be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website (www.qualitycheck.org). The Top Performer program will be featured in the December issues of The Joint Commission Perspectives and The Source.

christmasweek december 2 - 6

2013

GIFT DAY CIVIC ROOM 11am - 2pmSend a representati ve from your department to pick up your department’s t-shirts aft er 2:00 pm! You may wear this shirt to the Employee Christmas Party on Thursday and every Friday during the month of December!

SHOPPING DAY CIVIC ROOM 10AM - 2PMBring your Hospitality bucks to purchase Medical West items! Vendors will also be selling great Christmas gift s! Vendors include Scentsy, Stella & Dot, Pampered Chef, purses, clothes, accessories and more!

EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS PARTY CIVIC ROOM 2PM - 4PM {8PM - 9PM FOR NIGHT SHIFT}Come join your fellow employees for some holiday fun as we celebrate the season! All employees are automati cally entered into a drawing to win great prizes!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

3

Name: Orlanda Faye ToddDepartment/Position: Cafe - Special Functions CoordinatorEducation Background: Lawson State Community CollegeHow long have you worked here? 13 years; 3 months

• I sing in my church choir.• Ihavefivegrandkids.• I love going shopping.• I love eating out at different restaurants.• I have one sister and one brother.• IlikeallTylerPerryplaysandmovies.• IlikegoingtotheComedyClub.• Ilikehelpingolderpeople.• I love my doctors.• Last but not least, I have two great sons.• “Roll Tide!” 5MedWestPress

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meetyour

CO -WORKERS

food servicesfaye todd

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join the mw jingle bell run team!

To sign up for the Medical West team, the Med West Mistletoes,

http://jbrbham.kintera.org/medicalwest

All who participate will receive Health Reward Points! For more information, please contact

Nathan Clark at ext. 7579 or nclark@uabmw.org

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is in its 25th years and takes place each December to raise money for the Alabama Area of the Arthritis Foundation. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 14th at 8:00 am at Railroad Park in Birmingham.

At the Birmingham Jingle Bell Run/Walk, a good time is had by all donning their jingle bells and ringing in the holiday spirit! The Jingle Bell Run/Walk is at Railroad Park and will have Music, a lively warm-up with Santa, and activities for kids and families help get everyone in the holiday spirit while contributing to the Arthritis Foundation’s mission….to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

Last year’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk attracted over 1,400 runners and walkers, making it one of the best charity runs in the area. This year’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk promises to be bigger, better and jollier than ever! For more information, visit us online at http://jbrbham.kintera.org/medicalwest.

Registration:Entry Fee includes official Jingle Bell Run/Walk event t-shirt:• $40 Timed 5k ($45 after December 7th)• $35 General (Not Timed) Registration ($40 after Dec. 7th)• $25 Santa Chase (8 and under) ($30 after Dec. 7th)• $35 Jingle In My Jammies (Sleep in option)• After December 7th , 2013 fees increase by $5• On-line: Register today at http://jbrbham.kintera.org/ medicalwest and create your team profile!

Race Information:Event Schedule: Saturday, Dec. 14th8:00 a.m. Day-of Registration Opens; Activities Open9:00 a.m. 5K Begins*Times are subject to change, check website for updatesWhere: Railroad Park1600 1st Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL 35233

annual safety & compliance trainingThe annual safety & compliance training assignments are available online via HealthStream. This year’s assignments include: Annual Employee Safety Fair – Mandatory for all employeesAnnual Clinical Employees Safety Training – In addition to the Employee Safety Fair, all clinical employees must also complete this assignment. Please understand that you must complete both in order to have successfully “pass” the annual safety training. The assignments must be completed by December 20th.

angel treeMedical West is proud to partner with the Salvation Army again this year for the annual Angel Tree program. All employees may now pick up their angels from the Marketing Office, Suite 202 in the POB. Please return all new, unwrapped gifts to Marketing by Friday, December 6th at 4:00 pm. For questions, please call ext. 8505.- Submitted by Christina Arnone, Marketing Coordinator

almost time to redeem your bucks!Employees may redeem their Hospitality bucks for prizes on Tuesday, December 3rd during the hospital’s Christmas Week Shopping Day. See below for a complete listing of the gifts you can receive!

2013 Hospitality PrizesIndividual Prizes$1 - Medical West Grocery Tote or Backpack$5 - Mini Auto Adapter$10 - Medical West Lunch Tote$25 - Medical West Coffee Mug$35 - Medical West Fleece Blanket$45 - $25 Walmart Gift Card$65 - $50 Walmart Gift Card$85 - $100 Walmart gift card

Department Prizes1 coupon - Ice Cream Party2 coupons - Pizza Party3 coupons - Breakfast Party4 coupons - Chick-fil-A Party OR $100 Walmart Gift Card5 coupons - Bob Sykes Party OR $150 Walmart Gift Card

free meal for employees working on thanksgiving!All Medical West employees who are working on Thanksgiving Day and/or Christmas Day will receive one free meal from the cafeteria during your shift! If you are working the night shift on Wednesday, November 27th, you will receive a free breakfast, and if you are working the day shift on Thursday, November 28, you will receive a free lunch or dinner.

Thanksgiving Menu: Sliced turkey, ham & apples, plain dressing, turkey dressing, brown turkey dressing, butter beans, mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni & cheese, yams, corn and banana pudding. Employees may have one entree, 2 vegetables, dessert and a drink at no charge (Grill items not included). In order to receive your free meal, just show your badge to the cashier!

annual safety & compliance training

angel tree

almost time to redeem your bucks!

free meal for employees working on thanksgiving!

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med sled trainingLast week our Safety team kicked off a new Med Sled Evacuation training program. This equipment, granted to Medical West by the Alabama Hospital Association, will enable our employees to transport patients down a stairwell in the state of an emergency. The Standard and Bariatric sleds will be located in each stairwell.

On Wednesday, December 18th, a mock evacuation drill will take place. Any volunteers are welcome to assist. For more information on the Med Sled Evacuation program, or to make plans to attend the next training session, please contact Kathy Headley at ext. 8593.

check out our social medica sites to stay up-to-date on everything happening at medical west!

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p a t i e n t

Q U O T E S

“Nancy Keller, Speech Therapist, recently came to our department for an in-service, teaching our staff swallowing precautions and why modified diets/liquids are ordered. We wanted to thank Nancy for coming - we really appreciated it! - Submitted by Leah Gates, Clinical Nutrition Manager

schedule

NOV 25,27,29Chapel Service • Chapel (3rd floor) • 11:45am- 12pm

NOV 2610 @ 10 • 10am Join us for 10 minutes of walking at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday!

NOV 26November Birthday Breakfast • 8am• Civic Room

NOV 27Farmer’s Market • Level C• 9am - 4pm

NOV 28Happy Thanksgiving

DEC 2-6Celebrating Christmas Week

NOVEMBER

OF EVENTS

To the precious nurses of the 4th Floor,Recently my mother was a patient of yours on the 4th Floor of the Women’s Center. You all worked so hard to wait on her and to take care of all of her needs. You are such special people in the way you cared for her. I know it is your job to make people better, but you all went out of your way and for that I thank you! You all do such wonderful things for these people who are sick. Keep up the good work and may God always bless you!

- Submitted by a Patient’s Family