Hospital CEO named finalist for national awardBecky Pape, CEO of SLCH, was recently named as a finalist for the prestigious Shirley Ann Munroe Leadership Award from the American Hospital Association (AHA). Pape was one of three runners-up for the award.

The AHA recognized Pape as a finalist for her leadership efforts to build the first medical school in Oregon in more than a century and locate it Lebanon. Pape also helped develop the Health Career and Training Center to provide education for a variety of health care jobs.

Pape was also recognized for her strong support of the hospital’s participation in the East Linn Community Health Improvement Partnership, which invests in community projects that provide a more healthful lifestyle for the citizens of Lebanon.

Shirley Ann Munroe was an advocate for small and rural hospitals. The award is presented annually to a hospital administrator or chief executive officer who has displayed outstanding leadership in meeting the ongoing challenge of small or rural hospital management.

Free health assessments coming soon near you

A free, voluntary health screening is offered to SHS employees to learn more about their personal health. The health assessment is comprehensive, confidential and current. Employees will receive a 16-page book outlining their health risks and how to reduce them.

Upcoming health assessments:

SLCH — Tuesday, April 6, 6 to 10:30 a.m.

GSRMC — Thursday, April 8, 6 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 6 to 10:30 a.m.

Avery Square — Tuesday, May 4, 6 to 10:30 a.m.

SAGH — Tuesday, May 25, 6 to 10:30 a.m.

SPCH — Wednesday, Sept. 22, 6 to 9:30 a.m.

SNLH — Tuesday, Sept. 21, 6 to 9:30 a.m.

Pre-registration is required. Register online on the SHS Insider (intranet) on the Employee Wellness page.

Be prepared for rising waters

What’s the potential of a major flood impacting our community, and related health services? What can we do to be prepared? Find out at the upcoming Flood & Disaster Preparedness Fairs!

Flood & Disaster Preparedness Fairs

Avery Square and SLCH — Monday, March 15

SAGH and SPCH — Wednesday, March 17

GSRMC — Thursday, March 18

SNLH — Friday, March 19

For more information on flood awareness, visit www.floodsafety.noaa.gov. And, keep an eye out for more details about the preparedness fairs from Emergency Management.

And general surgery makes six!

The American Osteopathic Association recently gave its approval for SHS to offer a new general surgery training program for 10 residents. The residents will begin their training in the summer of 2011.

The recent approval marks the onset of SHS’ sixth residency program. In the past two years, SHS has received approval for residency programs in psychiatry, family practice, internal medicine, orthopaedic surgery and a traditional rotating internship. Now with the approval of the general surgery program, SHS has approval for more than 50 residency positions.

“Our resident training programs are working firsthand to address the physician shortage in our communities and nationwide,” said Dr. Alissa Craft, director of medical education. “Studies show that approximately two-thirds of residents remain in the community where they completed their residency. Over the next five years, we will see our residency programs provide high-quality, well trained physicians for our communities.”

OSU student, Samaritan employee receives prestigious scholarship

Elva Van Devender was awarded a national American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation student scholarship. She is one of nine in the country chosen to receive this award based off of leadership and dedication to her work in pharmacy.

Van Devender is an OSU pharmacy student and works at SAGH as a pharmacy intern, as well as at Safeway’s pharmacy in Lebanon.

“I did not expect, in my wildest imaginings, that I would be chosen to receive this award,” said Van Devender. “I am grateful to the college of pharmacy for giving me the tools to be of service to patients and to all the people I have worked with at Samaritan who have illuminated my path as a student.”

Van Devender is active in her community and currently serves as a student representative on the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Meetings and Programming Advisory Group.

In addition, she also works as a student volunteer at both the Portland VA Medical Center and at the InReach clinic.

Van Devender will be presented with her award on Monday, March 15, in Washington, D.C.

A biweekly newsletter for the employees, physicians, volunteers and friends of Samaritan Health Services.

Just one call away!

Lifeline is a personal response service enabling Linn, Benton and Lincoln county residents to continue living in their homes with assurance that they can get help at any time.

SHS Lifeline has been providing service since 1986 and has helped thousands of seniors remain in their homes safely and independently.

For more information about Lifeline, call (541) 812-4703 or toll-free at (888)901-2441.

An anniversary to remember

My husband Howard was in your ICU on our 30th anniversary. I told our nurses, Alissa and Jay, that I didn’t really care that we were in the hospital, I was just happy that Howard was ok.

The nurses then left us for a while, and when they returned, they had brought us sparkling cider and dessert.

It was so sweet of them and they really helped make our day special.

Thank you for all that you did!

Sincerely, Ruth & Howard Broman

A handsome man

Meet Marley, Beth Truax’s fun-loving boxer.

Make space on your bookshelf for a good causeAn American Cancer Society Relay for Life team made up of Samaritan employees from Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon is gathering used books for a fundraiser to be held at Good Sam on April 26.

The “Celebrating Samaritan & Friends” team invites you to offload good reads for a good cause.

“Last year was the first year we did it and it was hugely successful,” said team co-captain Melissa Colgate. “That was our biggest fundraiser. We raised $700 or $800.”

To donate books for the fundraiser, e-mail Colgate at mcolgate@samhealth.org, co-captain Paula Richardson at pricharso@samhealth.org, or call 80-5360.

The Albany Relay for Life will be held at West Albany High School from 4 p.m., June 18 to 10 a.m., June 19. For more information, visit the American Cancer Society Web site or contact one of the Relay for Life team leaders listed in the Feb. 26 issue of Well Informed.

AGH Patient satisfaction update Oct 09 Nov 09 Dec 09 2009 Total 2008 Total

IP - Likelihood to recommend 88.3 89.6 91.0 91.0 89.6

IP - Overall rating of care given 90.0 90.0 92.3 90.8 90.4

ED - Likelihood to recommend 93.8 91.1 75.0 86.6 83.9

ED - Overall rating of care given 94.2 85.0 82.1 87.1 85.9 IP=Inpatient, ED=Emergency Dept.

Patient satisfaction scores: 2009 wrap-up

Why I volunteer…I did a lot of volunteering in high school and college, but once I graduated I didn’t seem to be able to find the time. I decided to get the new year started off right by volunteering to help others in need, which is something I have always enjoyed doing. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to start volunteering at InReach. Being a Samaritan Health employee my background check had already been completed, so all I had to do was show up at the clinic. I contacted the volunteer coordinator on a Monday and I was volunteering by Thursday - it was amazing.

I want to continue volunteering at InReach because the patients we see are so grateful for the services provided. If it wasn’t for this clinic they would end up in urgent care or the emergency room. I would love to see the clinic have enough nurses and doctors volunteering that the hours and/or days of operation could be extended. There are times when patients have to be turned away because there are only so many patients who can be seen from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday nights.

– Katie Selvog, RN, GSRMC

Feeling inspired to volunteer? Contact Miao Zhao at (541) 812-4986.

Team work improves scoresCongratulations to the Emergency Department and its staff for being recognized for increasing their Press Ganey scores by 9.7 points from October 2009 to December 2009.

Your hard work and attention to customer service is appreciated by all!

Get dialed in to SAGHAre you online?

Check out SAGH on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AlbanyGeneralH,

and become a fan!

March 12, 2010

A biweekly newsletter for the employees, physicians, volunteers and friends of Samaritan Health Services.

Good reads for a good cause

An American Cancer Society Relay for Life team made up of Samaritan employees from Albany, Corvallis and Lebanon is gathering used books for a fundraiser to be held at Good Sam on April 26.

“Last year was the first year we did it and it was hugely successful,” said Celebrating Samaritan & Friends team co-captain Melissa Colgate. “That was our biggest fundraiser. We raised $700 or $800.”

To donate books for the fundraiser, e-mail Colgate at mcolgate@samhealth.org, or co-captain Paula Richardson at pricharso@samhealth.org, or call 80-5360.

The Albany Relay for Life will be held at West Albany High School from 4 p.m., June 18, to 10 a.m., June 19. For more information, visit the American Cancer Society Web site or contact one of the Relay for Life Samaritan team leaders listed in the Feb. 26 issue of Well Informed, available on SHS Insider.

In memory of Ethan H. Snyder

A contribution account has been established at Central Willamette Community Credit Union in the name of Ethan H. Snyder – Snyder Family Fund to assist the Snyder family with expenses. Ethan was the grandson of Cindy Fuller, RN, of Samaritan Dialysis Services. Ethan died at 10 days old of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Check it out: The future is now!Robotic-assisted surgery is now proudly featured at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, allowing our physicians to provide an exciting range of minimally-invasive procedures beginning with gynecology, general surgery and urology.

See the daVinci robot and learn about the future of surgery at Good Sam at an open house for employees, Friday, March 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. in conference rooms A and B.

This amazing technology provides surgeons with greater precision, control and access, allowing extremely complex operations to be performed through just a few small incisions. Now, minimally-invasive techniques can be used for procedures that previously required open surgery.

While you’re there, fill out an entry form for a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate to Samaritan Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, good for spa services and products!

Wine and dine for medical educationDrop in to sip fine wines, savor delectable appetizers and soak up a panoramic view of the Willamette while benefiting local physicians-in-training at Enoteca Wine Bar.

Twenty percent of gross proceeds throughout the day will help ensure our medical students and residents receive state-of-the-art educational opportunities, by providing medical scholarships, lectureship series and necessary equipment.

Monday, March 15, 3 to 11 p.m. Location: Enoteca Wine Bar, 136 SW Washington Ave., Corvallis

What’s in it for you?Feedback from employees on the new valet parking service for patients and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, because employees know how important ease of access is for patients – especially those with limited mobility.

Still, the valets are not content to simply provide great service to patients and visitors.

“We want to offer a special parking incentive to employees who go the distance, literally, to relieve congestion in the parking lots,” said Chad Barnett, valet manager.

Partnering with Good Sam administrators, the valets have started a weekly drawing for employees who park in the gravel employee parking lot behind the Mario Pastega House. The valets will visit the lot around 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, leaving a numbered raffle ticket on the windshield of each car. They must be able to see your parking permit clearly visible in your front windshield.

Each week, one lucky employee will win a week of valet parking! Employees can also win movie tickets and fun Samaritan items.

Save the raffle tickets you find on your windshield each day and watch for announcements each Friday in your e-mail inbox. (If you don’t have regular access to e-mail, you might want to ask a fellow employee to watch for your numbers!) You must have your half of a winning raffle ticket to claim a prize. If you park in the far lot all week, that’s five chances to win each and every week!

Come see!The new ED entrance, waiting room and admitting areas are slated to open soon.

Watch for announcements and take a few minutes to come see the new ED area

once it’s open!

March 12, 2010

A biweekly newsletter for the employees, physicians, volunteers and friends of Samaritan Health Services.

Chronic conditions? Start your spring with Living Well workshopDo you have or know someone who struggles with a chronic condition? The six-week Living Well with Chronic Conditions workshops are a great option.

A new workshop will begin at the Linn-Benton Community College Center in Sweet Home on Thursday, March 25, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. It will continue on Thursdays through April 29.

Developed at Stanford University, the free workshops help participants with ongoing health conditions ranging from arthritis and anxiety, to multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons, to:

• Deal with pain and fatigue • Discover easy exercises to help improve strength and energy • Improve nutrition • Talk effectively with family, friends and health professionals • Understand all treatment options • Feel better about life

Each participant will also receive the book “Living a Healthy Life With a Chronic Condition.”

Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. To register, call Carole Kment at ext. 6466.

Be a Compassionate Companion to a patient without familyHave you wanted to work with patients, but you don’t have medical training? Consider joining the Compassionate Companions volunteer program.

The program is designed to provide support for patients who are alone and need company, or patients who are approaching death. Volunteers may simply sit with the patients, read aloud to them, fluff their pillows or assist in any other comfort care measures requested by the patient or directed by the nurse.

No clinical training is necessary, but all volunteers will be trained to provide a reassuring presence to patients.

For more information, call Amy Campbell, Professional Development, at ext. 7835.

Matching Funds: Deadline is next week!Thinking about submitting a request for Matching Funds from the LCH Foundation? Make sure you submit a proposal by the end of Monday, March 15.

Since 2002, the foundation has awarded more than $330,000 through its Matching Funds for Employee Projects program, for equipment and improvements around the hospital. Dollar for dollar, the foundation matches the amount employees contribute through the annual Samaritan Employee Caring Campaign.

This year, thanks to your incredible generosity in the 2009 campaign, the foundation has nearly $90,000 for qualifying projects!

For more information, call the foundation at ext. 6303.

Be prepared for rising watersWhat’s the potential of a major flood impacting our community, and our services at SLCH? What can we do to be prepared? Find out at the Flood & Disaster Preparedness Fair on Monday, March 15, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in conference room 6.

Emergency Management staff will be on hand with educational handouts, displays and videos on home disaster preparation and flood safety awareness. Information will also be available outside Rosie’s Café during the week in observation of Nation Flood Awareness Week.

All of this will be in preparation for a valley-wide flood disaster drill on Thursday, April 29. SLCH, our sister hospitals in Albany and Corvallis, and several other community partners will participate in the drill.

Anyone is welcome to have a volunteer role in the April 29 drill as well. For more information, call Joy Chase, Emergency Management, at ext. 6318.

‘Musical offices’ around SLCHSeveral employees have new workspace around the hospital, so stop by and say hi!

The dietary and catering staff – Pamela Kroker, Athena Nofziger, Elizabeth Harris and Tina Dodge Vera - now shares office space off the hallway across from Imaging. Their old office, at the end of Endoscopy, now belongs to Emergency Management – Robert Rieker and Joy Chase.

Amy Campbell, Professional Development, is now at the end of ACU. William Barish, MD, chief of Inpatient Services, is working in the office adjacent to the inpatient specialist’s office.

Lucy Tait, Professional Development, is working out of the office wing in the Health Career and Training Center. Dani Phillips, who helps coordinate the Nursing Simulation Lab for Professional Development, now works out of the skills lab.

Pick of the Month: Peppy Peas!‘Peppy’ sugar snap peas are the Pick of the Month for February. Rich in fiber and several vitamins, they’re a great addition

to salads and other dishes.

March 12, 2010

A biweekly newsletter for the employees, physicians, volunteers and friends of Samaritan Health Services.

Smiles abound as kids welcome new toys to SELC

A group of children at Samaritan Early Learning Center (SELC) got much more than a fairytale during story time. While attending a fundraiser for the Children’s Advocacy Center a few weeks ago, Dr. Mullins purchased new toys, books, pillows, outfits, and blankets, then gifted the items to the SELC. The toys were placed in a large red bucket with a giant colorful bow and taken to the SELC where they received a warm welcome from children and staff alike.

Judy Irwin, SELC director, said, “This is great. Some of the teachers and I will pick up books and toys at yard sales during the spring and summer to replace some of the older worn out items we have on hand. These are a welcome addition.”

As soon as the group of preschoolers noticed there were toys in the bucket, the room filled with a dozen little smiling faces, their tiny hands grasping at toys, books and pillows from the bucket, so anxious to see what their hands landed on and what their classmates pulled out. Some of the most popular items were the soft colorful pillows and a brown and white stuffed monkey.

Mark your calendar!Applications are currently being accepted for the Medical Training Assistance scholarship,

the CNA scholarship and the Auxiliary scholarship. Applications must

be submitted to the NLH Foundation by April 15.

Awards presented at Donor Appreciation DinnerAt the Foundation’s annual Donor Appreciation Dinner held Thursday, March 4, at Chinook Winds Casino Resort, the Foundation Volunteer of the Year award and the Robert and Dorothy Terrill Award were presented.

The Foundation Volunteer of the Year award recognizes the outstanding work volunteers do, from helping with the everyday tasks, to getting down in the trenches and doing the work, all while presenting the hospital and foundation in the best possible light. In honor of this very important work, a Foundation Volunteer of the Year award has been created.

This year’s Volunteer of the Year award went to Linda Hurley. Hurley is the branch manager at Bank of the West and is a past trustee of the Foundation, serving on the Foundation board for six years. Currently, she is president-elect of the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce.

The Terrill Award is named in honor of two community leaders, Robert and Dorothy Terrill, whose efforts brought about the successful completion of the first unit of Lincoln Hospital in 1968. The award is presented annually to recognize the provision of outstanding support of SNLH, the North Lincoln Health District or the North Lincoln Hospital Foundation in their efforts to improve health care delivery in the hospital service area.

The Terrill Award was presented by Connie Isaac, executive director of NLH Foundation, to all SNLH employees, with Jeff Blackford accepting the award.

“This award is very special and the recipients are an extraordinary group of people. They give the same exceptional service day in and day out, whether they are serving as volunteers or meeting the health care needs of this community,” said Isaac. “The Foundation’s mission would not be possible without the contributions and support of the many caring and hard-working people here tonight.”

Congratulations and thank you for all the hard work you do!

Help the Yellow Brick Road team pave the way to a cureSNLH Relay for Life team would like your help paving the way for a cure. In order to help meet this year’s fund raising goal of $2,500, the Yellow Brick Road team is selling yellow paper bricks.

Bricks can be purchased from any Yellow Brick Road team member for a minimum of $1 and the purchaser can choose from two different bricks, either in memory of or in honor of. The bricks will be displayed in the cafeteria throughout the event.

In addition to selling bricks, the team has organized a bake sale, which is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17, beginning at 7 a.m., in the cafeteria.

March 12, 2010

A biweekly newsletter for the employees, physicians, volunteers and friends of Samaritan Health Services.

Living with grief teleconference offered

Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospice and Brenda S. Wills, Chaplain, are sponsoring the 17th Annual Living with Grief teleconference on Thursday, April, 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Education Conference Room.

Each year the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) presents a nationally recognized distance learning program, live via satellite and webcast, to more than 125,000 people in 2,000 communities. For more than a decade, this annual educational program has been instrumental in educating health care professionals and families on issues affecting end-of-life care. The program provides an opportunity for a wide variety of professionals – including doctors, nurses, funeral directors, psychologists, educators, social workers and bereavement counselors – to share and exchange ideas and obtain continuing education credits.

This year the teleconference focuses on cancer and end-of-life care. The teleconference will examine and address care options related to cancer diagnoses as well as loss and grief reactions for patients, families and professional care givers. The teleconference will also examine psychosocial aspects of cancer, pain management, and ethical issues related to the disease.

Participants may bring their own lunch. Beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Linda at (541) 574-4754.

Are you up for the “Take 10” challenge? During each Decennial Census, the Census Bureau undertakes the count of every person residing in the United States. The good news is that the 2010 Census questionnaire is one of the shortest in history - just 10 questions that only take about 10 minutes to complete.

Census questionnaires are delivered from March 15 through 17. The stakes are high; an accurate count of the local population helps to ensure that your community receives its fair share of federal funding. This funding includes resources for services, such as health care, education, and roads.

Take 10 minutes to answer the 10 simple questions and mail back your census form between March 15 and April 15!

Find help for chronic pain Are you stuck in the vicious cycle of chronic pain? The Samaritan Good Move program is ideal for those who suffer from a painful chronic condition such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis or back pain. This eight-week program utilizes the Move Beyond Pain® curriculum which addresses:

• Overview of chronic pain • Anatomy and physiology of pain • Stress management • Medications and supplements • Exercise • Prescription • Diet, nutrition and healing foods • Home therapeutic modalities • Hope, happiness and healing • Biomechanics and posture • Acceptance, pacing and goal setting

Classes are held Thursdays, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., from April 1 through May 20. A fee of $45 includes the class series and materials. Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, call (541) 574-4724.

Test your lungs!Join us for a free lung health screening on Wednesday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SPCH in conference room A.

The screening will help determine your risk of developing the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a serious lung disease that restricts your ability to breathe. At the initial onset of COPD, one may not produce symptoms or show physical signs, but with early diagnosis COPD is very treatable. High risk individuals may experience shortness of breath, a cough for three consecutive months, sputum production, or wheezing.

At the screening, pulmonary health care specialists will conduct a spirometry test to measure how much (volume) and how fast (flow) you can move air into and out of your lungs. The test is painless, noninvasive and only takes 10 minutes. A copy of your test results will be provided so you can have them interpreted by your primary care provider.

Take charge of your health so you can breathe easy and live an active life with this free screening. For more information, call (541) 574-4856.

Don’t forget!Lincoln County’s Annual Diabetes Workshop

is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Best Western Agate Beach Inn in Newport. Call for

information: (541) 574-4682.

March 12, 2010