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MAY 2017 A publication for the Anna Jaques Hospital community N EWSBREAK 117 MARK’S MESSAGE On May 15 th , it was announced that Anna Jaques is in discussions to join the proposed health system being formed between Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Lahey Health, New England Baptist Hospital, and Mount Auburn Hospital. After thoughtful and thorough consideration, the Board of Trustees for Anna Jaques Hospital signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to move towards an agreement to join the combined system that will extend across Eastern Massachusetts. This new system being established shares a vision and commitment to high-value, community-based health care. Anna Jaques is one of five founding members of the new system, which will include 11 widely respected hospitals committed to clinical excellence. Joining this combined system gives us a compelling and unique opportunity to position ourselves for long-term strategic growth and continued success. It will enable us to further expand and enhance our clinical services in our region, while collaborating with high quality hospitals within the network. There is much to be proud of that has brought Anna Jaques to this point. Anna Jaques will be the oldest hospital in the new system. For 133 years, AJH employees, medical staff, boards, committees, and volunteers have made this a special place to work and receive care. Anna Jaques has enjoyed more than a decade of solid performance by all accounts, from our high quality care to our improved financial position, patient satisfaction, and service expansion. Our invitation to join this impressive group of hospitals is a direct reflection of our strong reputation that you all helped to create. From a business perspective, the benefits of joining this system best positions Anna Jaques for the future. Yet, there is an emotional side to this decision. Since 1884, Anna Jaques has operated independently, forming the reputation we have today and becoming the hospital we know and love. Let me assure you, we will continue doing what we do best for our community, with the added support of a robust health system. The signing of the Letter of Intent is the first step in a long process, and I will continue to keep you updated as things progress (see pg. 2 for common questions from Town Hall Meetings). Thank you for your continued support of the patients and families we serve. Hospital name and identity will remain “Anna Jaques Hospital” Continue to be a non-profit, 501c3, separately licensed, full-service hospital No change to employees’ defined benefit pension plan Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation will continue to be responsible for all fundraising, and past and future philanthropy will exclusively support Anna Jaques Hospital Relationship with the Massachusetts Nurses Association will not change AJH will retain local boards, management, and independent medical staffs with appropriate intersects to the new health system Seacoast Affiliated Group Practice (hospital owned physicians and support staff) will continue to be aligned with AJH in the new health care delivery system So, What Does This Mean For...?

MARK’S MESSAGE - Newburyport – AJH · 2 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 What is our current relationship with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)? Anna Jaques and BIDMC have shared

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Page 1: MARK’S MESSAGE - Newburyport – AJH · 2 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 What is our current relationship with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)? Anna Jaques and BIDMC have shared

MAY 2017

A publication for the Anna Jaques Hospital community

N e w s b r e a k117

MARK’S MESSAGEOn May 15th, it was announced that Anna Jaques is in discussions to join the proposed health system being formed between Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Lahey Health, New England Baptist Hospital, and Mount Auburn Hospital. After thoughtful and thorough consideration, the Board of Trustees for Anna Jaques Hospital signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to move towards an agreement to join the combined system that will extend across Eastern Massachusetts.

This new system being established shares a vision and commitment to high-value, community-based health care. Anna Jaques is one of five founding members of the new system, which will include 11 widely respected hospitals committed to clinical excellence. Joining this combined system gives us a compelling and unique opportunity to position ourselves for long-term strategic growth and continued success. It will enable us to further

expand and enhance our clinical services in our region, while collaborating with high quality hospitals within the network.

There is much to be proud of that has brought Anna Jaques to this point. Anna Jaques will be the oldest hospital in the new system. For 133 years, AJH employees, medical staff, boards, committees, and volunteers have made this a special place to work and receive care. Anna Jaques has enjoyed more than a decade of solid performance by all accounts, from our high quality care to our improved financial position, patient satisfaction, and service expansion. Our invitation to join this impressive group of hospitals is a direct reflection of our strong reputation that you all helped to create.

From a business perspective, the benefits of joining this system best positions Anna Jaques for the future. Yet, there is an emotional side to this decision. Since 1884, Anna Jaques has operated independently, forming the reputation we have today and becoming the hospital we know and love. Let me assure you, we will continue doing what we do best for our community, with the added support of a robust health system.

The signing of the Letter of Intent is the first step in a long process, and I will continue to keep you updated as things progress (see pg. 2 for common questions from Town Hall Meetings). Thank you for your continued support of the patients and families we serve.

• Hospital name and identity will remain “Anna Jaques Hospital”• Continue to be a non-profit, 501c3, separately licensed, full-service hospital• No change to employees’ defined benefit pension plan• Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation will continue to be responsible for all fundraising, and past and future philanthropy will exclusively support Anna Jaques Hospital• Relationship with the Massachusetts Nurses Association will not change• AJH will retain local boards, management, and independent medical staffs with appropriate intersects to the new health system• Seacoast Affiliated Group Practice (hospital owned physicians and support staff) will continue to be aligned with AJH in the new health care delivery system

So, What Does This Mean For...?

Page 2: MARK’S MESSAGE - Newburyport – AJH · 2 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 What is our current relationship with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)? Anna Jaques and BIDMC have shared

2 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017

What is our current relationship with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)? Anna Jaques and BIDMC have shared a long-standing, successful clinical affiliation since 2010. This has brought highly specialized care to our community, including: Anna Jaques Cancer Center affiliated with BIDMC, Gerrish Breast Care Center, Thoracic Clinic, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, and co-branded primary care. Anna Jaques Hospital and the Whittier Independent Practice Association (IPA), as a part of the Lower Merrimack Valley Physician-Hospital Organization, are already in Beth Israel Deaconess Care Organization (BIDCO) and in alignment with the hospital. Joining the proposed combined system would build on this foundation.

Which hospitals would be included in the proposed new system? Anna Jaques is one of five founding members of the new system. These also include:

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) BIDMC is a world-class teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston with 651 licensed beds, including 473 medical/surgical beds, 77 critical care beds and 60 OB/GYN beds. BIDMC owns three community hospitals, including: BID-Milton, BID-Needham, and BID-Plymouth.

Lahey Health Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, MA, is a 335-bed teaching hospital affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine. It owns three community hospitals: Beverly Hospital, Addison Gilbert Hospital, and Winchester Hospital.

New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) NEBH is the premier regional provider for orthopedic surgery and the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and disorders and is a teaching affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. NEBH is nationally recognized and consistently ranked as one of America’s top hospitals for orthopedics by U.S. News and World Report.

Mount Auburn Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA, is a top notch teaching healthcare system affiliated with Harvard Medical School. 213 licensed beds in all private rooms; comprehensive inpatient services; known for top-level care including Cardiac Care and Cancer Care departments, both known as centers of excellence.

CoMMonlY ASkeD QueSTionS AT ToWn HAll MeeTingS

A FinAl FolloW-up ToWn HAll MeeTing Will be HoSTeD on WeDneSDAY, MAY 31ST AT 10:00AM in THe HigginS ConFerenCe rooM.

AJH To Join propoSeD HeAlTH CAre SYSTeM To SpAn ACroSS eASTern MASSACHuSeTTS

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NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 3

Why has Anna Jaques been asked to join the new system? The invitation to Anna Jaques is a reflection of our reputation and successes. The system recognizes the value that AJH would bring to its robust hospital network: • This is a community hospital-centric system that understands that high performing community hospitals like AJH are critical to containing rising health care costs.

• AJH complements the expansive geographic presence of the new network, which will span across Eastern MA, from Newburyport to Plymouth.

• The vision of the new system is to provide high-quality, low-cost care in the community whenever possible. AJH expects to see increased referrals to and from network hospitals, ensuring that the right care is delivered in the right setting for each patient.

• The Anna Jaques Medical Staff, as part of Beth Israel Deaconess Care Organization (BIDCO), is one of the top performing “pods” in BIDCO, ranked #3 of 34 pods for quality care and patient satisfaction.

• Our ability to deliver high quality care and a superior patient experience at a lower cost has positioned Anna Jaques for success as we face the ever-changing demands of care delivery and payment reform.

What has been the past experience of community hospitals that are part of BIDMC and Lahey Health? Community hospitals associated with the BIDMC and Lahey systems have been strengthened as community hospital affiliates. They have seen increased volume and revenue, improved access to more clinical services, and kept more care in their local communities.

How will this affect employees in terms of benefits, vacation time, potential job losses or changes, IT systems, etc.? We do not anticipate changes to the day-to-day operations at Anna Jaques in the short-term. Decisions to be made about any modifications to benefits or staffing will continue to be made as they always have, regardless of whether or not we are part of a system.

Long term, the system will look to maximize efficiencies across the network, and we would anticipate adding positions to accommodate the expected volume growth at Anna Jaques. IT systems throughout the network vary, so it is likely a long-term plan will be developed to address this system wide.

What happens to the AJH Community Health Foundation? Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation will continue to be responsible for fundraising at Anna Jaques. All dollars raised for AJH, both past and present, will solely support AJH.

What is a Letter of Intent (LOI), and what are the next steps in this process? A Letter of Intent (LOI) documents what two or more organizations intend to do and why, as well as the principles they agree on and that will guide them moving forward. AJH, BIDMC, Lahey Health, New England Baptist Hospital, and Mount Auburn will now work towards a Definitive Agreement. Signing the Letter of Intent is the first step in a lengthy process that will require state and federal reviews and approvals that is expected to take 12-18 months.

A FinAl FolloW-up ToWn HAll MeeTing Will be HoSTeD on WeDneSDAY, MAY 31ST AT 10:00AM in THe HigginS ConFerenCe rooM.

AJH To Join propoSeD HeAlTH CAre SYSTeM To SpAn ACroSS eASTern MASSACHuSeTTS

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4 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017

Congratulations to our May Shining Star, Hua Qi, RPh, a pharmacist in the Chart Grant Program. A recent patient remarked in a Press Ganey survey that, “Hua was excellent and very helpful.” The patient also shared that Hua was compassionate and talked her through everything to create a list of allergies to submit prior to surgery.

Gary Lee, VP of Clinical Services; Jeffrey Gwinn, Director of Pharmacy Services; Hua Qi, RPh; and Mark Goldstein, President & CEO.

Construction to the state-of-the-art Haverhill Medical Offices of Anna Jaques Hospital continues to move forward. Located at 600 Primrose Street, the new building will house primary and specialty care all under one roof, including: Pentucket Medical Associates, Women’s Health Care, Children’s Health Care, Gerrish Breast Care Center, Seacoast Surgery, Atlantic Vein Institute, AJH Sleep Lab, and AJH Laboratory Services. The building is set to open fall 2017.

Haverhill Medical OfficesConSTruCTion upDATe

beST FrienDS SHAre STorY For STroke AWAreneSS MonTHMay is American Stroke Month, a time to raise awareness that most strokes are preventable when treated right away. It’s a matter of knowing what to do and taking action. That’s what Marcie Dow, Switchboard Operator at AJH, did when her friend of 26 years, Traci Perkins, showed up at her door with signs of a stroke. Working at the Switchboard, Marcie voices emergency calls every day, including stroke calls. She knew right away that the symptoms she saw in her best friend were signs of a stroke.

Knowing she needed to act quickly, Marcie rushed her to AJH. Just 30 minutes after Traci’s arrival at Marcie’s door, she was at Anna Jaques and treated immediately with coordinated care from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and the hospital’s Tele-Stroke Service. Marcie’s

immediate action made the difference for Traci who today is a healthy, busy mom of five children. Traci and Marcie shared their incredible story with the Daily News of Newburyport on May 26th in an effort to raise awareness of stroke prevention and treatment.

Traci Perkins, Marcie Dow, Switchboard Operator, and Diane Wigmore, Senior Director of the Emergency Department.

Stroke is an Emergency - Act F.A.S.T.(F)ace: look for an uneven smile(A)rm: check if one arm is weak(S)peech: listen for slurred speech(T)ime: call 911 right away

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ForMer CAnCer pATienT pAYS iT ForWArDJeanette Cattan, of Newton, NH, was treated at Anna Jaques after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. A hairstylist for 20 years, she said losing her hair during treatments affected not only her appearance but also her morale and sense of identity. In April, the American Cancer Society, Anna Jaques Cancer Center affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and with support from Jeanette, opened a Wig Bank to make free, synthetic, and natural-hair wigs available to women who are on Medicare or uninsured to help current patients cope with the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Jennifer is also a certified volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program, a free service that teaches hands-on cosmetic techniques to patients receiving treatment. She has held multiple sessions over the past year at Alliance Radiation Oncology at Anna Jaques Hospital, located in the Newburyport Medical Center. The program serves as an outlet for patients to share their experiences and gain support from each other.

“The sense of camaraderie is great,” Cattan said. “You lose a lot of your sense of fun and happiness when you go through a treatment like that, but when you come together with a group of people and you’re playing with hats and hair, you start to see that there is still fun in life even when things are so tragic.”

Jeannette Cattan was featured on the front page of the Daily News on May 15th for her efforts in creating a Wig Bank and running the Look Good, Feel Better program at AJH.

STuDenTS rAiSe inCreDible $16,500 For AJH CAnCer CenTer WiTH CATWAlk 4 CAnCer

On April 2nd, 16 students from Central Catholic High School organized and hosted the annual Catwalk4Cancer - 10 Years Tonight, Celebrate the Fight. More than 1,000 people, including students, families, faculty members, and friends from local businesses and the community, gathered to raise funds to help eradicate cancer and to support those fighting cancer.

This year, funds were directed to Anna Jaques Cancer Center affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lucy’s Love Bus. The students announced on May 19th that they had raised an incredible $16,500 for the Cancer Center. Also contributing to Anna Jaques as part of this event were: James Sarcione of Allstate Insurance in Haverhill, and TJX Company based in Framingham.

Sarah Gnerre, VP of Development, and Laura Rossi, Director of Oncology Services, (both center) were presented with a check by students who helped organize the event.

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6 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017

AJH WelCoMeS neW leADerS…Rosemarie Fallon, Practice Manager of Women’s Health CareRosemarie (Rose) started as Practice Manager of Women’s Health Care on May 8th. She brings significant experience to this role, as she was a practice manager in the Wentworth Douglas Health System in Dover, NH. She oversaw the daily operations of internal medicine practices with 50+ clinical and clerical staff and 12 providers. She was recognized for her efforts in improving the patient experience with the practice by maximizing the use of their patient portal, which also improved the efficiency of the practice.

Walter Szuksta, MSN, RN, CNOR, Director of Perioperative ServicesWalter (Wally) joined Anna Jaques as the new Director of Perioperative Services on May 22nd. Previously, he was the Director of Surgery and Central Sterile Processing at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA. His leadership experience has included oversight of 19 operating rooms, the post-anesthesia care unit, surgical day care, pain clinic, interventional radiology, endoscopy and two cardiovascular operating rooms. In his extensive career, Wally was also a service leader for both urology and orthopedic services, and achieved his accreditation as a Certified Nurse of the Operating Room.

Deborah Burke, BSN, RN, OCN, Director of the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Inpatient Unit and Telemetry UnitHaving served as interim Director of Perioperative Services for the past six months, Deb will begin her new role as Director of the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Inpatient Unit and Telemetry Unit on June 5th. Deb is no stranger to AJH, having been a trusted and compassionate Nursing Supervisor since 2003. Deb is an instructor of Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Trauma Nursing Core Course, Basic Life Skills, and is a delegate with the Emergency Nursing Association.

Join us in thanking Margaret Childs, NP, MSN, RN, for her exceptional work as the Director of the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Inpatient Unit and Telemetry Unit over the past four years. We wish her the best of luck as she pursues a new career path as a Certified Nurse Practitioner.

AJH boArD MeMberS HonoreD bY greATer neWburYporT CHAMber oF CoMMerCeAt the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce’s 51st Annual Meeting & Awards dinner on April 27th, members of the Anna Jaques Board of Trustees were recognized for their dedication to the community. Sheriff Frank G. Cousins Jr. received the Captain’s Award, Wayne Capolupo was awarded the prestigious Edward G. Molin Community Leadership Award, and Grace Connolly was thanked for serving as Chair of the Chamber Board for the past year.

Congratulations to Grace, Wayne, and Sheriff Cousins on the well-deserved recognition for all that they do for this community.

Community leaders and supporters of AJH: Ann Ormond, Scott Eaton, Mary Anne Clancy, Wayne Capolupo, Grace Connolly, Charlie Cullen, Sheriff Frank Cousins, and Representative James Kelcourse at the Annual Dinner.

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NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 7

AnnuAl nurSeS & HoSpiTAl Week SCHolArSHip AWArDS CereMonYOn May 9th, Anna Jaques celebrated Nurses’ and Hospital Week with the annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony where seven employees were presented with scholarships on behalf of the Anna Jaques Medical Staff Executive Committee (represented by Dr. Laura Harris), Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation (represented by Chairman of the Community Health Foundation, Trey Byrnes), and the Lower Merrimack Valley Physician Hospital Organization (represented by Todd Lowthers of the Whittier IPA).

Scholarship recipients are in different stages of their careers and working towards a range of higher education including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Masters in Health Informatics and Management, RN to BSN program, Masters in Nursing Education, and Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration.

Congratulations to scholarship winners:• Erik Carter, Information Technology• Camie Chouinard, RN, Emergency Department• Jeff Hadley, RN, Medical/Surgical Unit• Ashley McKinnon, Environmental Services

Join us in congratulating fellow Anna Jaques employees who achieved degrees in higher education in 2016-2017:• Tricia Allen, BSN, RN, Maternal Child Nursing; Bachelors Nursing, Southern New Hampshire University• Paula Cook, BSN, RN, Institution for Savings Inpatient Unit; Bachelor Nursing, Franklin Pierce University• Emily Grossman, BSN, RN, Maternal Child Nursing; Bachelor Nursing, Regis College• Janice Hamerstrom, MSN, RN, Surgical Services; Masters in Nursing, St. Joseph’s College• Ashely Hawkins, BSN, RN, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Inpatient Unit; Bachelor Nursing, Southern New Hampshire University• Walter Keenan, MSN, RN, Emergency Department; Masters Nursing, Salem State University• Stefanie Lennox, Laboratory; Medical Coding Program, Northern Essex Community College• Sarah Melville, MHA, RRT, Pulmonary Rehabilitation; Masters in Health Care Administration, Southern New Hampshire University • Annie Morin, MSN, RN, Maternal Child Nursing; Masters Nursing, Sacred Heart University• Barbara Loftus Nelson, MT, Laboratory; Master Graduate Certificate Health Management, University of Massachusetts-Lowell• Katelynn O’Brien, BS, RN, Cardiac Rehabilitation; Registered Nurse, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy• Danielle Phillips, MSEd, Intensive Care Unit; Masters Education, American International College• Meg Shelton, BSN, RN, Intensive Care Unit; Bachelor Nursing, St. Josephs College• Robert Slocum, DO, MS, Coastal Medical Associates; Masters of Public Health, University of Massachusetts-Amherst• Megan Srokose, BSN, RN, Maternal Child Nursing; Bachelor Nursing, Walden University

Back (L to R): Mark Goldstein: Erik Carter; Richard Maki; Dr. Laura Harris; Trey Byrnes; Todd Lowthers; and Kelsey Trudel, CNA. Front (L to R): Sandra Pettigrew, RN; Ashley McKinnon; Cassandra Taraska, PCA; Jeff Hadley, RN; and Camie Chouinard, RN.

• Sandra Pettigrew, RN, Newburyport Five Telemetry Unit• Cassandra Taraska, PCA, Institution for Savings Inpatient Unit• Kelsey Trudel, CNA, Country Center for Health & Rehab

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8 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017

In celebration of Nurses and Hospital Week, employees and volunteers

shared what makes Anna Jaques a special place

to work and receive care. #MyHospital…

Is a great place to “B” positive!

#MyHospital

Has the best Gift Shop!

Has the best pet therapy dogs.

Puts the unity in community.

Is there when you need us.

Every person is treated like family!

Where everybody knows your name.

Has the most caring, dedicated, and skilled medical staff. We know, we credential them!

Is a great place for your career!

Has the best volunteers!

Has staff longevity, AJH “Lifers” = 169 years!

Ice cream is always in the budget for Hospital Week!

Puts the “care” in Care Transitions.

Page 9: MARK’S MESSAGE - Newburyport – AJH · 2 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 What is our current relationship with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)? Anna Jaques and BIDMC have shared

Each year, The Boston Globe features its annual “Salute to Nurses” special in which local nurses are nominated by their patients or co-workers to be publicly honored. This year, Patricia Morrison, RN, 2North, was recognized in the feature that was published in May. Patricia was nominated by her director, Moe Lord, RN. See excerpt from her nomination letter:

THe boSTon globe’S SAluTe To nurSeS

…Then there is the rare nurse who does it all. Patti Morrison is that nurse. There is no one event or action that makes her so deserving of recognition, but a professional lifetime of being this driven, compassionate, outside-of-the-box thinker who does not know how to do anything at less than 150 percent. As charge nurse on our locked psychiatric unit, she not only runs her shifts with an organization and energy that is jaw-dropping, but she also has an endless supply of ideas and suggestions to fix and improve our world. I thank her for what she has done for patients, peers, and the nursing profession over the last 30 years.

With spring in full swing and the warm weather to match, it is important that all employees adhere to the Hospital’s Dress Code policy. The policy identifies requirements related to appearance at work, and takes into account the following factors: patient safety; staff safety; public safety; Infection Control; job responsibilities; and a professional image.

Dress Code policy reminders that we often see during the summer (and shouldn’t!):• Flip-flops are not appropriate foot wear. Open-toe shoes and sandals may not be considered appropriate foot wear dependent on departmental or nursing policy.• All tattoos are to be covered.• No blue jeans, sweatpants, leotards, T-shirts, tank tops, halter tops and other forms of clothing that may not present a professional image.• Employees must wear a hospital-issued badge or photo ID while on duty. Name tags should be worn above the waist, below the shoulder, and not be obstructed by clothing and/or jewelry.

DreSS CoDe reMinDer

For the 2016-2017 flu season, 96% of employees and volunteers were vaccinated. AJH continues to strive to increase our vaccination rates hospital-wide, as vaccinated employees are less likely to fall ill and spread the illness to patients, improving the quality of care. Thank you to employees, medical staff and volunteers for adhering to the vaccination policy during this particularly long flu season.

VACCinATion rATeS CHili Cook-oFF: lee VS. DeSiMoneWhat started as friendly competitive banter over whose chili was the best eventually turned in to an official Chili Cook-Off between Gary Lee, Vice President of Clinical Services, and Shelley DeSimone, Director of Human Resources. On May 19th, tasters from the second floor Human Resources wing followed official rules and scored each batch without knowing the chef. Though the final scores were within points of another, Shelley won!

In a very close race, Shelley DeSimone took 1st place with Gary Lee just points behind.

NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 9

Moe Lord, RN, and Patti Morrison, RN.

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WellneSS AT AJH

The Spring Steps Challenge was a great success with 103 employees divided amongst 20 teams taking a total 47,982,843 steps, as tracked with Fitbit® fitness trackers. Congratulations to everyone who participated and the winners:

1st Place: The After Party, who averaged a final step count of 717,6302nd Place: Red Hot Storey Steppers, who averaged a final step count of 715,7623rd Place: Nutrition Nomads, who averaged a final step count of 618,430

Mark your calendars for the Summer Steps Challenge that will start on July 24th. Enrollment will be open from June 17-30th. Stay tuned for updates from Human Resources and in the meantime, keeping striving to hit 10,000 steps per day.

Spring STepS CHAllenge ConCluDeS

WAlker SpoTligHT: Rosie Perkins, Nutrition Office

Rosie participated in the steps challenge knowing that she wanted, “a healthier me.” She made positive changes to walk more every day, including: • Walking her dog a further distance in the morning.• Parking in the new employee lot and taking the long way into work.• Walking the perimeter of the hospital at lunchtime.• On cold or rainy days, walking the length of the hospital.

As a result, Rosie has lost weight and lowered her sugar levels. Though the challenge is over, she still wears her Fitbit and strives to hit 10,000 steps per day -and she’s ready for the next challenge. Well done, Rosie!

on-SiTe WeigHTWATCHerS progrAM

10 NEWSBREAK MAY 2017

Anna Jaques is offering a 17-week Weight Watchers session to be hosted at the hospital. Starting May 31st, meetings will be held on Wednesdays from 3:45pm-4:30pm in the Higgins. The cost is $186 with weekly payroll deductions available. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts subscribers will be reimbursed up to $150 and the hospital will cover the remaining $36 balance. Contact Human Resources at ext. 1035 to sign up (you may still register after the start date).

The HealthStream appraisal system has been updated and now features a more user-friendly and streamlined display for employees. All “tasks” are now integrated into one to-do list including appraisals.

HeAlTHSTreAM geTS A neW look

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AnnA JAQueS ouT AbouT in THe CoMMuniTY&

On April 27th, Lynda Kuhne, PT, ATC, Director of Rehabilitation Services (right), and Kelly Spurr, PT, (left) attended the Bresnahan Elementary School’s annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Expo. This expo, which is hosted by the Newburyport PTO and

NEF Education Business Coalition, showcases interactive, engaging and hands-on activities for students in 1st through 3rd grade.

STeM eXpo AMeSburY CHAMber oF CoMMerCe HeAlTH FAir

Anna Jaques sponsored the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce’s 3rd Annual Health Fair and Farmers’ Market on May 6th in downtown Amesbury. The hospital hosted a

Teddy Bear Clinic and shared healthy giveaways. Thank you to Sarah Belisle, RN, Director of Education and Professional Practice (left), and her daughter, Ella (right), who helped staff the table and represented the hospital.

lAWrenCe boYS & girlS Club CAreer FAir On May 17th, Eileen Pramberg, PT, (middle left) and Katie Mahoney, PT, (middle right) of Physical Therapy, participated in the Greater Lawrence Boys & Girls Club’s Career Fair that hosted 100 students ranging from 7th -12th grade to explore different job opportunities and professions.

NEWSBREAK MAY 2017 11

Anna Jaques takes pride in supporting community events – and having fun while doing it, too! Join in on the fun and represent AJH at these upcoming events:

geT inVolVeD!

Anna Jaques Father’s Day 5K, part of Seacoast Running Festival: June 18th at 8:00am along Salisbury Beach. The first 10 AJH employees to sign-up will have their registration fee (which includes brunch) covered – slots still available!

Contact Kelley Sullivan in Marketing at ext. 1475 or [email protected] to sign-up or with questions.

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce’s “Yeat Meet Up” Corporate Challenge: June 29th at 2:00pm at New England Sports Park, Amesbury. This new event brings 40+ local companies together to compete in a fun series of challenges (for all abilities). Teams will be comprised of 5 members and are encouraged to showcase their spirit. 2North is hosting a team and AJH is looking for one more team to participate.

Yankee Homecoming: Newburyport Lions Club Slow Bed Race: August 3rd at 6:00pm – Federal Street, Newburyport. Women’s Health Care has represented AJH over the years in the Slow Bed Race and now it’s time to pass the baton. Seeking interested employees or a department to take on this project which involves: finding participants, choosing a theme and executing theme (with assistance from Marketing).

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“A week ago we were resting comfortably in the Birth Center after having our second daughter. My wife and I wanted to thank you for holding your staff and facilities up to high standards. After a quick 2-hour birth, we found out that there were three births in an hour when we arrived. The coolness and calmness of the nurses and staff definitely did not portray that stress. After hearing about the safety practices in place at AJH at board meetings, we got to experience them first hand.

Overall, the politeness, professionalism - everything! - was just the best. A true testament to the strong leadership our community hospital has. We are fortunate to have AJH in our community and we’ll continue to rave about our experiences (and question those that choose to go elsewhere!).”

- Chris Johnston of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and an AJH Corporator

The growing Johnston family: Grace, baby Oliana, and Chris leaving the AJH Birth Center.

pATienT kuDoS

CAlenDAr

PEDIATRIC ADvANCED LIFE SUPPORT (PALS) RECERTIFICATIONMay 31st - 8:00am-2:00pm - 3rd Floor Conference Room

ADvANCED CARDIAC LIFE SKILLS (ACLS) June 2nd - 7:30am - 3:30pm - Lawrence General Hospital

BASIC LIFE SKILLS (BLS) INITIAL TRAININGJune 14th - 6:30pm-9:30pm - Higgins

BASIC LIFE SKILLS (BLS) RETRAININGJune 15th -3:30pm-6:00pm - Higgins

CRISIS PREvENTION INTERvENTION (CPI)June 16th -Initial: 9:00am-5:00pm; Refresher: 2:00pm-5:00pm - Higgins

BASIC LIFE SKILLS (BLS) RETRAININGJune 28th - 7:00pm-9:30pm - Higgins

• EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• COMMUNITY EVENTSANNA JAqUES FATHER’S DAy 5K, PART OF SEACOAST RUNNING FESTIvALJune 18th - 8:00am - Salisbury Beach (with beach yoga for the non-runners in the family)

CPAP/SLEEP APNEA SUPPORT GROUP - FREEJune 22nd - 6:30pm-8:00pm - Higgins - RSVP to 978-463-1131

GREATER NEWBURyPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S “yEAT MEET UP” CORPORATE CHALLENGE:June 29th - 2:00pm - New England Sports Park, Amesbury

12 NEWSBREAK is a publication of AJH.