June 2014
Two teams recognized for transforming care
Annual CEO Award presented to Care Connections and PCMH teams
Two teams that exemplify the
health system’s strategies by
transforming the way we deliver
care, were honored this month
with the Lancaster General
Health CEO Award.
LG Health President & CEO
Tom Beeman presented the
annual award to the Care
Connections and Patient
Centered Medical Home
(PCMH) teams during the June
3 Service Awards celebration at
Lancaster General Hospital.
Patient Centered Medical
Home Team
One of LG Health’s strategies is
to help patients become more
engaged in their health. The
PCMH team is doing just that.
Over the past year, the team
led all 26 Lancaster General
Health Physicians (LGHP)
primary care practices through
a rigorous process to attain
Level 3 PCMH recognition -the National Committee for
Quality Assurance’s (NCQA)
highest indicator of a practice’s
ability to combine teamwork
and information technology to
improve care, improve patients’
experience, and reduce costs.
Thanks to the work of the
PCMH Team, LGHP primary
care providers are delivering
care in a more structured,
standardized way, resulting in
top decile performance in
chronic disease management
like diabetes care, as well as
preventive care interventions
like tobacco and cancer
screening.
In addition, care management
Care Connections Team members gather after receiving a CEO
Award during the Service Awards celebration at LGH. Back row from
left, Kim Bahata, Catherine Colon, Chad Wickenheiser, Justin Cook,
Dr. Jeffrey Martin, Dr. John Wood, and Heather Hostetter. Front row,
Pete Irizarry, Sarah Barrett, Kelly Aponte, Donna Kauffman, Amber
Jerauld and Audrey Martin. Not pictured, Richard Canard, Dr. Beth
Freedman, Kyle Garrett, Lee Ann Haas, Dr. Scott Lauter, Maribeth
LeBreton, Ashley Mogle and Jessica Rowland.
LG Health President & CEO Tom Beeman, at right, presents one of
two 2014 CEO Awards to the Patient Centered Medical Home Team,
represented by, from left, Alice Yoder, Vicki Rote, Heather Snyder,
Joye Mahler, Nicole Brennan, Jill Fuhrman, Debbie Wertz, Allyssa
Miles, and Dr. Paul Conslato. Team members not pictured: Genely
Chiong, Dr. Dwight Eichelberger, Vanessa Winters, and Dr. Brian Young.
services were introduced,
putting in place a system to
identify high-risk patients who
demand more intense services
and help them stay well.
Care Connections Team
Care Connections takes the
delivery of high-intensity
services a step further, by
providing a temporary,
transitional, primary care team
to help the highest utilizers of
healthcare services better
manage their care and return to
their regular PCP. Their efforts
support another health system
strategy: redesigning the way
care is delivered.
The innovative program, which
launched in 2013, has touched
more than 70 patients with
numerous and complex
medical issues, who previously
averaged four hospitalizations
per year. Care Connections
brings together an
interdisciplinary team offering
education to patients and
connecting them to the
services they need.
As of February 2014, Care
Connections has reduced
inpatient stays in this
population by 61 percent;
reduced emergency room visits
by 55 percent; and noted
significant improvement in
cholesterol, diabetes, blood
pressure and medication
adherence measures.
Celebrating success
The CEO Award recognizes
individuals or teams creating
measurable value for the health
system and significantly
impacting our Mission and Vision.
Honorees receive a crystal
award, along with $1,000 to
celebrate their success.
President’s
Message
Celebrating service
By Thomas E. Beeman, PhD,
FACHE, President & CEO
Earlier this
month and last,
I had the great
privilege of
celebrating the
dedicated
service of those
Tom Beeman marking
five-year
anniversaries with Lancaster
General Health.
This year, 1,006 of you reached
these milestone anniversaries,
representing a total of 12,570
total years of service. Special
congratulations to our longesttenured honorees, Carol Barr
from Food Service, and
Deborah VonStetten, from the Lab,
who marked 45 years of service.
On occasions like the Service
Awards celebrations that allow
us to reflect on what makes
our organization great -- our
employees -- I continue to be
amazed by our committed
team members who each day,
meet the needs of our
community, and help us
achieve amazing things.
Just recently, we were named
one of the "100 Great
Hospitals in America" by
Becker's Hospital Review. And
due in large part to the care we
provide and the community
partnerships we establish, the
latest County Health rankings
now place Lancaster among
the state's top 10 healthiest.
We've built a strong foundation
upon which to establish LG
Health as a population health
management organization.
During the June 3 Service
Awards celebration, I was
honored to recognize the Care
Connections and PCMH teams
who have made incredible
strides in this area (see story
on pg. 1).
Congratulations to all for the
work you do each day to help
our organization deliver on the
promise of a healthier future.
Largest class graduates from College
Six 8 Lime nurses complete RN-BSN program
Six nurses from Lancaster General
Health’s 8 Lime Unit, pictured at right,
were among the 496 students who
graduated from the Pennsylvania College
of Health Sciences Class in May.
In addition to being the College’s largest
graduating class ever, the Class of 2014
was also the first to graduate under the
College’s new name, which changed last
year from Lancaster General College of
Nursing & Health Sciences.
College President Mary Grace Simcox
encouraged the graduates to recall the
transformation they underwent while at
the College and to “be creative and willing
to take risks” going forward.
In addition to Simcox, radiography
graduate and winner of the Excellence in
Radiography Award, Derek Knisley and
Rear Admiral Alton L. Stocks, MD, addressed
the graduates. Stocks called healthcare
“the most honorable career” and
challenged students to maintain that honor.
Six nurses from 8 Lime celebrate their graduation from the
RN-BSN program at the Pennsylvania College of Health
Sciences’ May 22 commencement. From left, Cheryl
Boulanger, Nicole Criswell, Amanda Beckley, Andrea
Castillo, Julie Justice and Gretchen Stevenson.
Employee Wellness in the spotlight
Recent accolades highlight LG Health initiatives
Lancaster General Health was
one of five local employers
honored with a Well Workplace
Award at the annual Lancaster
County Health Summit held
May 19 at the Lancaster
Convention Center. The award
recognizes efforts to improve
overall workplace wellness. LG
Health received the Platinum
Award in the large business
category.
Presented by the Lighten Up
Lancaster Coalition, in
partnership with the Lancaster
County Business Group on
Health, the Lancaster Health
Improvement Partnership, and
the Tobacco Free Coalition, the
awards highlight companies
that are prioritizing the health of
their employees and creating
innovative programming around
wellness.
Well Workplace Award winners
were evaluated using the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's Worksite Health
Scorecard, which assesses
efforts in 12 areas of wellness,
including physical activity,
nutrition, weight management,
stress management, tobacco
control and high blood pressure.
In addition to the Well
Workplace Award, LG Health
also recently received gold-level
recognition as a Fit-Friendly
Workplace by the American
Heart Association.
Representatives from LG Health’s employee wellness team, from left,
Anne Hess, Ann Israel, Alice Yoder, George Cattell and Brenda
Buescher, accept the Well Workplace Platinum Award on behalf of
the health system at the Lancaster County Health Summit.
And last month, during National
Bike Month, Lancaster Mayor
Rick Gray read a proclamation
in front of Lancaster General
Hospital, recognizing efforts by
the city and LG Health to make
the city more bikable and
walkable.
LG Health staff lend Helping Hands
Annual grants awarded to not-for-profits
Each spring, employees and medical staff
members are invited to submit grant
applications on behalf of not-for-profit
organizations with which they volunteer.
This year, eight employees secured $1,000
or $3,300 grants through LG Health's
Helping Hands/Helping Hands Abroad
program.
Each year Dr. Frederick
Beyer, The Surgical Group
of Lancaster General
Health, visits Shirati,
Tanzania to provide
surgical services, and
deliver medical supplies to
Shirati Hospital. Dr. Beyer
serves on the Board of
Directors for Friends of Shirati, an
organization that provides medical,
educational and developmental assistance
to East Africa. His Helping Hands Abroad
grant will be used to purchase medical and
surgical supplies.
Theresa Curcio, RN,
Main PACU, secured a
Helping Hands Abroad
grant for Life Connection
Mission. The organization
provides educational
programs, medical
assistance, and other
humanitarian outreach in
Montrouis, Haiti, one of the poorest
countries in the Western Hemisphere. The
grant will go toward providing a well and
clean drinking water for this village which
faces a huge problem with cholera.
Judith Bryant, EP Lab, has
worked with The United
Disabilities Services’
service dogs program for
more than two years. Her
Helping Hands grant will
benefit the organizations’s
new Pups in Prison program
known as "TAILS," which places puppies at
SCI-Pine Grove where select inmates raise
and train the dogs to one day work for a
person with a disability, a child with Autism, or
serve as a therapy dog in a retirement facility.
In February, Jewel
Campbell, RN, OR,
traveled with a surgical
team to Manos Amigas, a
clinic in Honduras
supported by Serving at
the Crossroads. The team
performed 61 surgeries in
just five days. The Helping
Hands Abroad grant Jewell
secured will help provide the clinic with
needed medical supplies.
Martin Long, Security, has
volunteered with Mom's
House of Lancaster for
more than 20 years. Mom's
House is a unique family
support system, providing
basic needs like free child
care for low income single
parents while they pursue
full-time education. The
Helping Hands grant fund will support weekly
parenting classes focused on keeping children
healthy and safe.
For six years, Kim Shirker, Marketing, has
been a leader in the
Manheim Central
Foundation For
Educational Enrichment.
The organization provides
teacher grants to
enhance academic,
cultural, and art
opportunities that
maximize student growth
and achievement. Her Helping Hands grant
will help directly fund their baseline venture
grants which reach grades K through 12 in
the Manheim Central School District.
The Tommy Foundation
provides support to
individuals and families
affected by Autism
through special events,
volunteers, tutoring
programs, and direct
financial assistance.
Thanks to Jessica
Townsend, LPN,
Roseville Pediatrics, the organization
received a Helping Hands grant to provide
more services and support to local families.
For more than 10 years,
Robert Zimmerman,
Courier Service, has
volunteered with the
Women's Winter Shelter
in Lancaster. The Helping
Hands grant he secured
will help the shelter
become better equipped
to handle the increasing
number of women who arrive each year,
and guide them toward brighter futures.
Employees support United Way’s VITA program
Thanks to volunteers like LG Health’s Andrea Byorick and Kate Ritter, Financial
Decision Support; and Katie Garrison, Infusion Center, more than 900 tax returns
were prepared for clients who meet income requirements through the United Way
of Lancaster County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
“It’s great to have such good support from Lancaster General Health,” said
program coordinator Steve O’Neill. “Clients received more than $1.7 million in
refunds, while saving a total of nearly $180,000 in tax preparation fees.”
Katie Garrison
This was Katie’s first year of volunteering. Andrea and Kate have been volunteers
for three years and especially enjoy building relationships with clients who return
to work with them.
Our Mission
To advance the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Our Vision
Delivering on the promise of a healthier future.
Katie Rittter, left, and
Andrea Byorick
The Experience is a monthly publication for
employees of Lancaster General Health
Jill Gross, Editor
717-544-5053 or [email protected]
Milestone brings back memories of a life saved
Mother and daughter return to LGH three years later to say thank you
As Michelle VonNieda sent out
have occurred. In 2011, the
invitations to
team gave her “the
“I truly believe without greatest gift...the life of
her daughter
Dr. Herr and the staff at my daughter.”
Danielle’s
LGH, Danielle wouldn’t
high school
be here today.”
graduation
Michelle and Danielle
party, she
recently returned to
--Michelle VonNieda
reflected on
LGH to personally
a team at Lancaster General
express their appreciation to Dr.
Hospital without whom, she
James Herr, Dr. Daniel Wu, and
says, the celebration would not
members of the Emergency
Department and Trauma teams.
During an ED staff meeting,
they recounted the story that
changed their family’s life.
Dr. Daniel Wu gets an update on
Danielle VonNieda’s recovery in
LGH’s Emergency Department.
Summer fun turns tragic
It was July 16, 2011. Danielle
was enjoying a day on the
Jersey shore with a friend,
when a strong wave slammed
her against the sand. She was
treated for a mild concussion
and broken rib at a local
medical facility before returning
to Lancaster.
When Michelle connected with
Project SEARCH showcased
Eight student interns who
participated in Project SEARCH, a
work immersion program
sponsored by LG Health, IU13 and
the Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation, recently celebrated
their success at the annual
SEARCH "Showcase" in the James
Street Lobby at LGH.
The
students,
who
Housekeeper and mentor
completed Cindy Sipe, with Project
three, eight- SEARCH intern Zachary Hill.
week
internships in the hospital during the
school year, displayed highlights from
their experiences. All are seniors
graduating from local school districts
this month. Four have secured positions
with LG Health; three have employment
in the community; and one is completing
final interviews for a position.
Horizon Healthcare
Services’ Bob Bergner A special thank you to mentors in 20 LG
with intern Cristian
Health departments who participated in
Phibbs.
Project SEARCH. In the fall, 12 new
interns will arrive for the health system's sixth year of
participation in the program. If you would like to be involved,
contact Andrea Cubbison, Manager of Volunteer Services and
Community Outreach, at 544-4863.
her daughter
later that day,
she said her
“mother’s
intuition”
indicated
something
much more
serious was
going on. She
took Danielle
to LGH. Dr.
Herr agreed,
and in
consultation
with Dr. Wu,
ordered tests Danielle VonNieda and her mother Michelle thank Dr.
that revealed James Herr and Vicki Fitzgibbons, RN, for the quick
Danielle had
thinking and expertise that saved Danielle’s life.
suffered a
severed
at the staff meeting.
pancreas -- a very rare and
potentially life-threatening injury.
Now, filled with gratitude,
Danielle is celebrating her grad“I truly believe without Dr. Herr
uation from Lampeter-Strasburg
and the staff at LGH, Danielle
High School, and looking
wouldn’t be here today,”
forward to attending Elizabethtown
Michelle told the team gathered
College in the fall.
Customer Service Hall of Fame
Honoring staff members named in patient surveys
LGH and Satellite Locations
Invasive Cardiology: Kate Guzman, RN; Denise Miller, RN;
Alanna Watts, PtCA; Manheim Family Medicine: Chelsea
Aponte, Customer Service Specialist; 4 Lime: Megan
Burkholder, RN; Heather Miller, RN; 5 North: Jim Cataldi,
RN; Kelsey Giandalia, RN; Paula Gransee, PtCA; Amber
Leed, RN; Elizabeth Owens, UC; Jordane Paolilli, PtCA;
Cathy Patton, RN; Sam Simone, RN; 7 West: Nancy
Zimmerman, RN; 8 Lime: Cally Adams, RN; Ashley Bitel, RN;
Vicki Groff, UC; Luis Honrade, PtCA; Julie Justice, RN;
Devon Messner, PtCA; Janine Niehaus, RN
CANCER INSTITUTE
Infusion: Jeff Kindrew, RN; Ann Morris, RN
AFFILIA HOME HEALTH
Maryanna Bakey, PT; Nicole Bender, HHA; Howard
Blanchet, PT; Dan Burkhart, PT; Heather Carter, RN; Lynn
Charlton, PT; Lori DiMaio, RN; Janet Eliadis, RN; JoAnne
Fister, RN; Ken Fox, PT; Pam Garber, RN; Beth Gardner, PT;
Stacy Geesaman, PT; Nancy Grabus, RN; Kelly Hart, PT;
Nadine Herman, RN; Monica Johnson, PT; Donna Kershner,
RN; Tracy Kissinger, RN; Christine Loos, MSW; Linda Love,
RN; Armine Martin, RN; Jason Mayo, PT; Amber Motko, RN;
Dolly Padilla, PT; Michael Parlapiano, PT; Grace Peterson,
RN; Angela Preston, PT; Michelle Quinn, RN; Lisa Reese, PT;
Molly Rineer, RN; Elaine Sapp, RN; Beth Sauder, RN;
Jennifer Sayer, RN; Lance Shuey, PT; Bonnie Stauffer, PT