May 4, 2000
Correction
In the last NEWS & NOTES, the announcement was made that the freeze on merit increases would be lifted July 1, 2000. It has come to my attention that the freeze was implemented effective July 9, 1999, and thus should be lifted on July 9, 2000, in order to make it effective for one complete year as previously announced. I apologize for the incorrect information. Terrence A. Hansen, MPH, executive vice president & COO
Medical Center recognizes employee years of service
Four hundred seventy-four Loma Linda University Medical Center employees were honored at the annual employee recognition banquet held April 3 in the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. LLUMC president and chief executive officer B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, commended the employees for their 7,205 years of combined service to the institution. Richard M. Garner, administrative director, human resource management
Mock survey planned
Loma Linda University Medical Center will again utilize the mock survey services of Elizabeth Geffers, RN, MS, from June 5 to 9. Ms. Geffers assisted the Medical Center in 1998 when the institution was preparing for the last JCAHO survey. She will work with LLUMC as it prepares for the July, 2001, survey. The quality resource management staff encourages department heads and others to actively participate in the mock survey, as JCAHO has made several changes in how they will survey hospitals. Previously, there were multiple interviews with key individuals on medication use, nutritional care, operative procedures, etc. Now, JCAHO has combined those interviews into one interview called the patient care interview. This will allow them to spend more time in patient care areas. They will be visiting more nursing units and spending more time on those units, as their focus has moved from closed medical record review to open medical record review and actual patient interviews. Renee Hills, RN, MS, CPHQ, executive director, quality resource management/medical staff administration
National Organ Donor Awareness Week celebrated
April 16 to 22 is the official week recognized for all those who have selflessly given the gift of life. This is also a good time to discuss organ donation and to share your wishes with your family. In recognition of these heroes LLUMC had a message placed on the community billboard in their honor. Please note the billboard thanking organ donors, located adjacent to I-10 west at Mountain View exit. Julie B. Humeston, RN, BSN, CCTC, director, referral development , LLU Transplantation Institute
Patient suggestions results in change
Have you observed that two colors of mugs are being used for patient tray service? The teal and maroon mugs are both in use as a result of a patient comment on the nutritional services patient satisfaction survey. A patient commented that the mugs used for coffee tend to absorb the flavor, resulting in an off-flavor when the same mug is used for hot water for herbal tea. The solution has been to continue using the teal mugs for coffee and using new maroon mugs for hot water for teas and broth. Carol S. Baker, MS, RD, administrative director, nutritional services department
National Volunteer Week in progress
National Volunteer Week ended on Saturday, April 15. The theme for this year was "Volunteers, Leading the Way Into the 21st Century." Even though National Volunteer Week is over, please take a moment to thank volunteers for their unselfish giving, caring , and sharing, and for their time and support of our institutions. Denise B. Winter, director, volunteer services/information desks
University Church search committee solicits creative visioning
The Loma Linda University Church of Seventh-day Adventists Search 2000 Committee invites members of the congregation to join in any of the open forums listed for the purpose of creative visioning as the members look to the future of the University Church under the direction of a new senior pastor. Open meetings are Sabbath, April 15, 3:00ø5:00 p.m.; Sunday, April 16, 7:00ø9:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, April 18, 6:00ø8:00 p.m. Individuals who would like to submit ideas in writing may send them to Search 2000 Committee, University Church, 11125 Campus Street, Loma Linda 92354, or by email to <search2000.som.llu.edu>. Committee members include Cheryl Simpson (co-chair), Bert Connell (co-chair), Patti Catalano, Joan Coggin, Jerry Davis, Ramon Gonzalez, Randy Hamerly, Tammy Hilliard, Georgia Hodgkin, Sandra Leggitt, Robert Martin, Gerald Pennick, Frieda Roos, Doug Welebir, Gerald Winslow, and Tom Zirkle. B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president & CEO
Documentation steering committee formed
A documentation steering committee has been formed to oversee the process of improving quality and effectiveness of institutional documentation. Invited to assist in this process is LeAnne Hunstock, senior clinical consultant from CSC Healthcare. She is on site each Wednesday and is conducting an assessment of the multifaceted documentation system. The assessment will be completed by the end of April, and will include a plan to reach the overall institutional objectives. Additional information regarding short- and long-term goals will be forthcoming. Jean Marie Messinger, RN, MN, executive director, nursing administration
Reminder: Mileage allowance increased
The mileage allowance has increased to 28 cents per mile. This reimbursement is issued for travel while conducting Medical Center work when using personal vehicles . As in the past, reimbursement is given when expense reports are turned in to the finance department. Terrence A. Hansen, MPH, executive vice president & COO
Stem cell transplant marks event
April 4, 2000, marked the tenth autologous stem cell transplant at LLUMC. The success of this program has far surpassed the initial anticipated projections. By completing the tenth consecutive successful transplant we can now proceed to FAHCT certification. This certification is the first step in the establishment of this program as a "center of excellence." Julie B. Humeston, RN, BSN, CCTC, director, referral development , LLU Transplantation Institute
LLUCI needs participants for breast cancer prevention study
Loma Linda University Cancer Institute is looking for individuals to participate in the "Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene" (STAR). This study compares the effectiveness of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene in breast cancer prevention among postmenopausal women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you or someone you know is at an increased risk for breast cancer, call (877) LLUMC-4U to learn more about this important study. Sabrina Bhasker Rao, clinical research coordinator , LLU Cancer Institute
Murals adorn walls of unit 5700
Artistic murals depicting children and animals now adorn the many walls of unit 5700, the Children's Hospital pediatric intensive care unit. The paintings, depicting a variety of animals and showing children in play settings, were recently completed by two local artists. The staff of unit 5700 note that the brightly painted murals are more conducive to their patients' recovery than the previous plain walls. Tracy Halbmaier, RN, pediatric intensive care unit
Confidential employee communication line available
The confidential employee line (extension 87272) is still in use and available for Medical Center employees. Employees are encouraged to call with comments, suggestions, or questions. For follow-up purposes, it is helpful to have a name and extension, but this is not necessary. Confidentially is assured. Terrence A. Hansen, MPH, executive vice president & COO
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