Berkshire Medical Center Recognized by Healthgrades

for Bariatric Surgery and Women’s Health Excellence

Berkshire Health Systems has announced that Berkshire Medical Center has achieved the

Healthgrades 2013 Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award™ and 2013 Women’s Health Excellence Award™, according to Healthgrades, the leading online resource that helps consumers search, compare and connect with physicians and hospitals. The recognitions distinguish BMC as a top performing hospital in bariatric weight loss surgery and in women’s health, which includes care provided to women for common conditions and procedures treated in the hospital.

“We are proud of the exceptional quality of care our physicians, nurses and staff deliver to our community in all specialties,” said David Phelps, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. “The excellent outcomes that have resulted from BMC’s surgical weight loss program and our women’s health services give our community confidence that the care they receive right here at home is on par with the most elite hospitals in the nation.”

Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award

“Recent data on obesity prevalace in the United States shows that more than one-third, or roughly 78 million Americans are now obese. For those consumers

BMC Cancer Center Open House

Two Special Events Planned for August

continued, page 2 continued, page 3

B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h S y s t e m s E m p l o y e e N e w s l e t t e r

ScopeAugust 8, 2013

Volume 35 Issue 15

The first phase of construction on the new BMC Cancer Center is nearing completion, and at the

end of August, two special open house events will be held to show off two sections of the new center. These open houses will feature tours of the new offices of Berkshire Hematology Oncology, which will be located on the third floor of the Cancer Center, and the new Infusion Services unit on the fourth floor.

The open houses will be held over two days, with one event for cancer patients and their loved ones and a second for BHS/BMC employees and the community.

The new BMC Cancer Center is being built at the Hillcrest Campus of BMC and will be a state-of-the-art facility providing comprehensive cancer care services all under one roof. The Center will bring together all cancer-related specialties, including Hematology Oncology and Radiation Oncology, and will feature a dedicated pharmacy and Infusion area. The Center will also feature important wellness and integrative support services for patients and family.

When the new BMC Cancer Center is complete, it will feature a new entryway and lobby area.

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Healthgrades Awards continued from page 1

considering bariatric surgery, the Healthgrades report underscores the importance of understanding all of one’s treatment options and the need to select a hospital accordingly,” said Evan Marks, EVP, Strategy and Clinical Informatics, Healthgrades. “The Healthgrades 2013 Bariatric Surgery Award recipients have demonstrated exceptional performance and a dedicated approach when it comes to bariatric care.”

For the report, Healthgrades analyzed clinical outcomes of 204,069 bariatric surgery discharges from 467 hospitals in 18 states where data are publicly available from 2009 through 2011. Healthgrades measured hospital performance based on risk-adjusted in-hospital complications—preventable problems patients had during their hospital stay. Patients having bariatric surgery at hospitals with 5-star performance in bariatric surgery are 71% less likely to experience in-hospital complications than patients at hospitals with 1-star and 46% less likely at hospitals with 3-stars. If all hospitals from 2009 through 2011 had performed at the level of hospitals with 5-stars, 6,417 patients could have potentially avoided a major in-hospital complication.

Women’s Health Excellence Award

“Women tend to fare worse than men in the treatment of significant medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, so it is important for women to understand their risks and select a hospital accordingly,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Healthgrades. “The Healthgrades 2013 Women’s Health Excellence Award recipients have demonstrated exceptional performance and a dedicated approach to delivering superior quality of care for women.”

Healthgrades 2013 Women’s Health Excellence Award recipient hospitals have the potential to save women’s lives. Compared to hospitals that performed in the bottom 10% from 2009 through 2011, Healthgrades Women’s Health Excellence Award recipients as a group had a 55% lower mortality rate

About HealthgradesHealthgrades, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. More than 225 million consumers use the Healthgrades websites to search, compare and connect with physicians and hospitals that best meet their treatment needs. Consumers are empowered through use of the Healthgrades proprietary information about clinical outcomes, satisfaction, safety, and health conditions to make more informed healthcare decisions and take action. For more information please visit:

www.healthgrades.com and www. bettermedicine.com.

across eight conditions and procedures and a 21% lower complication rate across seven conditions and procedures. If all hospitals nationwide performed at the level of the Healthgrades Women’s Health Excellence Award hospitals:

• 46,317 women’s lives could have potentially been saved

• 21,285 women could have potentially avoided in-hospital complications

To see the complete Healthgrades 2013 Bariatric Surgery Report: Your Choices Influence Your Outcome, and/or the Healthgrades Women’s Health Report 2013: Lean In When Making Healthcare Decisions to Get Your Best Outcome, including full methodologies, please visit www.healthgrades.com/quality.

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Cancer Center Open House continued from page 1

4th Floor- Infusion Suite

Patient & Family Open House • Tuesday, August 27th • 11:00 am to 4:00 pm • All patients and family members welcome • No registration – just walk in

Community & BHS Employee Open House• Wednesday, August 28th• 9:00 am to 6:00 pm• All employees and community are welcome• Shuttle buses will run from BMC and Clocktower to Hillcrest and back throughout the day for employees• No registration – just walk in

Infusion and Waiting Area photos: Phase one is nearly complete, which includes the new offices of Berkshire Hematology Oncology and the Infusion Services unit. Shown here are renderings of the new waiting area for Berkshire Hematology Oncology (above) and the Infusion Suite. Visitors to the open house can tour these areas on August 27th and 28th.

3rd Floor- Physician’s Suite Waiting Area

Berkshire Health Systems announces the appointment of Jeannette Liu, MD, a board certified Neurosurgeon with experience in a wide variety of treatments and procedures, to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center and the Neurosurgery Professional Services of BMC physician practice. Dr. Liu is accepting new patients in need of Neurosurgical services, including brain, spine and peripheral nerve conditions. She joins Laszlo Tamas, MD, at Neurosurgery Professional Services of BMC, and she worked previously with Dr. Tamas in California.

Dr. Liu comes to the Berkshires from Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas, where she served as a Neurosurgeon for the past three years. Previously, Dr. Liu served in the United States Air Force as Chief of Neurosurgery at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, and at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. She attained the rank of Major in the Air Force.

Board certified in Neurological Surgery, Dr. Liu has a medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Neurosurgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She received her undergraduate degree from Brown University.

Dr. Liu specializes in: degenerative spinal diseases affecting the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine; herniated discs; brain tumors; spine tumors; spinal cord injuries and infection; pituitary tumors; neurotrauma affecting the brain and spine; and Carpal tunnel and Cubital tunnel syndromes.

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Liu or Dr. Tamas, call Neurosurgery Professional Services of BMC at 413-447-2870.

Dr. Jeannette Liu Joins BMC Brings Extensive Neurosurgical

Experience to Berkshires

Jeannette Liu, MD

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The Southern Berkshire Chamber

of Commerce is honoring Eugene Dellea, President of Fairview Hospital, as Business Person of the Year for 2013. The recognition coincides with a celebration of

Fairview’s 100th anniversary. A tribute will take place on Wednesday, September 11 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Norman Rockwell Museum.

“Gene has been very active in several community and civic organizations for many many years, in addition to his extensive years of committed service, guidance and leadership at not only Fairview Hospital, but the entire Berkshire Health Systems,” said Chamber President Pat Seward. “It is extremely fitting to recognize Gene’s outstanding accomplishments and dedication in synchronization with Fairview Hospital’s major milestone – 100 Years of Caring. Dellea was nominated for and won the Business Person of the Year award based on his personal qualities, managerial skills and contribution to the Southern Berkshires.

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Gene to be honored as Business Person of the Year,” said State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli. “He has led his life, not looking for or needing any public accolades, but has done so much for so many to help make the Berkshires so special. Under his leadership at Fairview Hospital, Gene has been a steady hand in South Berkshire being a leader in health care and innovation. As my closest personal friend in life Gene has been a mentor to me and someone that I aspire to be like.”

Rich Aldrich, Vice President of the Southern Berkshire Chamber, added, “This tribute from the business community, honoring Gene, is especially fitting as Fairview Hospital celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2013. It has been the fulfillment of Gene’s vision of

Fairview President is Named Business Person of the Year in South Berkshire

Eugene Dellea, President of Fairview Hospital

providing high quality patient care in a small community hospital that has given residents and visitors confidence that they have access to excellent care.”

Dellea’s position as President of Fairview has brought him in contact with many accreditation and regulatory agencies, as well as working with state and local legislators in the shaping of healthcare legislation.

“I am honored to be 2013 Person of the Year,” said Dellea, “I accept it on behalf of my colleagues at Fairview Hospital as we celebrate 100 Years of Caring in 2013. Everyday, for over a century, we have had individuals committed not only to serving our patients, but to building a better hospital on which this community can depend. Similarly, the Southern Berkshire Chamber represents a central energy that has moved the southwest corner of Massachusetts into one of the most dynamic rural communities anywhere.”

Ed McCormick, Business Person of the Year in 2012, said, “Gene well deserves this honor. Through his vision and leadership, he has made Fairview Hospital a strong community asset and valuable employer elevating the quality of life in the Southern Berkshires.”

Active in many civic organizations, Dellea is currently the President of the Berkshire Community College Foundation and serves on the American Hospital Association’s Government Relations Committee as well as the Governor’s Regional Competitiveness Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Central Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, the Central Berkshire County Development Corporation, Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, and Hillcrest Educational Centers. Mr. Dellea is President of both the Hillcrest Hospital Foundation and Salisbury Estates and is current Co-Chair of Berkshire United Way’s Leadership Division. He is also Vice President of the Community Health Association of Richmond and West Stockbridge and serves as Moderator for the Town of West Stockbridge.

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BHS is introducing two new benefit-related “micro-sites,” available through the BHS Employee Web portal. Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Transamerica have developed these sites to provide you with access to your specific health and retirement plan information in an easy to navigate format.

The Blue Cross site provides health and dental plan summaries as well as forms and other tools and resources for you. You can also obtain detailed claims information.

The new Transamerica site is your new online home for retirement planning. As always, you will be able to view your account balance, change your investments and weekly salary deferral. You can even schedule your own individual appointment with Stephen Broderick, the BHS pension consulting representative from Cammack LaRhette.

Visit the Benefits page on the portal and check out these new micro-sites. While you are there, don’t forget to update your 403b plan beneficiaries. Instructions are available on the benefits page.

Your Benefits New Websites Available for

Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Retirement Benefits

Berkshire Health Systems and Berkshire Orthopaedic Associates will present a free

community lecture in September focusing on the latest advances in hip and knee replacement, including the state-of-the-art Anterior Approach for hip replacement.

Hip & Knee Replacement: State of the Art and Close to Home, will take place on Wednesday, September 11th from 6 to 8 pm at the Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield.

Drs. Kevin Mitts and James Harding will discuss the latest advances in hip and knee replacement surgeries, including the new anterior hip procedure and customized knee replacement. The event will also feature personal experiences of BMC Joint Replacement Program patients and a question and answer period.

Registration

Pre-registration is required for the event, as seating is limited. To register, call 413-447-2060 or register online through either the BHS Employee Web Portal or the BHS website (www.berkshirehealthsystems.org).

Latest in Hip & Knee Procedures Topic of Pittsfield Community Lecture

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for your health Visit the WellnessWorks page of the employee portal for more information on any of our programs.

Employees who register on the website during the month of August will be entered into a drawing for a:

• Picnic Blanket •Picnic Pack • Berkshire Organics Gift Card

OurWellnessWorkswebsite has a new name!We are excited to announce that our WellnessWorks website has a new web address that fits our name: https://www.bhswellnessworks.org.You can also access this site through the BHS employee portal. We have changed our email address to make it easy for you to contactus: wellnessworks@bhs1.org.

TheWellness Works website offers you: Personal Health Assessment Health Management Workshops Health Library

Nutrition, Activity and Weight Logs Mobile Access Challenges and more

The BHS wellness website has been a greatsupport for my weight loss and healthy living.Many of the techniques for workout/strengthtraining and kitchen/food prep planning arethings I have started doing again and it iscomforting to know I am doing somethingright. I feel more employees should utilize thisuseful tool to manage their life/health/weight/stress levels. Thank you!

Matt Coviello

What you need to know…All Employees currently enrolled in a Wellness Health Plan please see important action step deadlines below. These action steps are designed to help you engage in lifestyle practices and preventive screenings that make it easier to stay focused on your health and well-being. You need to complete them to be eligible for your insurance discount.

• Annual Wellness Screening - deadline October 1, 2013• Annual Health Risk Assessment - deadline October 1, 2013 • 2013 Self Care Module - deadline October 1, 2013• 2013 Preventive Screening Survey - deadline October 1, 2013• Flu Vaccination or Declination - available Fall 2013

For detailed instructions click on the Complete your Wellness Insurance Requirements box at the top of the home page.

“The BHS wellness website has been a great support for my weight loss and healthy living. Many of the techniques for workout/strength training and kitchen/food prep planning are things I have started doing again and it is comforting to know I am doing something right. I feel more employees should utilize this useful tool to manage their life/health/weight/stress levels. Thank you!”

--Matt Coviello

Annual Wellness Screening – Deadline October 1, 2013Annual Health Risk Assessment – Deadline October 1, 20132013 Self Care Module – Deadline October 1, 20132013 Prevention Screening Survey – Deadline October 1, 2013Flue Vaccination or Declination – Available Fall 2013

August 15th

WellnessAtWork@bhs1.org

tmb6/2013Building healthier lives.

Monthly group exercise program at Berkshire Nautilus for BHS employees & spouses/partners

Includes (8) supervised sessions - each session lasts 1-hour (2 classes weekly) Group exercise sessions are designed to introduce participants to the basics of exercise…

while they are exercising. Each session will include:

• cardio • strength & endurance • core & flexibilityClasses vary, progressive and fun from week to week

Classes are suitable for all fitness levels!

Classes meet: Tuesday/Thursdays at 8:00AM or Monday/Wednesdays at 5:00PM at Berkshire Nautilus, 42 Summer Street, Pittsfield

Must call/pre-register by the 25th of the month Cost: $69 (will be credited towards a Berkshire Nautilus membership if you wish to join)

Pre-Registration Required: logon to the Wellness Works website or Call ext. 3100 for more information Please complete registration form and 2013 Par-Q

Make Check payable to Berkshire Nautilus

Name: Phone:

Dept.: Email address:

Physical Readiness Questionnaire (Par-Q) Required!

Starts September 4th

What’s New this Summer?

OurWellnessWorkswebsite has a new name!We are excited to announce that our WellnessWorks website has a new web address that fits our name: https://www.bhswellnessworks.org.You can also access this site through the BHS employee portal. We have changed our email address to make it easy for you to contactus: wellnessworks@bhs1.org.

TheWellness Works website offers you: Personal Health Assessment Health Management Workshops Health Library

Nutrition, Activity and Weight Logs Mobile Access Challenges and more

The BHS wellness website has been a greatsupport for my weight loss and healthy living.Many of the techniques for workout/strengthtraining and kitchen/food prep planning arethings I have started doing again and it iscomforting to know I am doing somethingright. I feel more employees should utilize thisuseful tool to manage their life/health/weight/stress levels. Thank you!

Matt Coviello

What you need to know…All Employees currently enrolled in a Wellness Health Plan please see important action step deadlines below. These action steps are designed to help you engage in lifestyle practices and preventive screenings that make it easier to stay focused on your health and well-being. You need to complete them to be eligible for your insurance discount.

• Annual Wellness Screening - deadline October 1, 2013• Annual Health Risk Assessment - deadline October 1, 2013 • 2013 Self Care Module - deadline October 1, 2013• 2013 Preventive Screening Survey - deadline October 1, 2013• Flu Vaccination or Declination - available Fall 2013

For detailed instructions click on the Complete your Wellness Insurance Requirements box at the top of the home page.

The WellnessWorks website offers you:

We are excited to announce that our WellnessWorks website has a new web address that fits our name: https://www.bhswellnessworks.org. You can also access this site through the BHS employee portal. We have changed our email address to make it easy for you to contact us: wellnessworks@bhs1.org.

WellnessWorksBMC Hillcrest Campus165 Tor CourtPitts ield, MA 01201

413 447 3100wellnessworks@bhs1.org

That’s wellness that works for you!

The BHS WellnessWorks program was created to improve the health and well-being of the Berkshire Health Systems employees and their families. We are committed to creating a health promoting work environment and offering a variety of programs and tools to support a healthy lifestyle.

BHS spouses, give yourselfthe gift of wellness and wewill give you $100!

WellnessWorksBMC Hillcrest Campus165 Tor CourtPitts ield, MA 01201

413 447 3100wellnessworks@bhs1.org

That’s wellness that works for you!

The BHS WellnessWorks program was created to improve the health and well-being of the Berkshire Health Systems employees and their families. We are committed to creating a health promoting work environment and offering a variety of programs and tools to support a healthy lifestyle.

BHS spouses, give yourselfthe gift of wellness and wewill give you $100!

This incentive is for BHS spouse’s wellness screenings that are completed in 2013 only.

BHS Spouses: Give yourself the gift of wellness and we will give you $100!

All employees currently enrolled in a Wellness health plan, please see the important action step deadlines below:

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Job OpportunitiesBerkshire Medical Postings, 08/02/13Critical Care Step Down RN 36 Hr/D/ECritical Care RN 32 Hr/E3 Medical RN 40 Hr/N Night Special5 West 32 Hr/E temp, 32 Hr/E RN 5 South RN 40 Hr/N Night SpecialMedical/Surgical Nursing Department Director 40 Hr/D5 South Nursing Assistant 32 Hr/D3 East Surgical Nursing Assistant 32 Hr/DRehab Occupational Therapist Non ScheduledFairview Lab Clinical Lab Assistant 40 Hr/D/ELab, Phlebotmist/Registrar Lab 36 Hr/D, (2) Non Scheduled Radiology, Central Transport Aide 16 Hr/N, 16 Hr/D/E, Non ScheduledSafety and Security Safety & Security Officer 40 Hr/D, 16 Hr/E, 40 Hr/N Fairview Hospital Postings, 08/02/13 Med/Surg Float, Registered Nurse, Per Diem Med/Surg Float, Registered Nurse, Per Diem Med/Surg Float, Registered Nurse, Per Diem Med/Surg, Registered Nurse, 24 Hr E/N Rehabilitation, Physical Therapist, 32 Hr/DCase Management, Case Manager, Per DiemMed/Surg, Registered Nurse, Per DiemWound Center, Registered Nurse, Per DiemEmergency Dept., Registered Nurse, Per DiemRehabilitation, Physical Therapist, Per Diem

BMC Postings 03/16/07 (continued)

ScopePlease direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scopeto Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Elzbieta “Ala”TrzepaczLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

Please direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scopeto Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Lauren SmithLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

Scope is printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.BMC Postings 03/16/07 (continued)

ScopePlease direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scopeto Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Elzbieta “Ala”TrzepaczLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

Please direct any comments, questions or suggestions for Scopeto Development and Community Relations at 447-2060.

Editor: Ruth BlodgettWriters: Mike Leary, Lauren SmithLayout and Printing: Deirdre McKenna, Materials Management

Scope is printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.Scope is printed on paper with post-consumer recycled content.

Thanks and Recognition

In Memoriam• Grace A. Shea, who worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the former St. Luke’s, Hillcrest and Pittsfield General Hospitals, now Berkshire Medical Center, died on July 23rd at the age of 93. She retired in 1975 after 20 years of service.

• Stanislaus “Lolly” Smith, who was a Registered Nurse at the former Hillcrest Hospital, now Berkshire Medical Center, died on July 24th at the age of 94.

• Lillian McCluskey Runey, who served as a Registered Nurse at the former Hillcrest Hospital, now BMC, and later worked for BMC, died on July 26th at the age of 95. She worked at Hillcrest as Head Nurse in the Pediatric Ward from the 1960’s through the 1980’s and after retirement worked private duty at BMC.

The staff of Berkshire Health Systems offers its deepest condolences to their friends and family.

“All staff members were kind, courteous and informational. Each one took the time to explain what was going on and how to correct and improve my condition.” – Comment from a BMC 2 South patient

“I received excellent care. Everyone took the time with me that I needed and was never rushed.” – Comment from a BMC 3 West patient

“I would like to recognize everyone from Housekeeping on up. Everyone was so nice and always greeted me with hello and a smile.” – Comment from a BMC 5 South patient

“You should be proud of the staff that you have working for you. They are caring and considerate of the patients. They care for everyone the same way no matter who they are. You have a wonderful staff at your hospital. Thank you for all you did for me.” – Comment from a BMC Orthopaedic Unit patient

“I would like to recognize the entire staffing team. The great care was unexpected and so very much appreciated. From the recovery room to surgical day to telemetry, everyone did their job. Don’t want to use names as I may miss someone.” – Comment from a BMC Telemetry Unit patient

“I know it is a cliché, but your staff made me feel like family. I am so impressed with their continual thoughtfulness, good humor and explanation they provided during all my tests.” – Comment from a BMC Cardiology Services patient

“It’s always my preference to come to BMC for scans, because of the excellent care and concern for the patient. Thanks.” – Comment from a BMC Radiology Services patient

“I love this place and if I ever need therapy again, this is where I will go.” – Comment from a BMC Center for Rehabilitation patient

“I couldn’t have been treated any better if I was at a fancy hotel. Everyone was excellent.” – Comment from a Crane Center for Ambulatory Services patient

Chaplain’s Corner By The Reverend Art Kaufman, BMC Chaplain

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What is it that can defeat any one of us as we attempt to help the people who come here trusting us to care for them and help them to be healed and whole and well again? I think the answer can be found in the following quotes that I came across in the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, fourth edition:

“We can only be defeated by an attitudeof intolerance or belligerent denial.”

“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments.”

“And which cannot fail to keep a man or woman in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”

– Herbert Spencer