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Public Health Lean Six Sigma Team: Tamalee St. James, Claire Oakley, Debbie Hedrick, Shawn Hinz, Judy Stewart, Marilyn Tapia
In July 2013, RiverStone Health launched its Lean Six Sigma initiative. Lean Six Sigma is an organizational improvement model which allows RiverStone Health to utilize our resources, including money, staff, and time, to the fullest capabilities. Using those resources wisely translates into improved care for those we serve.
Over the past year RiverStone Health has seen some impressive project outcomes. Some of the changes were small and some quite large. Large or small, all combine to make amazing improvements. One project, on Optimizing Public Health Staff, improved quality of care and customer service as well as staff satisfaction and workplace efficiency. The project generated a cost savings of $156,000.
Before retirement, Debbie Hedrick, former Vice President of Public Health Services, saw the opportunity to utilize the Lean Six Sigma approach to take an in-depth look at the structure of Public Health. The timing was just right, since several key staff members were transitioning into new roles. A Public Health team formed to analyze job duties, determine the structure and combine positions. Shawn Hinz, who became the new Vice President of Public Health Services, was an integral part of the team.
Improving Life, Health and Safety through PhilanthropyVolume 7 | Fall 2014
“We knew this would be a big project but really looking at workflow and workload throughout Public Health Services would make us a better and more efficient team,” Hinz said. “Efficiency is so important when dealing with Public Health. The sooner we can respond to a public health concern, the better it is for the entire community. The whole process was very rewarding.”
Lean Six SigmaHere’s a look at how Lean Six Sigma, a model for organization-wide quality and process improvement, works:
• Lean Six Sigma streamlines systems to eliminate waste, improve workflow, and decrease variation.
• In 2013, the financial impact of Lean Six Sigma’s Organizational Improvement at RiverStone Health was more than $464,000. The improvements encompass far more than cost-savings.
• Developed in Japan, Lean Six Sigma identifies various levels of training and skill though the “belt” system similar to the black belt system used in martial arts.
• Since the Lean Six Sigma model started at RiverStone Health, nearly half of all staff members have participated in some level of training. The training strengthens our mission to improve life, health and safety.
Lean Six Sigma at RiverStone HealthSaving $156,000 in Public Health Expenses
Over 100 participants registered and 17 patient registrations were donated.
The Kids’ Run was an event worth seeing with more than 30 kids full of energy.
We are committed to continuing this annual event attracting runners and walkers in support of RiverStone Health.
Thank you to the 25 fantastic volunteers.
It was great to see everyone out enjoying the beauty of South Billings and being active.
September 13, 2014
Together, you helped raise $4,000 to support the services of RiverStone Health and its 27,000 patients!
More photos you don’t want to miss are posted on the RiverStone Health Foundation Facebook page. You can also find results on our Facebook page and website.
Looking forward to seeing youon the route next year!
Kristie Asay cgpaExecutive Director
Sincerely,
Reduce your taxes and benefit RiverStone Health Foundation’s Endowment Fund. A planned gift qualifies you for a federal deduction as well as a state credit. Gifts of $1,000 or more to our Endowment Fund are an investment in caring for those in need in Yellowstone County well into the future. By law, gifts to an endowment are left untouched and invested in a prudent fashion.
If you could use your tax dollars to benefit the future of our community’s health, would you? Don’t wait until the end of the year, now is a great time to contact Kristie Asay, Executive Director, at 406.651.6510 or [email protected] to ensure you make the December 31st deadline. She can provide specifics on tax benefits (with no obligation) to review and share with your family members and accountant.
Smart Financial Planning for Year-End
Mackenzie visiting Dr. Amy Gustafson
RiverStone Health, Billings Public Schools and Billings Clinic plan to join forces to extend our community health center to include a clinic site at Orchard Elementary School. The school-based clinic will expand access to primary care and behavioral health services to the children of our partner school, said John Felton, President and CEO of RiverStone Health.
“This project is still in the early stages and has a lot of potential to improve access to care for nearly 500 Orchard School students and their families, some of our community’s most vulnerable, at-risk residents,” Felton said. “We enjoy working in collaboration with our partners, an opportunity that makes this project even more exciting.”
Exciting News
Annual Campaign’s HELP fundHealth Happens Here. At RiverStone Health every day health happens for babies, teens, adults, and the elderly. Each year, in our RiverStone Health Dental Clinic, we provide nearly 1 million dollars in care for patients who are unable to afford the full cost of their visits. Seven-year-old Mackenzie was in pain and desperately needed dental care this summer. Her parents visited a dentist who required $800 up front for the work, with no payment plan options available. A family member recommended the compassionate care available through the dental team at RiverStone Health. Before Mackenzie started first grade this fall, she made three visits to the RiverStone Health Dental Clinic. Mackenzie can now proudly flash a healthy smile in her school photo.Please respond when your Annual Campaign appeal arrives in your mailbox. Whatever the amount, your tax-deductible gift will make a difference. Just $10 supplies six months of insulin for a diabetic patient and $25 covers the cost of one dental procedure for an uninsured patient who qualifies for financial assistance.You may restrict your gift to a particular program or leave it unrestricted, to be used where the need is greatest. Either way, your gift helps fund direct patient care and extends the reach of our programs. Please partner with RiverStone Health Foundation to ensure your community’s health and improve access to care made possible by your generosity to the HELP fund.
NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDBILLINGS, MT
MTS
P.O. Box 1562 | Billings, MT 59103RiverStoneHealth.org | 406.651.6555
RiverStone Health Foundation
Foundation Board Members Steve Wahrlich – Chair, Best Western Plus ClockTower InnRob Hunter – Secretary, First Choice HealthMary Hernandez – Treasurer, Invisage Consulting LLCAllen Blackford, DDS – Retired, Yellowstone Family DentalAshley Burleson – Crowley Fleck, PLLPMichael Dennis, PhD – Retired, MSU BillingsJohn Felton – RiverStone HealthBenjamin Marchello, MD – St. Vincent Frontier Cancer CenterJoann Powell – Wells Fargo Home MortgageRon Smith, MD – Retired, Billings ClinicBob Wilmouth, MD – Rocky Mountain College
Foundation StaffKristie Asay, cgpa – Executive DirectorKelly Schrock – Development CoordinatorMelissa Guaderrama – Administrative Assistant
Sunday • November 16th • 4 p.m.RiverStone Health - Lil Anderson Center
HospiceTree of Lights
Names of honorees received by October 31st, 2014
will be included in the event.
Details and form also available on
riverstonehealth.com
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Sunday - 4 p.m.
November 16th