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TheSourceNews to use from Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial

June 2014

Gerber Memorial Awarded “A” in SafetyDesigned to rate how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections, the latest Hospital Safety Score honored Gerber Memorial with an “A” – its top grade in patient safety. The Hospital Safety Score is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group (Leapfrog), an independent industry watchdog. The first and only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety, the Score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay.

Because of Gerber Memorial’s long held culture of safety, and the commitment of its board of directors, we are pleased to note that this report card “A” is the third consecutive Leapfrog “A” that has been awarded to Gerber Memorial.

“Gerber Memorial is dedicated to improving the health and safety of our patients, every day, at the right place and the right time,” stated President, Randy Stasik. “Our employees provide top quality care, as reflected by this award. They continually look toward improvement in all aspects of the organization’s services.”

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Emergency Department Grand OpeningCommunity

Welcome!

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Betty Deephouse RetiresAfter 30 years of being associated with Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial, Betty Deephouse is retired. Betty began her career in 1985 as a medical assistant (MA) working in Dr. Dale Carroll’s OB office. Six years later, she began working as an MA in Dr. Thome’s office. Betty worked for Dr. Thome until 1990, at that time she took time off to care for family members.

In 2001 Betty began her employment in the Oncology/Specialty Clinic as a clerk. Honestly, her job title should have been “jack of all trades”; there isn’t anything Betty can’t do! Betty has supported the clinic and patients in so many ways. She has logged countless miles running between the clinic and hospital for items such as medications, supplies, medical records, lab specimens, patient meals and mail. Betty is the resident “handyman” who can fix just about anything. She’s the clinic’s “IS Helpdesk”; helping staff and patients navigate through various obstacles on computers, filling ink cartridges and toner, and helping build, store and retrieve charts.

Betty has been a stable presence in the clinic throughout the years of many changes and growth. When asked what has been the greatest change she has seen during her time at Gerber, Betty replied “computers”. When asked what she will miss the most, Betty said the “People. I’ve enjoyed all the people I’ve worked with and the patients.”

In her retirement, Betty plans to enjoy more time hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with her family. Betty will be greatly missed by staff and patients.

We wish her the very best. Thank you for all you’ve done!

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1401 W. Main Street, Fremont | 231.924.1600 | tamaracwellness.org /tamaracwellness /gerberhealth /gerberhealth

Together, Encourage And Motivate (TEAM) is a weekly class designed for anyone who is looking to lose weight, maintain weight loss or wants to lead a healthy lifestyle. The support and encouragement of our weight management health educators, along with other group members, will give you the motivation needed to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn:• Healthy cooking techniques• Behavior management• Group and individual accountability• Strategies for a healthy family

When: Mondays, 11 a.m. to noon or 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.Where: Tamarac, The Center for Health and Well-Being, 1401 W. Main Street, FremontCost: Alumni $10, non-Alumni $20 monthly

For more information, call 231.924.3073 or email weightmanagement@spectrumhealth.org.

TEAM Weight Management Weight loss and management doesn’t happen on its own.

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Gerber Memorial Awarded “A” in Safety (cont.)“Safety should come first for our families when we pick a hospital, because errors and infections are common and deadly,” said Leah Binder, president & CEO of The Leapfrog Group, which produces the Hospital Safety Score. “No hospital is perfect, but we congratulate the Board, clinicians, administration, and staff of Gerber Memorial for achieving an “A” and showing us that you made the well-being of your patients your top priority.”

Calculated under the guidance of Leapfrog’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” score representing a hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from preventable harm. More than 2,500 U.S. general hospitals were assigned scores in spring 2014, with about 32-percent receiving an “A” grade. The Hospital Safety Score is fully transparent, and its website offers a full analysis of the data and methodology used in determining grades.

To see how Gerber’s score compares locally and nationally, and to access safety tips for patients and their loved ones, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at hospitalsafetyscore.org. Consumers can also go to hospitalsafetyscore.org for a free download of the Hospital Safety Score app.

Fremont Christian School Delivers DonationFremont Christian School teacher, Tom Stepanek, and his 8th grade class collected money to honor a teacher who passed away from cancer last year. A portion of the money was given to cancer research. After brainstorming other ways to help, the class decided to create gift bags for patients being treated at the Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Cancer Care Center. On Friday, April 25, the class made the trip to the Cancer Center to donate four bags containing a handmade blanket, handmade prayer shawl, reusable water cup with powdered drink mixes, hard candies, two bandanas and a hat. Each bag also contained a handwritten note for the recipient.

Thank you Tom Stepanek’s 8th grade class for helping us provide a level of comfort and compassion to our patients.

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Mark Wagner Gets Residency Mark Wagner is one busy man.

In 2010, Pharmacy had the pleasure of meeting him when Mark interviewed for a summer intern position. He had just finished his freshman year of college and was entering the Pharm D program at Ferris State University (FSU). Thanks to NC RESA, Pharmacy was able to utilize his skills for an entire summer during its internship program. When a part-time position opened up, Mark was quickly hired.

While attending FSU full-time, Mark completed his Pharmacy Tech Certification and still managed to fill in at the Pharmacy during breaks from college and every other to every third weekend. After interviewing at several institutions, he was awarded his first choice residency. Mark will be moving to Boise, Idaho in June to continue his education as he focuses on his greatest interest, chemotherapy.

Please take a moment to congratulate Dr. Mark Wagner on his successes. Pharmacy has been honored to work with him and wishes him the best!

SHGM Awarded for Health ImprovementSpectrum Health Gerber Memorial is pleased to announce it has received two 2014 Governor’s Award of Excellence for improving health care associated infections in the acute care hospital setting, and for inpatient clinical achievement in the acute care hospital setting.

“Our employees are committed to providing Newaygo County citizens with high quality health care,” said Gerber Memorial Director of Patient Safety and Quality, Barb Wainright. “They are working hard to enhance our already safe, high quality services.”

Gerber Memorial was chosen from pre-selected clinical areas. These clinical areas are designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Of importance is the award relating to infections from staying in the hospital. Although we have consistently had low infection rates, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial continues to decrease the possibility of acquiring hospital infections through standard practice of hand washing and following evidence-based practices.

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On Friday, April 25, Gerber Baby, Sophie Thompson, arrived in the Gerber Memorial Birth Center.

Because Sophie’s great, great grandmother, Carolyn Drake, was being discharged from the hospital for a knee replacement, and she had also been a Gerber Baby, it made for a great photo. L-R: back row, Leon McLean (Grandfather), Brian Thompson (Father). Front row, Luanne McLean-Erb (Great Grandmother and Gerber Baby), Carolyn with Sophie, Brittany (Mother).

Gerber Babies Galore!

Party in the PoolOn Thursday, May 23, Tamarac hosted a pool party for its Citizens. A special “thank you” goes out to Syke Vawter, Kate Streichhirsch, Courtney Lensky and Kris Saum for making this event such a “splashing” success.

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Tamarac Run On The EdgeFriday, June 20, 2014, 7 p.m.What: 11.3K point to point run.Come run in the first race ever held on Newaygo County’s new pathway system, The Edge. The race starts at Hardy Dam and finishes at DuChemin Park.

Run On The Edge 11.3k is an open course run. The Dam to Dam section of The Edge is a six foot-wide trail system recently constructed along the west side of the Muskegon River.

Race Day Registration (at DuChemin Park) will take place on June 20, 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Registrationspectrumhealth.org/edgerun, tamaracwellness.org$30 before June 18. (guaranteed shirt size if signed up by June 7)$40 late registration (after June 18) at Tamarac

Online registration ends on June 18, at Noon.

Make checks payable to TamaracSend to: Tamarac, a member of Spectrum Health (memo line: Tamarac Run On The Edge) 1401 West Main Street, Fremont, MI 49412

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Give Local Newaygo County a Success!On Tuesday, May 6, donors came to support Gerber Memorial at Give Local Newaygo County. They helped us raise close to $62,000 toward our Building Project Fund!

Special thanks to Fremont Area Community Foundation for the matching donations up to $25,000 for our endowment fund.

The Gift Shop at Gerber Memorial is happy to announce it’s an official distributor of Charles Viancin silicone products. These almost indestructible silicone kitchen accessories are one of the newest kitchen items on the market. They help prevent splatters and retain steam. The unique design fits on any smooth rimmed bowl or pot, including glass, ceramic and wood. No more wasting time struggling with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Oven safe up to 425 degrees, the 100% European grade silicone is BPA free. It’s also dishwasher, freezer, oven and microwave safe. The Gift Shop has several different pieces and sizes from which to choose from.

Remember, funds from the Gift Shop go directly toward services and programs at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial.

New CookwareHere for you, here when it matters.

Hospice Care

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Spectrum Health Hospice Expands Care North Spectrum Health Hospice is expanding its service area to care for patients in Newaygo and Mecosta counties, including Spectrum Health Big Rapids, Spectrum Health Reed City and Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial hospitals.

“Spectrum Health Hospice is able to care for the patient wherever he or she call home, whether that is an assisted living facility, hospital or his or her own home,” stated Lisa VanderWel, administrator, Spectrum Health Hospice. “By being able to provide our hospice services through our regional hospitals in Big Rapids, Fremont and Reed City, we can ensure the Spectrum Health exceptional experience continues for our patients.”

Spectrum Health Hospice now serves nine counties, including Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Montcalm, Barry, Ionia and Allegan.

With the expanded territory, additional volunteers are needed in these areas. To learn more about volunteering, visit the hospice website or call 616.391.4200.

Here for you, here when it matters.

Hospice Care

Awarded for Health Improvement (cont.)Award winning hospitals focused on intense work in one or more of the following clinical areas:• Appropriate Care Measures• Surgical Care Improvement• Systems Improvement – Health Information Technology

At Gerber Memorial, collaborative teams of physicians and nurses utilized evidenced-based practices to ensure high quality on a daily basis. The efforts of employees in many departments throughout the organization were the catalysts for these awards.

“Together, our staff is demonstrating that we are providing the very best in medical treatment and care – the right care, each and every time. Our efforts have been enhanced through collaborations among our employees and physicians,” stated Randy Stasik, President of Gerber Memorial. “Our priorities here at SHGM are to focus specifically on Quality and Safety in every service the organization provides to our patients.”

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212 S. SullivanFremont, MI 49412231.924.3300spectrumhealth.org/gerber

The Source is published every month.Deadline for news items is Thursday at noon. Send to travis.kroll@spectrumhealth.org. To receive a weekly copy, send your e-mail addres to travis.kroll@spectrumhealth.org.

/gerberhealth /gerberhealth /gerberhealth

Schedule of Events.

June 5. Stroke Support Group 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tamarac. For more information call 231.924.3195

June 6. Blood Drive 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Tamarac. To make an appointment call 231.924.1884.

June 9. 2014 Guide Challenge Recreation league begins Monday, June 9 and runs to July 7. Cost is $100 per team. To register call Trina VanderArk at 231.924.2193.

June 14. North Country Trail Run/Hike 8 a.m. at the North Country Trail Head on 1 Mile Road. Cost is free. Public welcome. For more information call 231.924.1884.

June 19. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tamarac. For more information call 231.924.3195.

June 20. 14th Annual Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Golf Scramble 8 a.m. at Waters Edge Golf Club in Fremont sponsored by Elzinga & Volkers. For more information call 231.924.1264 or visit our website.

June 20. Run on the Edge 11.3k 7 p.m. parking at DuChemin Park in Croton. Join Tamarac for the first run on Newaygo County’s new pathway system, The Edge. Register online at spectrumhealth.org/edgerun.

June 29. Emergency Department Grand Opening 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gerber Memorial Hospital. For more information visit spectrumhealth.org/gerber.

Greaterfor Health and Wellness

Pre-Season Football ConditioningImprove your essential skills to ensure a great season.

Are you a high school football player looking to improve your skills for the upcoming season? Let Tamarac Fitness Guide, Nelson Griffin, show you how to increase your speed, jumping ability and tackling power with various conditioning drills.

Dates: June 16, 18, 20, 23, 25 and 27Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Location: Tamarac, The Center for Health and Well-Being

Cost: $30 per person

For more information contact Nelson Griffin III at 231.924.1894 or emailnelson.griffin@spectrumhealth.org

Greater Possibilities

for Health and Wellness

1401 W. Main St., Fremont | 231.924.1600 | tamaracwellness.org