Focus 2015, the systemwide initiative announced last month, is examining how we can best maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of our health system while maintaining our commitment to quality excellence. The initial analysis phase - which involves identifying projects to enhance efficiency and improve processes - will be complete in mid-March. Your involvement is crucial and we appreciate the input and cooperation from all departments and employees who have taken part thus far.

Deloitte Consulting, a national health care consulting firm, remains on site as we finish the first phase of Focus 2015. When this phase is complete, Deloitte and our internal staff will begin to design and implement the projects we've identified across the system.

Your ideas for how we can improve SLHS are encouraged. If you have specific ideas for how SLHS might reduce costs or operate more efficiently, please share them by sending an e-mail to Focus2015@saint-lukes.org. If you have questions, you can ask your manager or send them to the same e-mail address.

Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences commemorated the opening of its new state-of-the-art education and simulation center at a private ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 17. Community leaders, college faculty, students, alumni, hospital executives, and members of the college and hospital boards will be on hand to dedicate the facility. 

Formerly located at 83rd and Ward Parkway, the college moved in January to 624 Westport Road, a short walking distance from Saint Luke's Hospital at Wornall Road and 44th Street, the college's primary clinical teaching location. Major renovations in the 39,000-square-foot building (formerly occupied by Associated Wholesale Grocers) began in September 2011. Students began the spring semester on Jan. 17. 

Click here to read the full press release. 

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, which in the Christian faith is the 46-day preparation leading to Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is observed by marking one's forehead with the ashes from last year's Palm Sunday palms as an outward sign of our need for God.

This year we will observe Ash Wednesday during several worship services and throughout the hospital Feb. 22.

Worship in Saint Luke's Chapel:

• 3:30 p.m. - Roman Catholic Mass with Imposition of Ashes

Imposition of Ashes

In addition to worship services, Imposition of Ashes will also occur at the following locations:

• Gift Shop Lobby (Heart Institute), 2:30 - 3 p.m.
• East 7 (near blue elevators), 3:30 - 4 p.m.

Amber Lucas, Pharm.D., B.C.P.S., F.A.S.H.P., a clinical pharmacy specialist at Saint Luke's Hospital, was one of several invited speakers on Feb. 4 at a special conference at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy in Lawrence. 

Lucas was one of two presenters at the The American Pharmacists Association/Academy of Student Pharmacists Pharmacy Professionalism and Advocacy Conference who talked with students about the practice of pharmacy in hospitals and health systems as well as pharmacy residency training. More than 120 pharmacy and pre-pharmacy students participated in the conference.

March 4-10, 2012

The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) has established Patient Safety Awareness Week as March 4-10. The theme is "Be Aware for Safe Care" which reflects the necessity of an active partnership between patients and their providers to achieve a truly safe health care environment. SLH supports this initiative and invites patients, staff members, and physicians to join in the observance.

Promoting patient safety is everyone's responsibility and a core value of Saint Luke's Health System. We will utilize this opportunity to focus on the importance of adequate communication, infection control, fall prevention, medication safety, and other safety related topics to enhance our culture of safety. According to Dennis Beers, M.Div., M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N., C.P.H.Q., senior director of Quality and Patient Safety, "Patient safety is at the heart of our compassion for our patients and our professionalism as health care providers. Above all else we need to practice the time honored standard of 'First do no harm.'

Saint Luke's and the Environmental Services Department would like to introduce Sandy Ruckh and Katy Sexton as the new patient experience managers. Environmental Services has opened this position to survey patients regarding the cleanliness of their rooms along with boosting department morale. One major goal Sandy and Katy are working toward is raising patient satisfaction scores (HCAHPS) by coaching the housekeepers on scripting and customer service.

On average, Environmental Services staff will speak with 80-100 patients a day. The proactive approach will offer patients the quality of service that is expected here at Saint Luke's. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Ruckh at ext. 25161 or Sexton at ext. 22078.

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