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FOCUS 2015 biweekly update
The goal of our FOCUS 2015 project is to identify ways to optimize the quality, safety, and value of our patient care through transformational changes that minimize variation in our practices and maximize our efficiency. We believe these changes will ensure sustainable financial strength and honor our mission of patient care in our changing health care landscape.
Implementation progress
Watch this section for stories on departments that are leading the way.
Saint Luke's Regional Laboratories
Saint Luke's Health System laboratories have been busy implementing two initiatives as part of FOCUS 2015.
As of Aug. 1, the lab brought a high-volume test in-house. Previously the lab did not have the technology available to conduct this test at SLHS, but with FDA approval of new instrument platforms, the lab was able to save more than $300,000 annually by bringing the test in-house.
The lab is also implementing additional auto-release. Though a small segment of testing had auto-release in place, the majority of tests run in the lab are manually checked by a lab scientist. Although this only takes a few moments, with thousands of results to review, time adds up. When this initiative is complete, it is expected that nearly 70 - 80 percent of all results will meet the criteria for auto-release.
The auto-release initiative covers four testing disciplines (chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation) and, effective Aug. 28, approximately 40 percent of the initiative's focus at Saint Luke's Hospital will be complete. Process refinements will be identified over the next few weeks, and then the validation process will begin at SLSH, SLEH, and SLNH.
The advantage of the new process is that the technical lab personnel will now have the time to focus on the 20 - 30 percent of results that really need their attention.
The lab team is transforming many of the ways that they provide invaluable service to our patients and physicians. Congratulations on helping us to lead the way on so many innovative and new processes.
Fact or Fiction?
On a biweekly basis, updates will be provided through eRounds, including a Fact or Fiction section that is populated based on employee questions and feedback. Click here to read this week's Fact or Fiction.
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Jani L. Johnson named Saint Luke's South Hospital president and CEO
Jani L. Johnson has been appointed the new president and CEO forSaint Luke's South Hospital effective Monday, Sept. 10. She replaces Katherine Howell, who has assumed a new position as Chief Nurse Executive with Saint Luke's Health System.
 | | Jani Johnson |
Johnson's career with Saint Luke's Health System began in 1985 as a staff nurse at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. She was promoted to various management and senior director positions and in 2002 became vice president of the cardiovascular service line for Saint Luke's Health System and the Heart Institute.
"Jani has an extensive and impressive leadership history with the health system," said Melinda Estes, M.D., president and CEO, Saint Luke's Health System. "Her many accomplishments include assisting with the integration of Cardiovascular Consultants (physician practice) into the health system, and overseeing the successful launch of the new Mid America Heart Institute at Saint Luke's Hospital in 2011."
Johnson holds nursing degrees from Methodist School of Nursing in Omaha, Neb., and a bachelor of science in nursing from Webster University. She earned a master's in nursing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Locke named Interim Vice President of CV service line
Angela Locke, B.S.N., M.B.A., has accepted the position of Interim
 | | Angela Locke |
Vice President of Cardiovascular Service Line for SLHS effective Sept. 10. In addition to her new responsibilities, Angela will continue in her current role as director of Patient Care Services, Medical Cardiology.
Angela has been with Saint Luke's since 1986, starting as a staff nurse, and has served as the director of Patient Care Services since 2002.
Among her many accomplishments and recognitions, Angela earned her MBA Magna Cum Laude at Webster University in 2009 - the same year she was named SLH Director of the Year.
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Whole grain goodness
Most would agree we want to live longer, but what's really important is the quality of life as we age. It's about maintaining good health throughout our lifespan. In a special report published in the Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, the authors list "10 Healthy Ideas Worth Watching." Among these 10 ideas are the obvious, such as regular exercise, managing your weight and waist line, and one a bit surprising - "Fiber might be good for your heart."
Fiber is known for many health benefits including digestive health and weight management but consuming more fiber hasn't always been associated with a healthy heart. Results of a recent study of 20,000 adults showed that "women who consumed the most fiber (primarily from fruits, vegetables, and bread) were at almost 25 percent lower risk [from cardiovascular disease] than those eating a low-fiber diet." Fiber was also shown to be beneficial for men as well and was linked to a lower incidence of stroke.
This month learn more about cardiovascular disease, fiber, and whole grain goodness in two upcoming web conferences. "Fantastic fiber - What it can do for you" will be presented on Sept. 18 from 12 - 12:30 p.m. by Chris Stephens, M.S., B.S.N., R.N., A.C.S.M.-C.E.S., wellness coordinator for SLHS.
Then make plans to learn more about cardiovascular health in a web conference entitled "Know Your Numbers" on Sept. 26 from 12 - 12:30 p.m. Becky Captain, R.N., M.S.N., C.L.S., B.C., F.N.P.-C., nurse practitioner, clinical lipid specialist, and CardioWellness Center manager, will share the latest information on important cardiovascular risk factors to know and watch throughout your lifespan.
Register for one or both conferences by emailing YourHealthMatters@saint-lukes.org or contact Gayle O'Connell, Wellness Program manager, at 816-932-3807. For more information, go to Your Health Matters - never settle webpage located on the Employee eLink.
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Charitable Hotels
Book a hotel room online and benefit Saint Luke's
If you are looking for a hotel near Saint Luke's Hospital, Saint Luke's East Hospital, or Saint Luke's South Hospital, you can book your hotel online through charitablehotels.com and a donation will be made to the Saint Luke's Foundation.
Charitable Hotels offers the same rates as other online travel agencies such as Expedia and Hotels.com. Instead of keeping the commissions made off of rooms booked through their site, Charitable Hotels donates them.
After your stay, you will receive an email from Charitable Hotels notifying you of the donation amount generated by your stay. At the end of the year, you'll receive another email showing the total donated via your travel.
To find hotels near our three participating hospitals, click here. Traveling somewhere else? Go to charitablehotels.com, select one of the three Saint Luke's facilities from the dropdown menu, and then search for hotels nationwide.
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Resident award winners
 | | Lisa Kramer, M.D., second from left, received the 2012 Saint Luke's Hospital Medical Staff Wives Excellence in Patient Care Award from Sally Wallace, left, president of the organization. They were joined by Stacey Algren, M.D., second from right, associate program director, ob/gyn residency, and Kristen Wootton, D.O., right, ob/gyn residency teaching faculty. |
Medical residents from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine were recognized this spring with the following awards for outstanding service to the medical community. The awards are made possible through private donations to Saint Luke's Hospital Foundation and help further Saint Luke's mission as a teaching hospital in coordination with UMKC.
Larry V. Hays, M.D., Award for Outstanding Surgery Resident
Brook Nelson, M.D., fifth year general surgery resident
Wallace Greene, M.D., Surgery Award for Highest Intraining Exam Score
Amira Ghazali, M.D., second year general surgery resident
Gerhard W. Schottman, M.D., and Donald R. Germann, M.D., Award for Outstanding Radiology Resident
Christopher Keup, M.D., fifth year radiology resident
J. Milton Singleton, M.D., Award for Outstanding Ob/Gyn Resident
Martee MacLeod-Kozal, M.D., fourth year obstetrics/gynecology resident
Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Arms Award for Outstanding Internal Medicine Resident
Asad Kabir, M.D., third year internal medicine resident
Medical Staff Wives Excellence in Patient Care Award
Lisa Kramer, M.D., fourth year obstetrics/gynecology resident
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Kronos timekeeping update coming soon: Attestation module
Please note this system update is applicable only to those entities using Kronos Timekeeping and supported by Central Payroll Processing (CPP).
To enhance time sheet accuracy and ensure organizational policy compliance, SLHS will enhance our time clock system in September. As part of the enhancement, employees will be able to access, review, and approve or reject their timecards using the time clocks through Smart Views or through the Kronos web-based tool. As always, our goal is that employees submit accurate timecards that reflect and include all hours actually worked.
Accordingly, employees will attest to the accuracy of any input, changes, and totals prior to manager approval of the timecard. This also allows any inaccuracies to be addressed before the pay period is processed and closed, which will assist in ensuring accurate pay period records.
With the Smart Views or the Kronos web-based tool, employees will also be able to indicate whether they took their 30-minute uninterrupted meal break during the out punch/end of shift process. If the employee indicates that they did not receive a 30-minute uninterrupted meal break, then no deduction shall occur and a notice will be sent to the employee's manager. This process ensures compliance with the SLHS meal break policy.
Kronos Timekeeping managers and employees will soon receive detailed instructions on this new process. This communication will also include the functionality go-live date and any other additional information. Please pay special attention to future communications on this topic from your CPP team.
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Noteworthy
Saint Luke's in the news
Click here to read an article from Becker's Hospital Review featuring Melinda Estes, M.D., CEO, SLHS.
Note of appreciation
On behalf of the Communication Liaisons and the Employee Engagement Team, a big thank you to the nutrition services department for catering a celebration for us. The Liaison and Engagement Team celebrated the increase of satisfaction survey participation by getting together in the courtyard to enjoy fellowship and wonderful food from the nutrition team. It was delicious and greatly appreciated! Click here to view pictures from the event.
Volunteers needed for Stroke Walk
Saint Luke's is a sponsor for the American Stroke Foundation Walk, to be held at Theis Park on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 9:45 a.m. - noon. If you would like to participate in the walk, you can sign up individually or start a team. Click here to sign up.
In addition, we are recruiting nurses to staff five first aid stations. If you would like to volunteer to help at one of the first aid stations, please contact Buzz Reno or Jacque Carpenter. The only thing you'd need to bring is a stethoscope. First aid supplies and blood pressure cuffs will be available for your use.
It's a fun event and the stroke survivors always appreciate our help.
For more information about the Stroke Walk see the brochure or the team leader booklet.
EAP Daily Living newsletter
Click here to read the Fall 2012 edition of the EAP Daily Living newsletter. Daily Living is part of the EAP benefit for all SLHS employees.
Nursing Research newsletter
Click here to read the Summer 2012 Nursing Research newsletter.
Fall blood drive
Tuesday, Sept. 11
7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saint Luke's Hospital
BMW Meeting Rooms
Look Good, Feel Better
Women currently undergoing cancer treatment are invited to attend the next Look Good, Feel Better class, a free two-hour workshop in which you learn simple beauty techniques for skin and nail care, makeup application, and coping with hair loss. You will receive a complimentary bag of makeup to use in the session and at home. Join us at the Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center conference room Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 1 - 3 p.m. To sign up, call Vickie Thomas at 816-932-2124.
Toddler swim lessons at Health Enhancement
The Center for Health Enhancement will offer a 10-week session of toddler swim lessons for children ages 1-3. These sessions are open to Saint Luke's employees and community members. Session begins Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10:15 - 11 a.m. Please be sure to register your child on or before Sept. 5 by calling the Center for Health Enhancement at 816-932-3260. Click here for more information.
Get Fit...and Healthy
A 10-week fitness and nutrition workshop
Don't miss out on the latest fitness and nutrition information in this 10-week workshop. This class is for you if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions:
- Do you dread exercise but know you should be doing it?
- Are you eating out more than you are eating in?
- Has your workout program become boring?
- Have you stopped getting results from your workout?
- Are you addicted to sugar, salt, and/or fatty foods?
- Are you confused about what exercises you should be doing?
- Are you a committed exerciser but don't have the same discipline when it comes to your food choices?
- Have you been away from the gym for awhile?
Get Fit...and Healthy is the program for you! Come find out more about the class and how you can enroll.
Info meeting
Thursday, Sept. 6
5:30 - 6 p.m.
Center for Health Enhancement, CR 1
Schwartz Center Rounds
Thursday, Sept. 6
Noon
BMW Conference Room
"Caregivers Who Care
Too Much?"
Panelists will be John Grassman, Edie Nicholls, and Dianna Meyers. The facilitator will be Tarris Rosell, Ph.D., D.Min. Lunch will be provided.
2012 Lifewise
Golf Classic
The Center for Health Enhancement will host the annual Lifewise Golf Classic Saturday, Sept. 29. This tournament is open to all Saint Luke's Health System employees and their guests. The tournament will be held at Swope Memorial Golf Course. Play will be a four-person scramble with a shot gun start at 8 a.m., rain or shine. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided. Prizes will be awarded during the luncheon. Registration is open through Friday, Sept. 21. Registration information and forms can be found on the Center for Health Enhancement webpage. You can also email Bethanie Schemel for more information.
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