| SURVEY ALERT! |
| An HMC client facility did NOT have their 9/2008 HMC P&P Manual in place and in use at the annual survey last week. This caused a few deficiencies. Have you checked each of your facilities for the most up-to-date policy manuals? | |
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| Issue: 35 |
September 24, 2009 |
Greetings!
In this issue of the RDNews you can read a front line story from Stehanie Hemberger, RD who shares the vital importance of being prepared for an emergency or disaster.
How was breakfast this week? Please visit the RD Poll. One RD will be awarded a Starbucks card for breakfast on the run! |
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RD News |
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Emergency and Disaster Management
Are you READY?
Wildfires are California's hurricanes. The California wildfire season began with a fury this year. While the Station Fire rampaged in  Southern California, on Sunday, August 30th the 49'er Fire in Auburn destroyed 63 homes and came within 10 feet of Colonial Healthcare, with no time to evacuate. They knew what to do. Do you? The HM Composite policy and procedure manual has recently been updated. We actively monitor regulatory guidance, surveys, changes in standards of practice and facility questions to continuously improve the HMC manuals. We have made some significant changes to the Emergency Disaster Management section and updates are being mailed to all facilities who have purchased a manual as well as all current HMC dietitians. The "Simplified Menu to be used in an Emergency" has been completely rewritten:
- Breakfast meal now has a no-cooking option
- All meals could be served cold from a can if needed
- Sandwiches and need for bread storage is reduced
- Entrees are all canned or prepared with canned products
- Complete therapeutic diet and texture spreadsheets are included
- Recipes, when needed, are included and updated
- Inventory supply list is updated
Please familiarize yourself with these changes, review with the Dietary Supervisor, update your policy manual and train the dietary staff within the next month.
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| Tales from the Front Lines... |
 HMC Dietitian steps into action during the recent 49'er Fire
HMC dietitian Stephanie Hemberger, RD was called into action at Colonial Healthcare during the 49'er fire. The fast moving fire came very close to the facility --- the maintenance shed on the edge of the property completely burned. The entire emergency supply of food, stored in the shed, was destroyed (think exploding cans of beef stew and peaches!) One wing of residents were moved to a safer part of the facility. Facility staff used water hoses to stave off the fire until fire crews arrived. Due to the rapid movement of the fire, there was not time to evacuate the facility and a decision was made to shelter-in-place. By supper, the fire had moved on, the residents were all safe and they were served the planned dinner (which was all ready prepped and warming in the oven when the emergency started.)
Over the next couple days Stephanie and Judy Morgan, MBA, RD provided excellent guidance to the dietary and facility staff during this emergency. Colonial HC was on emergency generators for power for three days. They used all disposables for meal service due to no dish machine availability. They implemented the three sink manual ware washing set up. For Monday the menu was revised to all cold foods. Stephanie worked with the DSS and cooks to write the menu and spreadsheet for diets that matched what was being served as meal substitutes. Since they are using the online SNO system, the tray cards and diet order lists were printed at their sister facility for a couple of days so that they had all the resident diet information and portion sizes for the regular menu. Sysco was contacted to deliver an emergency food supply and additional disposable supplies on Monday.
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RD Tip |
 Stephanie Hemberger, RD says:
"As a newer dietitian this was my first emergency to handle. We were well prepared and had in-serviced the staff. Emergency supplies were in place and we had the HMC policies and menus. Then, the fire destroyed all the food and our plan went out the window. We quickly needed to make a new plan and think-on-our-feet. In a real emergency you use your training, critical thinking skills and common sense to pull it together. The facility staff, and especially the dietary team, did an awesome job and are wonderful to work alongside. I will remember this experience for the remainder of my career as a dietitian! " |
| Dear Dietitians; |
From my comfy living room I was monitoring this situation on Sunday via television news and emails with Stephanie and Horizon West corporate staff. I was relieved to hear the residents were safe and commend the facility staff for their above-and-beyond efforts during the 49'er Fire.
Stephanie and Judy we are proud of your contribution and support to the staff and residents at Colonial Healthcare. In recognition of you, a small gift card is in the mail to commend your professional contribution to our client. Thank you for being part of the HMC team!
Have a safe week everyone, Lee
Lee Tincher, MS, RD
HMComposite,Inc. | |
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Registered Dietitian Newsletter
