Department of the Month

September 2008

The Colleagues of Alliance Community Hospital have long known it, but now the entire state -and even the country- is also aware that ACH is one of Northeast Ohio’s best places to work.

Alliance Community Hospital was among the 99 facilities honored with a "NorthCoast 99" award for 2008.

Employers Resource Council (ERC), the organization which bestows the NorthCoast 99 award every year on several types of businesses, recently announced the 2008 winners of its tenth-annual honors.

The ERC has recognized these organizations as great places to work in Northeast Ohio based their ability to attract, motivate and retain top performers. There were 13 new winners this year—of which Alliance Community Hospital was one-- as well as four nine-time winners and three organizations that have won the award in each of the ten years the program has been held.

The 2008 NorthCoast 99 winners come from a wide range of industries including manufacturing, health and human services and both non-profit and for-profit services, and representing 11 counties in Northeast Ohio.

"This is a testament to the incredible staff we have in place here at ACH," said Stan Jonas, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of ACH.

"It’s not just that we are a patient-centered healing environment or that our clinicians are board certified and otherwise highly credentialed. It’s not just that we offer cutting edge technology and dignified, compassionate health care services; it’s all of these things combined that sets us apart," he said.

"We wouldn’t be winning awards such as this one without a tremendously dedicated and gifted staff of physicians, nurses, technicians, administrators, and office and support staff members, as well as our wonderful volunteers," said Kerry Swanson, Senior Vice President of Operations at ACH.

This year ERC will recognize its 2008 NorthCoast 99 winners for their accomplishments at its annual dinner, which will take place on September 17, 2008 at LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake, Ohio. For a complete list of NorthCoast 99 winners and more information about their workplaces, please visit www.northcoast99.com.

ERC is Northeast Ohio’s largest organization dedicated to Human Resources and workplace programs, practices, training and consulting. The organization also hosts NorthCoast 99 and sponsors the ERC Health insurance program. For more information about ERC, check out www.ercnet.org. For more information on Alliance Community Hospital programs and services, please view our website at www.achosp.org.

CONGRATULATIONS, ACH COLLEAGUES and VOLUNTEERS! Look for a Colleague celebration of this accomplishment to be announced SOON!

July 2008

If you or a loved one has received treatment at ACH’s urgent care center, Family Care NOW, be sure to thank the team for your excellent treatment.

While you’re at it, you can also congratulate them on the honor of being selected as ACH’s July 2008 Affiliate of the Month!

Family Care NOW is an urgent care center in nearby Louisville. Its scope of service includes efficient diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, complete x-ray services, bone-fracture splinting, and the convenience of physician referrals for necessary follow-up care for an illness or injury.

This FCN team includes 10 extremely dedicated colleagues, including Julie Lavendar-Pugh, MD, a board-certified Family Medicine physician and Joyce Mitchell, MD, who recently joined the FCN family. Tim Billups, MD and Barry Gordon, MD, also support FCN and the remaining staff includes full-time, part-time, and causal part-time Colleagues. The full-time staffers are Teresa Mosley, CMA, and Lori Groff, RT, R. Part-time Colleagues include: Nicole Kritz, MA and Jakki Wilson, RT, R, while Kim Emery, CMA, Gary Wheatley, RT, and Stephanie Duchon, MA, are casual part-time Colleagues.

FCN implements the ACH Planetree philosophy through a commitment to patient-centric care that includes the newly-implemented "CalmerKids" philosophy.

This is a distraction therapy technique by which the staff involves children in their own care by asking them their preferred distraction method such as listening to music, reading a book or even blowing bubbles –depending on the nature of the injury/illness and treatment.

Parents are also encouraged to take a hands-on role in their children’s care as a part of "CalmerKids" through physical positioning or other comfort strategies during treatment whenever it is possible and favored.

"We recently put this protocol into effect as a way to minimize a child’s traumatic reaction to his or her illness or injury. We’re happy to take this extra step in order to help lessen apprehension and make the experience as positive as we can," said Lori DiPanfilo, RN, BSN, who is the Director of FCN.

"Our facility is family-friendly in all aspects," she said.

FCN implements several community outreach efforts that include: bi-weekly lipid panel, thyroid and PSA health screenings, free bi-weekly glucose checks, and free weekly blood pressure checks—all of which take place at the center.

The clinic also works in conjunction with the Louisville YMCA to offer health screenings, flu shots and educational materials to Louisville residents on a regular basis.

The FCN prides itself on dedicated customer service, quick turn-around times, and team work.

"It is our goal to exceed our customers’ expectations while efficiently providing the most current treatment and health information," said Groff, who is also FCN team leader.

Great Job, Family Care NOW. Congratulations on being chosen as July’s Affiliate of the Month.

June 2008

If you see a member of the Alliance Community Hospital Protective Services team, make sure to thank them – and to offer congratulations on the achievement of being selected as ACH’s June 2008 Department of the Month.

ACH Protective Services provides security and peace of mind to all ACH patients, visitors and Colleagues every day.

Protective Services provides vital services in seven separate areas, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the 32 Colleagues comprising its staff. These areas include: in-house security, patient transport, in-house messenger service, outside courier service, outside patient transport, physician shuttle service and visitor shuttle service.

"I’m very proud of this team. They routinely exceed expectations," James McGeehen, Director of Protective Services for ACH, said.

McGeehen polled his staff and determined that their collective favorite part of the job is "the friendly, family-type atmosphere of ACH." He said Colleagues build on this and implement Plantree by "making every effort to provide our customers the best service we can."

Of his staff, he noted that, "Through the diversity of our department, we utilize each other’s strengths to provide the best experience possible for our patients."

McGeehen provided some interesting statistics about the efforts of the ACH Protective Services department within the last year.

Did you know that in 2007:

• The Protective Services department conducted more than 3,900 floor rounds and 3,800 parking lot rounds.
• In-house transport transferred more than 26,500 patients.
• The messenger service completed nearly 6,000 rounds
• Outside couriers made 16,000 trips for ACH, while the outside patient transport made another 10,000 trips
• The physician shuttle provided transportation to physician offices for more than 5,000 patients.
• The white shuttle vehicle (often seen in front of the hospital) provided 15,000 shuttles for patients and their family members.

Department Colleagues include: Jane Amabeli, Emily Baglia, Wayne Bailey, Anina Beegle, Daniel Bruni, Marty Clark, Joy Curfman, Dean Custer, Brian Deack, Tiffany Emplit, Donald Fryfogle, Bobbie Globeck, Kimberly Griffith, Samuel Hatcher, Robert Havlin, Diana Lucas, Marlene Madison, Steven McDaniel, Joseph McElroy, James McGeehen, Cheryl Nannah, Gabriel Pierce, Dante Pisanello, Carrie Plath, Tara Satterfield, Ronald Sheets, Jeanelle Thorn, Cynthia Vernon, TJ Yost and Shannon Zufall.

Well done, Protective Services.

Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition as Department of the Month!

May 2008

If you’re reading this – THANK YOU!

Because the Heartbeat is just one of the many communication vehicles through which your ever dutiful Public Relations/Marketing and Foundation department tells the story of Alliance Community Hospital and its dedicated staff of Colleagues.

Under the guidance of Administrative Director Ryan Jensen, MHSA, the PR/Marketing and Foundation staff handles all internal and external communication, public and Colleague Relations, marketing and philanthropy – just to name a few of our responsibilities.

You can also witness our handiwork in the form of the weekly Pulse bulletin, the quarterly Healthscene magazine and in several television, radio, print and direct mail ads in and around town, as well as on the ACH website and in several other ways.

PR Foundation spearheads many in-house events and supports all ACH programs and service lines in terms of marketing and promotions. For instance, it is our pleasure to man the Colleague Campaign fundraiser, this year’s theme of which is "Let’s Work it Out!" benefitting Colleague Fitness and a cluster of other departments/areas of the hospital.

We also plan, coordinate and host several of the hospital’s most crucial and high-profile annual fundraising events, including: the ACH Charity Golf Classic, the Hospice fun run and walk, and the Charity Ball and Auction. Foundation also hosts a Gift Club Reception, as well as a Tree of Life Ceremony.

You’ll also see us at various in-house committee meetings and also representing the hospital at many events and functions within the community.

Patty Kimerer, Danielle Nesgoda and June Porter gladly tackle the PR/Marketing and Foundation duties that result in proud public promotion of ACH’s vital programs, services and most importantly, our fabulous Colleagues.

The Foundation recently welcomed Cookie Beach to the staff and PR is pleased to receive Samantha Kerns and Adam Gingrich as summer interns.

Samantha is a graduating senior from Kent State University who lives in Sebring and Adam is a junior at Mount Union College. Both will be lending a hand in the office and at ACH based or sponsored events through autumn.

Please join us in welcoming our new staffers and, as always, contact us at ext. 7575 if we can be of service. And, for those who may not know, we’re located in the medical plaza adjacent to the hospital – two doors down from the Sweat Shop. Stop by for a visit any time!

April 2008

Everyone knows that the Alliance Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice provides excellent care for patients in our community, in the comfort of their own homes.

What they may not know is that, under the direction of Nancy Beck, RN, the Director of AVNA and Hospice, this staff of 82 Colleagues and 15 volunteers is one of the most compassionate and devoted teams anywhere.

Nancy said approximately 350 patients are provided with home health care every month; folks who know that they can trust the competent, caring staff of AVNA and Hospice to meet their most vital health needs in the comfort and privacy of home.

Tara Hertel, RN, who transferred to AVNA from another facility in 2006, said she was "amazed at the size of our department and the complexity of the patients we serve. Our staff has a vast background of experience and we work well as a team."

AVNA and Hospice receive a variety of services including comprehensive therapy and specialized clinical nursing programs.

Nancy explained that the team provides these services by going above and beyond standard duties and always asking what more they can do for our patients.

"Providing Christmas gifts and holiday meals to less fortunate patients is one of many examples of the team taking that extra step to help and serve our patients," she said.

Additionally, Beck said AVNA and Hospice provides a great atmosphere, which truly nurtures not only patients, but also colleagues.

Deb Wagner, RN said, "AVNA and Hospice is a great place to work. We work as a cohesive team and we are most like a family."

Congratulations to the AVNA and Hospice for being the well-deserved recipients of the Department of the Month distinction in April.

March 2008

Around Alliance Community Hospital, Chandler Mazeall II, the ACH Materiels Management Director, is regarded as "The Man," when it comes to getting things – - - well, just getting things, not to mention getting them to the areas where they are most needed.

Chandler sums up his department’s vast responsibility in acquiring and delivering materials throughout the hospital in one sentence, "Our mission is to provide the highest quality of products (in terms of both practical value and safety) and services to our patients, physicians, Colleagues and community at the lowest overall cost possible."

Chandler listed product research (including sourcing and negotiation), contract management and product utilization and distribution as among MM’s core duties.

"We try to offer total flexibility and versatility in meeting our customers’ needs," said Chandler about his team of 10 Colleagues, plus one very special volunteer.

"Jack Madison’s 14 years of service as a volunteer at ACH are a real testament to his dedication to the hospital. He is Materiels’ best kept secret," said Mazeall.

Mazeall recalled how MM was one of the first departments to move to the new hospital about a week before the Patient Care department. He said his Colleagues pride themselves on "being friendly, polite and always stopping to lend a helping hand."

"We simply enjoy our jobs and want to provide our fellow Colleagues the best service we can," he said.

And, by the way, no need to contact Public Relations department about our spell checker.

"Yes, the correct spelling of our department is ‘Materiels’ - - but ‘Materials’ will work, also," said Chandler with a smile.

February 2008

A steaming bowl of homemade soup on a cold afternoon. A delectable, decadent dessert when you need to feed an occasional sweet craving. A healthy fruit salad when you’re trying to adhere to your ACH Biggest Healthy Loser regimen.

You can thank the ladies and gentlemen of the ACH Nutritional Services department for all of the fore-mentioned – and so much more.

With a staff of 52 dedicated professionals providing food services to all ACH in-patients, CCC residents, The Café, the Meals-on-Wheels program and the hospital’s catering arm, the Nutritional Services department is always hopping.

"We also provide clinical care for inpatients, residents, outpatients and clients of AVNA/Hospice," said Louise Roth, Nutritional Services Director.

Roth said her team prides itself on quality customer service and a ceaseless quest to enhance food products and programs. She also listed appropriate nutrition care as a major objective and explained that, through provision of excellent meal services as well as hostess and room service duties, the Nutritional Services department adheres to the Planetree philosophy.

"We make sure to meet with residents personally to determine their preferences for meal-planning purposes," she said.

Though the staff is comprised of people with varying backgrounds and of a wide range of ages, Nutritional Services contains many Colleagues who have been with ACH for decades – some as long as 34 years.

"We’re grateful for the ability to express our creativity through our work and are proud to be able to showcase it in such a beautiful setting," said Roth.

As for the rest of us, we are appreciative of the hard work, attention to detail and dedication Nutritional Services provides.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts – and our stomachs!

January 2008

They greet, cheer and hearten. They comfort and calm and ask only for a friendly smile in return. They are the Alliance Community Hospital’s Volunteer team.

With a staff of four and a volunteer force of 270-plus strong, Volunteer Services Coordinator Marcy Todd is armed with the power of dedication, compassion and devotion when she arrives for work daily.

"We are a true team! We have the same values, which makes working together a real joy. Coming to work, knowing that we are all on the same page makes it so much easier to get up each day," she said with a smile.

Todd explained that the Volunteers, who help with several programs and services throughout ACH, are a versatile group that enjoys challenges and derives great satisfaction from knowing their actions helped others in some way, large or small.

Michele Quinn, Department Assistant of Volunteer Services, credits ACH Colleagues providing a welcoming environment.

"They make it very easy to enjoy working at ACH," she said.

Todd said each ACH Volunteer candidate undergoes intensive training to become a certified hospital volunteer.

"Our volunteers go through the same process as do new Colleagues including general orientation, fingerprinting, TB testing, attending Planetree retreats, providing letters of reference and standard training," she said.

The objective is for Volunteers to be thoroughly prepared before beginning work in a designated service area.

Thanks to Todd and her team, that goal is handily met and the end result is a priceless partnership.

"ACH Volunteers provide a vital link between our Colleagues and customers. There are so many things that wouldn’t happen at ACH if it weren’t for them," she said.

Pictured from Left to Right: Marcy Todd (Coordinator of Volunteer Services), Cindy Ruffier (Snack Shop Specialist), Michele Quinn (Volunteer Department Assistant), Terri Dallas (Gift Shop Supervision)

December 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for December 2007 is Environmental Services.

Environmental Services is comprised of 49 hardworking Colleagues, each of whom is, according to departmental directors Robert Madison and Linn Eddy, "always willing to help; to go the extra mile."

Environmental Services encompasses many hospital responsibilities here at ACH.

Madison and Eddy explained that ES ensures not only that the hospital is clean and presentable at all times, but that it is also safe and functional.

Some of the many duties handled by the Environmental Services department include: housekeeping, trash removal, hazardous spill cleanup, pest control, room setup and maintenance and many cleaning and beautification projects, to name a few.

Madison and Eddy agree that what sets the ES staff members apart is their willingness to pitch in and lend a hand whenever and wherever it may be required.

"These Colleagues are passionate about what they do and that enthusiasm resonates throughout the hospital," they said.

Indeed, ES staff members are always easily identifiable by their warm smiles and caring manners – each team member makes it his or her mission to treat patients, visitors and fellow Colleagues as though they were family members.

"This team gives 110% in everything that they do," said Madison and Eddy.

The entire staff of ACH appreciates the commitment, diligence and enthusiasm demonstrated by each member of the Environmental Services team. Colleagues such as those in the Environmental Services department help to provide a wonderful work environment here at Alliance Community Hospital.

Be sure to congratulate any and all Environmental Services Colleagues you see within the next few weeks, for their tremendous accomplishment of being named ACH’s Department of the Month for December. Don’t forget to thank them for keeping the hospital clean, safe and beautiful!

November 2007

Alliance Community Hospital's Department of the Month for November is Therapy Services.

Therapy Services is comprised of 35 Colleagues with a collective 248 years of hands-on experience and offers a full gamut of care that includes speech, occupational and physical therapy programs in the outpatient, inpatient and skilled therapy area of the CCC.
 

Eric Murray, Director of the Therapy Services team, explained why his department is so unique.

“We are able to offer total continuity of care broaching the entire spectrum from inpatient to CCC and finally to the outpatient clinic and recovery.  Because we offer all therapy disciplines (OT, ST/PT), we can integrate complex programs and are able to address many facets of patient care,” he said.

The Therapy Services department provides a strong pediatric program through the outpatient department and also offers distinctive specialty services that include: an orthopedic sports rehabilitation program, Vital Stim therapy (to help patients with swallowing disorders) and Saeboflex therapy (to strengthen hand coordination).

Murray said the Therapy Services team is proud to provide comprehensive services that are enhanced by compassionate therapists dedicated to improving quality of life for their patients. 

“Our team fully recognizes that we have it within our power to create a positive impact on our patients and their ability to return to functionality.  This involves much more than just physical rehabilitation techniques; we are also aware of the importance of strengthening our patients emotionally – at the core,” he said.

Murray explained how proud he is to be associated with the staff of professionals in Therapy Services.

“If you give us the opportunity, we believe you will find our team of therapists is incredibly compassionate and competent.  We provide the kind of exceptional, individualized care that maximizes recovery,” Murray said.

Congratulations to the Therapy Services department on this great achievement.  We appreciate your hard work and dedication. 

Colleagues such as you make Alliance Community Hospital a fabulous place to work. 

Be sure to stop by Therapy Services to congratulate our fellow Colleagues on being named ACH's Department of the Month for November! 
 

October 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for October 2007 is Central Sterile Processing. 

Central Sterile Processing, a department of 8 Colleagues, is responsible for the cleaning and disinfecting for the entire hospital.  Everything from the instruments used in surgery to the equipment in patient rooms. 

Experience plays a key role for this department.  Three Colleagues within the department have over 20 years of experience and are great teachers for not only for the other Colleagues, but also for Stark State students to which they teach.

When a Colleague or physician calls CSP, this department will go the extra mile to help however they can.  Oftentimes Colleagues are in need of items that this department does not have and they personally take it upon themselves to be sure that the request is taken care of.   Truly this group understands the Planetree philosophy.

Central Sterile Processing is perhaps one of the unsung heroes of the hospital, a group that takes care of situations and services before they are requested.  They handle thousands of instruments each day cleaning and sterilizing them for the OR and surgery floors, as well as completing other duties such as testing and cleaning equipment.  Without Central Services many departments would not be able to run effectively. 

Melissa Johnston, CSP and Laundry Coordinator, wants Colleagues to know that, “We work very hard to have the right item at the right place at the right time.”

Johnston and the Central Sterile Processing Colleagues would also like you to know that when you have a need for instruments or equipment they can be reached at ext. 7290 and will do their best to meet Colleagues needs. 

Central Sterile Processing will be celebrating National Central Services Week, from October 7 – 13.

Congratulations again to Central Sterile Processing on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital is a great place to work.

Note: To keep up with the current language in this field, Central Services will be referred to as Central Sterile Processing or “CSP” for the foreseeable future. You will soon hear them answer the phone differently and Central Services will be replaced in the policies/procedures as CSP.

September 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for September 2007 is the Educational Services Department.

Educational Services is comprised of nurses, staff educators, a Planetree Coordinator, secretaries and volunteers who respond to the education needs of our patients and staff.  

This group specializes in all things educational, including orienting new staff to our facility, assuring the competence of existing Colleagues and offering educational opportunities to current Colleagues.  This is done through General Orientation, Nursing Orientation, BLS, ACLS, EKG, CNE, CME, CE for ancillary staff and technical support for glucose meters. 

Resources and support are also provided to ACH to meet the needs of customers, Colleagues and volunteers.  This is achieved through Planetree Retreats, Planetree Conference Calls, Health Caring Resource Center, Certified Diabetes Education Program, Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy, Community Health Fairs, and Speakers’ Bureau.  Educational Services also oversees the student education experiences and the Podiatry Residency Program. 

Strength isn’t always found in numbers.  This group lists their ability to be flexible and diverse in all situations as their department’s strengths.

With several Colleagues on Planetree teams and through the continued education of Planetree to the Colleagues, volunteers and the community, implementing the Planetree philosophy isn’t just a task, but part of these ladies everyday schedules. They find every day is a different opportunity for growth and learning.

Something interesting about this department is that they have over 75 years of experience and combined backgrounds in nursing, critical care nursing, diabetes education, library science, recreational therapy, rehab, psych, social service, secretarial, patient registration, imaging and materials.  Truly, these ladies cover it all.

The Educational Services staff has this to say to their fellow Colleagues, “Our vision is to empower all Colleagues for their role in establishing excellence in the health caring experience and to be a true resource for our customers.”  Our office hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM and we would be happy to assist you in any way we can.

Congratulations to Educational Services on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

August 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for August 2007 is the Medical Records Department.

The Medical Records Department is comprised of three specific areas: clerical, coding and transcription.  The clerical area includes chart retrieval, assembly and analysis, release of information and document scanning.  The coding area is primarily responsible for abstraction of data from medical records and the assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes.  The trauma and tumor registries are also functions within Medical Records.  The transcription area transcribes various medical reports dictated on the digital dictation system.

Providing timely, accurate information prior to the patient during admission, while they are visiting the hospital and following their discharge are clearly strengths of this department.

Implementing the Planetree Philosophy is something that all departments at ACH strive to do daily.  The Colleagues in this department accommodate patient and customer requests for various health information needs through “access to information”.

Twenty-six Colleagues work in this department, approximately 25% of them work from home.  Home-based transcription has not only improved productivity and expected turn-around times, but has also provided greater working flexibility for these Colleagues.

“Our department is formed by a special group of ladies with various strengths and talents,” said Marie Wheeler, Medical Records Director. “They are somewhat of a liaison between the patients, their physicians, other health care providers, their insurance providers and personal representatives.  Even though they are not involved with direct patient care, they easily recognize the importance of their responsibilities concerning patient care continuity.”

Congratulations to the Medical Records Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

July 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for July is the Telecommunications.

Telecommunications provides vital services to Alliance Community Hospital.  The Colleagues in this department not only answer phones and handles pages, but they are also the answering service for hospital physicians, Hospice, Caring Hands and VNA.  This department is in charge of calling all CODES and paging the appropriate people during them.  They monitor Alarm Systems, Fire Alarms, medical airs, Vacuum Alarms, Generators, the Blood Bank and Weather Alarms within the hospital.  Truly this department is the Communications hub for our entire hospital system. 

Through everything this department provides friendly, efficient and accurate service in a calm manner.  These Colleagues patiently listen to hear each caller’s needs and try very hard to fulfill requests.  At the PBX phones are answered with smiles, although the caller may not see the Colleagues face they can recognize that they are talking to a warm and friendly Colleague.

A “can do” attitude is a must in this department.  “A first impression makes the best impression.” This motto represents the nine dedicated Colleagues who work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The operators attempt to build the foundations of the Planetree philosophy through kindness, friendliness and trust with patients, family members and future guests, as well as through fellow Colleagues and physicians.

This group of ladies isn’t just a group of Colleagues; they are friends and consider each other like sisters.  They can count on each other to fill in for vacations and time off.  Like a second family, these ladies truly pull together to get all of their tasks complete.

When asked to sum up themselves in one quote, “Be nice or leave,” was it.  A plaque in the office reads this and it reminds everyone on a daily basis that being nice is not an option.

June 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for June is the Laboratory.

The practice of modern medicine would be impossible without the tests performed in the clinical laboratory.  A medical team of pathologists, specialists, technologists, and technicians work together to determine the presence, extent or absence of disease and provide data needed to evaluate and treat illnesses.  Greater than 70% of medical decisions made by physicians are based on laboratory findings.

Core Laboratory combines Chemistry and Hematology.  This area includes goagulation testing, arteriol blood gas testing, urinalysis and specialized reference (esoteric) lab testing. These are supplemented by microbiology which includes bacteriology, mycology, parasitology and mycobateriology.  Our lab includes a Blood Bank which is a transfusion service, and involves Anatomic Pathology which includes cytology and histology.

This department prides itself in the depth and breadth of every Colleague’s experience as evidenced by their longevity, dedication and commitment to quality in lab medicine and customer service.

The Lab Colleagues are more like family than coworkers. The atmosphere is friendly and people work together to help each other get the job done.  When one Colleague is in need, the others rally around them to help in anyway that they can, a true demonstration of the Planetree philosophy that ACH represents.

Congratulations to the Laboratory Department on this great achievement.  We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like all of you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

May 2007

Alliance Community Hospital's Department of the Month for May 2007 is Engineering.

Like many departments at Alliance Community Hospital, the Engineering Department is one of the many departments that are behind the scenes.  Comprised of 16 Colleagues, 14 men and two women, they can be found quietly repairing equipment, taking care of work orders - quickly and efficiently - painting, creating signage or taking care of ACH’s grounds.

As a department, they are constantly striving to meet the hospital’s needs through education and team work.  Grounds for their success lie in their flexibility and dedication to the services they provide. 

These Colleagues implement the Planetree philosophy daily, noting that the patients and their safety is the main concern. 

Averaging 551 corrective work orders a months and 355 preventative maintenance work orders, the only thing they request is, “Can you please put in a work order.” The completion rate for corrective work orders is 89 percent and for preventive work orders is 100 percent. 

These Colleagues enjoy meeting the needs of all ACH departments and pride themselves in completing a job well done.

Congratulations to Engineering on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

April 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month is Engineering.

Like many departments at Alliance Community Hospital, the Engineering Department is one of the many departments that are behind the scenes. Comprised of 16 Colleagues, 14 men and two women, they can be found quietly repairing equipment, taking care of work orders - quickly and efficiently - painting, creating signage or taking care of ACH’s grounds.

As a department, they are constantly striving to meet the hospital’s needs through education and team work. Grounds for their success lie in their flexibility and dedication to the services they provide.

These Colleagues implement the Planetree philosophy daily, noting that the patients and their safety is the main concern.

Averaging 551 corrective work orders a months and 355 preventative maintenance work orders, the only thing they request is, "Can you please put in a work order." The completion rate for corrective work orders is 89 percent and for preventive work orders is 100 percent.

These Colleagues enjoy meeting the needs of all ACH departments and pride themselves in completing a job well done.

Congratulations to Engineering on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

March 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month is the Patient Billing.

Comprised of 15 exceptional Colleagues, this department describes themselves as the "watchdog" department for every other department. They are responsible for checking demographics, insurance information and services performed with correctness and accuracy, before the patient or insurance company receives a bill.

Patient Billing specializes in bills and code, and deals directly with at least 10,000 accounts per month, plus secondary bills. These Colleagues are also in charge of following-up on patient accounts to verify insurance and pre-authorization.

With 293 years of experience (an average of 20 years per Colleague), this department recognizes hard work and dedication as one of their strengths. "The best people providing the best service" is one way to accurately describe this department.

Patient Billing utilizes the Planetree Philosophy on a daily bases by providing quality service for all customers and Colleagues. They consider themselves a "helping hands office" at ACH and are pleased to help any customer or any Colleague in any way they can.

An interesting fact about this department is that this is where checks are cashed, mail is processed and postage stamps are sold.

Congratulations the Patient Billing on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital is a great place to work.

February 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month is Colleague Relations.

This small department is made up of four very important Colleagues, each of whom provide service to Colleagues and customers regarding ACH. They work with everyone from Resource to Management. Combined, this group has over 100 years of experience.

The department specializes in a number of services for Colleagues. This includes benefit packages, recruitment of new Colleagues, retention of current Colleagues and recognition programs. They also are in charge of implementing new policies and procedures.

The department agreed that what they like best about working at ACH are the Colleagues, the family atmosphere, the new campus, ACH’s patient centered care philosophy and customer service.

Colleague Relations makes every effort to accommodate Colleagues throughout the organization, whether it be suggestions or concerns. Although they wish they could accommodate everyone and everything that comes across their desks, they are not always able to implement new policies immediately and encourage more Colleagues to continue their input.

As of late February, Colleague Relations moved from the upstairs office next to Conference Room 1-B, to the former location of Materials Management on the basement level. When one of the doctors needed an office space, this group, in true Planetree fashion, quickly packed up and relocated.

Congratulations to Colleague Relations on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. It is because of Colleagues like all of you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

January 2007

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month is the Imaging Department.

Fifty-three Colleagues work in the Imaging Department. The department specializes in CAT scan, Radiology, Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Bone Density. The services provided through this department are utilized throughout the hospital including; surgery, CCC and the Center for Pain Management.

"This is a cutting edge department committed to providing comfortable patient care to our surrounding communities," said Troy Todd, PACS administrator.

All radiology images and reports are accessible throughout the enterprise, as well as physician offices, immediately after completion. The only sub-department that isn’t completely digital is Mammography.

Each day this department demonstrates the Planetree Philosophy. They make sure to greet patients in a timely, polite manner, introduce themselves to the patient, anticipate their needs and always thank the patient for allowing them to serve them. They are also sure to always ask if there is anything else they can do before sending a patient on their way.

According to Dave Shroades, Chief Technology Officer, "Finding family in an organization is important. Imaging is a true family of Colleagues, a close knit group, very supportive of each other personally and professionally."

The atmosphere that these Colleagues create is contagious. They work well as a team but find time to laugh and have fun as well.

"The Imaging Department is dedicated to education and excellence in the Imaging fields," said Todd.

The Imaging Department also hosts students from Kent State University in Radiology, Ultrasound, CAT scan, MRI and Nuclear Medicine.

Many of the Colleagues are affiliated with professional organizations in the Imaging field. Some hold leadership roles in these organizations. In the future, Imagings goal is to host continuing education seminars for area technologists.

For more information about the services provided through this department, please log on to ACH’s Web site, www.achosp.org. The Web site contains detailed information about each exam so patients have a better understanding of what the exam is and what to expect during the procedure. Physician order forms can also be printed from the Web site to schedule patients.

Congratulations to the Imaging Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

December 2006

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month is the Information Technology Department.

Comprised of 10 outstanding Colleagues, the department describes themselves as being a customer service department responsible for all computer technology in the hospital and for any hospital affiliate.  They also work very hard to keep colleagues up-to-date with the newest technology.

Specializing in keeping the hospital HCIS (Meditech) and other department specific software and hardware running and upgraded is a specialty for this department.  They also provide end use support for in-house problems and well as outside issues by means of helpdesk software.

Something many Colleagues may be unaware of is that all technical support is provided 24/7, and that all offices that connect to Meditech and other ACH applications are supported via this department.  An estimated 680 – 700 Colleagues seek technical support a month.

According to Dave Shroades, Chief Information Officer, although this department can function independently, they work well as a team.

“We are pro-active and committed to providing excellent customer service to all Colleagues, patients and their families,” said Shroads.  Truly they follow the backbone of the Planetree Philosophy.

The department has this to say about themselves, “We can’t fix it if we don’t know about it!”  So, follow their advice and if you are having a problem with your computer or any of the hospital technology contact them immediately.

Congratulations the Information Technology Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital is a great place to work.

November 2006

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for November is Public Relations/Foundation/Document Resource Center.

Consisting of a total of five Colleagues, the department consists of three separate cost centers.

Even though the department as a whole is made of three different departments, many of their activities are inter-related.

The Public Relations Department is primarily responsible for all internal and external communications concerning the hospital. This includes writing press releases, creating advertisements, designing department brochures and planning events. 

“What is great about the Public Relations Department is that we are able to work with all departments of the hospital,” said Emily Kobak, public relations coordinator.  “There is always something new and exciting going on.”

The Foundation Department is in charge of all aspects of fundraising associated with the hospital.  The also are in charge of a number of events throughout the year including the Charity Ball and Auction and Charity Golf Classic, as well as the community and Colleague campaigns.  

Congratulations the Public Relations/Foundation/Document Resource Center on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

October 2006

The Cardio-Pulmonary Department at Alliance Community Hospitals performs numerous outpatient procedures day-in and day-out, seeing hundreds of patients per week.

But this particular patient and her family who came to the department that Friday in May was one the staff would never forget.

A woman came to the hospital for a scheduled test for her daughter.  Thinking it would only take 15 – 20 minutes, she was dismayed to find it the procedure would actually take a couple of hours to complete.

This typically would not have been a problem, except for the fact that her daughter was to participate in the “Exceptional Olympics” that day in Canton and were relying on taking a bus to get there.

The family unfortunately had no means of transportation of their own and had actually walked to the hospital that day.

The staff did what they could to get the school or bus company to try to get transportation to the event, but it was too late, the bus had already left.

Seeing the disappointment in the girl’s eyes, the staff knew there had to be something they could do for her.

After making a few calls, they found someone in the organization to personally drive the family to the event.

Both the mother and daughter were  extremely appreciative for what the staff and the hospital had done for them.

The following is an excerpt from a letter they sent to the department, thanking them for all they did.

To the ones at ACH:

Myself and my daughter would like to thank all of you, with the very best heart felt thanks  to the ladies of ACH in Cardio-Pulmonary Services, and the two top men of the Administration Office, for helping me get my daughter to her “Exceptional Olympics” over in Canton, Ohio at Perry High School, just this past Friday morning. We would like to thank Billie Jo Hatton, R.N., Amy, Barbara and the two gentleman, whom I have forgotten their names. So like I said before, we send our very best heart felt thank to them all!!

P.S. She got her “Olympic medal” thanks to all of you!

Just one more way the Colleagues at ACH continuously go above and beyond for those in their care.

September 2006

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for September is Quality Services.

The department has had a number of different names over the years, including Utilization Review, Risk and Quality Review.

Quality Services acts as the “go to” department for help and information within the hospital.

“Our department exists to increase safety in the hospital, increase quality in the care of our patients and minimize risk to the hospital,” said Director of Quality Services Barb Dragomir, R.N.C., B.S.N., R.M.C.

The department specializes in infection control, quality (hospital-wide and physician), JCAHO, risk management, patient complaints and safety.

“Combined we have over 105 years of service to ACH,” said Dragomir.  “That’s a lot of history in one department!”

The department is proud of the work they do.

“We are dedicated to achieving good outcomes for our patients, visitors and co-workers,” said Dragomir.

She added that the department is always ready and willing to help those in need, and if they cannot help them, they direct them to where they need to go.

“There are many friendly and caring people who work here,” said Dragomir. “It’s been said so often that it’s almost a cliché, but it’s true – we are like a family.”

Congratulations the Quality Services Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

August 2006

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for September is Patient Registration.

Consisting of a total of 18 Colleagues, the department is actually made of four different facets: patient registration, centralized scheduling, Emergency Department registration and the Ambassador program.

Patient Registration and Emergency Registration provide fast, friendly service to all customers and Colleagues they come in contact with.  Both departments strive to go above and beyond for their customers, making them feel welcome and comfortable.

The departments are responsible for registering all patients, collecting patient demographic and insurance information, and ordering tests as required.

They perform registration for outpatient and admissions, plus pre-register patients for scheduled appointments for all departments, as well as surgery, pain patients and endoscopy.

Centralized scheduling is responsible for scheduling, pre-registering and receiving physician orders for out-patient procedures and also coordinate the process of bed placement.

In addition, they work closely the billing and medical records department to ensure proper patient and medical record information is identified.  They also provide ancillary departments with paperwork for patients to accurately perform tests, as well as ordering out-patient lab tests, X-rays, EKG for patients sent through the departments.

The department communicates with other departments in the hospital, as well as physician offices, working together as a team to understand the needs of the patients.

The Ambassadors meet and greet patients and visitors, directing or escorting them to where they need to go in the hospital.

They are “the face of the hospital,” giving the first and last impression to those they interact with.

Trouble shooting and providing patient information and room numbers to visitors are just a few of the many services they provide to guests.

The Ambassadors reach out to each individual, patient or guest, on a personal, yet professional, level. The philosophy is that everyone is treated as a person, not just a number.

Congratulations the Patient Registration Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

July 2006

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for July is the Emergency Department.

Comprised of 28 RNs, four LPNs, three CTs, four paramedics and seven office assistants, the department provides a safe, caring and professional environment with the highest standards of care for patients, families and guests.

Seeing approximately 31,000 patients a year, the well-trained staff work well together, seeing patients at a rapid pace.

According to Ed Heise, director of the Emergency Department, although the ER does not have a trauma level, it is equipped to care for anything that may arrive.

"We maintain a well-stocked pediatric trauma room," said Heise. "We also have an excellent relationship with area trauma, neurology and pediatric centers."

The department provides a relaxing, implementing a number of Planetree elements. There are bonsai trees, along with paintings in all of the rooms. Rainbow Therapy dogs also make regular visits.

"We believe in handling any concerns promptly and feel as if all of our patients are our guests," said Heise.

Volunteers are also an important part of the department, guiding visitors and administering blood pressure checks.

The Emergency Department is on the cutting-edge of ER medicine, with fully-integrated electronic medical records and the availability of a telemedicine network with Akron Children’s Hospital.

The department is currently installing the telemedicine unit and will soon begin training, which will give the capability of sending real-time video of pediatric patients directly to Akron Children’s Hospital.

Congratulations to the Emergency Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

June 2006

Alliance Community Hospital’s Department of the Month for June is Nutritional Services.

The Nutritional Services Department provides all aspects of food service for the Café, Community Care Center, meals on wheels, as well as all inpatient meals. It also provides catering services in-house and to the public.

The department specializes in providing excellent food at a good value to guests.

The opening of the new facility has brought the opportunity for growth of the department’s programs and services.

According to Louise Roth, since moving into the new facility, sales have more than doubled for the Café.

In addition to now being able to offer more menu items, the Café has also extended its hours of operation.

“The Colleagues have done a great job adapting to the positive changes,” said Roth.  “They have shown their dedication to their jobs by being flexible with the change of routine.”

There are currently 52 Colleagues in the department, with over half having at least five years of service.

“It’s a good starting point,” said Roth. “A number of Colleagues who now work in other departments in the hospital started in Nutritional Services.”

Roth added that they also have a number of high school and college students on staff, as well as children of Colleagues who currently work at the hospital.

The department recently completed a great milestone when it initiated the “At Your Service” meal program, which gives patients the option of having room service during their stay at the hospital.

For those who are unable to order meals on their own, the department has set up a hostess program in conjunction with the room service program. Both programs are designed to be focused on both the individual and nutritional needs of the patient.

But the department has not stopped there.

“There is always something new going on,” said Roth.  “We are always looking for new recipes and ways to be creative.”

Congratulations the Nutritional Services Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.  It is because of Colleagues like you that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.

May 2006

Alliance Community Hospital is pleased to annouce that its first Department of the Month for May is the Physician Services Central Billing Office.

Located in the same building as Alliance Aultworks Occupational Medicine at 2461 W. State St., the Central Billing Office specializes in physician credentialing, billing and reimbursement and various areas of daily management of a physician’s practice.

The department is comprised of a total of 10 Colleagues, which includes: Deborah King, manager; Carol Kline, credentialing specialist; Ericka Jones, coding specialist; and five billing and reimbursement specialists – Shelly Risen, Sharree Bench, Julie Bailey, Deanna Herman and Penny Frank.

Administrative Director Ryan Jensen and Accounting Specialist Sue Gregor are also a part of the department.

"The Colleagues in this department are experienced and knowledgeable in various areas of physician practice management," said King.

She added the department prides itself on its excellent team work and open line of communication.

"Even though we are located off campus, all of our interactions with various departments have been friendly and helpful," said King.

Congratulations to the Central Billing Department on this great achievement. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication. It is because of Colleagues like these that make Alliance Community Hospital a great place to work.