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Inspiring JoyA publication for Dignity Health Southern California Division - North Employees Winter 2022CONNECTArroyo Grande Community Hospital Bakersfield Memorial Hospital French Hospital Medical CenterMarion Regional Medical Center Mark Twain Medical Center Mercy Medical Center Merced Mercy Hospital Downtown - BakersfieldMercy Hospital Southwest- BakersfieldSt. Joseph’s Behavioral Health CenterSt. Joseph’s Medical Center Stockton
CreditsRobin Mangarin-Scott VP of Marketing and CommunicationsEditors: Natalie Joaquin-Pettis Director of Internal Communications Sara San Juan Director of Marketing and Communications Michelle Willow Director of External CommunicationsDid you know?You can stay in touch and up-to-date by following us on social media. @DignityHealthSoCal@DignityHealthSC@DignityHealthSouthernCaliforniaWhen you see a QR code in the magazine, scan it with your personal smart device to watch the associated video.Inside this issue:2 Caring for Caregivers6 Pet Therapy7 Going the Extra Mile8 Door-to-door Vaccines9 Kindness Boxes10 Employee Recognition12 Kudos Hometown Heroes 13 High Reliability Organization14 Living our Values in Action16 French Hospital Celebrates 75 Years17 Disk Golf18 Kudoboard Corner20 In the News23 An E-Bike Gift24 Six-Word Stories25 Connect QuizBack Southern CaliforniaCover Marketing UpdateAssociate Editor: Tracie Gipson Production Manager: Megan MartinezContributors:Jennifer JonesRobert LemaAngelica OttmanFabiana RienzoNicki StevensLindsey WineDignity Health’s Southern California Division includes 17 acute-care nonprofit hospitals and one behavioral health hospital in nine counties across Central California, Central Coast, and Southern California. Dignity Health is part of CommonSpirit Health and the largest hospital provider in California, delivering health care services to diverse communities, allowing one in four U.S. residents to access care through our network of health care providers. This network of hospitals is supported by medical groups throughout the region, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services—all with one common goal: to provide compassionate, high-quality health care in a safe and healing environment.St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health CenterMark Twain Medical CenterSt. Joseph’s Medical Center StocktonMercy Medical Center MercedBakersfield Memorial HospitalMercy Hospital Downtown - BakersfieldMercy Hospital Southwest - BakersfieldFrench Hospital Medical CenterArroyo Grande Community HospitalMarian Regional Medical CenterSt. John’s Regional Medical Center St. John’s Hospital CamarilloNorthridge Hospital Medical CenterGlendale Memorial Hospital and Health CenterCalifornia Hospital Medical CenterCommunity Hospital of San BernardinoSt. Bernardine Medical CenterSt. Mary Medical Center111212313414515616717818910CaliforniaBakersfieldOxnardLos AngelesSan BernardinoStockton13111412158169171018453671 2
Southern California Division | 1@Julie_SprengelDear Southern California Division Team:First and foremost – Happy New Year! I truly hope each and every one of you were able to take time during the holidays to connect with your loved ones and those you cherish in your life. A special thank you to those of you who spent the holidays ensuring our patients were well cared for – you are appreciated. I’m excited to introduce you to the rst issue of Connect, our new employee magazine. Our hope is that by sharing stories from across our Division, we will build a greater connection and understanding of our shared mission.I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that these are challenging times. I know how dicult things continue to be, especially for stang and burn-out, but we are not alone. Every health care provider across the country is facing these issues. I want you to know we are doing everything we can to address these concerns to provide support and solutions. We will face the challenges together and be better – for each other, for our patients, and for our communities – by sharing ideas and leveraging our skills. As we approach the two-year milestone of the COVID Pandemic, we know it has been a trying time for every member of our health care team and we want to thank you. Each of you have kept your commitment to our patients front and center. Your work has helped us focus on keeping our patients safe and providing high-quality care while improving our patients’ experience and our future. What I ask of you now is to focus on your well-being and the well-being of those around you. This edition of Connect magazine includes resources for well-being initiatives available in our hospitals and clinics across the Division. Your mission teams and human resources leaders are working closely to ensure everyone is aware of resources available.I hope that when you read the stories in the pages that follow you are reminded of why we are here and how each of you plays a role in bringing our values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, excellence, and collaboration to life in your daily work. I have had the chance over the rst six months of this scal year to visit every one of our facilities and I will tell you, I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish when we continue to work together. Please know that I am humbled to lead such an exceptional team and the best Division! With gratitude,Julie J. Sprengel President & CEO Southern California Division CommonSpirit HealthA message from Julie J. SprengelAdnan Hamid Chief Information Ocer Holly Hessel-Altman Vice President of Quality Ron Yolo Chief Nursing OcerWelcoming New Division LeadersSouthern California Division | 1
| Dignity Health ConnectCaring for Our Caregivers...You!Sometimes, thank you just isn’t enough. Health care professionals’ mental health has been tested throughout this pandemic. In fact, a survey published in the Washington Post found that of frontline workers surveyed said the pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health.Our leaders took that statistic to heart. They brainstormed ideas to ease the burden our teams have experienced since the inux of COVID cases throughout our hospitals. To help build higher levels of resilience in our sta, our Spiritual Care teams and leaders have made rounds to support and uplift our sta with blessings of the hands, holy water, rosaries, small bibles, and treat carts. What’s more, they’ve created designated meditation rooms, exercise areas, and healing spaces, much to the delight of sta across the Southern California Division.2
Southern California Division | 3 Dignity Health - Mercy and Memorial HospitalsSeveral waiting rooms and chapels at our three Dignity Health Bakerseld hospitals were transformed into havens for our sta to seek moments of peace and quiet during their hectic days. These “zen dens” oered calming music, sounds, lights, seating, and other trinkets to lift employees’ spirits during their shift. Much gratitude to our donors and sta who helped bring these respite rooms to life.Dignity Health - Bakersfield Memorial HospitalDuring the pandemic, Bakerseld Memorial Hospital created the Memorial Mile, an indoor and outdoor walking path, for sta to help reduce stress, boost their creativity and energy, and improve their well-being. Various exercise stations can be found along the outdoor walking path that include pull-up bars, an elliptical, a lateral climbing wall, and much more. Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical CenterStephanie Walczuk (pictured), a French Hospital Medical Center Telemetry Unit RN, created a Serenity Room for fellow sta to enjoy a space of calm and relaxation during these considerably stressful times. The serene space is quiet with low light and includes greenery, aromatherapy, relaxing white noise, massage chairs, a place to stretch or do yoga, and inspirational reading materials.Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical CenterSarah Phillips (pictured), a Marian Regional Medical Center Critical Care Unit Clinical Educator, created two Relaxation Rooms for fellow sta to provide a space of respite and quiet. “I recognized the need for my colleagues to have a space they could retreat to if they needed, and I wanted to be able to help in any way I could,” says Sarah. “Everyone is feeling overwhelmed and if I could provide a source of peace for these amazing nurses, I was happy to do so.”Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical CenterDignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center employees can nd refuge in one of several zen spaces on campus, including the hospital’s Chapel, a dedicated Meditation Room and various healing outdoor spaces. Employees are welcomed to use these locations to take a moment for prayer, silence, and reection.
| Dignity Health Connect4 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Dignity Health’s EAP oers free tools for emotional health and well-being hours a day, days a week. Our Employee Assistance Program EAP is a free, condential service available to you and your family members and oers help for a range of challenges, including: • Stress, anxiety, and depression • Loss, grief, and bereavement • Substance abuse and addiction • Domestic violence • Financial and debt troubles • Work-related diculties Visit Anthemeap.com or call 800.999.7222. Use Company Code: dignity healthIn-Home ServicesCommonSpirit Health wants to make life easier for our employees with a free membership to Care@Work, plus ve credits for services, such as child care, house cleaning, adult care, and more. Sign-up and learn more at commonspirit.care.comWellness ConnectionThe Wellness Connection by CommonSpirit supports (and does not replace) any similar programs in your facility. This program is designed to provide resources and tips for your well-being, delivered directly to employees via gmail. Any tips provided are not intended to convey or suggest any medical advice.Your Well-being MattersAimed at supporting mental well-being, CommonSpirit Health has developed a host of oerings to foster a culture of joy and wellness. A new tool called Well-being Check-in is designed to help us respond to our emotions in healthful ways. With a few clicks on your phone or computer, you’ll receive suggested resources tailored to what you are feeling. It’s fast and anonymous, with no sign-on required. Look for the Well-being Check-in icon on your computer desktop or scan the QR code below. We’ve also listed some additional wellness resources here.Bakerseld Hospitals can access EAP resources by calling Alan Pevar and Associates at 661.322.4000
Southern California Division | 5 Quick & Simple Deep Breathing Technique The rst rule of meditating is about trying not to process any-thing that comes from the outside. Instead, one must direct all resources towards something that is as internally generated as possible, which is our breath. Concentrating and focusing on each and every inhale and exhale allows us to block out everything happening outside of us. Want to give it a try?• Get into a comfortable position.• Breathe in through your nose. Let your belly ll with air.• Breathe out through your nose.• Place one hand on your belly. Place the other hand on your chest.• As you breathe in, feel your belly rise. As you breathe out, feel your belly lower. The hand on your belly should move more than the one that’s on your chest.• Take three more full, deep breaths. Breathe fully into your belly as it rises and falls with your breath.Within a few minutes, you can experience the soothing benets of deep breathing. When you have more time try minutes for even greater benets.Stay ConnectedThe exclusive employee app – connect – provides real-time updates and easily accessible links to self-care resources. Download today at: get.theemployeeapp.com/connect Please Remember:• We do understand.• There are resources to help.• It’s okay to take a mental break.• YOU are what matters most.• Take care of yourself and each other.Where to Call for HelpNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: ..National Domestic Violence Support: ..National Alliance for Mental Illness: ..Southern California Division | 5
| Dignity Health Connect6Pet Therapy Volunteer Trish Phipps and Indie visit Arroyo Grande Community Hospital to bring cheer to employees.Indie visits one of her favorite employees, Terra Ahlman (left) who was thrilled to spend time with Indie and Trish when the Pet Therapy program returned to ease stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.A Dose of Puppy Love Brings Cheer to EmployeesLittle Bear continues spreading joy to hospital staff during the pandemic.sOur pet therapy dog-tors were missed during COVID visitor and volunteer restrictions, but they are slowly making their way back to our hospitals and are a welcome respite for employees. Indie is a trained animal-assisted therapy dog who visits Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital with her handler Trish Phipps. This King Shepherd rescue dog was adopted in Los Angeles when she was months old. Charron Sparks knew her Australian Shepard, Little Bear, was born to be a therapy dog when her husband suddenly passed away just three weeks after bringing Little Bear home. Charron shares that Little Bear started as her therapy dog and is compassionate with everyone he meets. Charron and Little Bear try to visit French Hospital Medical Center as often as they can.While Little Bear and Indie cannot yet visit patient rooms, they bring a source of comfort and support to employees, even on the roughest days.Studies show that the presence of animals has a positive eect on human physiology and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. Pet therapy volunteers encourage aection with the dogs, as they are for “hugging and petting” and are not considered service dogs. In fact, these docile and aectionate animals have participated in special training before qualifying as a pet volunteer. All of the dogs have become certied therapy dogs that require dogs to be well-trained, good-natured and enjoy attention. The volunteer-owners and their dogs must also adhere to strict infection prevention policies through consistent grooming before and after each visit to the hospital.As they return to boost employees’ spirits, pet therapy volunteers say they get as many blessings as they give by bringing a sense of normalcy into an abnormal situation.Now that’s something to howl about.
Going the Extra MileRellon Powers, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Cath Lab Manager, and his wife Crystal Powers, a nurse at BMH, ensured a patient and his dogs made it safely back home to Idaho. As the manager of Kern County’s largest cardiac catheterization lab at Dignity Health - Bakerseld Memorial Hospital’s (BMH) Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Rellon Powers knows how to mend broken hearts. But he also specializes in humankindness when it comes to matters of the heart - like a man’s devotion to his canine companions. One day during Patient Experience Leader Rounding, Rellon visited with a patient who needed bypass surgery. A truck driver from Idaho, his two dogs were always along for the ride as the trio traversed from state to state. Traveling through Kern County, the man began experiencing chest pain and was brought to the emergency room by ambulance. Arrangements were made for his dogs to be taken to the Kern County Animal Shelter to be cared for while he was in the hospital. Heartbroken and worried about his dogs being in the shelter, he contemplated leaving the hospital against medical advice. Hoping to ease the man’s anxiety, Rellon oered to foster the dogs at his home while the man recovered. Fortunately, the specialists at the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center determined the patient could return to Idaho for his heart surgery and arrangements were made for the patient and his dogs to be transported home. Understanding there would be some transportation challenges getting the truck driver back to his rig, Rellon and his wife Crystal, also a nurse at BMH, wanted to make things as easy as possible for him at discharge. “I wanted to help this poor man get reunited with his fur babies and also make sure he left Bakerseld Memorial Hospital with the medications he needed to make it home safely,” says Crystal. “I reached out to the one person I knew would help without any hesitation. Rellon is the true denition of a nurse and leader.”Rellon and Crystal arranged to pick up the patient’s dogs from the shelter and met him at the hospital entrance so they could be reunited. Rellon drove him to the pharmacy to pick up his medications, and nally to his rig where another truck driver was waiting to take him and his dogs back to Idaho. The two parted ways, grateful for the connection and friendship. “As a loyal pet owner myself and leader in my hospital I felt the need to help resolve his concerns,” shares Rellon. “I also wanted to help the hospital sta who were concerned about his situation in order for everyone to focus on the patient’s health care needs.”Rellon and Crystal’s kindness and compassion is a reminder to us all that humanity is at the heart of what we do every day.Southern California Division | 7
| Dignity Health Connect8City ocials and local health care providers in Bakerseld are turning to door-to-door outreach to increase COVID vaccinations among the most vulnerable in our community. Over last summer, nursing students at Bakerseld College, in partnership with Dignity Health - Mercy and Memorial Hospitals and Kern Health Systems, began canvassing neighborhoods with the lowest COVID vaccination rates. The eort is part of the statewide “Get Out the Vaccine” project, which addresses vaccine hesitancy in hard-to-reach communities. Canvassers spoke to residents in three of the highest risk zip codes to share information and dispel any misconceptions about the COVID vaccine. “We weren’t seeing vaccination numbers increase in these more vulnerable populations of our community,” said Robin Mangarin-Scott, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Dignity Health’s Southern California Division - North. “Access was something that wasn’t being addressed for people living in these areas, so we met that need. We found a way to bring the vaccinations to them, and in turn, support our entire community by raising the number of people who are vaccinated.” Research shows two common barriers to vaccination are not being able to take time o work and not having transportation. To alleviate these obstacles, the eight-week outreach eort included on the spot, at-home vaccinations. Organizers say making the vaccine available to people in their own front yards or nearby neighborhood parks was a key component to the campaign’s success. “Some people simply lack the resources to get to a pop-up vaccination clinic or the doctor’s oce. One Saturday, we met at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and we were able to vaccinate people right there,” said Mangarin-Scott. “These were people who would otherwise not have an opportunity to get the vaccine, and they were extremely grateful.” Dignity Health provided , doses of vaccine for this program. Hall Ambulance helped to safely transport the vaccines and to provide support to nurses.“Some people are scared to get the vaccination. Having Hall Ambulance on site provides a sense of safety along with accessibility that wasn’t available prior to this program being implemented,” said Mangarin-Scott. Once someone was vaccinated, team members would register them with the state’s MyTurn system so their vaccination data was recorded. Organizers hope this eort will reduce the number of COVID cases in the community and the number of hospitalizations.“This partnership is critical to fullling our mission of improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are the most vulnerable,” said Mangarin-Scott. “This is what we are here for—to actively support the health and well-being of our communities.” Last August, local public officials and community partners such as Dignity Health, Kern Health Systems, Bakersfield College and Hall Ambulance launched the “Get Out the Vaccine” campaign, going door-to-door offering COVID-19 vaccinations in high-risk neighborhoods.Can We Help You Get Vaccinated? Knock, Knock…
Southern California Division | 9Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center Foundation’s Kindness Box Program got its start in March of 2020 when an anonymous, yet generous, donor reached out to the Foundation with interest in supporting Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center patients through funding the delivery of grocery care-packages to their homes. The spirit of this donor’s generosity and drive to protect one of our community’s most vulnerable populations quickly caught momentum. So what is in a Kindness Box? While the contents of the boxes have changed from time-to-time based on the availability of products from various distributors, these boxes contain sources of protein, fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples. With the funds raised from generous program supporters, boxes have also been supplemented with everyday grocery needs, such as bread, cereal, and even special holiday meal items during Thanksgiving and Christmas. As the pandemic progressed and growing numbers of sta were impacted by the pandemic, the Foundation oce, in partnership with Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center, Community Health Department, and our Human Resources sta, began reaching out to employees placed on quarantine with the oer of delivering Kindness Boxes to their homes. The Kindness Box Program quickly expanded to reach any employee of Mercy Medical Center aected by the pandemic in any way through a weekly drive-thru pick up. “Being a former COVID positive patient and a recipient of the Kindness Boxes inspired me to donate to this program,” says Maggie Fregoso, RN. “It was a blessing for me during tough times and I wanted to be able to repay the kindness and make sure others can enjoy the same experience that I had.”The Mercy Medical Center Foundation Kindness Crew sorts and packages Kindness Boxes to distribute to the community and to employees quarantined during the pandemic. Kindness Box Program Assists Quarantined EmployeesOver 22,000 Kindness Boxes have been distributed since the program began, which has been overwhelmingly well-received by grateful patients, employees, and community members alike.
| Dignity Health Connect10Southern California Division Rocks!Congratulations to our Southern California Division employees for remaining steadfast and committed to safe, compassionate care.Good Catch Award for First Year ResidentThe Patient Safety Good Catch Award goes to our rst year Emergency Medicine Resident, Dr. Ethan Luong! When his patient came into the Emergency Department at Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center with an initial complaint of shortness of breath, Dr. Luong performed a careful exam and noticed that the patient was having some mild abdominal tenderness. He then noticed a subtle nding on the chest x-ray suggesting a possible perforation of the intestine. Without Dr. Luong’s careful attention to detail and thoughtful approach his patient could have easily experienced a signicant delay in the diagnosis and treatment of what turned out to be a surgical emergency. Instead his patient got a prompt diagnosis and a quick trip to the OR for life-saving surgery. As part of our AlwaySafe Patient Safety program, we love recognizing a Good Catch and celebrating the caregivers who keep our patients safe! Daisy Award for Honoring Last MomentsDignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s recent Daisy Award Honoree is Kim Siv, RN from the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit. The family of one of Kim’s patients shared the following:"My family and I could not have asked for a more amazing nurse than Kim in the nal days of my mother’s life. I believe she was chosen to take care of her for a special reason, and helped make a terrible time bearable. Her strength, caring, knowledge, calm, and compassion helped us all face the inevitable and create memories through the journey until the end. She helped bring light to darkness in the nal moments. We are truly most grateful and thankful to Kim.”
Southern California Division | 11Good Catch Award for Intuition Diane Tenorio, RRT, ACCS, Respiratory Therapist at Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center in Merced, was awarded with a Good Catch Award for her eorts in helping with identifying a potential cause for a patient’s poor lung condition. The COVID negative patient’s lung condition seemed to be progressively getting worse and the care team could not gure out why. Diane is known for creating a strong rapport and connection with her patients and this patient was no dierent. She studied the patient’s information and looked over her recent CT scan, noticing that the patient’s lungs were presenting with the same symptoms many COVID positive patients were displaying and that the patient had ruptured breast implants. After learning that the patient’s implants were silicone, Diane immediately contacted the physician and nurse to inform them that leaking silicone implants can cause respiratory issues. The patient was reassessed and with Diane’s help, a plan to transfer her to a higher level was put into place. The patient subsequently required intubation and was transferred to UC Davis for ECMO where she could receive the care she required.Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Community Health Initiative (CHI) Team RecognizedEach year, Aetna recognizes organizations and individuals with the Community Heart Award for exemplary work and contribution to the community, especially those who are underserved and vulnerable. Congratulations to Dignity Health - Mercy and Memorial Hospitals’ Community Health Initiative (CHI) team for receiving the Community Heart Award for their continued eorts to ensure access to health care services despite the pandemic. The CHI team continues to nd innovative ways to deliver services to help underserved communities.Diane Tenorio, RRT, ACCS (center) was awarded with a Good Catch Award for her efforts in helping with identifying a potential cause for a patient’s poor lung condition.
| Dignity Health Connect12Kudos for Going Above and Beyond During the PandemicThe City of Santa Maria recognized Sue Andersen, Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center President & CEO, and the health care team at Marian Regional Medical Center as Hometown Heroes for their steadfast commitment to community health and well-being throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Southern California Division - North | 13Understanding Our Journey as a High Reliability OrganizationMonica, a registered nurse on a progressive cardiac care unit at Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, was preparing to administer a medication used to control bleeding. The medication was in three separate boxes and had to be mixed before it could be given to the patient. As part of the process before giving any medication, she carefully reviewed the medication and checked the dosage. By Paying Attention to Detail, Monica discovered that her calculations for what is considered the appropriate dosage were dierent from the pharmacy’s calculation. She Had a Questioning Attitude and called the pharmacy to express her concerns. “It’s instilled in you as a nurse that you are responsible for your patients,” explains Monica. “Every patient is someone’s mom or loved one. Patients put their trust in you and take what medications you give them. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.”Monica’s unit charge nurse and unit director encouraged her to contact the Pharmacy. Monica took the medication boxes to the Pharmacy department and asked the pharmacist to show her how the calculations for the dosage were done. Together, they went over the medication calculations and it was determined that Monica’s calculations were correct.Throughout the process, from rst pulling the medications out of the Omnicell to the point of administering the medication to the patient, Monica’s actions demonstrated many of the skills taught as part HRO. Monica received a “Good Catch” award for her actions, but more importantly, her actions ultimately led to discovering an error and preventing potential harm to the patient. This good catch from Monica is a great indicator that HRO behaviors are integrated in everyday actions and have helped to create a culture of safety.We are all working together to become a High Reliability Organization, one which prioritizes patient safety in our ever changing environment, but many may still ask ‘what does High Reliability really mean?’ A High Reliability Organization or HRO has fewer than its share of error events by prioritizing safety and adopting a culture where we consistently do the right thing for our patients and sta. We empower our people to ask questions, we organize our leadership around safety activities, and we all commit to studying and improving our process to look for opportunities to be safer. Other organizations, such as the airline industry, that have become HROs, have done it through having every member of the team adopt safety as their number one priority. It is not enough to have the president, directors or managers say we are going to be safe, safety is everyone’s responsibility and we all must align around it to truly advance our culture. To date, the progress we have made is nothing short of inspiring. Across many of our hospitals we have named our HRO initiative, Safety by Choice, Not by Chance, but your hospital may have chosen a unique name to represent the unique culture of where you work. While names may vary, the outcomes are all the same. Across all of our Southern California Division hospitals we are seeing a new focus around safety at our hospitals. On a daily basis, stories like the one you just read above are exemplifying an increased mindfulness on patient safety, a closer collaboration across disciplines, and an atmosphere of trust that heightens our day-to-day sensitivity to operations. While each of our hospitals is at a dierent place on their journey to high reliability across our entire division we are all making progress forward. Over the next months, we are aiming to have every employee participate in High Reliability methods and skills training. For some this will be the rst time they are seeing this material and for others this will be a refresh of training they did years ago, but for all of us, it will be yet another important step forward towards creating a consistent culture of safety. Simultaneously, we will be rolling out leader tools that will augment how we huddle, how we round, and how we share stories that prioritize safety.I am grateful for your partnership and enthusiasm. I believe our collective commitment will lead to our long-term success, as we strive to make our division’s hospitals the safest in the nation by consciously practicing High Reliability practices and encouraging our teams to do the same. Thank you for doing your part on our journey to becoming highly reliable.Nicholas Testa, MD Chief Physician ExecutiveSouthern California Division | 13
| Dignity Health Connect14Dignity Health’sValues in Action Award honorsindividuals and teams for
outstanding contributions toour health care ministry. Whileeveryone associated with
Dignity Health works towardfulfilling our Mission, theefforts of some present anoutstanding example ofcommitment to our Valuesand Vision.Congratulations to our
Values in Action winners fromDignity Health - Bakersfield
Memorial Hospital (BMH).Jasjinder Cheema, PharmacyExcellence is dened as serving with our fullest passion,creativity, and stewardship, and exceeding expectations
of others and ourselves. Jas’ colleagues appreciate hisattention to detail and commitment to safety. He alwaysensures procedures are in place for proper medication
administration, correct guardrails are on pumps, anddiabetic transition of uid orders are easily accessible.Jas helps RNs learn to utilize these procedures correctly,is always willing to help in times of crisis, and works toimprove patient care throughout the hospital.Alejandra Navarro, Respiratory TherapyCompassion is dened as care with listening,empathy and love, and to accompany and
comfort those in need of healing. Alejandra’snomination states that she exhibits humankindness in her every day patient care. She is recognizedfor a particular act of compassion when she
arranged to take a long-term trach patientoutside to BMH’s healing garden for somefresh air and photos, as she was at the endof her illness. The patient was so gratefulfor Alejandra’s kindness and we are too!| Dignity Health Connect14Living Our Values
Southern California Division | 15Kimberly Burke, Employee HealthCollaboration is dened as committing to the power of working
together, and building and nurturing meaningful relationships.As the pandemic was ramping up, Kim became the manager ofEmployee Health for all three Dignity Health hospitals in Bakerseld.Even through some of Employee Health’s busiest times, Kim alwaysmade sure that Mercy and Memorial sta knew that she was there tohelp in whatever way she could. She made each campus a priority andensured the department was available to employees and managers forhelp and resources.Elizabeth Ruiz, PediatricsIntegrity is dened as inspiring trust throughhonesty, and demonstrating courage in theface of inequity. As nurse manager for pediatricservices, Liz leads with compassion, alwaysreminding nurses to take time for themselves.She coaches using “Just Culture” and alwaysasks what the sta needs and works hard to
get it. Her eort and success shows in ourpatient satisfaction scores and the happiness
of the sta.Kristina Mathews and Shelly Simpson, Palliative CareInclusion is dened as celebrating each person’s gifts and voice,and to respect the dignity of all. Kristina and Shelly worked side-by-side with physicians, nurses, patients, and families during thepandemic to help COVID patients understand the severity oftheir condition, determine their goals of care, and help them makedicult end-of-life decisions. In the absence of the patient’s voice,Kristina and Shelly contacted families day after day to keep theminformed, connected family to an i-Pad so they could see theirloved one, and were ever present at the time of death assisting
physicians, patients, families, and sta. Kristina and Shelly’scompassion and gentleness could be witnessed and felt withevery patient and family interaction.in Action
| Dignity Health Connect1616Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center recently celebrated years of providing exceptional care to the residents of San Luis Obispo. Since French Hospital rst opened its doors in , it has evolved to meet the needs of the growing community. From the beginning, hospital leadership made a commitment to provide excellent health care for every stage of life, combining physicians from top medical schools, the latest advanced technologies and safe, quality care for the community. The vision of hospital founder Dr. Edison French – the dream of bringing big city medical care to the small town of San Luis Obispo – continues to live on. Today, French Hospital is nationally recognized for safety, patient experience, cardiac care, orthopedics, stroke treatment and maternity care.As the community continues to grow, French Hospital remains committed to being at the forefront of health care. As such, construction for Your New French Hospital will transform the current campus and set the standard for care on the Central Coast, well into the future.French Hospital has deep roots in the San Luis Obispo community and strong partnerships that have formed over the many years of service. Our physicians, nurses and sta have become known for both their expertise and the profound compassion and humankindness with which they care for patients.It is an honor to have served the San Luis Obispo community for years. We look forward to the future of French Hospital and to serving the community for many more years to come.French Hospital Medical Center Celebrates 75 Years of Caring for the San Luis Obispo CommunityScan this QR code to explore historic photos, moments and a celebration video from the past 75 years of French Hospital’s history. 1946 hospital openedYour New French Hospital will transform the current campus and set the standard for care on the Central Coast.
Southern California Division | 17Leo Castleberry has been inspiring joy in physical therapy patients for nearly years.“Getting people back to doing what they love best is what I love most about my work,” says Leo Castleberry.The Dignity Health - Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) team member’s enthusiasm also inspires others to get involved in the activity he loves best – disc golf. “Being active is the greatest health advantage,” he notes. “It’s the secret to living a healthy lifestyle, especially after physical therapy. Disc golf is a fun activity to enjoy at any level – a vigorous or easy pace.”Leo’s enthusiasm has introduced hundreds of people in the Sierra foothills region to the sport. As a volunteer he has spearheaded a number of disc golf courses woven into the natural terrain, works tirelessly to promote the sport, and is an active tournament competitor.He explains disc golf had its beginnings in the mid-’s, mostly on college campuses where students threw Frisbees at objects like trees or trash cans. It evolved to discs being aimedat chain baskets mounted on poles. A disc golf course often has to holes – one of several similarities to the game of golf. One of the rst disc golf clubs in California was at Sonoma State College in Sonoma County where Leo grew up. “My family was always involved in sports, so I tried it and that was it – I was hooked. Anyone at any age or skill level can have a fun time playing – and that’s what it is all about.”Leo, who has been part of the MTMC team for 13 years, started spreading his love of the game around Calaveras and Tuolumne counties about years ago. It started when he and his son Matt volunteered to help the Bureau of Reclamation clear some land around New Melones Reservoir when Leo realized the terrain would make a perfect disc golf course. That led to another project at a children’ camp at Sierra Village, near Mi-Wuk Village on Highway in Tuolumne County. They cut down trees infested with bark beetle disease, cleared the area to establish a disc golf course, and have used the wood for benches at disc golf locations Leo has helped develop around the Sierra foothills, in Truckee, Tahoe, and beyond.He has encouraged many new players by giving them discs he has recycled. “All it takes is one disc and a desire to get out and have some fun,” Leo adds. “The internet has lots of information for disc golfers from technique and etiquette to places to play. There are , ocial disc golf courses in the U.S. Many of these courses can be researched at UDisc or Disc Golf Course Review sites.”The universal appeal of the sport is reected in the many enthusiasts at MTMC. Leo explains, “When our President and CEO Doug Archer rst visited the Physical Therapy Department he saw the disc golf basket I always keep handy and told me he has been playing since high school. Our Chief Medical Ocer Dr. Pardeep Athwal and Vice President of Ancillary Services Gary Arvin are also active players. I’m told one of the rst things our new pain management specialist, Dr. Donald Greco asked his sta was ’does anyone play disc golf around here?’”Physical Therapist Leo Castleberry Inspires Joy through Disc Golf Leo Castleberry, a member of the Physical Therapy team at Mark Twain Medical Center, is a leader in the disc golf world.Leo’s disc golf course designs are woven into the natural landscape with signs recognizing his contributions.Helping People Do What They Love Most For 40 Years
| Dignity Health Connect18Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Every visit is a caring and professional experience. Bless their work and valued efforts and support during my time in need. Thank You!Kudoboard CornerKudos to everyone recognized on our hospital Kudoboards.Bakersfield Memorial Hospital I want to say that my care was exceptional. Everyone I came in contact with was kind, caring, and professional. I must say that George the Pharmacist went over and above what would be considered reasonable expectations. — From a Grateful PatientMark Twain Medical CenterMany thanks to the Gary Sinise Foundation for graciously donating a meal to all of our MTMC employees during the pandemic.St. Joseph’s Medical CenterOur nurses and ancillary staff love to get cards and well wishes from local students! We think there’s some exceptionally talented young artists in our community!Mercy Hospital BakersfieldHappy ER Nurses Week!! What a great team! Thank you for all you do for your patients and our community every day!
Southern California Division | 19Want to post on Kudoboard? Scan your hospital’s QR code and get posting.Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH)Bakersfield Memorial Hospital (BMH)French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC)Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC)Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC)Mercy Hospital Bakersfield (MHB)Mercy Medical Center Merced (MMCM)St. Joseph’s Medical Center (SJMC)French Hospital Medical CenterWe are so grateful to the Kindergartners at CL Smith Elementary School in San Luis Obispo for sending us this amazing poster!Marian Regional Medical Center We donut know how to thank you enough for all you do!Mercy Medical Center Merced Staff love it when our friends from the Merced Fire Department stop by for a visit!Southern California Division | 19
| Dignity Health Connect20In The NewsArroyo Grande Community Hospital Arroyo Grande Community Hospital celebrated the completion of its new Emergency Department with a ribbon-cutting. The hospital’s original emergency room opened in and was built to serve , patients annually. However, because of the growing population, it ended up serving about , patients per year. The new, expanded emergency department is nearly twice the size of the original ER. This story was featured on KSBY California Central Coast News. Bakersfield Memorial HospitalKGET 17 News anchor Alex Fisher took an exclusive tour inside the ICU at Bakerseld Memorial Hospital to talk with nurses and hospital administrators about Kern County’s third surge during the pandemic. Exhausted, nurses open up about the challenges they face caring for younger, sicker, unvaccinated COVID patients. French Hospital Medical CenterHealth care workers at French Hospital shared about their well-being throughout the COVID pandemic with the New Times in San Luis Obispo. The professionals opened up about not only treating their patients, but also oering company in the absence of family and friends. Brittany Martinez, an ICU nurse at French Hospital, said “relentless” is the word that best sums up her experience. Because the number of hospitalized patients continued to rise during the fourth surge, Central Coast nurses, doctors, and other health care workers braced to do it all over again. Nurses and doctors say getting through it required leaning on mental health resources – and each other.The Dignity Health Southern California Division communications team tracks breaking news, and quickly responds by inviting physicians to offer insight on a health topic discussed in the media. By doing so, we show that Dignity Health is a knowledgeable community resource for health and wellness. With humankindness at the heart of our hospitals, we also share positive stories that illustrate our employees’ dedication and generosity. The following news features are just a sampling of our successful media coverage.
Southern California Division | 21French Hospital Medical Center & Marian Regional Medical Center Dr. Larry Shields, Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine for French Hospital Medical Center and Marian Regional Medical Center, reinforced the importance of the COVID vaccine for pregnant women. The nationwide trend sparked his response because it shows less than a quarter of pregnant women have at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Dr. Shields reminded the community that not only is the COVID vaccine safe during pregnancy, it is the best way to protect the health of the mother and of the baby.Mark Twain Medical CenterCalaveras Enterprise visited the pandemic’s frontline at one of Central California’s most rural hospitals, Mark Twain Medical Center in San Andreas. In addition to talking with nurses and techs about how COVID is impacting their work and home life, Hospital President Doug Archer discussed the toll caring for these critically ill patients has taken on sta. Marian Regional Medical Center A press conference was held via Facebook live at Marian Regional Medical Center to provide information to the community about COVID prevention and safety. The media event featured hospital leadership, including Dr. Trees Ritter, Infectious Disease Specialist. It ended with a question-and-answer session from attendees and media outlets that covered the event: KSBY, Santa Maria Times, Noozhawk, KEYT/KCOY, KCBX radio, Telemundo, Santa Maria Sun, and Lompoc Record.Mercy Hospital BakersfieldIn October, Studio 17’s Ilyana Capellan discussed breast cancer awareness topics with Dr. Nicole Gordon, Surgical Breast Oncologist for Dignity Health. Dr. Gordon highlighted the importance of preventative screenings, early detection, and knowing the signs and symptoms.
| Dignity Health Connect22COVID-19 Concerns During Pregnancy Being an expectant parent can be lled with anxiety and questions, especially during a global pandemic. That’s why Dr. Karen Tammela, a Dignity Health aliated OB/GYN and Chief of Women’s Health at Clinica Sierra Vista, spoke to local media to educate pregnant women, address their concerns, and urge them to get vaccinated as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The following is an excerpt from an article, which appeared in Mercy and Memorial Hospitals’ edition of Hello Healthy eNewsletter and local community publications including Seven Oaks Living, The Westchester, and The Brighton Family Magazines in the Bakerseld market, which reached a circulation of , in high-value neighborhoods.“Women are worried, and I completely understand why,” says Dr. Tammela. “Women want to protect their babies and they are cautious about putting anything into their body, but if you look at the risk-benet ratio, the risks of not being vaccinated are much higher.” The vaccines have proven safe for women planning a pregnancy, during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. In fact, data shows women who contract COVID while pregnant are at times greater risk of death versus those who are not pregnant. The risk of preterm birth, intensive care admission and the need for mechanical ventilation are also higher for pregnant women. “Talk to your doctor about your specic concerns. They will be able to help you weigh the risks versus the benets,” says Dr. Tammela. “For almost all pregnant women the answer is going to be yes, it’s safer for you and your baby to receive the vaccine than to not receive it and get COVID.” Mercy Medical Center MercedValley Children’s recently celebrated its year anniversary partnering with Mercy Medical Center in Merced (MMCM) to deliver neonatal intensive care to the area’s tiniest, most vulnerable patients in MMCM’s NICU. The Sierra Sun Times featured nurses who helped open the NICU at MMCM who discussed the importance of babies being able to receive our higher level of care close to home.St. Joseph’s Medical CenterSan Joaquin ocials held a press conference in September to express concerns over the surge of COVID cases in Stockton and the surrounding areas. St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s Chief Medical Ocer, Dr. Scott Neeley was featured on KCRA 3 News to urge the community to continue practicing preventative measures and the importance of getting vaccinated.
Southern California Division | 23“I feel honored and inspired to not only have this gift bestowed upon me, but to work under leadership and in a culture where humankindness is so readily expressed.”— Dr. Tyler ThompsonWhen recruiting new resident physicians to continue their medical education at Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Medical Center, one of the key selling points that program representatives proudly tout is the amazing culture of kindness that can be found at the facility. First year Anesthesia Resident, Tyler Thompson had a close encounter with this genuine spirit of kindness during his rst few weeks on campus. During resident orientation, Dr. Thompson had the misfortune of having his EBike stolen in front of the hospital. The EBike was his sole mode of transportation to and from the hospital. Dr. Thompson reached out to Hospital Administration to see if by chance the hospital’s insurance policy might cover theft of his property, to no avail.However, upon hearing about his dilemma, the Graduate Medical Education (GME) team quickly went into action, establishing a GoFundMe page to help raise money to replace the stolen EBike. In no time, with the generous support of sta members, hospital leaders, and GME faculty, Dr. Scott Neeley, St. Joseph’s Chief Medical Ocer had the privilege of presenting Dr. Thompson with an exact replacement of his EBike a few weeks after it had been stolen. “This is one of the many reasons why I love our team. We came together and said this is not the way he is going to remember his rst week at St. Joe’s,” Dr. Neeley recalled. “It is such a joy to be part of a team that truly walks the talk.”Dr. Thompson was humbled by the generosity and kindness of St. Joseph’s sta, and graciously overlooked the less than perfect assembly of the new EBike, which was put together by our GME sta.“To me, this gift is a beautiful emblem of humankindness at St. Joe’s, triumphing over the baser nature of the human spirit,” said Dr. Thompson. “I feel honored and inspired to not only have this gift bestowed upon me, but to work under leadership and in a culture where humankindness is so readily expressed.”When new Resident Dr. Tyler Thompson’s electric bike was stolen at the hospital, a GoFundMe page was set up by Hospital Administration to buy him a new one, which was presented by Dr. Scott Neeley, St. Joseph’s CMO (l-r).Rolling with Humankindness
| Dignity Health Connect24 Six-Word Stories from Food ServicesOur Southern California Division hospitals’ Food Services Departments play an integral role in helping our patients, visitors, community members, and staff stay well-nourished and healthy. These teams of food and nutrition professionals consist of food service workers, cooks, store room attendants, diet clerks, dietitians, and food service management leaders. We checked in with members of these incredible teams and asked them what working at Dignity Health means to them in just six words. Here’s what they had to share.“Providing wholesomenourishment from the heart.”Phyllis Smith, Diet Aide • Nutrition Arroyo Grande Community Hospital “Working 38 years with Dignity’s greatest.” Suzy Parker, Food & Nutrition Supervisor Bakersfield Memorial Hospital“Resiliency and a sense ofcommunity.” Jacob Williams, Nutrition Services French Hospital Medical Center“Happinessis cooking to feed people.”Perky Rodriguez, Nutrition Services Marian Regional Medical Center“We’re like family—supportiveand compassionate.” Leah Needles, Cook Mark Twain Medical Center“Treating patients with nutrition andhumankindness.” Northy “Lynette” Mbaba, Nutrition Aide Mercy Hospital Southwest“For me Dignity Health means ’self-pride.’”Marinity Phillips-Smith, Food Service Associate Mercy Hospital Downtown“I love bringing joy to staff!”Debra Montoya, Food Service Worker Mercy Medical Center Merced“Spreading loveand joy through food.”Diana Avitia, Food Service Worker St. Joseph’s Medical Center & St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center
Southern California Division | 25Enter to Win an Amazon Gift CardTest Your Connect Knowledge Enjoy reading this issue of Connect? Take this quick quiz on stories covered in this issue and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to use at Amazon. Get started by scanning the QR code. Bruce Peters, President and CEO, Mercy Hospitals BakersfieldBruce Peters has served as President and CEO of the two Bakerseld campuses, Mercy Hospital Downtown and Mercy Hospital Southwest, since and has been with Dignity Health (formerly CHW) for nearly two decades. Under Bruce’s leadership, Mercy Hospitals have continued to expand to meet the diverse health care needs of a rapidly growing community. His achievements during his career are many, and include: • Opening the area’s only inpatient oncology unit at the Downtown Campus. • Advancing surgical services in the Central Valley with the opening of the S.A. Camp Companies Robotic Surgery Center, which recently achieved ve Centers of Excellence accreditations.• Opening of the Mercy Orthopedic, Hand and Spine Center on the Mercy Southwest campus. • Expansion of women’s services with the newly opened Women’s Center and Kern County’s rst licensed OB Emergency Department.The Mercy Hospital Southwest Patient Care Tower Project, slated to break ground soon, will underline Bruce’s legacy with a four-story tower, as well as a complete campus remodel. Thank you Bruce for your many contributions to Mercy Hospitals, for your dedication to serving the Bakerseld community, and for your commitment to Dignity Health’s healing ministry.Rae Charos, Chief Nursing Officer, St. Joseph’s Medical CenterRae Charos has served as Vice President and Chief Nursing Ocer for St. Joseph’s Medical Center since . She began her journey at St. Joseph’s in as an instructor in the hospital’s education department. Even in her role as Chief Nursing Ocer, she has continued to be a dedicated champion for nursing education and leadership.“Being the Chief Nurse at St. Joseph’s has been a fascinating, exciting, and wonderful opportunity and a very fullling career,” Rae said.We are grateful to Rae for her years of service to St. Joseph’s and the Stockton community. While her presence will be missed, we know that her legacy of nursing excellence, mentorship and compassionate care will be felt for years to come.Bruce PetersRae CharosRecognizing Remarkable Retirements