Christmas is coming a little early to CHCS!
The beginning of the end of the pandemic is arriving today in the form of 150 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
A team is working to schedule those who responded "yes" to the vaccine survey according to previously established priorities for front-line staff. Those who responded "maybe" have also been contacted. If you have not been contacted by 2:00 today and you are interested in receiving the vaccine, please email news@chcsks.org.
"I challenge everyone to pause for a few minutes at some point today to reflect on the historical significance of this event! We are finally on the offensive against a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, and we have a front-row seat!" said CEO Todd Willert.
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Please note that if you are scheduled to receive the vaccine, it is crucial that you arrive at least 10 minutes early for your appointment. All vaccines will be administered in the Onaga Walsh Room/North Basement Teleconference Room, which is in the basement. Signs will be available to direct you from the associate entrance if you are unsure of the location of the room.
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If you need more information about the vaccine, find answers to your questions and links to other resources by clicking the button below or visiting the www.chcsks.org and choosing "For Associates" then "COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions."
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Employee health reminder
If you are sick, please remember that the first step in the process is to report the problem to your manager, who should then email Employee Health using the employeehealth@chcsks.org email address.
Please do NOT call Employee Health to self-report an illness. Because of a large volume of COVID-19 quarantine and extra work to arrange vaccines, calls often can't be answered. Email is the best form of communication given current circumstances.
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Hope for the holidays: A concert for patients and caregivers
Musicians On Call has collaborated with the American Hospital Association to offer access to "Hope for the Holidays," a virtual concert featuring award-winning artists that will bring the joy of the holiday season to patients, families, and hospital employees.
To receive access to the concert, complete an online form to receive a link and access code. Feel free to share with patients to watch on their own devices, but please do NOT share the link or details externally or on social media.
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Ventilator delivery
Two Phillips Respironics Trilogy EV300 Ventilators were delivered to St Marys Health Center yesterday by the Civil Air Patrol.
KDHE provided the ventilators purchased with public COVID-19 funding, so they remain the property of the state, subject to relocation as the pandemic demands. Two more were also delivered to Onaga.
Training, along with any additional circuits or parts, are provided free of charge. These are the same models as recently ordered by CHCS, making for greater efficiency of training, part interchangeability, and, ultimately, better patient care.
Pictured (L-R) Gary Doucette, Captain, Civil Air Patrol; Henry Hickey, SM, Civil Air Patrol; and Michael Bomberger.
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Community support
The Westmoreland Clinic recently received some lovely support from the community.
The Westmoreland Chamber sent candles and lotion with a thank-you note, special patient Verla Webster sent Christmas treats, and Charlson and Wilson Bonded Abstracters sent a beautiful cookie tray.
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Amy Jones to transition to PRN status |
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Amy Jones, APRN and full-time provider at Community HealthCare System’s Centralia Clinic, will be transitioning to PRN status at the end of January 2021.
Jones has been with CHCS for 17 years. During her time at the Centralia Clinic, she has provided excellent care to patients of all ages, but she is particularly fond of the elderly. Jones loves to help solve dermatological problems, provide women’s healthcare, help manage diabetes and high blood pressure, and provide foot care. She has also made many home visits to patients over the years.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Amy, and she has been a wonderful asset to our organization for many years,” said Dr. Tom Walsh, longtime CHCS provider and colleague of Jones’ in the Centralia Clinic.
“Amy has provided excellent care for Eastridge residents and other members of the community,” Walsh said.
Jones was born in Kansas and started working as a CNA at age 16 in a nursing home. She studied pre-nursing at Kansas State University, then completed a bachelor of science degree in nursing at Washburn University. After working as an RN for 12 years, Jones obtained a master of science in nursing from Wichita State University.
Jones looks forward to spending more time with her family, including her husband, Barry, and three grown children and two grandchildren.
“I happily anticipate being able to see more faces within our system now, but I know I will miss the close relationships I have developed with my patients and colleagues at Centralia. I hope to assist the new provider at Centralia during this transition, and I will remain available to Eastridge as much as needed,” Jones said.
“I have been so proud of our entire team here at CHCS during this challenging year, and I look forward to working with everyone in this different capacity!” she said.
Congratulations, Amy!
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Please note that eMDs and NextGen, our old EHRs (electronic health records), will sunset January 18.
After this date, no access to these systems will be available. We have archived these to our Fovea archival solution, and everyone who needs to look up old patient data should know about this and have training by now.
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Reminder: Parenting class signup
Learn about the challenges teenagers face and how to support them at a free virtual parenting workshop on January 13, 2021 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
The presenter is Dr. Shayla Sullivant, Children's Mercy child psychiatrist and suicide prevention advocate. Her presentation will address topics such as self-care, eating disorder prevention, screen time, substance use, suicide prevention, and safe storage of firearms and medications. Dr. Sullivant developed the content based on her experience working with parents after a crisis brought them to the hospital. The hope is that by increasing awareness of challenges teens are facing, parents will be empowered to support their teens.
Registration is required. Click the flyer (above left) to expand.
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Thank you
The following note was mailed to Eastridge.
To all the Eastridge staff,
Thanks for all the wonderful care Jack got while at Eastridge. You are an amazing facility; Jack is happy to be home & doing well.
Love,
Jack & Betty
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Welcome
We are happy to have the following associates joining us. Welcome to CHCS!
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Hannah Burenheide, C.N.A., Onaga Acute
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Jaymie Lister, cook, St. Marys Manor
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Diane Kuhlman, registration, Holton
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See the "Christmas Star" December 21
On December 21, Jupiter and Saturn will align in a position known as the great conjunction, which is the point at which they're closest to each other in the night sky as seen from Earth. This phenomenon is often also referred to as the "Christmas star." While this meeting happens every 20 years or so, in 2020, the planets will be closer together than they have been since 1623. But that year, the alignment was too close to the sun to view from Earth. The last time humans were able to see a great conjunction this close was in 1226, well before telescopes were invented.
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Reminder: Vote for wreath contest winners!
Don't forget to vote for winners of the CHCS Spirit Squad wreath-decorating contest! Votes will be tallied Monday morning, December 21.
If you missed the email with voting instructions, find it here. Thanks for the great response to the contest!
The CHCS Spirit Squad also sent Keurigs to all locations last week. We hear everyone is enjoying them! The happy coffee and hot chocolate drinkers in St. Marys pictured below sent their thanks.
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CHCS Clinic holiday hours
December 24: Close at 12 noon
December 25 (Christmas): Closed
December 31: Normal hours
January 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed
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Coffee Shop special
December 21-31
Peppermint mocha
- 16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
Holiday hours
- Dec. 24: 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon
- Dec. 25: Closed
- Dec. 28-30: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon
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Pre-Christmas sale!
Starting Thursday, December 17, all Christmas ornaments and food gifts are 25% off.
Soup and cornbread mixes, jalapeno jams, and biscotti boxes make great gifts! (Coffee shop snacks and Abdallah candies are excluded.)
We hope you find lots of great Christmas goodies (plus CHCS shirts) for everyone on your list. We are open M-F from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through December 23, or you can shop online or call the Gift Shop at extension 5059 for a personal shopping appointment.
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Help wanted: The Coffee Shop is looking for a PRN substitute/backup, particularly for February 2021. If you are interested in training, please contact Sarah Hancock at sarahhancock@chcsks.org. If you enjoy customer service and coffee and you have extra hours in your week, this may be a great fit for you!
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CHCS menus: Onaga and Eastridge |
A traditional Christmas meal (turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry salad, and pumpkin pie) will be available in Onaga on December 25. Staff eat free that day!
Note: St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle
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From ugly sweaters to cookie decorating and helping others, Christmas cheer is in good supply at CHCS! We wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year! |
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Ugly Sweater Day was quite a hit! |
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Above: Onaga Therapy. Below: Onaga Surgery and IT, Kaylee Wilson from the Business Office with "Christmas Tree" hair (!!), Onaga Acute. |
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Below: St. Marys Clinic, Access Services, and Eastridge. What an array of festive attire! |
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Thanks to all who are remembering those in need. At right are just a few of the gifts that were donated by staff through the Blue Valley Giving Tree. This area was packed with gifts, and we know many families will benefit from CHCS associates' generosity.
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Below: Eastridge residents (and Charolene McMullen, activities director pictured at bottom right) recently enjoyed some gingerbread decorating. It's great to see them smile! |
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Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
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Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!
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