F O C U S

March 24 at the University ofDelaware. The Delaware HealthSciences Alliance is truly transforma-tive,” says Bob Laskowski, M.D.,Christiana Care president and CEO.“It strengthens already existing tiesamong the four institutions and helpsmake Delaware a leader in meetingregional and national health care chal-lenges.”

Medical campus in DelawareA key component of the initiative isThomas Jefferson University’s estab-lishment of a physical presence nearUD. The campus will house class-rooms, study halls and a new residen-tial facility for up to 150 medical,pharmacy, nursing, occupational andphysical therapy students.

The new clinical campus will expandofferings in family and community

A publication for Christiana Care Health System physicians and employees

A p r i l 9 , 2 0 0 9VOLUME 20, NUMBER 6

Published every two weeks byChristiana Care Health System

External AffairsP.O. Box 1668

Wilmington, DE 19899-1668www.christianacare.org

Delaware Health Sciences Allianceadvances research, education and health

PLEASE RECYCLE FOCUS

I N T H I S I S S U E

Cutting-edge medical research,educating the next generation of

physicians and other health care pro-fessionals, and improved health carefor the people of Delaware are key ele-ments of a new partnership ofChristiana Care and three other lead-ing hospitals and educational institu-tions.

The Delaware Health Sciences Alliancebrings together the strengths ofChristiana Care, Thomas JeffersonUniversity, the University of Delawareand Nemours/Alfred I. duPontHospital for Children in an historiceffort to partner on joint research proj-ects in areas including cancer treat-ment and prevention, cardiovasculardisease and rehabilitative medicine.

Strengthens existing tiesThe alliance, under discussion formore than a year, was unveiled

Discussing the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance, from left, Tom Ferry ofNemours, UD President Patrick Harker, Christiana Care President and CEORobert Laskowski, M.D., and Robert Barchi of Thomas Jefferson University.

Wilm

ington

Hospital, p. 13

c o n t i n u e d o n n e x t p a g eClinical News

Colon stem cell research 3

Global Network forWomen’s and Children’sHealth 4

Special MRI apparatus for breast imaging 6

Eagles rooting foryoung cancer patient 8

More nurses pursue advanced certification 9

General News

Spring PTO cashout 12

Survival kit for families 14

medicine, surgery and its subspecial-ties, obstetrics and gynecology, inter-nal medicine and pediatrics. Manystudents from Jefferson’s medicalschool spend part of their third andfourth years doing rotations atChristiana Care.

Research through DVICTSThe four institutions in the Alliancewill pursue joint research grantsthrough the Delaware Valley Institutefor Clinical and Translational Science.Its efforts focus on advancements toimprove patient care, bringing sciencefrom the researcher’s lab to thepatient’s bedside.

DVICTS is seeking a $20 million grantfrom the National Institutes of Healthto create a Clinical TranslationalScience Award to support interdisci-plinary research among the four insti-tutions.

The four institutions in the DelawareHealth Sciences Alliance will worktogether on translational research,from translating basic research to clini-cal application and application to pop-ulation health. This effort will includefurther development of electronicmethods for data capture and manage-ment.

The collaborative program in transla-tional research will seek federal andprivate funding to develop betterways of treating cardiovascular dis-ease, the leading cause of death inDelaware and the U.S. It will alsodevelop educational programs andresearch opportunities for undergrad-uate and graduate students.

“Among the first cardiovascular proj-ects, developed by Mitchell Saltzberg,M.D., is an electronic clinical trackingprogram to monitor patients withchronic heart failure to alert physi-cians to problems before those patients

need to be admitted to the hospital,”says Timothy J. Gardner, M.D., med-ical director of Christiana Care’sCenter for Heart & Vascular Health.“Improved health status and out-comes, reduced mortality and fewercomplications are the goals.”

Delaware Center for Cancer BiologyA new Delaware Center for CancerBiology expands existing cooperativeresearch efforts and clinical programsbetween Christiana Care's Helen F.Graham Cancer Center and Jefferson’sKimmel Cancer Center. Researchersare already working together to seeknew treatments for prostate and coloncancer, including potential cancer vac-cines.

The new facility complements theexisting Center for TranslationalCancer Research to be housed in thenew wing of the Helen F. GrahamCancer Center in May.

“This enhanced collaboration betweenresearchers and clinicians includesresearch on discovering biomarkers tohelp detect cancers, and on proteomicsand genomics—the study of proteinsand genes in cancer—so we can findsolutions to the problems cancerpatients face today,” says Nicholas J.Petrelli, M.D., Bank of Americaendowed medical director of theHelen F. Graham Cancer Center.

Delaware Cardiovascular Research CenterCardiovascular research will focus onclinical and population-based researchled by the medical director ofChristiana Care’s Center for Heart &Vascular Health and the ChristianaCare Center for Outcomes Research,under the direction of WilliamWeintraub, M.D.

A Center for Cardiovascular Biology,

led by Dr. Ulas P. Naik, and located atthe University of Delaware, will focuson basic research in diseases of theheart, blood and blood vessels.

Delaware Rehabilitation InstituteIn addition, a new DelawareRehabilitation Institute brings togetherthe strengths of the four partner insti-tutions to become one of the premiumcenters in the nation for physical reha-bilitation research, training and clini-cal care.

“The timing of this project is perfect,”says Dr. Petrelli, “in view of theexpansive cancer rehabilitation servic-es at the Helen F. Graham CancerCenter under the direction of TheresaGillis, M.D. and Kerry Tobias, M.D.”

Other centers are under considerationin ageing, women’s and children’shealth, neuroscience and health policy.

The Alliance expects to bring hun-dreds of high-wage, high-demand jobsto Delaware.

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C O V E R S T O R Y, C O N T I N U E D

CHRISTIANA CARE’SCOMPLIANCE HOTLINE

Christiana Care’s ComplianceHotline can be used to report a vio-lation of any regulation, law or legalrequirement as it relates to billing ordocumentation.

The hotline will be answered 24hours a day, seven days a week. Allreports go directly to ComplianceOfficer Ronald B. Sherman. Callersmay remain anonymous.

The toll-free number is877-REPORT-0 (877-737-6780).

To learn more about corporate compliance, review the CorporateCompliance Policy online or contactSherman at 302-428-4503.

Helen F. Graham Cancer Center Director of Cancer Genetics andStem Cell Biology Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., MSPH and FACP.

Discovery of marker for colon stem cells could shed light on what drives tumor growth

Cancer researchers led by Bruce Boman,M.D., Ph.D., MSPH and FACP, the directorof Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Biologyat the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center,have discovered a substance common toboth normal and malignant colon stemcells that will assist scientists searching fora cure for colon cancer.

Knowledge that enables doctors to identi-fy, locate and isolate normal and malignantcolon stem cells has been elusive. But thediscovery that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1(ALDH1) is a marker for identifying andisolating the cells is a breakthrough in thesearch for a key to what drives colon can-cer tumor growth.

“This is a very important tool for futureresearch,” says Dr. Boman, who is also aprofessor of Medical Oncology at ThomasJefferson University. "Stem cells drivetumor growth. Finding a better way toidentify, isolate and track colon cancerstem cells moves us one step closer todeveloping new treatments for advancedcolon cancer.”

CLINICAL NEWS

The study will appear in the April 15 issue of thejournal Cancer Research, published by theAmerican Association of Cancer Research.

Robert Frelick, M.D.,received the Lewis B.Flinn President’sCommendation Award atthe Delaware Academyof Medicine March 20meeting. In the 1960s,Dr. Frelick, a medicaloncologist, was influen-tial in the merger ofthree independentWilmington hospitalsthat became ChristianaCare.

A p r i l 9 , 2 0 0 9 F O C U S ● 3

Delaware Academy ofMedicine honors Dr. Frelick

Research at Christiana Care’sDepartment of Obstetrics andGynecology is saving the lives ofwomen and infants globally, nationally, and here in our own com-munities.

Because the department is committedto evidence-based practice in provid-ing quality care, research is a core mis-sion of the Department of OB/GYN,according to Richard Derman, M.D.,department chair.

Global researchUnder a $5 million grant from theGlobal Network for Women’s andChildren’s Health Research, funded bythe National Institutes of Health (NIH)

and the Bill and Melinda Gates foun-dation, Dr. Derman works withresearchers across the United Statesand at the Jawaharlal Nehru MedicalCollege in southern India to improvematernal health and birth outcomesin developing countries.

Dr. Derman was the principal investi-gator on one study seeking to reducepostpartum hemorrhage, which kills150,000 women each year. In somecountries, especially those wheremany women are anemic, up to 60percent of maternal deaths resultfrom postpartum hemorrhage.

Working in rural India, researchersfound that misoprostol, originally

developed as an anti-ulcer drug,reduces bleeding after birth by 50 per-cent. As a result of the study, theWorld Health Organization has estab-lished misoprostol as the standard ofcare for women in rural areas aroundthe world. The findings of the studywere reported in the The Lancet, theprestigious British medical journal.

Two other studies focus on preventingbirth asphyxia, in which infants don’treceive enough oxygen before, duringor just after birth. Dr. Derman notesthat birth asphyxia is a matter of con-cern both around the world and hereat home in Christiana Care’s 72-cribneonatal intensive care unit.

“Research directed at preventingpreterm labor and delivery of prema-ture infants is critically important,both in terms of quality of life and inreducing the accelerating costs ofhealth care,” says Dr. Derman

National research “Dr. Derman’s research provides aglobal perspective,” says OB/GYNspecialist Matthew Hoffman, M.D.But, he adds, “Christiana Care is alsowell represented in NIH research onthe national level.”

Largely because of Dr. Hoffman’sresearch, Christiana Care is a leadingsite in the U.S. Maternal-FetalResearch Network, established by theNational Institute of Child Health andHuman Development under the NIH.

Dr. Hoffman’s research includes thelargest study of obstetrical patientsafety in the U.S.

Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Healthgrant helps reduce childbirth mortalitiesOB/GYN researchers partner with hospital in India

From left, Richard Derman, M.D., Christiana Care, Stacie E. Geller, Ph.D., MPA,Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Illinois at Chicago Center forResearch on Women and Gender, Bhalchandra S. Kodkany, M.D., principal investiga-tor, JNMC-UMKC Women’s & Children’s Health Research Unit; Fran Jaeger, DrPH,program director, Women's Health-Center of Excellence, Truman Medical Centers,Kansas City, Mo.; Shivaprasad S. Goudar, M.D., MHPE, Professor of Physiology,director of Medical Education, KLE Society JN Medical College, Karnataka, India.

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C L I N I C A L N E W S

Community researchBecause Christiana has such astrong community-based researchprogram, the Office of Women’sHealth under the U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services hasdesignated Christiana Care aNational Community Center ofExcellence in Women’s Health.

In her research, Christiana Care’sDeborah Ehrenthal, M.D., identifiesprevention and intervention prac-tices starting before conception thatwill result in the best possible out-comes for mothers and babies. “Anindicator of the health of a commu-nity is its infant mortality rate,” shesays. “Although Delaware’s rate isrelatively high, we’re working tofind ways to improve it.”

The issues of maternal and infanthealth are “critical to our institu-tion, as well as in the community,in the nation, and in the world,”says Dr. Derman.

Global, continued

Register online at theEducation Centertoday to attend thePower To End Strokelunchtime seminarApril 14 at theAmmon MedicalEducation Center.

A p r i l 9 , 2 0 0 9 F O C U S ● 5

Christiana Care is rolling out the firstdesignated breast MRI imaging inDelaware, an exciting advance inpatient care at the Breast Center.

“This has brought breast imaging intothe high-tech realm,” says Director ofBreast Imaging Jacqueline Napoletano,M.D. “If a patient has breast cancer,MRI will pick it up more than 95 per-cent of the time.”

The test is not a substitute for screen-ing or diagnostic mammography.Rather, breast MRI—that is, MagneticResonance Imaging—supplementsthese standard imaging tools.

For women diagnosed with breastcancer, MRI can help to discern thesize, shape and extent of the tumor,as well as enhance detection in theopposite, breast.

“MRI can see through the density of the breast,” Dr. Napoletano says.“Unlike mammogram, there’s verylittle compression involved, justenough to keep the breast steady.”

Here’s how it works. The patientreceives an IV to allow introductionof gadolinium, a contrast agent.She lies face down on a special table with an opening for thebreasts and a coil that transmitsradiofrequency signals. The tableslides into a cylinder where a pow-erful magnetic field helps to pro-duce images.

“Because breast cancers have a richblood supply, tumors light up onMRI,” Dr. Napoletano says.

Enhances patient comfortChristiana Care has offered breast MRIsince 2002. But the new machine willprovide better imaging as well asenhance patient comfort because it isdesigned specifically for breast testing.

The American Cancer Society recom-mends MRI for women who test posi-tive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene orwho have a 20-25 percent or greaterrisk of developing breast cancer due toa strong family history of the disease.Women treated with chest radiationfor Hodgkin’s disease between theages of 10 and 30 also should haveMRI.

The imaging system arrived in March,followed by a week-long installation.Christiana Care has hired two addi-tional MRI technologists who willstart training in breast imaging inJune, says Renie Mullaney, MS,Director, Breast Center. Two breastimaging technologists also are beingtrained to perform breast MRI.

Testing will be offered to patients on aregular basis starting in mid-June.

For breast imaging appointments atChristiana Care, call 302-623-4200 ortoll-free 800-561-5183.

For women diagnosed with breast cancer,MRI can show tumor size, shape and extent

New, specialized MRI arrivingA new MRI designed especially for breast imaging is delivered to the future site ofChristiana Care Breast Center at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. The addedtechnology provides better imaging and enhances patient comfort, but it is not asubstitute for screening or diagnostic mammography.

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C L I N I C A L N E W S

The VNA Caregiver Education Series is for anyone serving as a caregiver for an adult or who anticipates becomingone in the future. It features registered nurses, physical therapists, licensed clinical social workers and other profes-sionals of Christiana Care’s Visiting Nurse Association. A light supper is included. Three upcoming programs focuson community resources, managing day-to-day tasks and reducing stress.All programs take place 5:30-7:30 p.m.Here are the dates and locations:• New Castle County - John H. Ammon Medical Education Center at Christiana Hospital, Thursdays, April 14, 21and 28. • Kent County - VNA office, 2116 S. DuPont Highway, Suite 2, Camden, Wednesdays, May 6, 13 and 20.• Sussex County - CHEER Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown, Wednesdays, April 15, 22 and29.Register online in the Events and Classes area of www.christianacare.org.

Get With the Guidelines, Pursuing Clinical Excellence in Stroke and Cardiovascular Care workshop, Friday, April24, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center main auditorium. Free admision. Registeronsite.

“Emerging on the Wings of Hope,” an afternoon tea celebrating the unique journeys of those affected by breastcancer, will be Sunday, April 26, 2-4 p.m. at the University of Delaware Goodstay Center, 2600 Pennsylvania Ave.,Wilmington. Admission is free to breast cancer survivors and one guest. To RSVP or for more information, call theAmerican Cancer Society at 302-324-4227. Hosted by the Christiana Care Breast Center, the Helen F. GrahamCancer Center, the American Cancer Society and the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

The 13th Annual Diabetes Update at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center is Saturday May 2, 7:30a.m.-4 p.m. Advance registration is $70 ($35 for students; residents registered in advance attend free). Makechecks payable to Christiana Care and mail to Cheryl Klecko, Physician Relations, Christiana Hospital, Suite2177, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718. For information, call 302-733-1961 or e-mailcklecko@christianacare.org.

The annual George A. Zurkow Lecture, titled “Microsurgical Repair of Trigeminal Nerve Injuries,” will be pre-sented by Vincent B. Ziccardi, D.D.S., M.D., associate professor, residency director and chair of the Universityof Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, from May 20, 6-8 p.m. atWilmington Hospital Conference Center.

Is It Flu or Is It HIV? This May 22 program provides information on four key issues in HIV care today.Individual event registration information is available in the Education Center. Call Christiana Care PhysicianRelations at 302-733-1961.

Running, walking

The Ninth Annual Think First 5K-Run/Walk to support Christiana Care Trauma Program injury prevention efforts willbe April 16 at 6:30 p.m. The race starts and finishes near the Emergency Department on Christiana Hospital cam-pus. Register online in advance at www.races2run.com or race day starting at 5:40 p.m.

Christiana Care's Students Taking Charge program at Concord High School, 5-K Walk/Run April 30 at theWilmington Riverfront begins at 6:30 p.m., with registration at 5:30 p.m. The $16 fee increases to $20 after April 27.The student rate is $12, $15 after April 27. Register online http://www.races2run.com or contact LaToya Pittman,Coordinator, Teen Hope & Students Taking Charge Concord High School Wellness Center, 302-477-3962.

The 6th Annual Christiana Care Health System Delaware Marathon™ Running Festival is Sunday, May 17, atTubman Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington. Events include a marathon, half-marathon and four-person team relay.Cash awards will be given to the top three overall male and female marathon winners, the top two overall male andfemale marathon masters winners. Register online at http://www.delawaremarathon.org.

A p r i l 9 , 2 0 0 9 F O C U S ● 7

UPCOMING EVENTS

“When Daniel Ogram first arrived tostart a six-week course of radiation treat-ment at the Helen F. Graham CancerCenter in January, he was very shy and gig-gly while we tried to learn about hisfavorite things,” according to RadiationOncology Clerk VI Claudia Acero.

Daniel, a patient of Jon Strasser, M.D.,eventually shared more information abouthimself and what he likes, such as his fami-ly dogs and pet rabbits, favorite Christianrock group, The Newsboys, cherry candy(strictly cherry—no chocolate) and thePhiladelphia Eagles football team.

He is especially a fan of just-traded defen-sive player Brian Dawkins, now a DenverBronco.

Daniel completed his treatments with mini-mal side effects and felt good at a celebra-tion to honor his last day of treatment

at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center.

But he didn’t know that two weeks beforehis celebration, Acero contacted the Eaglesabout making a gesture to a big fan.

She was able to get them to send Daniel aletter signed by head coach Andy Reid anda poster-size photo of all the players,coaches and head coach. Donovan McNabbthrew in an autographed football, too.

After he was finished with his final treat-ment, Daniel’s dad, Herb Ogram, readReid’s letter aloud while everyone shared aspecial soccer field cake ordered by theRadiation Oncology team.

In the letter, Reid told Daniel: “The Eaglesbelieve that it is very important to followyour dreams. Even when times are tough,remember to remain positive and give 110percent in everything that you want toaccomplish.”

From left, HerbOgram, Daniel Ogram,Erin Sweeney RT(T))(R) Kywanna Bost,RT (T), KarenSammons, RT (T)(R),and Kathy Aufiero,RT(T).

When you’re sick, it’s nice to know people care

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C L I N I C A L S N A P S H O T

CAREGIVERS TEAM WITH PHILADELPHIA EAGLES TO URGE ON YOUNG PATIENT

According to Janet Cunningham,MHA, RN, NEA-CENP, vice president,Professional Excellence and associatechief nursing officer, Christiana Care isabout midway through the rigorous,two-year program—considered thegold standard of nursing excellence—offered by the ANCC.

‘The only thing that worked’Barbra Mann Wall, PhD, RN, gave thekeynote address, “Unsung Heroes…Nurses in Disaster and War.” Dr. Wall,a nurse, historian and associate profes-sor at the University of Pennsylvania,traced the history of trained nurses inAmerica, starting with the yellowfever epidemic of 1888 in Jacksonville,Fla., where nurses saved lives bykeeping patients hydrated and sickwards clean and free of germs.

In the worldwide influenza epidemicof 1918-19, which killed 10 millionpeople, nurses promoted respiratoryhygiene, hand washing, householddisinfection and the use of gauzemasks.

“Nursing was the only thing thatworked,” Wall says. “They didn’t haveantibiotics back then.” She urged nurs-es to reach out to their colleagues andto encourage them to pursueadvanced certification.

Health systems benefit when more nurses earn certifications At Christiana Care, nearly 700 nurses have advanced credentials

Health systems with high concentra-tions of certified nurses give nursesmore opportunities to grow profes-sionally, save on recruiting and liabili-ty costs and enhance nursing job satis-faction.

Many of Christiana Care’s nearly 700certified nurses gathered March 18 atChristiana and Wilmington campusesto celebrate the benefits of certificationand learn more about the past andfuture of their profession.

‘Badge of honor’Officially, Certified Nurses Day isMarch 19, the birthday of Margretta“Gretta” Madden Styles (1930-2005),known as the Mother of NurseCredentialing and the architect of thefirst comprehensive study of nursecredentialing in the 1970s.

“It’s a badge of honor to wear that cer-tification pin,” saysCritical CareEducationCoordinator andevent organizerTamekia L. Thomas,MSN, RN, PCCN.

Christiana Care’scount of certifiednurses is up 40 per-cent since its firstapplication formembership in theAmerican NursesCredentialing Center(ANCC) MagnetRecognition Programin 2004, says DianeTalarek, MA, RN, NE-BC, senior vice presi-dent, Patient CareServices and chiefnursing officer.

A p r i l 9 , 2 0 0 9 F O C U S ● 9

Nursing historian BarbaraMann, RN, PhD (below,

inset), lectured toChristiana Care nurses

about their invaluable rolein health care, especially in

times of war and disaster.

Formulary update

FORMULARY ADDITIONS

Medication – Strength/Size Use/Indication CommentsGeneric/Brand Name

Methylnaltrexone injection (Relistor®) 12mg/0.6 mL Single use vial Treatment of opioid-inducedconstipation in patients withadvanced illnesses receiving palliative care, when responseto laxative therapy has notbeen sufficient.

Pentafluoropropane/Tetrafluoroethane spray Topical skin anesthetic Replaces fluro-ethyl spray.(PainEase®)

REVISED MEDICATION POLICY

Propofol Propofol was added to the list of high-alert continuously infusing medications for which an independent double check is done prior toand during administration.

FORMULARY DELETIONFluro-ethyl spray Deleted because it is no longer available from wholesaler.

THERAPEUTIC NOTES:Providers can help keep prescription costs low

For Americans looking for ways toreduce expenses in this tight econo-my, necessary medical care may bethe first item on their list. Affordingmedication continues to be a difficulttask for both uninsured and insuredpatients alike.

A Kaiser Family Foundation poll inOctober 2008 found that one in threefamilies had problems with payingmedical bills in the past year.Alarmingly, 47 percent reportedsomeone in their family skippingpills or postponing medical treat-ments due to cost.

Many patients who have had healthbenefits in the past now find them-selves in situations where they nolonger have coverage due to job lossor inability to afford their insuranceplan.

Health care providers may feel theyhave little to offer patients who needhelp paying for medical care. Butkeeping prescription costs low is an

excellent way for the health care com-munity to help patients get throughdifficult times.

• Familiarize yourself with localpharmacy discount plans. Many pro-grams sponsored by stores such asWal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, Kmartand grocery stores offer hundreds ofgeneric medications at discountedprices.

Mikelle Phillips, M.D., and VictoriaPaoletti, PharmD, offer these helpfulreminders of what clinicians can dowhen prescribing for their patients:

• Think “generic” when possible.• Remember to prescribe the pre-

ferred agents for selected insurances,such as Medicaid. Information con-cerning the current formulary forDelaware State Medicaid is availableon the Christiana Care Health SystemI-Net Physician Portal.

• Non-preferred agents oftenrequire a prior authorization and/or aletter of medical necessity. Since many

patients will not fill an expensiveprescription or one not covered byinsurance, ask them to bring copiesof their formularies with them totheir visits.

• Each Medicare Part D plan hasits own formulary with medicationscategorized into tiers. Try to pre-scribe tier 1 (generic) or tier 2 (pre-ferred brand) agents to keep costsdown and reduce or eliminate thetime a patient spends in the cover-age gap, or “doughnut hole.”

• Eliminate unnecessary pre-scriptions.

• When admitting and discharg-ing patients from the hospital,remember to reconcile all medica-tions. Work with your pharmacist orcase manager to ensure patientsleave with prescriptions they canafford. Try prescribing less expen-sive alternatives or using prescrip-tion assistance drug programs.

For help with the Patient AssistanceProgram, contact Patricia Martin, B.S.,at 302-428-4641.

Employees and non-employees alike are saving time and finding theservices more convenient at the retail pharmacy stores now availableon-site at Wilmington campus and at the Health Center

With new available retail services, customers may have prescriptionsfilled on site. Previously, prescriptions for employees were sent fromWilmington to Christiana Hospital and were returned a day or solater for employee pick-up. Now, employees and others can haveprescriptions filled while they wait.

90-day supply available

The pharmacy accepts most commercial insurance plans andMedicare/Medicaid. If covered, employees may obtain a 90-day sup-ply of their prescribed medications.

All employees and family members enrolled in any drug prescrip-tion program can have prescriptions filled. This includes employeesenrolled in Express Scripts prescription program, which enablesthem to take advantage of the 90-day supply benefit for maintenancemedications.

Pay for your prescriptions with either payroll deduction, personalcheck, cash or credit card. If opting for the payroll deduction feature,please be sure to provide your ID badge for verification.

Pharmacists are available at all locations to answer questions aboutprescriptions with respect to prior authorizations, preferred formulary selection and co-pay information.

Pharmacy hours of operation are:

HealthCare Center at Christiana: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-noon.Phone: 302-623-0184.

Wilmington campus: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.Phone: 302-428-6844.

Christiana Hospital: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday,9 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone: 302-733-2188.

Customers save time, find convenience using a Christiana Care retail pharmacy

The 2nd annual Great Place to Work cel-ebration during National Hospital weekMay 11-15 draws near.

The week-long celebration is a way torecognize and celebrate our colleaguescontributions to making Christiana Carea Great Place to Work.

Systemwide events Team posters – Showcase your unit orDepartment with a poster to visually dis-play how we live our Core Values andwork together to make Christiana Care aGreat Place to Work. A $200 gift card willbe awarded for top poster(s).

Essays – Show off your writing talent bydescribing the impact our Core Valueshave on creating a Great Place to Work.A $50 gift card will be awarded for topessay(s).

All employees who vote online for theirfavorite poster or essay will be enteredin a drawing for prizes. Posters andessays will be judged on:• How well they correlate Core Valuesand making Christiana Care a GreatPlace to Work.• Emotional connection to the reader. • Impact on patients and customers.• Creativity and uniqueness.

Get details on poster size and essaylength on the employee portal. They aredue to Employee Relations by April 20.

Special menuOur cafeterias will feature a special KeyWest/Caribbean menu at ChristianaHospital on May 12 and at theWilmington campus on May 13.

Water ice will be served by management tostaff at a variety of locations.

Celebrate ourGreat Place to WorkMay 11-15

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GENERAL NEWS

Go tohttp://inet/Mobile/IpaqWeb/Credant.htmfor instructions.

BlackBerry devicesStarting May 1, IT is supporting the useof BlackBerry devices to enable employ-ees and staff to receive Christiana Caree-mails and calendar information. Theaddition of the BlackBerry devices toour system is a response to employeeswho want more mobile phone devicesand carrier flexibility, improved com-munications and security. The newBlackBerry phones offer a high level ofsecurity through enhanced encryptiontools and flexibility for more deviceoptions. Go tohttp://inet/mobile/blackberry/black-berryfaqs.htm for FAQs regardingBlackBerry devices.

G E N E R A L N E W S

Individuals can make a difference inkeeping Christiana Care’s confidentialinformation secure. With the increas-ing use of portable media such asflash drives and PDAs, we need to bemore aware of the security of themedia we use to store information. Byusing encryption information can beread by the user, but if the media islost or stolen, the information cannotbe read by someone else.

Flash drivesA number of new standards are nowin place to ensure the security of con-fidential information. The first is theuse of the fully encrypted flash drivecalled Ironkey, available in 2GB and4GB. All of the data on the flash driveis encrypted. The user sets a numberto access the information on

Portable electronic device users must be vigilant to ensure data security

the drive. Choose a PIN you canremember: after 10 unsuccessfulattempts to enter the PIN, the Ironkeydrive deletes the data and becomesunusable. These are the only flashdrives that should be used forChristiana Care data.

PDAs and IPAQCertain employees use personal dataassistants (PDAs) and pocket PCs(IPAQs) to maintain calendars andreceive e-mail for business purposes.Howeverthe utility of IPAQs is limit-ed because data is only as current asthe last time the IPAQ was synchedwith an e-mail account. We recom-mend that IPAQs not be synched withe-mail information. If you must haveany Christiana Care information onyour PDA or IPAQ, then encryptionmust be turned on.

Christiana Care’s paid time off (PTO) cashout program allows employees with a paid-leave balance of 200 or more hoursin Christiana Care Health Services and Health Initiatives to cash out 40 hours of paid leave at their base rate.

This option, offered twice a year, in the spring and fall, gives employees additional flexibility in balancing personalneeds. Because the cashout program is considered supplemental pay, shift differentials do not apply.

Cashout letters for this spring will be mailed April 10 and are based on PTO balances as of the pay period ending April4, 2009, after the time used and accruals are applied. If you choose to decline the PTO cashout option, please go to HROnline available from any portal, select My Personal Information, then click on Myself, PTO Cash Out, or return yourletter to Payroll by April 24.

If you do wish to participate in the cashout, you do not need to reply. Your PTO cashout will be provided to you in a sep-arate check or direct deposit on May 8.

Accrued paid leave time that exceeds the maximum allowable balance in a pay period will automatically roll over to theemployee’s disability leave account. Disability leave time may be accessed for medical leaves of absence, thus serving asa short-term disability bank. Disability leave is not available for cashout.

Spring PTO cashout scheduled May 8

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This spring is a busy time for theWilmington Campus five-year con-struction project.

External Affairs is working closelywith Associate Chief Medical OfficerJanice Nevin, M.D., to ensure that ouremployees, neighbors, patients andtheir loved ones can continue to usethe services offered on the campus.

Here’s a short list of next steps:

• April 20 - 30

- Fencing the handicapped lot, thePark and parts of the 3-11 p.m. lot.

- Ground clearing around the 3-11 lotand adjacent park begins. New land-scaping will be part of the project.

- 3-11 parking lot closes for utilitiesinstallation and wideningChamberlain Street. Employees usingthe 3-11 p.m. lot will begin to use themultilevel employee parking garage.

• Early May - Relocation of theWashington Street DART bus stops at14th Street to the 13th Street intersec-tion.

• End of May - Second-floorWilmington Hospital Health Centerentrance readied for future use as atemporary entrance for WilmingtonHospital.

• June to August - Work begins onunderground piping for major utilities.

• Early September - Roadworkbegins on Jefferson Street to create aseparate lane for truck deliveries to theloading dock.

• Late September - Roadwork onChamberlain Street completed for two-way traffic.

Stay tuned to FOCUS and the portalfor additional updates.

Observe telephone etiquette

Update: Wilmington Campus Transformation Project

Although some departments haveguidelines providing more detail tosupport departmental functions, allChristiana Care employees should fol-low policy A-23, Standards forTelephone Etiquette:

• Greet incoming calls in a pleasanttone of voice, identifying yourself,your department and location.

• Always ask permission before plac-ing a caller on hold.

• When transferring a call, ensure thetransfer is to the appropriate recipientand relay information provided.

• When placing an internal call,identify yourself and your depart-ment. When making external calls,also identify Christiana Care.

The Wilmington Hospital Health Center (WHHC) will be ready to serve astemporary main entrance to the hospital by the end of May. Patients will con-tinue to enter WHHC through this entrance.

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• Actively listen to give the calleryour undivided attention.

• When dealing with an angry caller,apply the H-E-A-T process (HearThem Out, Empathize, Apologize,Take Ownership).

• Avoid eating, drinking and chew-ing while on the phone.

• Avoid typing while engagingphone conversations. If there is a needto type, inform the caller.

• Maintiain confidentiality at alltimes. Ensure callers do not overhearbackground conversations.

• Close all calls courteously, confirm-ing the resolution or time frames forfollow-up.

Cancer and other serious illnessesaffect not only the patient, but thefamily as well.

With that in mind, Christiana CareHealth System and Supporting Kidds,a Hockessin-based group that helpsgrieving children, have collaboratedon a new guide for helping childrenand adolescents cope when a parent isexperiencing a serious illness.

According to Tricia Strusowski, direc-tor of Cancer Care Management at theHelen F. Graham Cancer Center the17-page booklet, titled “Survival Kitfor Families”:

• Alerts parents to the psychologicaland emotional changes childrenand teens typically experiencewhen faced with a parent’s illness.

• Offers tips on how to help childrenthrough this stressful time, including recognizing when a child’s behavior might signal theneed for psychological help.

The booklet started as a way of help-ing children cope when a parent hasbeen diagnosed with cancer, accordingto Strusowski. But the authors laterbroadened it to include other life-threatening illnesses. About 1,000copies were printed and made avail-able to parents, caregivers and healthcare providers. The guide will also beposted soon on Christiana Care’s Website, www.christianacare.org.

Children in stressful situations oftenact in predictable ways, says EdwardFeuer, a family therapist at theHerman Rosenblum, M.D. Child &Adolescent Center at WilmingtonHospital.

The child may exhibit behaviorproblems, schoolwork may suffer,or the child may stop attendingschool all together, Feuer says.

The child may also become with-drawn, shying away from play-ing with friends. “Kids stopdoing what kids are supposed todo,” says Feuer.

Children need help with feelingsOne important message parentsshould send is that it’s natural for achild to feel guilty about enjoyingthemselves while a parent is ill, saysValarie Molaison, a psychologist andclinical director for Supporting Kidds.However, children need help recogniz-ing these feelings and addressingthem with their parents. “They needhelp to prevent the guilt from becom-ing toxic or corrosive,” Molaison says.

The booklet was produced by a teamthat includes representatives from theCancer Care Management and HealthPsychology programs at the Helen F.Graham Cancer Center and the

Herman Rosenblum, M.D., Child &Adolescent Center. Representativesfrom Supporting Kidds co-authoredthe booklet with input from theWellness Community.

CLINICAL NEWS

New booklet helps kids cope witha parent’s illness

SURVIVAL KIT FOR FAMILIESA tool kit to help patients/caregivers

support children when someonethey love has a serious illness

Special thanks to:• Supporting Kidds• Rosenblum Center• TheWellness Community• Health Psychology – HFGCC• Cancer Care Management - HFGCC

Helen F. Graham Cancer Center

NCI Selected Community Cancer Center

Co-Author

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To get a copy of“Survival Kit forFamilies,” call theCancer CareManagement team atthe Helen F. GrahamCancer Center at 302-623-4700.

Leadership recognizedEdwin L. Granite,D.M.D., chair of Oral andMaxillofacial Surgery andHospital Dentistry,received the HenriettaJohnson Medical Center2009 Community Award“for outstanding work inDental Care issues forDelaware.”

Obstetrics/Gynecology Richard J. Derman, M.D., MPHDept. of OB/GYN, Room 1903 Christiana HospitalPhone: 302-733-3350

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & HospitalDentistry/General Dentistry Michael T. Bojarski, D.M.D.210 West Park Place Newark, DE 19711 Phone: 302-455-0333

Pediatrics/General Pediatrics Brian S. Naylor, M.D.CCHS Pediatric Hospitalist Rm. 4A30, Christiana HospitalPhone: 302-733-4200

Pediatrics/Pediatric Endocrinology Steven A. Dowshen, M.D.Department of Endocrinology 1600 Rockland Road Wilmington, DE 19803 Phone: 302-651-5965

Radiology Danielle M. Bentsen, M.D.Department of Radiology 1600 Rockland Road Wilmington, DE 19803 Phone: 302-651-4792

Surgery/Ophthalmology Surgery Michael J. Pro, M.D.40 Monument Road, Suite 104 Bala Cynwood, PA 19004 Phone: 484-434-2717

Welcome New Medical-Dental Staff

Emergency Medicine Kathryn Parker, M.D.Department of Emergency Medicine Room 1071, Christiana HospitalPhone: 302-733-1840

Medicine/Cardiology Ruchira Glaser, M.D.252 Chapman Road, Suite 150 Newark, DE 19711 Phone: 302-366-1929

Medicine/Internal Medicine Nkiruka S. Nnebe, M.D.131 Continental Drive, Suite 200 Newark, DE 19713 Phone: 302-366-1868

My Padmalingam, M.D.131 Continental Dr., Suite 200 Newark, DE 19713 Phone: 302-366-1868

Neelima Vudarla, M.D.111 Continental Drive, Suite 406 Newark, DE 19713 Phone: 302-984-2577

Medicine/Nuclear Medicine Jacqueline D. Howard-Sachs, M.D.Department of Nuclear Medicine Christiana HospitalPhone: 302-733-1530

Keesha D. Vaughn, M.D.7th & Clayton Streets, Suite 400 Wilmington, DE 19805 Phone: (302) 421-9700

Medicine/Pain Management/Palliative Care Ginger Y. Chiang, M.D.2600 Glasgow Avenue, Suite 210 Newark, DE 19702 Phone: 302-832-8894

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PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDWILMINGTON DEPERMIT NO. 357

External AffiarsP.O. Box 1668Wilmington, DE 19899-1668

www.christianacare.org

P R I N T E D O N R E C Y C L E D P A P E R

An Evening in Monte Carlo marks its fifth yearFundraising goal is a high-tech cell sorter for cancer research

An Evening in Monte Carlo, sponsoredby the Friends of the Helen F. GrahamCancer Center, is an ever-popularfundraiser for the cancer center.

This year, the event takes place onFriday, May 15, 7 p.m.-midnight atLongwood Gardens near KennettSquare, Pa.

The fundraising goal this year is tosupport the acquisition of a flores-cence activated cell sorter (FACS).

The cell sorter, for use in the newCenter for Translational CancerResearch lab, enables doctors to isolateand study malignant cells from colon,breast, lungs, prostate and other can-cers.

For information about An Evening inMonte Carlo, please call 302-327-3309or e-mail jgoldston@christianacare.org.

This year, An Evening inMonte Carlo, presented bythe Friends of the Helen F.Graham Cancer Center, sup-ports the purchase of anFACS—a key piece of cancerresearch equipment.