A Newslet ter for Employees of Southeastern Heal th

VOL 41, NO 2 March/April 2013

Campbell University Medical School partners with Southeastern Health

IN TOUCH

The Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and Southeastern Health announced a partnership on Feb. 19, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center to offer medical training opportunities for Campbell’s students. The agreement is one of several academic health center partnerships between the newly formed medical school and major health care institutions in the region.

The partnership with Southeastern Health would involve training opportunities for third and fourth year Campbell Medical School students, with additional residency programs provided post-graduation. Students and residents would have the opportunity to train alongside primary care physicians at Southeastern Regional Medical Center as well as primary care physicians and specialists throughout Southeastern Health’s network of 40 clinics.

The Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine will open to its first class of 150 students in August 2013. Students will spend the first two years learning on the Harnett County campus in state-of-the-art simulation labs before being assigned to training opportunities in regional community hospitals.

Dr. John Kauffman, dean of the School of Osteopathic Medicine, said this model is ideal for training primary care physicians, particularly physicians who will practice in rural and underserved areas.

“By placing our students in community hospitals for their third and fourth years and having residency programs available once they graduate, we believe it will enable our students to put down roots and become the next generation of physicians who practice in this community,” said Kauffman. “These students will be your pediatricians, your family doctors, your internists, your surgeons, your OBGYNs and your emergency medical physicians.”

North Carolina currently ranks 34th in the nation in primary care physicians. The need is particularly great in rural counties. Though there are four other allopathic medical schools in our state, less than half of medical school graduates from North Carolina medical schools remain in North Carolina to practice.

Joann Anderson, CEO of Southeastern Health, said Campbell’s mission to prepare community-based osteopathic physicians to care for rural and underserved populations in North Carolina is a good fit for the purpose of her organization.

“I’ve seen the difference that a school like this can bring to a rural community that has huge challenges when it comes to health care needs. The mission of this organization and the mission of Campbell University are in alignment. Both

organizations have people’s best interest at heart,” said Anderson. “[We are] willing to commit the resources and meet the challenges in front of us to make sure that people have a better way of life and a hope for a future.”

Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine Dean Dr. John Kauffman and Southeastern Health President/CEO Joann Anderson sign a partnership agreement on Feb. 21.

From the president

2 March/April 2013

Congratulations! Upon completion of our initial four-year term as a Magnet recognized organization, Southeastern Health has once again achieved Magnet recognition from the American

Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Commission on Magnet. This achievement further solidifies SeHealth as an organization dedicated to providing excellence in nursing services and the highest quality of

patient care. The ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence

in nursing services. In fact, Magnet recognition is the highest national credential for nursing excellence, serving as the gold standard for nursing practice. With this redesignation, SeHealth retains our place among the best of the best as part of the Magnet community—a select group of 378 healthcare organizations out of nearly 6,000 U.S. healthcare organizations. We have always believed that we employ the highest-quality and best-trained nurses available. Being recognized once again by the ANCC for the quality of our nursing staff reinforces that belief.

An organization seeking to reapply for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence of how Magnet concepts were sustained over the four-year period since the hospital’s initial Magnet recognition.

Earning Magnet recognition the first time was a tremendous accomplishment and source of pride. To achieve Magnet recognition for another four years underscores our continued commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of the patients and communities we serve.

Magnet recognition demonstrates our resolve as healthcare professionals to provide the best nursing care available. And it confirms what I have always believed: that Southeastern Health is one of the finest healthcare institutions in the nation.

Joann Anderson, MSN, FACHEPresident/CEO

Chavis, Lennon join SeHealth board

Joann Anderson, president and CEO of Southeastern Health, and Faye Caton, chairman of the SeHealth Board of Trustees, have announced the election of two new members to the board, Larry Chavis of Lumberton, and Wayland Lennon of Fairmont.

“These gentleman have a great interest in health care, Southeastern Health and Robeson County,” said Anderson. “We are fortunate to have them committing to the health care future for our area.”

A native of Rowland, Chavis earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pembroke State University (UNC Pembroke) in 1972. He is the President and CEO of Lumbee Guaranty Bank, which operates 14 locations through the region.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Southeastern Health Board of Trustees,” said Chavis. “After many years of serving on the Southeastern Health Foundation Board, I have gained a better understanding of health care and its importance to Robeson and surrounding countries. My goal will be to aid Southeastern Health to be the premiere health care provider for our region. Time and quality of service is most important for life-threating events and that’s what Southeastern Health must provide.”

Chavis and his wife, Loleta, live in Lumberton and have two grown children, Melissa and Alex.Lennon earned a bachelor’s degree in business and math with a concentration in computer science from

Pembroke State University (UNC Pembroke) in 1985. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Campbell University in 1988. He is employed as a relationship executive in the lending solutions division of Fiserv.

“Southeastern has always felt like a second home to me as my mother, Pat Lennon, worked in the lab at SRMC for 45 years,” said Lennon. “It is indeed an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to continue my

family’s service to our community through the health care system with the desire to help shape the future of health care services in our area.”

Lennon and his wife, Melissa, live in Fairmont with their two children, Caroline, 15, and Tyler, 12.In addition to Caton, Chavis and Lennon, the other members of the SeHealth Board of Trustees are: Chancellor Kyle Carter; Dennis

Hempstead; Jerry Johnson; Alphonzo McRae Jr.; John Rozier Jr., M.D.; Randy Rust; Michael Stone; Mary Alice Teets; Joseph Thompson; Michael Walters; W.C. Washington; and Fred Williams.

Larry Chavis

Wayland Lennon

Joann Anderson, President/CEO

3www.southeasternhealth.org

Physician ServicesDrs. Brandon Locklear and Meredith

Watson-Locklear have joined the medical staff of Southeastern Health, providing obstetrical and gynecological care at Southeastern Regional Medical Center and Southeastern Women’s Healthcare.

Dr. Locklear completed a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 1998. He completed his medical degree at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2004 and completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Arnold Palmer and Winnie Palmer Hospitals in Orlando, Fla., in 2008. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and has a special interest in treating chronic pelvic pain.

Dr. Watson-Locklear completed a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering at North Carolina State University in 2000. She completed her medical degree at Brody

School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2004 and completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Arnold Palmer and Winnie Palmer Hospitals in Orlando, Fla., in 2008 She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and has special interests in contraceptive counseling and treating interstitial cystitis (also known as painful bladder syndrome).

Drs. Locklear and Watson-Locklear are also interested in preventative wellness screenings and minimally invasive surgery for procedures such as hysterectomies.

Dr. Locklear is a native of Lumberton; Dr. Watson-Locklear a native of Smithfield, N.C. They live in Lumberton with their daughter, Brooklyn. Dr. Locklear is rejoining his family in Robeson County, including several physicians associated with Southeastern Health: Dr. Kenneth Locklear of Robeson Family Practice in Red Springs, and sisters, Drs. Charlene Locklear and Andrea Simmons, both associated with Southeastern Medical Clinic North Lumberton, an affiliate of Southeastern Health.

To schedule an appointment at Southeastern Women’s Healthcare, which will open at its new location at 4300 Fayetteville Road on May 13, call 608-3078.

OB/GYNs Locklear and Watson-Locklear join Southeastern Women’s Healthcare

Brandon Locklear, M.D.

Meredith Watson-Locklear, M.D.

Physician Services earns The Joint Commission GoldSoutheastern Health’s (SeHealth) Physician Services division

has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in ambulatory care organizations.

SeHealth’s Physician Services has also earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety as a primary care medical home (PCMH). The special certification for accredited ambulatory care organizations that offer PCMH recognizes Southeastern Health Physician Services’ dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards. Ambulatory accreditation

The accreditation award recognizes SeHealth’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

SeHealth Physician Services underwent a rigorous announced on-site survey in December 2012. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated SeHealth Physician Services for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

Since 1975, The Joint Commission has developed state-of-the-art standards for outpatient ambulatory care organizations. Nearly 1,900 freestanding ambulatory care organizations maintain Joint Commission accreditation.

“We recognize Joint Commission accreditation as the Gold Seal for providing safe, high quality patient care. Achieving accreditation from The Joint Commission is a team effort that will bring confidence

to our patients and give us a framework to provide the best care possible,” said Joann Anderson, president and CEO of SeHealth.

The Joint Commission’s ambulatory care standards address important functions relating to the care of patients and the management of an ambulatory care organization. The standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, providers, measurement experts and patients. Primary Care Medical Home certification

A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors also evaluated SeHealth Physician Services for compliance with standards related to how effectively the primary care clinician and the interdisciplinary team work in partnership with the patient to provide comprehensive, coordinated and patient-centered care. The Joint Commission’s PCMH option, which was launched in July 2011, helps accredited ambulatory care organizations ensure their patients receive timely and appropriate treatment, increase patient satisfaction, improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall costs to the health care system.

“By achieving the PCMH certification from The Joint Commission, we are operating within a framework to provide the best care possible to our patients,” said Lynn Wieties, vice president, provider network for SeHealth.

The Joint Commission’s PCMH is a model of care whereby services are provided to patients by a primary care clinician and an interdisciplinary team. Patients benefit from this model because they have increased access to the services of the clinician and interdisciplinary team; the care provided by other clinicians and facilities is tracked and coordinated; and evidence based treatment protocols guide their care. This care model also focuses more on education and self-management by the patient.

Initiative reports

4 March/April 2013

The staff at Gibson Cancer Center (GCC) enrolled in Healthy Living 4 Life (HL4L) when it first started in 2010. When the results from the first set of lab work were received, everyone was astonished at how bad they were. It wasn’t only those who were overweight that had disappointing lab results—it was everyone—even those who were eating relatively healthy. After reviewing the results with the staff in the wellness department, most of the program participants at Gibson turned to their primary care physicians so they could be aware of the lab values and help guide them in the right direction. It was then that a decision was made, as a group, that drastic lifestyle changes were needed.

Most of the staff at GCC started looking at what they were eating and decided that they did not need to “go on a diet,” but they needed to change their overall eating habits. The word “diet” enables one to “set themselves up for failure,” so everyone made lifestyle changes so they can live a healthier life. The initial changes that were made included things such as portion control, increasing fruit intake, and reducing the amount of red meat and fried food that were eaten. These changes gradually became part of their personal routine and way of life.

Not only has the staff at GCC changed their eating habits, they have also increased their activity level. They recruited a trainer from the Southeastern Lifestyle Fitness Center to work with them as a group and have realized that working together helps them remain motivated from week to week.

They are currently working out two days each week, for an hour each day, with a personal trainer who is focusing on the entire body by incorporating cardio and stretching into their workout plan.

Since the staff at GCC have made these lifestyle modifications, their HL4L labs have shown improvements in their lipid panel, especially cholesterol.

“I lowered my lipid panel levels to almost normal,” said GCC employee Michelle Gaskins. “Before all of my numbers were high, particularly my particles. I have lowered my lipid particle count by 500 points. The HL4L program has enabled us to become aware of lifestyle changes that were necessary in order to make positive changes in our life.”

Employees can track their health improvement efforts through the Extracon website at www.extracon.com.To learn more about improving your health, contact Employee Wellness at ext. 1425.

The Paramedic Partners program is a collaborative effort to assist Southeastern Health in reducing preventable readmissions to Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The program is aimed at the discharge diagnoses of congestive heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and adult respiratory illness. Lumberton Rescue & EMS, our partner in this program, visit patients who are discharged with the target diagnoses after they are transitioned to the outpatient community for services. The paramedics assess the patient in their homes and ensure they understand their discharge instructions, have their medications filled, and have a safe and healthy environment to live to better facilitate the ability to care for themselves. The patient’s primary care provider (PCP) may be contacted by the paramedic or a transitional nurse if an intervention is needed that may necessitate an earlier appointment or additional services.

This program ensures that the patients are equipped to participate in their health care needs, while having the autonomy of being at home. This also allows the PCP to oversee patients’ needs as we strive for a

home medical model system within our communities of service. This program began the first week of February 2013 and initially serves the zip codes of 28358, 28359, and 28360. This is a voluntary program of which the patient will have the opportunity to opt out. There will be no cost associated with the visit by the paramedic.

The paramedics have completed training to care for patients in this setting in addition to the pre-hospital education they have received. Lumberton Rescue & EMS is a valued partner within the community that has similar values and mission as Southeastern Health. Both organizations are aligned to improve the health care services within the community and create a healthier environment in which we live.

Paramedic Partners work to reduce hospital readmissions

by Wayne Martin (6-Tower)

Gibson Cancer Center staff get healthyby Amanda Roberts (Employee Wellness)

5

Foundation news

www.southeasternhealth.org

More than 500 guests enjoyed an evening of dancing and fun to benefit the Maternal/Child Health Services department of Southeastern Regional Medical Center as the Southeastern Health Foundation hosted its 21st annual gala on Friday, Feb. 22 at Southeastern Agricultural Center in Lumberton.

The event benefactors, sponsors, patrons and guests raised more than $107,000, which will enable SeHealth to upgrade anesthesia equipment used during the delivery of newborn babies.

Chairing the gala committee were Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Walters and Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Walters who, along with SeHealth President/CEO Joann Anderson and her husband Terry, Foundation Chairman Coble D. Wilson Jr., and Board of Trustees Chairwoman Faye Caton and her husband, Bob, were on hand to greet guests as they arrived for an evening of dancing to the music of Liquid Pleasure of Chapel Hill.

The Foundation volunteers carried out the Modern Beginnings theme with peacock-colored table cloths and arrangements featuring yellow fuji mums, hot pink Asiatic lilies, needlepoint protea, green balled dianthus, and fuchsia pink wax flowers accented by corkscrew willow and a variety of green foliage. Billy Davis and the staff of Flowers by Billy assisted with the floral design and decorations.

Wilson expressed appreciation on behalf of the Foundation for the gala’s two platinum sponsors, five gold sponsors, 35 benefactors, 12 sponsors, and 44 patrons. He also thanked the gala co-chairs and volunteer committee for their efforts and recognized past gala chairpersons were also in attendance.

For information about the programs supported by the SeHealth Foundation, log on to www.srmc.org/srmcfoundation.

Modern Beginnings gala raises more than $107,000 for anesthesia equpment

Pictured at Southeastern Health Foundation’s Modern Beginnings gala, from left, are Gala Co-chairpersons Dr. Christopher Walters and wife, Heather, Dr. Daniel Walters and wife, Stacey, Southeastern Health President/CEO Joann Anderson and husband, Terry, and Jill McIntyre and Coble Wilson, chairman of the Southeastern Health Foundation.

Gibson Cancer Center (GCC) established a wig room several years ago to help patients cope with the effects of losing their hair due to cancer treatments. The room was supported by funds from the Southeastern Health Foundation and American Cancer Society, as well as by donations of items from area churches.

“It’s a wonderful program and it really helps boost the women’s self-esteem,” said Shereta Jenkins, GCC oncology social worker.

When the wig room first opened, it featured 105 wigs. Since then, the offerings have expanded to include not only wigs but also hats, turbans and bandanas.

“Everything is available for them free of charge because losing hair is a devastating experience and we try to make it less challenging,” said Linda Tyndall, a licensed cosmetologist and GCC wig room volunteer, who has worked with the program, as well as the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good… Feel Better” program, for two years.

All patients who are going through treatment at the center can make appointments with Tyndall to get fitted for wigs. She works with patients during one-on-one sessions to ensure that wigs and other head coverings they select fit properly.

“I do this to help them look and feel better about themselves,” said Tyndall. “It’s something that will lift their spirits.”Over the past year, the wigs and other items offered in the room have been very popular with patients, and the inventory is getting low.“If others could donate to fund the wig room that would be awesome,” added Tyndall.For more information about how to make a donation to benefit the wig room at GCC, whether of money or of wig room supplies, contact

the Southeastern Health Foundation at 671-5583.

Wig room lifts spirits of area cancer patientsby Chanel Langley (Public Relations Intern)

Wig room volunteer Linda Tyndall shows some of the items available to GCC patients.

In the news

6 March/April 2013

First single-site da Vinci procedure performed

A surgical team at Southeastern Regional Medical Center performed their first da Vinci Single-Site cholecystectomy on February 21. The patient’s gallbladder was removed through one tiny incision in the belly button, making the procedure virtually scarless.

Led by Eric Velazquez, M.D., of Southeastern Surgical Center, the team removed the gallbladder using Single-Site instruments on a da Vinci Surgical System.

The minimally invasive procedure is traditionally called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). Using robotic assistance, surgeons removed the gallbladder through an incision of approximately one inch.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared the specialized Single-Site instruments for use with the da Vinci Surgical System in December 2011. da Vinci is a robotic surgical system widely used in complex minimally invasive surgery.

“Neither robotic surgery nor single-incision surgery is new, but combining the two to remove the gallbladder requires additional training and special equipment,” says Dr. Velazquez. “To be one of the first hospitals to offer this technically advanced surgery demonstrates Southeastern Health’s leadership in providing patients with the most up-to-date minimally invasive surgical options.”

Dr. Velazquez is one of a small group of surgeons in the country who has received training to perform the surgery.

“Single-Site instruments used with the da Vinci platform are the next step in the evolution of surgical technologies,” said Dr. Velazquez. “We are truly excited to be a leader today in the surgical treatment of tomorrow.”

Potential benefits of Single-Site gallbladder surgery may include virtually scarless results, minimal pain, low blood loss, fast recovery, a short hospital stay and high patient satisfaction. The surgery can be performed in about one hour with a typical hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

During the procedure, the surgeon sits comfortably at a console, viewing a 3D, high-definition image of the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon uses controls below the viewer to move the instrument arms and camera. In real-time, the system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into more precise movements of the miniaturized instruments inside the patient.

Unlike traditional robotic surgeries requiring three to five small incisions, this new technology allows for a single incision in the belly button where instruments are placed and the diseased gallbladder is removed.

Most people who require gallbladder removal are candidates for the robotic, single-incision surgery. According to the American College of Surgeons, surgery is the recommended treatment for gallbladder pain from gallstones and non-functioning gallbladders.

More than 1 million people in the U.S. have their gallbladder removed each year. Most are performed with traditional laparoscopy using several incisions.

SRMC offers various types of robotic-assisted surgeries. In addition to gallbladder removal, surgeons perform robotic-assisted surgery in hysterectomy, myomectomy (removal of fibroids); endometriosis resection; bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries); hiatal hernia; and nissen fundoplication for reflux disease. SRMC also offers a wide range of minimally-invasive conventional laparoscopic surgeries.

Eric Velazquez, M.D.

A clinically proven, minimally invasive technology for treating chronic sinus inflammation is now available at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. The Balloon Sinuplasty system uses a small catheter and balloon to quickly open and expand blocked sinuses.

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year. Patients suffer headaches,

congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. This condition significantly impacts an individual’s physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.

Historically, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy such as antibiotics and topical nasal steroids, or conventional sinus surgery such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Medical therapy can help alleviate symptoms as many as 80 percent of patients but is inadequate for the rest. For them, sinus surgery is often the best option. However, FESS is a conventional surgery that requires bone and tissue removal in order to

open up blocked sinus passageways. In lieu of a desired treatment, approximately 900,000 patients each year elect to live with painful sinus conditions.

There is an alternative solution in endoscopic sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty technology by Acclarent. A small, flexible balloon catheter is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.

Dr. Jeffrey Campbell, of Campbell Ear, Nose and Throat, is one of the first physicians in this area to offer this technology. “The balloon sinuplasty devices are a true advance in sinus care because in many cases it can be done without removing any tissue or bone. That means faster recovery times and less post-procedure discomfort. In fact, many of my patients have been able to return to normal activities within 24 hours and have had significant improvement in their symptoms,” said Dr. Campbell.

Sinusitis patients who are considering their options can learn more about balloon sinuplasty by contacting Campbell ENT at 738-1038.

Jeffrey Campbell, M.D.

Proven technology in treating chronic sinus infections now available at SRMC

7www.southeasternhealth.org

Employee assistanceAttention?

Who Needs It?!by EAP Specialist Jack CrainIf you touch me soft and gentle

If you look at me and smile at meIf you listen to me talk sometimesbefore you talkI will grow, really grow. Bradley (age 9) … Born To WinLooking perplexed as he seated himself in the EAP office, Tyson began, “Jack, maybe it’s just me, but I’m not

feeling good about a situation and I would like some feedback and direction from you. I worked in a department for seven years and in recent months decided I needed a change. I followed the protocol to transfer to another department, and I was hoping the director would express some appreciation or at least friendly warmth when I said goodbye on my last day there. He said nothing and walked away as though I had never been there. It is painful to think about. Although he doesn’t express appreciation to any staff member, and a hug is out of the question, is it unreasonable to want an “atta boy” or “atta girl” occasionally at work?

Assuring Tyson that his (and Bradley’s) desire for some appreciation is “normal,” I shared with him some information he could potentially use to understand and resolve his painful experience.

Every person has biological and psychological needs or “hungers.” The hungers for touch and recognition can be appeased with positive and negative strokes. How important are they? Strokes shape behavior and can greatly influence self-image and morale.

As human beings, we need compassion and affection in order to develop, sustain ourselves, and survive on a level above the animalistic. In the womb, our mother’s calmness was very much related to ours. Her touch the first few weeks after birth was very important to our full development, mentally, physically and emotionally. Without the kindness and affection of a parent or other nurturing presence, we could not have survived the next few years. As we age into adulthood and grow old, we still need nurturing expressions and gestures from those with whom we live and work. This is the way of life for human organisms.

This is also true here at Southeastern Health. As employees, we are inextricably linked to one another; we are “family.” Our daily encounters either sustain us or wound us and sometimes do both. Studies seem to indicate that people do not love as strongly as they hate. Every harsh word, every scolding frown, every spiteful act rips the family fabric. A parent angrily shouting, “I wish you have never been born!” or a supervisor saying with feeling, “Don’t you ever do anything right around here?!” may greatly diminish hours of love and positive affirmation.

Experiencing continual negative thinking and behavior, sarcasm, putdowns, “freezing-out/ignoring,” and attempts to fulfill unreasonable expectations tend to produce chronic stress and can result in feeling drained, depressed, helpless and trapped. In some people, such stress may lead to more serious psychological/physiological problems.

As we grow older, the need for stimulation becomes a need for recognition. Words, smiles, gestures, touch, humor and other forms of recognition are received as strokes. The comment, “Hey, nice job on that project,” or “You were a valuable part of our team – we’ll miss you,” from a supervisor to an employee helps fulfill the hunger for recognition and can potentially improve the employee’s work efforts through enhanced self-esteem and job satisfaction. Positive recognition certainly improves one’s quality of life.

Our future and the future of our children/grandchildren depends on what we do now. In order to develop a generation of healthy human beings, it is crucial to offer them a compassionate and encouraging environment, particularly when they are young. In order to have a healthy and effective workforce, the organization must offer the same.

Getting “in your face” and creating a negative environment breeds disrespect and resentment – and ultimately failure. A good heart, a listening ear, patience, love (caring), and compassion build healthy human beings and healthier organizations. Genuine cooperation comes not through force, but through mutual respect

Have some hungers that need attention? Have trouble giving and receiving strokes/affirmation? Call EAP at 671-5067 for assistance in a safe environment.

Jack Crain

Rumba on the Lumber Southeastern Health sponsored both the Family Fun Mile and the 5k events at

this year’s Rumba on the Lumber, held March 4 in downtown Lumberton. SeHealth Board Chairman Faye Caton, at left, fires the starting pistol to begin the 5k event.

SeHealth’s Project H.E.A.L.T.H. coordinated the Family Fun Mile with support from numerous employee volunteers. Food and Nutrition Services sponsored a team which entered their Let the Food People Do Food chili into the annual chili cook-off competition.

Our people

Medical Office Assistant Teresa Nance (Southeastern Pulmonary and Sleep Clinic) was recognized as Southeastern Health’s Bear of Excellence for the month of February. This award is presented to employees who exceed expectations.

Nance was recognized for exemplifying “I am” what customers see and hear; maintaining empathy for customers’ individual situations; and committing to

Southeastern Health’s mission statement and core values.She was acknowledged with this award because she consistently goes

above and beyond to offer support for not only her fellow co-workers, but also patients and visitors that she encounters in need.

“I love the face-to-face encounters with patients, knowing that every contact makes a difference,” said Nance. “I strive to make the experience excellent for the patient.”

Nance lives in Lumberton with her husband and two children. She has worked for SeHealth for four years.

Bear Team customer service excellence winners

Cox named SeHealth directorMichelle Cox has been named

director of material/child health for Southeastern Health. She is responsible for the pediatrics, nursery, labor and delivery, and maternity nursing units.

Cox completed an associate degree in nursing from Robeson

Community College in 2001 and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UNC Pembroke in 2004. She also completed a master’s degree in nursing with a concentration in nurse-midwifery from East Carolina University in 2006. She is certified by the American Midwifery Board and has served as a nurse-midwife with Southeastern Health since 2007, providing care through the hospital-based obstetric program as well as at Southeastern Women’s Healthcare.

“I am excited to step into this new role, serving my community in a different capacity,” said Cox. “Along with the maternal/child health staff, there is an evident passion to provide excellent care to the women and children we care for daily.”

Cox lives in Lumberton with her husband, David, and daughter, Lauren Addison, 4.

Speakers BureauCaroline Glus and Carol McDonald (Process

Excellence) spoke to UNCP senior nursing students on Jan. 28 on Intro to Lean.

FNP Peggy Newman (Southeastern Medical Clinic White Lake) presented a seminar for the public on March 19 on Diabetes and carb counting.

The following individuals spoke to Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Group on March 19: Vice President Dr. Andrew Schwartz (Administration), Joseph Butler (Physician Recruitment), Sylvia Huggins (Medical Imaging), Brian Hilbourn (Southeastern Heart Center), Kathy Hansen (Southeastern Wound Healing Center), Vickie Atkinson (Southeastern Home Care Services) and Fordham Britt (Physician Services).

Justin Emanuel (Fitness Services) spoke to the seniors of East Lumberton Baptist Church on March 26 on Seniors and fitness.

Dr. Scott Denardo (Southeastern Heart Center) spoke to employees of Pepsi Ventures on March 27 on Heart health.

Michelle Gaskins (Gibson Cancer Center) spoke to the residents of First Baptist Homes on March 28 on Smoking and your health.

The InTouch newsletter is published bimonthly for the employees of Southeastern Health. ©2013 SeHealth

Michelle Cox

Teresa Nance

Yarlette Hidalgo

Security Officer Yarlette Hidalgo (Safety and Security) was recognized as Southeastern Health’s Bear of Excellence for the month of March.

Hidalgo was recognized for maintaining safety and security in and around the hospital by knowing and following Southeastern policies and procedures both hospital-wide and departmentally; reporting any situation that requires repair, cleaning or maintenance; and exemplifying “I am” what customers see and hear.

She was acknowledged with this award because she went beyond what was required of her and detected, reported and prevented an incident from occurring.

Her work ethic is based on the motto, “Do things right or don’t do them at all.”

Hidalgo lives in Fayetteville and has three children and three grandchildren. She has worked for SeHealth for 14 years.

PromotionsTammy Coleman (Nursing Admin.) – Admin. asst.Katie Honeycutt (Labor and Delivery) – Shift supervisorSherry Jacobs (Health Info. Mgmt.) – Health info asst.Lara Johnson (6-Tower) – Unit ManagerKyong Power (3-East) – Shift supervisorJennifer Powers (Laboratory) – LIS coordinatorMarisol Riley-Ortiz (Cardiopulmonary) – SupervisorEllen West (Health Info. Mgmt.) – Indexer Lara Johnson