VOL.31,NO.15

FOR THE 1'v1:AI~E 1'v1:EDICAL CE~TER FA1'v1:ILY

Make a Bigger DifferenceUnited Way Campaigncountdown set to begin

Maine Medical Center's United Way Campaign gets goingthis week with the Kick Off Walk from Deering Oaks to Monu-ment Square on Thursday, September 9. Have you signed up? Ifnot, call Judy Thomas at 871-4591, or email thomaj. She hopesto register 200 walkers for this fun event, so call today! Thefirst 200 callers to sign up will get t-shirts.

Look for your department solicitor to visit you soon andpresent you with your pledge card. If you have any questionsabout the campaign, they're the person to ask! They'll tell youabout our goal ($120,000), who United Way funds help (agen-cies that may have helped someone you know), what your blueUnited Way envelope is for (do you shop at LL Bean? do you liketo travel?), and more.

With United Way, it's easy to make a difference for someonewho needs your help. And it's easy to do. You'll soon learn how.

Share the health -- there'sno excuse not to!

"I'm afraid of needles!" "I'm anemic!" "I'll faint or get sick!""I'm too busy!" "I had to wait last time!" "I have high blood pres-su re!"

Ever used one of these to avoid giving blood? Here's whythey don't work: there's only a small pinch; your iron levelchanges daily -- try again; eat a good meal, get your rest, relax;in only 75 minutes, from sign in to snack, you can help manypatients; make an appointment and keep it -- the wait will beshorter; if your blood pressure is OK at the screening, you candonate.

Now that all your concerns have been addressed, here'show you can donate! The next MMC Blood Drive is Friday, Sep-tember 17, 0900-1500 hours, in Dana Classrooms 7 and 9. Signup at the table in the main corridor September 13 or 14, or youcan just walk in on the 17th. If you're among the first 100 to

BLOOD DRIVE, SEE p.6

RememberLawson?

A few months ago, youlearned about Lawson, MMC'snew Personnel/Payroll system.You will recall that the newsystem will integrate payrollinformation, benefits informa-tion, and personal demo-graphic information for eachemployee. Having all of thisinformation 'under one roof'will bring great ease to main-taining and utilizing valuabledata necessary to supportdepartments and employees.

The Information Systems,Financial Services, and HumanResou rces departments areworking diligently to allow thetransition to Lawson occursmoothly and successfully.Currently, the interdisciplinaryteams are performing testruns to learn what opportuni-ties Lawson will bring themedical center, observe howwell Lawson is working inrespect to our current needs,and work out any problemsprior to the 'go live' date thisfall.

What will you notice first?Lawson's impact on you ini-tially will be relative to paypractices and certain policychanges created by the transi-tion to the new system. Therewill be new timecards, newexception time sheets, new

LAWSON, SEE P.5

Wednesday, Sept. 22Jonathan Connick1400-1500 hours

Maine Deaf Culture &National Deaf Awareness Week

September 20-24,1999

This week-long series of events will celebrate Deaf Culture and the efforts of thosewho work in and with the deaf community.

SCHEDULE OF SPEAKERS

Monday, Sept. 20Roxanne Baker

0900-1030 hours

Thesday, Sept. 21Michael A. Harvey, PhD

0930-1100 hours & 1300-1430 hours

Thursday, Sept. 23Judy Kegl, PhD & Romy Spitz, PhD

0900-1000 hoursRod MacInness1000-1100 hours

Friday, Sept. 24Roxanne Baker

0930-1030 hours

Exhibits include:The Maine Center on DeafnessPine Tree Society Deaf ServicesUSM Department of Linguistics

For more information call:871-4983 (voice)871-4900 (TTY)

Sign language interpreters and CART will beavailable for all events. If you need other auxilliaryaids for effective communication or have otheraccess needs, you are invited to contact MMCsADACoordinator at 871-4983 (voice) or 871-4900 (TJY).

Medical Center Singers prepare for new seasonDo you know about the

Medical Center Singers?MaineHealth Familyemployees, family, andfriends are members.They have a wide musi-cal background -- fromexperienced vocallists tothose who don't readmusic. Each is guided bymusic director and con-ductor Anissa Bacon sothe chorus performs at aconsistent level. Baconholds a degree in MusicEducation from USM andworks at the MaineCenters for Diabetes andEndocrinology, MMCScarborough Campus.

The chorus prepares for two

concerts each year, given at anumber of campuses in the

MaineHealth system, in the Springand during the holiday season.

They are free and opento the public.

Rehearsals areMonday nights from1900-2100 hours in theDana Center. This sea-son, the chorus is pre-paring a range of holidaymusic from Jewish folksongs to a piece byBeethoven.

The chorus wasfounded in 1994 for theenjoyment of the hospi-tal community. FMI, callBacon at 637-2947.

Sit in on a rehearsal--you may decide to join theSingers!2

commitment and knowledge issecond to none as he talkswith other practitioners acrossthe country.

Our Infection ControlPractitioners believe thateveryone has an importantrole to play in reducing riskand preventing the spread ofinfection, from staff in theoperating rooms to environ-mental service staff cleaningpatients' rooms. Here are justa few ways these people showthey are truly here to helpmake a safe and healthy envi-ronment for patients, staff andour community.

Along with surveillanceand outbreak investigation,developing policies and pro-

September 8, 1999

What's Caring To Make A Difference all about? /t's aboutpeople who make MMC special. /t's about the folks who arequietly working hard each day to improve themselves, im-prove their departments, and improve the quality of life atMMC for everyone who enters our doors.

They Know How to HaveGood Clean Fun!

You only have to spend afew minutes with MMC's In-fection Control Department tolearn how passionate they areabout what they do! Infectionprevention and control couldbe pretty 'dry stuff' for somepeople but not so with ourteam! They are experts attheir jobs and they know howto make it interesting andeven fun for the rest of us!

Here is a quick review ofwho works in this busy depart-ment: August Valenti, MD, isthe Hospital Epidemiologist,Nancy Young is Senior Infec-tion Control Practitioner,Gwen Rogers and Sheri Dirriglare Infection Control Practitio-ners, and Edie Gribbin is theAdministrative Secretary.

This group has their(clean!) hands into a multitudeof areas. They work with alldepartments on a regularbasis and are a vital resourcefor the City of Portland PublicHealth Department, the state

Health Department, and eventhe Centers for Disease Con-trol in Atlanta! In fact, MMC'sInfection Control Departmentis one of the best in the coun-try. Just ask Dr. Valenti! Hecan't say enough good aboutthe "phenomenal supportteam" working with him. He isquick to add that their level of

",.~~':.~

~~-o,·-

From left: Gwen Rogers, Sheri Dirrigl, Nancy Young,August Valenti, MD, and Edie Gribbin. AV Photo.

Bugs is their business!

3

infections following surgery,or consulting on hospitalrenovations to minimize dustexposure for patients andstaff, our Infection ControlDepartment is here to helpkeep MMC a safe place for allof us.

'Bugs is their business'!

€~(i'1~

cedures relating to infectionprevention and control, andassuring compliance withregulating guidelines fromOSHA, JCAHO, and others,education and training are twoof their most important roles.

Nancy, Gwen, and Sheriparticipate every month innew employee orientationsafety training and hold yearlymandatory educational ses-sions for those employeeswho work in patient care ar-eas. Many of you have nodou bt seen 'Express Inservice'posters. These were devel-oped with Nursing Staff De-velopment to provide quick,easy, and relevant informationto busy practitioners. Theinservices have been a hugesuccess. They have also pub-lished the second edition of a'pocket reference' for housestaff that explains policies andprocedures for infection con-trol here at MMC. Copies areavailable from the depart-ment.

Education also takes In-. fection Control staff into thecommunity. Between themthey have more than 42 yearsof infection control experi-ence and are a tremendousresource to other practitionersin the state. They often speakat area businesses andschools, as well as to otherhealthcare professionals.Nancy is a facilitator for theAdvanced Practitioner Coursesponsored by the NationalAssociation in Infection Con-trol to be held in Hartford thisyear.

MMC's Infection Controlpractitioners agree that "cre-

ating and participating ineducational programs is oneof the best parts of the job".Have you seen the "bug light"they use to show how germsare spread? This presentationhas been a huge hit with em-ployees' children when theyvisit MMC for 'Take Your ChildTo Work Day".

In collaboration with theMaine Hospital Association'sProfessional Practice Council,Sheri and Gwen worked tobroaden the law requiringsource patient consent for HIVtesting after an accidentalexposu reo The expanded lawwill increase the pool ofpeople who can give consentand ease the burden of edu-cation and counseling whereappropriate. This was a grati-fying accomplishment forthem because of the positiveimpact they know it will havefor staff.

Edie Gribbin is the personwho keeps this departmentrunning smoothly by helpingeveryone stay "organized".She is the friendly voice onthe other end of the phonewhen you call 871-2550.

Gwen, Sheri, and Nancywould never pass up thisopportunity to remind every-one that the most effectiveway to prevent the spread ofinfection from one person toanother is by regular handwashing! In the very nearfuture, you will see one of thedepartment's most creativecampaigns to reinforce thispoint. Keep your eyes openfor the cleanest hands nearyou!

Whether it is trialing newmedical equipment to preventaccidental needlesticks, track-ing the incidence of wound

4

Revised CPQITools Handbook

is AvailableThe Basic Tools for CPQI

Handbook_has been revisedand is available from the CPQIOffice. This handbook is avaluable resource for individu-als and teams who are work-ing on process improvementactivities and performancemeasurement. It includestechniques for data gatheringsuch as brainstorming andmultivoting. Also included areseveral tools you can use todisplay your data and make iteasier to share with others.Some examples of these toolsare Pareto Charts, Flow Chart-ing, and Cause and EffectDiagrams. The tool book isdesigned as a self-study mod-ule with review quizzes afterevery chapter.

As always, the CPQI Officestaff - Dee, Cindy, and Jeff -are available to assist with anyquestions you have about useof the tools. Give us a call at871-2009 and we'll drop ahandbook in the mail to you.

Caring To Make A Difference is amonthly publication of the Continu-ous Productivity and Quality Im-provement Office. Ideas, questions,and comments may be directed toCindy Bridgham, CPQI Office, at871-2009, Fax 871-6286.

Outreach Education Councilfor Critical Care

presents a workshop for nursesElectrocardiography &

Arrhythmia TherapyDay I: September 24

Day II: October 1MM C Dana Education CenterFor a brochure or to register,

call 871-2290

Discover the Joy of SoyYou've heard that soy reduces cholesterol. You know thateating soy may balance hormones and prevent cancer.

Yet, you ask: HOW DO I COOK IT?

I,-F06n

Come find out how.

Tuesday, October 12,1800--2000 hoursDana Center Auditorium

Cost: $5 MMC employees$10 all others

To register: 871-2196

A HEARTHEALTHYCelebration

LAWSON, FROM r.Ipersonnel action forms (PAFs),and new pay stubs. To assistyou with an understanding ofthese new products, trainingwill be conducted for depart-ment heads, managers, super-visors, and others responsiblefor their department's pay/hours reporting mechanisms.The training is due to takeplace in late September andearly October.

Stay tuned for moreLawson-related information aswe draw closer to the 'go live'date this fall!

has a caring friendP3CDRecently, a package ap-

peared in the P3CD HeadNurse's office with a notethat said "from a friend".Inside were two beautifulquilts! "Thanks" seems aninadequate word to expressthe feelings staff have whenconsidering the many hoursof care sewn into each quilt(one in shades of blue andthe other in shades ofgreen). Whoever this "friend"is, the quilts were admiredby all and, once again, someof MMC's patients are beingcomforted by someone'sunselfish caring.

We don't know the nameof this very special friend,but this friend must haveseen the What's Happeningarticle about the unit's lostqu i Its.

The quilts were made bymembers of the Academy ofMedical Surgical Nurses anddonated for patient use onP3CD. Patients loved them,families appreciated them,and staff were proud ofthem. One by one, the quiltsdisappeared and a plea wasprinted in an attempt to re-cover the colorful, light-weight, touch-of-home quilts.

with renowned speakerJan Hindman

Wednesday, September 150800--1630 hours

Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks200 Sable Oaks Drive

South PortlandMMC's favorite book sale is back!

The folks from "Books Are Fun" will hold a book sale in MM C' s Doctor'sLounge Wednesday, September 8, through Friday, September 10.

Hope to see you there!

Learn how to develop betterskills in intervention,

investigation, assessment, andtreatment.

For a brochure or to register,call Spring Harbor Hospital

at 761-2239. There is noregistration fee for MMC staff.

The Barbara BushChildren's HospitalAt Maine Medicat Center ~t..

~'"~

A portion of the proceeds will benefit

5

Do you need more balance in your life?Do you need to learn to relax?

Are you always tired?

If you answered yes to any of these, continue reading.

An open demo class to introduce people toTai Chi

and its benefits will be offered Thursday, September 23, at 1200 hours.Class is held Thursdays from 1200--1245 hours in Classroom D at13 Charles Street (across from MMC's Emergency Department).

Tai Chi is often called moving meditation. If done with the rightmindset, it can induce the relaxation response which lowers blood pressure

and heart rate. It's also great for stress reduction and pain control.This course is taught by 2 MMC nurses.

For more information, call Gayle, 929-4305, or Cecilia, 642-2450.

CS)

Hospice of Maine volunteertraining begins soon

Hospice of Maine, a non-profit organization providing non-medical assistance and support to the terminally ill ofCumberland County and their families, seeks volunteers. Acomprehensive training program begins this month inFalmouth. A pre-training interview is required. Please callHospice of Maine for more information, 774-4417 or 800-303-9272 or email info@hospiceofmaine.org

MM C Employee Craft FairAre you a crafter or craft lover?

The First Annual Maine Medical Center Craft FairSaturday, October 30,0900--1500 hours, MMC Scarborough Campus.

If you would like to reserve a space to display your crafts, volunteer, ordonate a baked good to the craft fair, please call Lori Sweatt at 885-5857

(ernail: lsweatts@aol.com) or Don Richard at 871-2101.Spaces are $30 each and must be reserved by October 10, 1999.

Tables must be supplied by the crafter.

The Barbara BushChildren's HospitalAt MaineMedicalCenter

100% of the space rental fee will benefit

6

What's It All About?

Maine Medical CenterSchool of Surgical Technology

Open House

Wednesday, September 221800-2000hours

Southern Maine Technical CollegePublic ServiceBuilding, Room 111

Fort Road, South Portland

No reservations needed.Call the School for moreinformaiton, 767-9589

Now accepting applications for theMarch & September Classes of 2000

BLOOD DRIVE, FROM r.Imake an appointment, you'llget a great t-shirt. And if yourdepartment has the highestpercentage of donor partici-pation, you'll be treated to apizza party and a trophy. Youcan have the pizza, but thetrophy will move on to anotherdepartment after the nextblood drive. See if you andyour co-workers can meet thechallenge and get everyonesigned up to donate!

So, if you still aren't surewhether you want to make thecommitment to give blood,see how one employee feelsabout it: "It's the one 'clinicalthing' we can all do, even ifwe work in non-clinical areas,"says Sandy Cranford, Directorof Volunteer Services. Why notjoin her to help meet theblood needs of patients in ourcommunity?

We heard that!Vtsitor commentooebead in themaincorridor,Friday,September 3:

"This is the best place in Maineif you have to go to a hospital. "

MarketplaceIn order to ensure that ev-eryone has an opportunity touse the Marketplace, ads maybe placed once only. Repeatswill be permitted only on aspace-available basis.

FOR SALESuper single waterbed, bookcaseheadboard. Incl. mattress & heater.Good condo $75. Call 741-2150.1991 Honda Civic LX - 4 dr. Sedan,PW, PL, PS, PB, tilt, cruise, reardefog, 5 spd, 130K miles, greatshape. $3,300 OBO. Call 929-5763.1996 Toyota Previa All Trae. Sandmetallic exterior, tan cloth interior.Loaded, Michelin steel beltedradials, full size spare, 60K miles.$18,000 OBO. Call 773-4189.1991 Volvo 240 black sedan, beigeinterior. 99K miles, 5 spd, A/C,stereo cassette, PW, PL, PS, PB,heated seats. Great condo Asking$6,900. Call 767-5142.1997 Ford Escort LX station wagon.Silver, auto, 32K miles, A/C, war-ranty. Book value $10,400. Exe.condo Asking $9,400 OBO. Call772-4497.Queen-size waterbed, headboard,mirror w/light, bookcase ends, 6drawer pedestal, stand-up mirror.$600. Call 799-0945.Timeshare at Pollard Brook Resortacross from Loon Mt. Sleeps 4. K, 'DR, LR, fireplace. Week 1 everyeven year. Avail. now for use in2000! $ 7,000. Call 871-3895 or892-3583.Two camps, waterfront, beach,near Baxter Park, furnished.$53,000. Call 657-2104.Auburn Garrison: 4 BR, 3 BA, familyroom, formal LR and DR, oak K, 2car garage, great neighborhood.$164,900. Call 784-5332.Guiness snowboard, brand new, stillin wrapper. Metal edging allaround, no bindings. $300 OBO.Call 871-2447 or 846-7928.May tag dryer, 8 YO. Exe. condo$135. Call 885-5857.

Web Cruiser 56K V.90 voice data /fax modem. Full duplex speaker-phone, video phone ready V.80,software can be updated. Plug &play config w/Win 95. Needs an ISAbu?, IBM compatible 386 or higher,3 floppy, Windows 3.1, 3.11, or95. $50. Call 284-2230 after 5 PM.1984 Ford Mustang SVO, black, 4cyl. turbo intercooler, leather seats,PW /PL/PS/PB, fog lights, 100%stock, driven only summers, exc.condo 97K miles, $4,500. Call 637-2430, or email dllan@pivot.net.

1992 Honda Accord, 4 DR OX, 5speed, exe. cond., 95K miles, AM/FM/cassette, A/e. Moving, mustsell. $6,800 OBO. Call 871-2603.Timeshare, 1 week every odd year,sleeps 6, will sell for $4,500. Call892-7623.Handicapped brown upholsteredrecliner w/electric lifter, $200.Green/tan/maroon 2 YO couch &chair, $300. Call 772-4775 eves.

FOR RENT3 BR furn. house. Sept.-May/June.Porch, deck, K, den, WID. Greatlocation. Call 773-1943.Furn. large room w/sunny baywindow in quiet S. Portland neigh-borhood. Easy walk to beach orbridge. Garage, gardens w/pond.$400/mo. incl. uti Is. Must like dogs.Refs. req. Call 799-1437.Intown West End house. 2-3 BR, 2BA, Ig. K, parking for 2 cars, walk toMMe. $750/mo. + utils. Call 741-9148.Room, K privs., S. Portland, nearbus line. No smoking, drinking. Lowrate. Call 799-1575.Westbrook, quiet neighborhood offForest St. 2 apts avail. now. Laundryfacilities on premises. Spacious 2ndfloor w/2 BR, Ig. LR & DR, smalloffice/den. OW, parking for 2.$675/mo. incl. heat & HW. Ref., see.dep. Cozy 3'd floor 2 BR, eat-in-K,parking for 2. $600/mo. incl. heat &HW. Ref., see. dep. Call 829-5192.

7

The deadlines forannouncement-length items

and MARKETPLACE areSept. 15 for the Sept. 29

issue'andSept. 29 for the Oct. 13 issue.

All items must be in writingand may be sent by

interoffice mail to the PublicInformation Department, by

email to FILlPL,or by fax to 871-6212.

Furn. room w/K privs. and parkingin nice residential area nearAndover College in Portland. Nosmoking or pets. Will consider 9mo. (school year) rental. $325/mo.plus see. dep. and ref. Call 797-7542 eves. after 6 PM or weekends.

ROOMMATE WANTEDProf. 33 YO F seeks roommate forIg. sunny apt., Morrill's Corner (2miles from USM). $325/mo. incl.utils, W /0, storage, Ig. private roomw/separate entrance, phone line,parking. Avail. now. Call 878-5721.

WANTEDPCA. In Portland, for transfer helpone hour in early evening (5-6 PM)$14/hr. Call 773-0280.Used drum set for middle schoolstudent. Very reasonable. Call 871-2589 or 846-9636.Room to rent until March 2000.Portland area, Mon-Fri needed toavoid long commute. Female, non-smoker, Surg. Tech. Student. Call697-3482 or pager 851-1185.

SERVICESExp. healthcare prof., EMT, hair-dresser, NS. Honest, reliable, re-sponsible. Flexible hours. Refs.avail. Call 879-5412.

Prof. F available for house-sitting,fall - spring. Dependable, clean,honest. Call 871-9932. Leave msg.

at Maine Medical CenterAll Healthviews. Comm.month TV Network TV 4,

Thursdays, 1400 and2000 hours; Fridays,0700 hours.

Sept. 8 Book sale. ThroughSee p.S Sept. 10.Sept. 9 United Way Kick OffSee p.l Walk. 1100-1300 hours.Sept. 13 Epilepsy Support Group

meets. 1900 hours,Dana #3. FMI, call 800-660-7832.

Sept. 15 Treating the SexualSee p.S Abuse Victim. 0800-

1630 hous.Sept. 17 Blood drive. 0900-1500See p.l hours, Dana Center.Sept. 20 Maine Deaf Culture &See p.2 National Deaf Aware

ness Week.Sept. 22 School of SurgicalSee p.6 Technology Open HouseSept. 24 Electrocardiography &See p.S Arrhythmia Therapy

workshop for nurses.Call 871-2290.

Sept. 28Environmental Health inthe New Millenium. Call871-2876.

Oct. 12 I Love Food: DiscoverSee p.S The Joy of Soy. 1800-

2000 hours, Dana Center Auditorium.

o Change name or address asshown on address label.

o Remove my name fromyour What's Happening?mailing list.

NEW EMPLOYEESCARDIOLOGY: Sarah TerranoCENTRAL SERVICES DEPART-MENT: Leanna MorrisoENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:Donna Lalone, Mark Sans, ShandyBerry, Greg RackelyFOOD SERVICES: Io skaAbwochVyacheslav SiavaBabayan, Lindsey Berry, TuyetDo, Olga Fisenko, Nancie Nilsen,HUMAN RESOURCES: KristaIrmischerINFORMATION SERVICES:Jonathan Allen, Tracey Devoe,Carlene Roy, Erik KurlanskaMEDICAL AFFAIRS: Debbie HallNURSING: Katrina Anderson,Cindy Blais, Angela Burbine,Laura Burton, Gary Cammack Ir.,Elizabeth Campbell, AdamCharlton, Lee-Ann Cole, ColeenCurran, Melanie Eastman, NicholeFerretti, Long Hang, DianeHiggins, Sarah Latuscha, PamelaLevesque, Carrie Libby, RikkiLukeski, Donald McKinney,Renee Provencher, Julie-AnnRobert, Helen Rogers, BrittanySinclair, Heidi Toews, SuzanneToulouse, Tamsen WilcoxPHARMACY: Jennifer CappolaPOISON CENTER: CliftonWhittenSECURITY: Doreen Bridges,Timothy Hall, Paul JensenSOCIAL WORK: Ellen Jackson,Robyn Coombs, Carol Zechman

Ethics at the CenterThe Ethics Confidential

Helpline is availablefor your questions and concerns.

Call the Helpline at 871-4646.Or, you may contact EthicsImplementation Committee

ChairmanMike Swan, 871-2944.

Become one of MM C' smentors to a

Portland High School student.

To learn more,contact Elisa Chadwick at

871-2088 or emailchadwe@mail.mmc.org.

MAINE MEDICAL CENTER 22 BRAMHALL STREET PORTLAND, ME 04102·3175Please return this address labelin an envelope to the PublicInformation Department.

Maine Medical Center is amember of the MaineHealth family