Page 5 - August 2019 Ulupono

July 3, 2019 Hui
At Hui sessions, associates receive updates directly from hospital president Kathy Raethel and are able to voice any questions or concerns they may have.
Kathy began the July Hui on a high note by sharing a comment from a retired nurse who was impressed with the quality of care she received at Castle that dispelled her belief that “real nursing was dead.” The patient expressed her gratitude for the encouraging, professional, kind and compassionate care she received from all of Castle’s associates and particularly the nurses.
The Joint Commission Results/CMS Validation Survey Possible
Kathy congratulated the Laboratory
for receiving excellent results on their
TJC accreditation visit in March; and all associates for the hospital’s excellent results on its accreditation survey in June. Castle received only 21 findings and is looking
to have three eliminated. Five percent of accredited hospitals are retrospectively surveyed within 60 days by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to confirm that the TJC survey accurately evaluates compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation. AH Castle may receive a follow up survey by CMS.
Low Census
The low census that Castle is experiencing may be due to several factors: the Pali Tunnel closure; physician preferences; associate /family utilization and out of plan referrals; improvement in average length of stay; changes in Behavioral Health Services and a reduction in OB TriCare admissions.
Hospital administration is taking several approaches to deal with the low census: expansion of primary care; physician recruitment in cardiology, urology and orthopedics in anticipation of retirements; reviewing Castle Health Group requirements and utilization by AH Castle associates and family members; and reviewing and revising Castle’s Admission/Transfer Policy.
Disruptive Patients
Kathy told associates that a work group comprised of administration, security, clinical leadership and physicians is being formed to create and put in place a plan to ensure that associates are always safe and they are reviewing policies and practices to make sure that this happens.
The HPU Land Use Update
Environmental Impact Study (EIS) public review period ended April 9. Consultants are crafting responses to comments.
Traffic consultant responding to DOT comments. EIS to be finalized in August. Agency determination is expected by year-end.
Convoy of Hope, August 31
Castle is taking the lead role in the Health Tent at Convoy of Hope at the Aloha Stadium on August 31. Associates can take advantage of volunteer opportunities there or in these other areas: groceries; haircuts; family portraits; job services or a kid’s zone. For more information, visit www. convoyofhope.org/oahu, or contact Jesse Seibel at ext. 5344.
Be Statements + Always Behaviors
Kathy introduced the “Be Statements” and how they fold into our “Always Behaviors.” Watch for more about the Be Statements in Ulupono.
Finally, Kathy talked about current members of AH Castle Governing Board and Nursing Executive Laura Westphal’s retirement August 4 of this year.
Welcome to the 'Ohana
July 15, 2019
From left: (Front) Amanda Santos, Ultrasound; Helena Maddison, RN, Cath Lab; Amanda Williams, Pu¯lama; Jadelyn Yasuoka, Laulima; Renee Sakai, RN, Surgical Recovery; and Veronika Von Schert, Laulima. (Back) Tip Lee, RN, ICU; Scott Harris, Materials Management; Brad Swasy, Cath Lab; Colin Harrington, ED; and Vincent Paguirigan, EVS.
AUGUST 2019 - ULUPONO
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