By Teri Fontenot
Savings related to our We Can Do This initiative have increased to $7.5 million. The amount will increase as further savings are identified, and decrease as unanticipated expenses are incurred.
Here’s the latest update:
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Our Employee Suggestion Program savings total $70,672. The goal this fiscal year is $300,000 so keep those suggestions coming! Recently approved suggestions are:
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The nursing education calendar will be posted on the Intranet rather than mailed. – Pam Jarreau, NICU
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A separate supply kit is being created for scheduled C-sections. This change results in savings of almost $18,000 each year!
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The communications survey had the highest level of participation ever and our scores improved since last November. The feedback about rounds was positive so this will continue. Please remember our open door policy: If you aren’t comfortable asking a question during rounds or open forums, you can email or request a meeting with any member of administration. Vice presidents and I are also happy to attend staff meetings. In addition, the “Ask Anything” board provides you with a way to ask a question and have a private response emailed back to you.
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Financial performance in March was favorable compared to the budget. For the six month period since the fiscal year began last October, revenue is lower than expected from patient services due to lower volumes: deliveries (224 fewer than expected), admissions (296 less), patient days (3,168 lower) and surgeries (down 437 cases). The really good news is that our We Can Do This initiative is working – operating expenses are $6.5 million under budget! We have also had more patients with commercial insurance, which results in higher payments and increased revenue. These two things have offset the volume-related revenue loss and generated $754,000 more income from operations than the amount budgeted.
The very difficult decisions made at the start of the economic downturn have resulted in our ability to remain financially strong despite the struggling economy. We have been successful in doing this without resorting to drastic measures like hiring freezes, pay cuts, mass layoffs, or closing down services. Most importantly, it was done as team, and it is your support and personal contribution that makes this effort successful. Each of us can be very proud of what we’re accomplishing – we can, and we will, do this!
Communications Survey
By
Donna Bodin
Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer last week’s communications survey. We’ve worked hard to improve communications across the organization, and the scores are steadily climbing! The results show an improvement from the last survey administered in November 2008.
Almost 300 employees responded to the survey, which is the highest response rate ever! Here are the questions asked, the percentage of employees answering who responded favorably to each question, and the improvement in score since last November’s survey:
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Information is consistent each time it is presented – 84.25% (11.05% improvement since last November!)
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There is enough detail for me to understand what’s being communicated – 85.27% (9.67% improvement)
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I am not provided with a lot of unnecessary information - 65.41% (.61% improvement)
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My direct manager/supervisor communicates important issues in a timely manner – 79.79% (6.59% improvement)
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I am provided with opportunities to discuss the information I receive – 72.28% (6.28% improvement)
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Management is approachable and easy to talk with – 69.52% (3.52% improvement)
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I have opportunities to speak with my VP or other members of the administrative team – 63.70% (.50% improvement)
Employees have asked about the confidentiality of the survey software used to conduct our employee surveys. Your response is completely confidential, and we cannot identify any employee by log-in or using any other method. Survey responses are submitted directly into the e-Listen software. HR is then able to pull the data into various reports when the survey period is complete. Our most commonly used report is attached. We are also able to run the data in a statistical format showing actual number of responses to each question, rather than percentages. A separate comments report is run that lists each question and any applicable comments, which are not included here. While HR is unable to obtain any identifiable information from comments, employees may be able to identify authors of comments due to writing styles, verbiage, etc. For that reason, comments are summarized in general terms and comment reports remain in HR or are shared with senior administration only.
Employee comments (specific to overall communication) on this survey indicate:
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Appreciation for open forums, communications from Teri and rounding
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Overall improvement in communication – at all levels
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Additional training on communications skills is desired
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Offsite employees would like rounding, or more frequent rounding, at their locations
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The “Ask Anything’ Board is generally appreciated, but postings that lack mutual respect are not
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Employees would like VPs, directors and managers to increase rounding in the areas reporting directly to them
Our communications task
force will meet to
evaluate the suggestions
made. Thanks again
for your feedback!
Hospital Week
Dealing with Change
20 minute class,
presented by Aimee
Hansen
Tuesday, May 12
7:30 AM and 10:00 AM
Conference Rooms 1, 2,
and 3
Wednesday, May 13
2:00 PM
Conference Rooms 1, 2,
and 3
Thursday, May 14
11:00 AM
BAT Center Conference
Room
10:00 PM
Conference Rooms 1, 2,
and 3
Free Food
Use your ticket given to
you by your manager to
receive a complementary
meal - choose from a
turkey poboy or a salad.
Don't forget your badge!
Wednesday, May 13
1:00 AM – 3:00 AM
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Woman’s Hospital
Cafeteria
Yoga and Sole Synthesis
Wear comfortable
clothing
Two different 25 minute
classes of light
exercise that anyone can
do.
Yoga
performed standing, in a
chair, or on the floor.
The poses are gentle,
easy to follow, and
focused on breathing and
relaxation.
Sole Synthesis is a
barefoot class (not
mandatory) that improves
strength, balance, and
flexibility integrating
ballet, yoga, and
traditional fitness
techniques.
Wednesday, May 13
Yoga - 11:30AM and
12:00 Noon
Sole Synthesis -
12:30 PM and 1:00 PM
Conference Rooms 1, 2,
and 3
Thursday, May 14
Sole Synthesis - 11:30
AM and 12:00 Noon
Yoga - 12:30 PM and 1:00
PM
Conference Rooms 2 and 3
Employee Appreciation
Gift Pickup
Something special for
you to show our appreciation
for your commitment to
excellence
Thursday, May 14
7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Conference Room 1
Collections for Capital
Area Family Violence
Intervention Center
Items will be accepted
Monday - Friday at the
Volunteer Deck in Day
Surgery
Suggested Items
for Collection
Personal Care Items
- please do not send
hotel-sized items -
brushes, picks, toilet
paper, bath towels, face
cloths, manicure kits,
hair care products, body
lotion, shower gel,
barrettes for children
(new only), bras,
undergarments, socks,
pajamas, robes and
slippers
Baby Care Items - bottles, wipes, strollers, booster seats, toddler car seats, sippy cups, pacifiers, blankets, infant/children medicine, teething ring, bottle brushes, large diapers, pull ups, thermometers and baby monitors
Children's School Supplies - book bags, folders, markers, notebooks (5 subject), personal organizers, alarm clocks, glue, journals, dictionaries, pre-school toys/games, belts, basketballs, socks, construction paper, loose leaf paper, pencils, crayons, copy paper, calculators, scissors, arts & crafts materials, educational books
Everyday Supplies - twin sized bedding, waste baskets, paper towels, standard pillow covers, cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, standard bed pillows, laundry detergent, zip-lock bags, shower curtains & liners, sponges/scrub-pads, industrial mops, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher detergent
Gift Certificates - grocery stores, childcare, discount stores, movie theaters, restaurants
First Aid & Medication - triple antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, ace bandages, heating pads, cold/cough medication, first aid tape & gauze, antacid, latex gloves, vapor rub, children's vitamins
Baby Grand - Baby Grand, presented by Woman’s Hospital, invites expectant parents to the biggest and best baby fair in the area. The semi-annual event offers a collection of activities for expectant families, including meeting with vendors, tours of Woman’s Hospital, meeting with pediatricians and attending a variety of workshops.
May 9, 2009, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Woman's Hospital
Weight
Loss
Surgery:
Your
Questions
Answered
- Attend the
FREE
informative
seminar, led
by one of
the region's
most
experienced
weight loss
surgeons,
Andrew
Hargroder,
MD to learn
more about
the options
available to
you and to
have your
questions
answered.
If you're
considering
weight loss
surgery, you
can rely
upon the
team at
Woman's to
be there for
you every
step of the
way. For
more
information,
visit
womans.org
or call
Resources
for Women at
225-924-8444.
May 13,
2009, 6:30
PM - 8:00
PM, Woman's
Hospital
Conference
Rooms 1, 2,
& 3
Weight
Loss
Surgery:
Your
Questions
Answered
- Attend the
FREE
informative
seminar, led
by one of
the region's
most
experienced
weight loss
surgeons,
Kenneth
Kleinpeter,
MD to learn
more about
the options
available to
you and to
have your
questions
answered.
If you're
considering
weight loss
surgery, you
can rely
upon the
team at
Woman's to
be there for
you every
step of the
way. For
more
information,
visit
womans.org
or call
Resources
for Women at
225-924-8444.
May 28,
2009, 6:30
PM - 8:00
PM, Woman's
Hospital
Conference
Rooms 1, 2,
& 3
Nutrition
Programs
Available to
Employees,
Members and
the General
Public.
Register at
the Fitness
Club service
desk or go
on line to
view details
at
www.womans.org.
Secrets
of Smart
Snacking
– The way
you snack
can be just
as important
as when and
what you eat
at
mealtimes!
Learn about
snack foods
that are
better
choices,
keep your
hunger level
under
control, and
provide
essential
nutrients.
May 12, 5:30
PM – 6:15
PM,
Fee:
$5.00
Eat Well to Live Well – Eating healthy when you are busy can be challenging. This program will give you the tools you need to eat healthy and maintain a balance in your life. Choose from a three or six month program that includes weekly private nutrition counseling, group education classes, cooking classes and grocery store tours.
3 – Month -
May 11 –
July 27,
Fee:
$190/Month
6 – Month –
May 18 –
October 26,
Fee:
$140/Month
Women, Fitness & Weight Loss Summer Mini – A shorter version of our popular 6 week program, this 4 week mini session includes pre and post cardiovascular/strength assessments and eight one hour group personal training sessions with our exercise physiologist. Two appointments with our registered dietitian and a Body Minder journal are also included.
June 2 - June 25, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Fee: $300
Meal
Planning 101
– This
3-week
program is
designed to
teach you
how to
develop and
follow a
meal plan
everyday of
the week.
Learn
smarter ways
to cook,
shop, and
eat.
Great course
for anyone
who wants to
make healthy
eating quick
and easy.
A recipe
booklet and
a local
restaurant
dining guide
will be
provided.
June 6 –
June 20,
8:00 AM –
9:30 AM,
Fee:
$145
New Services offered by our Registered Dietitian, Melissa Martin:
Menu
Makeovers
– Does your
home dining
menu need a
makeover?
We can help
make your
meals
healthier,
quicker, and
add more
variety.
Bring us a
copy of your
menu and
recipes and
we will do
the rest!
The 7-day
menu
makeover
includes:
recipe
modification,
side dish
options, a
pantry
inventory
checklist,
suggestions
for planning
and
preparation,
and a
customized
grocery
shopping
list.
The recipe
collection
makeover
includes
recipe
modification
and
nutrition
analysis on
your
favorite
dishes.
Up to seven
recipes can
be modified.
Allow two
weeks for
complete
makeover.
Fee: $167
Grocery
Shopping
Tours – Tour
your local
grocer to
find the
best
products on
the market.
Walk down
each aisle
with our
Registered
Dietitian
and discover
products
that can
change the
way you eat
and cook.
Learn how to
read food
labels and
how to
choose the
best
product.
Fee: $75
Call Melissa at 225-924-8254 or visit www.womans.org to learn more!
Fitness Programs
Spring Fling: Mother/Daughter Training – Exercise in a group training atmosphere in this 4-week program. Three sessions will include cardio, weight training and core strength. As an added bonus, enjoy learning how to cook together in a cooking class taught by our registered dietitian. Recommendation: Younger participant should be at least 12 years old.
May 16 – May 30, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Fee: $120/Couple
4 – Week
Intermediate
Swimming
Clinic –
Refine your
freestyle
technique.
Must be able
to swim 4
lengths of
the pool
(100 yards).
May 9 – May
30, 7:30 AM
– 8:30 AM,
Fee: $120
Some Like
it Hot!!!
Two – Day
Dance
Workshop
– Want to
learn some
spicy new
moves? This
weekend
workshop is
for both
non-dancers
and dancers.
Join us for
a great
dance work
out.
May 16,
10:30 AM –
12:30 PM and
May 17,
12:30 PM –
2:30 PM,
Fee: $75
Sports Performance Camp – This 12 session program is designed to optimize athletic performance and reduce the potential for injury through comprehensive training programs that improve ore strength and balance, increase explosive power, and enhance agility and speed in the sport of your choice. The camp also includes weekly workshops that promote healthy eating habits for maximizing sport performance and pointers on how posture impacts athletic skills.
May 25 – July 1, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Fee: $350
Triathlon Training – 8 week program designed for all levels of triathlon. Have fun training in a supportive non-competitive environment.
June 6 – July 25, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM, Fee: $600
Therapy
Center
Children’s
Programs
Call
924-8709 to
register for
summer
programs.
Limited
enrollment.
Camp ABC – Eight session summer camp for 5-6 year olds to address motor coordination, letter formation and reading readiness. Camp T-shirt and a daily snack are included. Two sessions to choose from.
Tuesdays and
Thursdays -
June 2 –
June 25 or
July 7 –
July 30,
9:00 AM –
12:00 PM,
Fee:
$240
Ready Set
Jump! Into
Preschool
– Six
session
program that
prepares
children
ages 4-5 for
preschool.
Prewriting
skills will
be mastered
as they are
introduced
to
handwriting
readiness
activities.
Children
will also
learn
directionality,
body
awareness,
colors, and
shapes.
Mondays and
Wednesdays –
July 6 –
July 22,
9:00 AM –
10:30 AM,
Fee: $185
TEAM
Readers
– An 8-week
program
geared for
elementary
aged
children who
struggle
with
reading,
have poor
reading
comprehension,
read below
grade level,
and/or have
dyslexia.
Wednesdays,
June 10 –
July 29
Grades 1 &
2, 9:00 AM –
10:30 AM
Grades 3 –
5, 10:30 AM
– 12:00 PM
Fee:
$300
Aquatic Kid
Fit –
Ideal for
children 9
and older
who have
decreased
strength,
coordination
or
endurance.
This group
meets one
afternoon
per week in
our warm
water
therapy pool
and is
instructed
by a
licensed
therapist.
Thursdays in May, June, and July from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Fee: $60/Month
Aqua Tots
– An
interactive
water
program for
children
ages 2-8 and
a parent.
Designed for
children
with special
needs.
Saturdays in
June from
10:30 AM –
11:30 AM,
Fee:
$48/Month
Therapy Center Adult Programs
Kegels - What You Need to Know About Your Pelvic Floor - Learn how to gain control over your pelvic floor muscles and how to prevent urine leakage, pelvic pain, and related conditions.
June 2, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Fee: $30
Fibromyalgia
101 –
Learning how
to manage
the cycle of
pain and
taking
control over
your
symptoms are
keys to
living well
with this
condition.
This
introductory
class offers
safe and
gentle
exercise,
ideas for
pain
management,
self-help
strategies,
and
lifestyle
modifications.
June 4, 5:30
PM – 7:00
PM,
Fee: $30