Hospital Gift Shop and Parking Assistance Volunteers Sought

Volunteers contribute nearly 20,000 hours in the last year

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital has approximately 150 volunteers who help out in numerous hospital departments and affiliated organizations, but currently more are needed in two key areas.

 

“Volunteers of all ages donate their time and talents day after day and with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment that is inspirational,” said Jodi Cordes, recruitment and volunteer services administrator. “They run the patient hospitality cart, staff the gift shop, stock supplies, deliver mail, park patient cars, and perform a myriad of other tasks that assist staff in providing care and services, and enhancing our patients’ experiences.”

 

According to Cordes, the areas most in need of volunteers presently are in the gift shop and staffing parking assistance. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Cordes at 779-2635.

 

The organization has more than 600 full-time employees. However, it could not do the work it does without

 

Healthy Community Coalition Offering Services at the Farmington Fair

Includes daily screenings and local health care providers

Farmington¾

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) Mobile Health Unit will be offering free screenings and other services daily at the Farmington Fair. Local health care providers will be joining Healthy Community Coalition staff on the Mobile Health Unit throughout the week. Each day features a different theme and services.

 

The Mobile Health Unit will be open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Blood pressure checks and general health information is offered daily. In addition daily themes and services include:

·         Sunday, September 20: body composition analysis, affordable health care act health insurance education and assistance, and safe driving contracts for teens and parents;

·         Monday, September 21: breast cancer awareness and nutrition education and resources. Sue Eastler, FNP, will be offering clinical breast exams and answering general questions;

·         Tuesday, September 22: bone density screenings and cancer prevention. Dr. Sharmila Das-Wattley will be available to answer foot health questions and Sue Eastler, FNP will be offering clinical breast exams and answering general questions;

·         Wednesday, September 23: safe driving contracts for teens and parents, substance abuse, physical activity, and 5210 Let’s Go information. Dr. Tom Pulling will be available to answer sports medicine questions from 2-4 p.m.;

·         Thursday, September 24: cholesterol screenings and cancer prevention education. Dr. Kimberly Gooch will be offering clinical breast exams and answering general questions from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.;

·         Friday, September 25: body composition analysis, non-invasive colon cancer screening kits, and safe driving contracts for teens and parents; and

·         Saturday, September 26: safe driving contracts for teens and parents, substance abuse, physical activity, and 5210 Let’s Go information. 

All services are provided free. Donations are accepted. For more information contact Janis Walker at 779-2750 or jwalker@fchn.org.

 Franklin Memorial Hospital Announces Recertification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Application process required extensive documentation of the program’s practices

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) is proud to announce the recertification of its cardiac rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). FMH was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

 

Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) recover faster and improve their quality of life. The program includes exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

 

The FMH cardiac rehabilitation program participated in an application process that required extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

 

At Franklin Memorial Hospital, cardiac rehabilitation is an individualized program of monitored exercise and education to help patients recover after a heart attack or heart surgery. A team of registered nurses, a dietitian, a respiratory therapist, diabetes educators, physical therapists, and a cardiologist work together to ensure that patients regain strength, prevent their condition from worsening, and reduce risks of future heart problems.

 

The FMH cardiac rehabilitation program, located on the first floor of the hospital, sees patients on Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Patients learn about their heart problem, how to increase physical activity safely, and lifestyle changes they can make to decrease future risk. For appointments, call 779-2734.

 

Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. FMH’s AACVPR certification is valid for three years.

 

About AACVPR

Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

 Hospital Nurse’s Article Published in National Journal

Reflects upon nursing in a small rural area providing an unexpected sense of belonging

 

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Nancy Walters, RN, a nurse on the medical-surgical unit at Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) and a Wilton resident, has had an article she submitted to the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) accepted and published in the journal’s September 2015 issue. The article called “Coming Home to Nursing” reflects upon nursing in a small rural area providing an unexpected sense of belonging.

 

The article begins in 2001 when Walters returned to Maine to help care for her mother who had end stage Parkinson’s disease. She had always taken care of people in ill health, but after her mother’s death she began to wonder if her love of caring for others could become her profession and subsequently started classes to become a nurse.

 

Walters started her career at Franklin Memorial Hospital as a certified nurse’s aide while attending the University of Maine Augusta and has continued her employment at FMH after earning her RN degree. She is now just one course short of earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Joseph’s College of Maine. She explained that she wrote the published article as a college assignment that required that a manuscript be submitted to an organization for publication.

“Imagine my surprise when I received the letter from the American Journal of Nursing saying that it had been selected to be featured in the journal’s ‘Reflections’ column,” she said.

 

To read Walter’s article “Coming Home to Nursing” click on the following link http://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/Fulltext/2015/09000/Coming_Home_to_Nursing.33.aspx

 

According to its website, the AJN is the oldest and most honored broad-based nursing journal in the world. Peer reviewed and evidence-based, it is considered the profession’s

 

Health Network Staff Presented with EPIC Awards

Four recipients announced quarterly

Farmington¾

 

July’s recipients of the EPIC awards established by the Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) Spirit Committee and announced quarterly include: Greg Thompson, surgical practices manager; Suzanne O’Brien, laboratory director; Deb Brinkman, RN, BSN, maternal and child health unit; and Erica Rollins, radiology.

 

The EPIC awards were developed as a way to recognize employees who demonstrate on a daily basis their commitment to FCHN’s values of Excellence, Pride, Innovation and Caring.

 

Joseph Bujold, board chair, presented each recipient with a trophy and monetary gift at the July 28 FCHN board meeting. Each also has a designated parking spot of his choice for the next three months.

 

Greg Thompson’s nomination from Beth Hartsock, a clinical preceptor for the University of Southern Maine Family Nurse Practitioner program, described his willingness to coordinate clinical opportunities for her student in her absence. “Greg graciously accepted my request and scheduled my student in his medical practices’ settings, as well as the wound clinic.”

 

Suzanne O’Brien’s nomination from Tracy Harty said, “Suzanne provides her staff and coworkers with a leadership style based on respect, trust, and a willingness to embrace change. I am nominating Suzanne for her work in managing the changes that have occurred in the lab, including the transition to NorDx, as well as numerous adjustments in scheduling and staff responsibilities in responding to Works on Wellness (WOW) Rewards program requirements and employee needs.”

 

Deb Brinkman’s nomination from Annette Tripp describes an emergency situation that required an immediate c-section at a time when the operating room (OR) crew had left for the day. “Deb had the knowledge and initiative to set up the OR for the procedure that allowed the baby to be delivered in 20 minutes, which was absolutely crucial to the excellent outcome.”

 

Eric Rollins’s nomination from Kim Turner said, “Erica identified a new syringe and tubing product to use for contrast imaging administration. The product is the same quality that was previously used, but will save the radiology department $600-$800 per month. Erica worked directly with materials management to locate and research the item and process all paperwork to complete the process.” The change is an annual savings of $8,400 for the hospital.

 

Additional nominations were received for: Roger Wells, Security; Carrie Littlefield, Franklin Health Livermore Falls Family Practice; Cathy White, Clinical Documentation; and Julie Welch, Clinical Documentation.

 

All nominees received a certificate, pin, and a copy of their nomination form.

 

DEP Commissioner Steps Down to Join the Office of Senator Collins

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced Monday that Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho is stepping down. After four years serving in the LePage Administration, Aho has accepted a position within the Office of Senator Susan Collins.

Aho has led the Department of Environmental Protection since September 2011, having previously served as the agency’s Deputy Commissioner. At the Department, Commissioner Aho focused on making improvements to assistance, compliance and environmental literacy for all members of the regulated community, maintaining high-level protections for our natural resources.

“Pattie has been a tremendous asset to the Administration by improving efficiency and accountability throughout the Department of Environmental Protection,” said Governor LePage. “We wish her well knowing she will bring value and experience to Senator Collins’ office.”

“Working with a dedicated staff, it has been my privilege to work to improve regulatory reform, increase accountability and transparency and modernize DEP’s approach to doing business,” said Commissioner Aho. “It has been my distinct honor to serve the people of Maine as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection.”

Aho will join Senator Collins’ team as the State Office Representative in Augusta. In this role, Aho will be the Senator’s representative in Kennebec, Lincoln and Knox Counties. She will also direct constituent service efforts in those areas and manage the Augusta office staff.

“I am delighted that Pattie will be joining our team as a State Office Representative,” said Senator Collins. “Pattie has a wealth of experience and brings a robust understanding of both the state and federal government to the job, as well as a deep knowledge of the area. I have known Pattie for a long time and I’m very happy to have her joining the staff.”

Aho, a native of Boothbay Harbor, is a graduate of Nasson College and earned a law degree from Western New England College, School of Law. She resides in Newcastle with her husband Ron.

Governor LePage also announced Monday Avery Day will serve as acting commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection effective Monday, September 7. Day now serves as Governor LePage’s Senior Policy Advisor on environmental protection; agriculture, conservation and forestry; inland fisheries and wildlife; and marine resources-related legislation and regulation. He will remain active in his role within the Governor’s Office while serving as acting commissioner.

 

Community Forum: Building A Connected Community: Taking Place Wednesday September 16

Farmington, ME, August 31, 2015:  The “We Are Franklin County! Where Every Life Matters” collaborative is convening a community forum on Wednesday, September 16, from 6-8 p.m. at the Mt. Blue High School Auditorium. Every member of the community is invited to attend and participate in a discussion to discover ways to better connect services to those requesting them. Information obtained from the forum will be utilized by local service agencies to improve coordination and delivery of services. Pizza will be served and free child care will be available on site. Ask your neighbor if they need a ride and bring them along!

The “We Are Franklin County! Where Every Life Matters” collaborative is a new joint venture among the Mt. Blue Regional School District, Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN), the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), and many local service agencies. Its mission is to build efficient, timely and sustainable systems to meet the needs of the community so that no member feels like they are out of options.

The collaborative is directed by the Mt. Blue Regional School District Safe Schools Committee, which consists of representatives from the community, local service agencies such as Franklin County Children’s Task Force, Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Services, as well as FCHN, UMF, and the Farmington Police Department. The collaborative and forum are supported by a Venture Grant from the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area. This community forum is the collaborative’s first effort in a plan for county-wide connection.

As Nicole Ditata, director of the Healthy Maine Partnership for the Healthy Community Coalition and Safe Schools Committee member states, “This forum can support so many different areas in our community.”

 

Healthy Community Coalition Mobile Health Unit Events

Farmington¾

 

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) has announced its September schedule for Mobile Health Unit outreach events.

 

Staff will be offering services such as blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks, cancer prevention, nutrition, physical activity and tobacco information, one-on-one health counseling and information, and assistance with referrals to the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program and other health assistance programs.

 

Additional services include colon cancer screening kits for those who qualify and body composition analysis. The test kits, a less invasive way to screen for colon cancer, can be completed in the privacy of one’s own home. Body composition analysis will allow participants to see a breakdown of lean muscle, extracellular and intracellular water, and segmental lean analysis and can track various components such as changes in muscle and fat tissue, and physical fitness improvements where weight may not change. Body composition analysis is an excellent tracking tool for weight loss, fitness and nutrition programs. Distracted driving education and teen/parent tools such as Safe Driving Contracts will be available for parents and teens.

 

The Mobile Health Unit will be offering health screenings at Rangeley Food Bank on Tuesday, September 1 from 10 a.m.-noon; Rangeley IGA on Tuesday, September from 12:30-3 p.m.; Farmington Save-A-Lot on Wednesday, September 2 from 9 a.m-1 p.m.; Wilton Food Bank on Thursday, September 3 from 9-11 a.m.; Wilton Food City on Thursday, September 3 from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Livermore Falls Food City on Tuesday, September 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Phillips Food Bank on Thursday, September 10 from 9-11 a.m. and Edmunds Market on Thursday, September 10 from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m; Sandy River Farm Supply in New Sharon on Monday, September 14 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Salem Food Bank on Tuesday, September 15 from noon-3 p.m.; and Fotter’s Market in Stratton on Thursday, September 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

 

In addition, the Mobile Health Unit will be offering screenings and featuring local health care providers daily at the Farmington Fair. A schedule will be announced.

 

All services are provided free. Donations are accepted. For more information please contact Janis Walker at 779-2750 or jwalker@fchn.org.

 

Physician Assistant Joins Franklin Health Orthopaedics

Has 14 years experience in diverse settings including orthopedics

Farmington¾

 

Physician assistant and Jay native, Steven Coates, PA-C, has joined the Franklin Memorial Hospital medical staff as a provider at Franklin Health Orthopaedics. Other providers in the practice include Thomas Pulling, MD; and Zachary Blakeman, DPM.

 

Coates has 14 years experience as a physician assistant providing care for patients since 2001. He brings three years of experience providing medical care in an orthopedic practice, as well as assisting orthopedic surgeons in the operating room. Most recently, Coates was affiliated with Ocala Neurosurgical Center in Ocala, Florida.

 

Coates received his master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.

 

Coates and his wife Lenia have purchased a home in Livermore Falls where they will reside with their three daughters, ages 12, 10, and one and a half.

 

Franklin Health Orthopaedics, located on the second floor of the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, is conveniently located on the Franklin Memorial Hospital campus. Besides orthopedic services including joint replacements, podiatry and sports medicine are also offered. For more information or to make an appointment, call 778-9001.

 

Miller Appointed Franklin Memorial Hospital Director of Pharmacy

FARMINGTON¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) announces that Garry Miller, R.Ph., has been appointed director of pharmacy. Before becoming director, he had served as clinical pharmacist on a per diem basis for the Farmington hospital.

 

Miller is responsible for all pharmacy operations and services, facilitating the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of programs and services to assure the highest level of pharmaceutical care consistent with regulatory bodies, industry standards, and hospital policies.

 

Before joining FMH as pharmacy director, Miller served for three years as director of pharmacy at two Maine state psychiatric hospitals: Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center in Bangor and at Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta.

 

Miller received his bachelor’s degree with high distinction in pharmacy, followed by national certification in medication therapy management, both at the University of Rhode Island. He is a member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

 

Miller resides in Woolwich with his wife, Martha. They are parents of five grown children and five grandchildren. Personal interests include organic gardening, cooking, and bread baking.