Tell Us Your One Shining Moment
As you reflect on 2015, is there one memory that makes you especially proud to call yourself a BWHer? BWH Bulletin encourages you to share your “One Shining Moment” with the Brigham community for our year-end issue. Email your proudest moment of 2015, along with a related photo of yourself or the team involved, to BWHBulletin@partners.org by Friday, Dec. 11. One Shining Moments will be posted on PikeNotes, and a selection will appear in the year-end print issue of Bulletin.

Submit Questions for Town Meeting
Join BWHC President Betsy Nabel, MD, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, noon–1 p.m., in Bornstein Amphitheater for the next BWH Town Meeting. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org and tell us what you’d like to hear about at the next meeting by submitting a topic or question in advance.

Ellucid and Policy Central
This is a reminder that BWH policies can be accessed either on the Ellucid Policy Management System at hospitalpolicies.ellucid.com/home, which can be found under the Partners Applications menu in the “Policies and Procedures” folder, or on BWHPikeNotes.org. Human Resources policies can be found on the Internet at brighamandwomens.org. Recently, Partners HealthCare launched Policy Central, the new host of Partners enterprise-wide policies.

Epic Efficiency Classes
Struggling to return to your pre-Epic productivity? Attending physicians are invited to take a one-hour Epic efficiency class. Space is limited to 15 seats per class. Tuesday, Dec. 8, and Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 800 Huntington Ave., third floor Computer Training Rooms. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org or call 857-307-1185 to register.

Tune in to TEDMED 2015

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, through Friday, Nov. 20, leaders from across science and medicine will take the stage at TEDMED 2015. Several BWHers will be among them, including Thomas H. Lee, MD, a practicing internist/cardiologist at BWH; Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, a physician at BWH prior to being appointed U.S. Surgeon General last year; and Sangeeta Bhatia, MD, PhD, a biomedical engineer at BWH and MIT. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org for information on accessing the live feed.

Dec. 1 Flu Vaccination Deadline Approaching

All employees who have not received flu vaccination by Dec. 1—for any reason—will be required to wear a mask in clinical areas. Occupational Health has added new dates for employee flu vaccination clinics: Nov. 16, 17, 18 and 30; and Dec. 1 and 2. Visit the Shapiro Center Miller Atrium on these dates from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Employees may also make an appointment at the Neville House Clinic or visit during walk-in hours. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org for more information, including attestation requirements.

Submit questions for Town Meeting on Dec. 1

Join BWHC President Betsy Nabel, MD, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, noon–1 p.m., in Bornstein Amphitheater for the next BWH Town Meeting. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org and tell us what you’d like to hear about at the next meeting by submitting a topic or question in advance.

Tell Us Your One Shining Moment

As you reflect on 2015, is there one memory that makes you especially proud to call yourself a BWHer? Maybe you recall a touching moment with a patient or family member, or perhaps you witnessed a colleague do something that made you proud. BWH Bulletin encourages you to share your “One Shining Moment” with the Brigham community for our annual year-end issue. Email your proudest moment of 2015, along with a related photo of yourself or the team involved, to bwhbulletin@partners.org by Friday, Dec. 11. Shining Moments will be posted on PikeNotes, and a selection will appear in the year-end print issue of Bulletin.

The BWH community mourns the loss of Christina Ruth, RN, clinical nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 24 after a battle with cancer. She was 60.

Born in Nakuru, Kenya, Mrs. Ruth left her hometown at the age of 18 to study nursing in Ireland. She later moved to Scotland, where she studied and practiced midwifery and earned a neurological ICU certification. After a posting for a nursing position in Canada caught her eye, Mrs. Ruth moved to Calgary, where she met and later married Gerard Ruth. Throughout her wide and varied nursing career, Mrs. Ruth always cared for newborns and their families.

After marrying, the Ruths settled in Winchester, Mass. Mrs. Ruth practiced in the BWH NICU for 23 years.

“Christina had a natural gift for bringing light into every room and forming beautiful relationships with everyone around her,” said Kerri Duggan, RN, clinical nurse in the NICU. “She made sure she knew everyone, whether they were a new staff member or a medical student on rounds. She will be in our hearts forever.”

Known for her warm and caring demeanor, Mrs. Ruth befriended patients and colleagues alike—even as she battled cancer. In 2014, when a group of medical students from Guatemala visited the NICU for a rotation, she mentored them. She wanted them to experience a true Thanksgiving dinner, so she cooked one for them. Her illness didn’t dampen her caring nature.

Gerard Ruth recalls: “I remember carrying an incredible amount of food up to the students’ tiny South End apartment. There was no elevator in the building and Christina insisted, against all medical and my advice, on climbing up several flights of stairs to present them with this wonderful meal. She loved seeing their looks of amazement and gratitude when they saw the spread she had prepared.”

When Mrs. Ruth was hospitalized at BWH, she knitted hats for the team of technicians who performed her CT scans. Several of her nurses on CWN-7 and at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute were pregnant, and she made sweaters and hats for their unborn babies.

“It was incredible how many people came to see Christina while she was sick,” said Duggan. Relatives and friends came from around the country and world to visit, including a family from Florida whose child she had cared for. The family visited Mrs. Ruth a week before she passed.

“Christina was an extraordinary nurse and a truly wonderful person,” said Marianne Cummings, MSN, RN, nurse director of the NICU. “She had a genuine interest in the world around her, and her caring for and about others leaves the world a better place.”

Mrs. Ruth leaves behind her loving husband of 23 years, Gerard, as well as six brothers and sisters, Freddy, Marilyne, Jane, Christopher, Dorothy and Rosita.

The BWH NICU team attended her wake and funeral wearing scrubs to honor Mrs. Ruth’s lifelong dedication to nursing.

Ron Walls (at left) and Bob Donaghue at the Veterans Day ceremony

As is BWH’s annual tradition, members of the Brigham community paused on Veterans Day to honor America’s veterans and servicemen and women in active duty during a special ceremony in the 15 Francis St. lobby.

After the marching of the Color Guard and the playing of the national anthem, Navy veteran Eric Goralnick, MD, MS, medical director of Emergency Preparedness, and Navy veteran Andrew Miller, MD, of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, presented some of the many medical advances developed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ron M. Walls, MD, executive vice president and chief operating officer of BWHC, also spoke during the celebration, noting that Veterans Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to the veterans who work among us and all servicemen and women.

“The enormity of your sacrifices inspires us all,” he said. “Thank you for your courage, integrity and dedication to duty.”

Walls took a few minutes to honor BWH’s highest ranking veteran and celebration organizer Bob Donaghue, operations manager for Security and Parking and retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, who is retiring in February after a 24-year career at BWH. A slideshow of photos of Donaghue and his colleagues played as Walls spoke.

“Bob is a role model for what we all should aspire to be,” said Walls. “He is an upstanding and honest man. He is helpful, loyal and committed. Bob embodies the values of the U.S. Marine Corps—courage, honor and commitment—here at BWH every day.”

Donaghue presented his sword to Walls and Erin McDonough, MBA, senior vice president and chief communication officer, for the final, and sweetest, part of the ceremony. Walls and McDonough used the sword to cut the first piece of BWH’s giant Veterans Day cake, another BWH tradition.

Hear Donaghue talk about what Veterans Day means to him:

View a photo gallery of the event.

Tell Us Your One Shining Moment
As you reflect on 2015, is there one memory that makes you especially proud to call yourself a BWHer? Maybe you recall a touching moment with a patient or family member, or perhaps you witnessed a colleague do something that made you proud. BWH Bulletin encourages you to share your “One Shining Moment” with the Brigham community for our annual year-end issue on Friday, Dec. 18. Email your proudest moment of 2015, along with a related photo of yourself or the team involved, to bwhbulletin@partners.org by Friday, Dec. 11. Shining Moments will be posted on PikeNotes, and a selection will appear in the year-end print issue of Bulletin.

Additional Flu Vaccination Clinics
Occupational Health Services (OHS) has added new dates for employee flu vaccination in the Shapiro Center’s Miller Atrium (second floor): Nov. 16, 17, 18 and 30 and Dec. 1 and 2, 6:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Employees may also make an appointment or visit the Neville House Clinic during walk-in hours (Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 7–9 a.m.; Wednesdays: 2–3 p.m.). As a reminder, all employees must attest in PeopleSoft to receiving influenza vaccine or declining to be vaccinated by Dec. 1. Attestation is done automatically for those who receive vaccine through OHS. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more about attestation and the new policy pertaining to employee flu vaccination.

BWH Science Club Volunteers Needed
Elementary school students in Mission Hill are in need of science volunteers, and BWHers can help. Volunteers work with a group of four elementary school students in nearby schools for one hour every week for four weeks. You do not need to be an expert in science. You can sign up individually or pair up with a colleague. Email paudeh@partners.org or call 617-264-8740 for more details.

Expanded Hours in the BWH Cafeteria
The BWH Cafeteria now offers “Simply to Go” sandwiches and salads, fresh fruit cups and beverages, 10:30–11:15 a.m. daily. The Cafeteria had previously been closed during this period.

Benefits Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for employee benefits runs through Tuesday, Nov. 24, with changes effective Jan. 1, 2016. Open enrollment is the one time of year, other than a change in status or life event, when all benefits-eligible BWH staff can update health insurance and other benefits, add coverage for eligible dependents and elect a Flexible Spending Account. Learn more at BWHPikeNotes.org.

This week’s Safety & Security Corner focuses on recent thefts of bikes and cell phones in the Longwood Medical Area. As always, staff should report safety concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing non-urgent questions to BWHSafety@partners.org.

A number of recent bicycle and cell phone thefts around the main campus and Longwood Medical Area have been reported to the Boston Police Department. Many of the bike thefts have occurred because people are only locking their bike’s front tire to a stationary object. Thieves can easily remove the front tire and steal the rest of a bike. If possible, please secure your bike frame with a U-lock (see image) rather than a cable lock. U-locks provide better protection for your bike. There is also a bicycle cage on the ground floor of the 5 Francis St. garage that is open around the clock. The cage is equipped with a card reader, cameras and alarms to ensure your bike is safe at all hours. For more information or to sign up to use the cage, visit the Security and Parking office in the Neville House on Vining Street. Call Security and Parking at 617-732-5877 with questions.

Additionally, someone has been riding a bicycle in the area and stealing phones from people while they are talking on them and appear distracted. Please be aware of your surroundings, and when possible, make calls before leaving or upon entering a building.

Tell Us Your One Shining Moment
As you reflect on 2015, is there one memory that makes you especially proud to call yourself a BWHer? Maybe you recall a touching moment with a patient or family member, or perhaps you witnessed a colleague do something that made you proud. BWH Bulletin encourages you to share your “One Shining Moment” with the Brigham community for our annual year-end issue on Friday, Dec. 18. Email your proudest moment of 2015, along with a related photo of yourself or the team involved, to BWHBulletin@partners.org by Friday, Dec. 11. Shining Moments will be posted on PikeNotes, and a selection will appear in the year-end print issue of Bulletin.

Naming Contest: Cost-Savings Ideas
BWH is launching a new program that invites all employees to submit their cost-savings ideas. Ideas that are selected and implemented will be awarded a cash prize. Before the innovative program launches, BWH needs your ideas on what to call it! Submit as many suggestions as you would like. A cash award will be presented to the employee who submits the selected program name. Email creative suggestions to awebster6@partners.org by Thursday, Nov. 5. Please note: The BWH Massachusetts Nurses Association union has opted not to allow their members to participate.    

BWH United Way Campaign
BWH’s United Way campaign is right around the corner. Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, keep an eye on your email inbox for information about how you can participate in the campaign by making a confidential and secure online donation via payroll deduction, credit card or check. Donors will be entered to win dozens of prizes, including a football signed by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, a mountain bike and more.

BWH Hackathon: Digital Health, Nov. 6–8
The BWH Hackathon, in collaboration with Brigham Innovation Hub and MIT Hacking Medicine, will convene inventive, forward-thinking minds to change the status quo and create disruptive solutions in health care today. The third annual hackathon, focused on digital health, will bring together a diverse, multidisciplinary group to “pitch” problems impacting health care, develop solutions and present demonstrations to a panel of judges. The hackathon will take place Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8, in Cabot Atrium (45 Francis St.). Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to apply and view the schedule of events.

Ellen Gilmore

Ellen Gilmore, MS, director of Organizational Effectiveness for BWH Human Resources since Dec. 2012, has been named executive director of Human Resources.

Gilmore previously oversaw the Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) and Workforce Development (WFD) teams, and was responsible for developing practices that support BWH’s strategic commitment to an engaged workforce. In addition to continuing these responsibilities, Gilmore now oversees all day-to-day Human Resources activities, including employee relations, labor relations, hiring and operations.

Prior to joining BWH, Gilmore worked as the director of Engagement for Human Resources in Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts & Sciences. She received her bachelor’s degree in math and computer science from Regis College and her master’s in training and development from Lesley University.

PFAC for Gender and Sexuality, Oct. 26

The Bretholtz Center for Patient & Families at BWH is proud to celebrate LGBT’s National Coming Out Day, which took place earlier this month, and welcome the newest Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) for Gender and Sexuality. Join BWH on Monday, Oct. 26, noon–1 p.m., in Bornstein Amphitheater for a discussion of LGBT care concerns, information about intersectionality from Gary Bailey, DHL, MSW, of the School of Social Work at Simmons College, and the viewing of a special video.

Veterans Day Celebration, Nov. 11
Please join BWH in honoring veterans during its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at noon, in the 15 Francis St. lobby. All are welcome to attend. Cake will be served following the ceremony.

Open Enrollment, Nov. 2–24

Open enrollment for 2016 employee benefits will take place Nov. 2–24, with changes effective Jan. 1, 2016. Open enrollment is the one time of year—other than a change in status or life event—when all benefits-eligible BWH staff can update health insurance and other benefits, add coverage for eligible dependents and elect a Flexible Spending Account. A packet with more information will be sent to your address on file in PeopleSoft. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Free LGBT Health Care Webinars
Understanding the diverse perspectives, needs and concerns of BWH’s patients is vital to providing the highest-quality care. Please complete a free training from the National LGBT Education Center related to patient-centered care for LGBT patients by Saturday, Oct. 31. Learn more.

Free Yoga Classes for BWH Employees
BWH is offering free yoga classes to employees on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4–5 p.m., through Friday, Nov. 20, on the Shapiro Porch. Classes range from beginner/level 1 on Mondays to all levels on Wednesdays and Fridays. Classes are first-come, first-served. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Join the Brigham Bicycle Group

Receive updates on cycling-related news and events at BWH and around the LMA by emailing BWHParking@partners.org. Are you interested in an occasional weekend social bike ride? Email ride organizer Wes Klimas at wklimas@partners.org.

Each year, Partners spends millions of dollars in printer services—including contracts for leased printers—for administrative areas throughout the system. The goal is to make printing more efficient and less expensive in these areas through printing optimization.

A pilot project was conducted last year at the Schrafft Center in Charlestown, where 1,100 Partners employees work. More than 80 percent of LaserJet and DeskJet printers were removed, and most employees now use strategically located multi-functional devices (MFDs) throughout the building. MFDs are machines with both color and black-and-white printing capabilities that can copy, scan, print and fax documents.

Before the project began, 75 percent of printing occurred on LaserJet and DeskJet printers; now, it’s 31 percent. In addition, Schrafft staff have increased their use of duplex printing (printing on both sides of a sheet of paper) and limited the frequency of color printing. Not only does this cut costs, but it reduces the amount of power and paper being used, a significant environmental benefit. All printing equipment in the building also now receives toner and maintenance services from a single vendor, resulting in additional cost savings.

The project is being rolled out at six additional Partners administrative buildings this year: Wellesley Gateway, One Constitution Center, One Cabot Road, 101 Merrimac, 101 Huntington and 50 Staniford. The project does not include printing in clinical areas since clinical area printing needs and requirements are often technologically complex.

The initiative at the Schrafft Center alone is expected to save more than $200,000 annually. When implemented throughout other Partners administrative sites, the savings could reach $800,000 to $1 million.

If you have cost-saving ideas, email patientaffordability@partners.org.

This week’s Safety & Security Corner focuses on a frequently asked question about armed security guards. As always, staff should report safety concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing non-urgent questions to BWHSafety@partners.org.

Why aren’t BWH’s security guards armed?

There is no evidence that having armed security guards lowers the rate of hospital violence, and every hospital must examine its own unique environment and develop the best approaches to safety. At BWH, our Security Department is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all employees, patients, families and visitors. It is supported by at least one armed Boston Police officer on-site at the hospital who has the ability to dispatch additional armed officers to the hospital within minutes in an emergency situation.

“We want everyone to be aware, alert and communicative and to know what to do in an emergency situation. We do not want people to be afraid,” said Bob Donaghue, operations manager for Security and Parking. “Hospitals are safer places without guns inside them.”

The security teams at BWH’s peer institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Medical Center, are not armed.

BWH Cafeteria Construction Project Update
It is expected that the next phase of construction on the BWH Cafeteria will begin in late December, requiring the temporary closure of the Cafeteria. A grand reopening is scheduled to take place at the end of April. Additional dining options will be available at BWH during this time, and more information will be provided closer to the time of closure.

Perks, Cashier’s Office Sales: Payroll Deduction Only
The Perks Office and Cashier’s Office will be moving to payroll deduction sales only, beginning Oct. 15. By eliminating cash sale transactions, the Perks Office will run more efficiently and safely. In addition, employees will benefit from a seamless, faster purchasing process that better supports the ability to purchase tickets during ticket sales hours. The availability of Perks offerings will remain the same; however, credit cards, checks and cash will no longer be accepted forms of payment. Contact the Perks Office at bwhperks@partners.org with questions.

Enroll in a College Degree Program

Workforce Development and Partners HealthCare are helping employees accomplish their educational and professional goals with a partnership with College for America—an accredited, nonprofit online degree program that is designed for working adults with busy lives. The partnership allows BWH and other Partners hospital employees to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Upcoming application deadlines are Tuesday, Oct. 20, for a Nov. 1 start and Friday, Nov. 20, for a Dec. 1 start. Learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, by visiting www.partners.org/cfa.

Employee Flu Vaccination, New Policy

Occupational Health Services offers seasonal flu vaccinations to all staff. Visit the Neville House Clinic by appointment or during walk-in hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 7–9 a.m., and Wednesdays, 2–3 p.m., to receive flu vaccine. Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1, and continuing through the end of flu season, BWH and BWFH personnel who are not vaccinated for influenza for any reason, including a medical reason, will be required to wear a surgical or procedural mask while they are in patients’ rooms or patient care areas, and whenever there is reasonable expectation of being within 6 feet of a patient in a patient care area. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more about the new policy and view a complete schedule of clinics throughout the distributed campus.

ICD-10 Go-Live Support

ICD-10 went live on Thursday, Oct. 1. For more details on how this transition and its changes will affect providers using Epic, visit BWHPikeNotes.org.

Partners Urgent Care: Open in Brookline

Partners Urgent Care has opened its first center at 1285 Beacon St. in Brookline (Coolidge Corner). Owned and operated by Partners HealthCare and MedSpring Urgent Care—and an affiliate of BWH and MGH—the urgent care center treats a wide range of illnesses and injuries for adults and children older than 1. Same-day appointments are available, and walk-ins are welcome. The center has physicians on-site from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays. Watch for new locations in Watertown and Newton later this year. For more information, visit PartnersUrgentCare.org. 

Employee Flu Vaccination

Occupational Health Services offers seasonal flu vaccination to all personnel. Vaccination can be obtained Oct. 5–Oct. 9 in the Neville House lobby, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; and in the Neville House clinic by appointment or during walk-in hours (Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 7–9 a.m.; Wednesdays: 2–3 p.m.) after Oct. 9. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Joseph E. Murray Visiting Professor 

Mats Brännström, MD, PhD, professor and chairman of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Sahlgrenska Academy/University of Gothenburg in Sweden, will present “Uterus Transplantation: A Life-giving Procedure” on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m., in Bornstein Amphitheater. A reception will follow in Cabot Atrium. RSVP by Friday, Oct. 16, to rboyar@partners.org.

Volunteer to be a BWH Pen Pal, Book Buddy

The Center for Community Health and Health Equity (CCHHE) is seeking employees to volunteer as pen pals or book buddies to students in nearby elementary schools. Pen pals will receive and write one letter every other month and meet their pen pal twice at the school. All correspondence goes through CCHHE staff. Book buddies read to an elementary school class once per month for 30 minutes. To learn more, contact Pamela Audeh at 617-264-8740, or email paudeh@partners.org.

This week’s Safety & Security Corner focuses on ongoing advances in the safety and security of patients, families, visitors and staff. As always, staff should report safety concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing non-urgent questions to BWHSafety@partners.org.

This year, BWH has implemented a number of security measures, including the hospital-wide S.A.F.E. Program, hiring additional security staff, increasing security patrols, installing panic buttons throughout the system and making improvements to its electronic security monitoring systems.

A nationally respected health care security consultant also completed an in-depth assessment of BWH’s overall security program. His findings conclude that security and safety performance systems are strong and BWH is safe, but there is room for improvement. Senior leadership has established working groups that include staff across the organization to determine priorities around the consultant recommendations related to construction and facilities, workplace violence, and incident and event communication, among others.

BWH has also worked with the Boston Police Department and the Boston Fire Department to identify the conditions that would make it possible to lock down inpatient units in the Shapiro Center. BWH’s work is nearly complete in identifying the resources, security staffing, technology and training required to implement this next step in its ongoing commitment to vigilance and a comprehensive security program. BWH continues to move forward in developing and implementing revisions to its comprehensive security strategy, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ernst Daniel bought a bike helmet at BWH’s Employee Wellness Day.

Ernst Daniel, a Biomedical Engineering manager, was eager to attend BWH’s Employee Wellness Day so he could learn more about the various health and wellness offerings available to employees.

Cabot Atrium was abuzz with excitement during the Sept. 24 event, with nearly 700 employees visiting an assortment of tables that provided free giveaways and shared resources about everything from smoking cessation and spiritual services to primary care, weight management, reiki and more.

Daniel visited several tables, including the nutrition table, where he talked with BWH nutritionists about the importance of building a balanced meal, and the Shop on the Pike table, where he purchased a bike helmet and learned about bike safety.

Carin Bennett-Rizzo, director of BWH Occupational Health, says she was delighted with the event’s turnout.

“In the Employee Pulse Survey, many shared that wellness is a top priority for them,” said Bennett-Rizzo. “We take such extraordinary care of our patients at BWH, and to continue to do that, we must make our own health and wellness a top priority.”

In addition to creating new wellness opportunities at BWH for employees, such as a yoga pilot coming this fall, the hospital is working to expand offerings to employees who work nights, weekends and offsite, including hosting an off-hours employee wellness fair.

Michael Sullivan, a senior administrative assistant for BWPO Billing Compliance, also attended the fair. Since quitting smoking earlier this year, he says he has struggled with his weight. Sullivan learned about the offerings available to employees, including resources for weight management.

“I want to be a healthier person, and this is a great place to start,” said Sullivan. “As an employee, it’s important to me that I take advantage of the resources available at the hospital to help me reach my health goals.”

At the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) table, Lucila Leone, LMHC, CEAP, an employee assistance counselor, discussed ways to manage stress and handed out skin thermometers—small, round stickers that change color based on stress level.

BWHC President Betsy Nabel tests out a skin thermometer at Employee Wellness Day.

Daniel Woodman, of Spiritual Care Services, and colleagues served tea in china cups and promoted the various spiritual care resources available to employees.

The fair also featured samples of heart-healthy foods, including apples and autumn quinoa, as well as a series of 20-minute talks on various wellness-related topics, such as sleep, chair yoga, meditation and resiliency.

In partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield—whose representatives were available at the event—BWH has also launched a free online interactive health and wellness website for employees and their dependents called “A Healthy Me.” The innovative tool allows employees to set wellness goals, take online workshops and track progress. More information is available at BWHPikeNotes.org and will be included in employees’ benefits information packets later this month. To log into the site, visit www.ahealthyme.com/login.

View more photos from the event.

This week’s “Safety & Security” corner features information about last week’s homicide in Mission Hill and support for staff, including BWH’s Violence Recovery Program. As always, staff should report safety concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing non-urgent questions to BWHSafety@partners.org.

There was a homicide in Mission Hill last week near an area where many BWH employees and patients work, dine and shop. On the afternoon of the incident, leadership, HR managers and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) staff rounded on the floors at One Brigham Circle (OBC) and spoke with many employees; EAP also visited the Shapiro Center that afternoon and talked with staff, and returned with hospital leadership to OBC the following day.

Violence affects everyone in very different and profound ways, even if we are not directly injured by the violence. Chronic exposure to violence or the threat of violence can impact long-term health and well-being. In 2011, in an effort to provide a response to the violence in our community, BWH started the Violence Recovery Program, which offers supportive services to patients, family members and employees who experience trauma as a result of exposure to community violence.

If you are experiencing any impact from this incident, or from any other form of interpersonal violence, help and resources are available. EAP provides expertise in issues specific to the workplace, and can serve as a liaison between work and community resources. Also, October is Interpersonal Violence Awareness Month, during which there will be many opportunities for education and discussion around community, domestic and sexual violence. For more information, please contact Mardi Chadwick at mchadwick1@partners.org, or call EAP at 617-732-6017.

National Emergency Preparedness Month
During National Preparedness Month, BWH reminds staff to develop personal preparedness plans with a home emergency kit and supplies, a family plan with details for communication and child and elder care, and an understanding of the kinds of emergencies that may occur. At work, staff should collaborate with one another and their supervisors about their roles, participate in drills and review the hospital’s Crisis Resource Manual. The latest issue of Are You Prepared?, a monthly publication from BWHC Emergency Management, focuses on National Preparedness Month. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Patient Safety, Quality Improvement
The two-day course “Strategies, Metrics, Updates and Best Practices to Improve Quality and Safety” will focus on how to effectively translate current quality and safety concepts, standards and mandates into daily practice. The conference will be held Monday, Oct. 26, and Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Hilton Back Bay (40 Dalton St., Boston). David Bates, MD, MSc, BWHC chief innovation officer, and Allen Kachalia, MD, JD, BHWC chief quality officer, will present. Credit is available. Visit improvement.hmscme.com to register.

HealthStream Assignments Due Sept. 30

Make sure to complete all courses listed under “Assigned Learning.” Check for your assignments in HealthStream by logging in under Partners Applications > Utilities > HealthStream, and clicking the “My Learning” tab. Learn more at BWHPikeNotes.org, or email bwhhealthstream@partners.org.

Diversity and Inclusiveness Dialogues

The 2015-2016 “Diversity and Inclusiveness Dialogues: Conscious Conversations about Race and Health Inequities” begin on Oct. 1, 4–6 p.m., in the Patient Care Services Conference Room. These lively, interactive sessions are an opportunity for staff to come together to discuss the intersection of race and health, with the goal of creating a work environment at BWH where everyone who enters our doors feels welcomed and cared for. The workshops are facilitated by the Nursing and Patient Care Services Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee and take place the first Thursday of each month. Email mgreenwald@partners.org, or call 617-732-8590 to register.

Joint Commission Readiness Fair, Sept. 17
Joint Commission surveyors will arrive unannounced sometime between now and February 2016 for BWH’s accreditation survey. Visit Cabot Atrium on Thursday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., to learn about the upcoming visit and ways to prepare. Learn more.

BWH Service Awards Ceremony, Sept. 21
The BWH community is invited to attend the 35th annual Employee Service Awards ceremony, which honors employees who have worked at the hospital in increments of five years. The event will be held on Monday, Sept. 21, beginning at 4 p.m. Please note the new location for this year’s ceremony is the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at HMS, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur. View a list of this year’s recipients.

Employee Wellness Event, Sept. 24
Join BWH on Thursday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., in Cabot Atrium, to hear from Nutrition, Chaplaincy, the Employee Assistance Program and other groups about wellness resources at BWH. The event will feature a cooking demonstration, as well as a series of 20-minute talks on various wellness-related topics, such as sleep and ergonomics.

Internet Explorer 11 Coming Sept. 21
For three weeks, beginning Monday, Sept. 21, Partners will be rolling out Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) to private-build workstations at BWHC, from 2 to 5 a.m. each morning. In order to receive IE11, workstations must be powered on and connected to the Partners network, and the user must be logged off. Devices with IE9, including PeC workstations and clinical and mobile workstations, will not be upgraded at this time. IE11 will be implemented on clinical builds after Thursday, Oct. 15. Call Dave St. Amand at 781-416-8941 with questions.

Brigham iHub Office Hours on the Pike
Visit the new Brigham Innovation Hub (Brigham iHub) space on the Pike. Office hours for the Brigham iHub, Brigham Research Institute, Partners Innovation and Communication & Public Affairs will be available on the second floor of 75 Francis St. before the Shapiro bridge (the previous Partners eCare Information Center). For a schedule of office hours or to sign up for a meeting, visit disruptingmedicine.org, or stop by the space.

All staff are encouraged to program the BWH Security phone number (617-732-6565) into their cell phones so it is easily accessible to request assistance or report suspicious activity. BWHers with smartphones should also consider installing a flashlight app for use during a potential power outage or when additional lighting is needed, such as outside at night. As a reminder, staff should always speak up about safety concerns by telling a manager, calling Security or emailing non-urgent questions or concerns to BWHSafety@partners.org.

Joint Commission Staff Readiness Fair

Joint Commission surveyors will arrive unannounced sometime between now and February 2016 for BWH’s accreditation survey. Visit Cabot Atrium on Thursday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., to learn about the upcoming visit and ways to prepare. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Epic Reports Drop-In Sessions
These sessions are a forum for end-users to learn how to find data and navigate reports they have access to. These sessions are not a forum for new report requests. If you need a new report, please open a ticket with the Help Desk. Upcoming Epic reports drop-in sessions will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., in the Duncan Reid Conference Room, and Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2–5 p.m., in the Shapiro Board Room. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org for the full schedule.

BWH Clinical Systems Audit
The annual BWH Clinical Systems Audit begins Monday, Sept. 7. It ensures that all BWH employees are using no more than the minimum necessary patient information to perform their duties. Those who manage direct reports listed in PeopleSoft and have access to any of the included applications will receive an email with a link to the audit tool on Sept. 7. The audit period runs for three weeks, ending Friday, Sept. 25. During this time, the BWH Privacy Office can assist managers with completing audits. Contact 617-582-5201, or email PHSClinicalSystemsAudit@partners.org with questions. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

ICD-10 HealthStream Training
The ICD-10 implementation date of Thursday, Oct. 1, is fast-approaching. ICD-10 non-provider HealthStream courses are due Tuesday, Sept. 15, and ICD-10 provider HealthStream courses are due Wednesday, Sept. 30. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Primary Care Search Tool Available
You can now find adult or pediatric primary care physicians (PCPs) in the Partners network who are accepting new patients using a new online search tool. Learn more at BWHPikeNotes.org.

Finding a Living Donor Program
The Division of Transplant Surgery at BWH will host a free educational program about different methods available to individuals awaiting a kidney transplant to seek a living donor on Friday, Sept. 11, 5–7:30 p.m. in Carrie Hall. To RSVP, or for more information, email BWHFindingalivingdonor@partners.org, or call 617-732-6866. Please indicate how many people will be attending. Access the link to the webcast at the time of the event.

Coffee Connection @45, located in Cabot Atrium at 45 Francis St., is open for business. The menu includes specialty coffee and tea, bottled beverages, soup, flatbread and panini sandwiches, pizzettas (small pizzas), snacks and grab ‘n’ go sandwiches, wraps, yogurt, fruit and salads. Hours of operation from now through Monday, Sept. 7, are Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–4 p.m. As of Tuesday, Sept. 8, Coffee Connection @45 will be open Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Bob Donaghue

BWH Bulletin sat down with Bob Donaghue, operations manager for Security and Parking, to learn more about Code Grey. 

What is a Code Grey?

A Code Grey is any type of a security emergency. This could include witnessing threatening or violent behavior, unsafe physical conditions or anything else that causes a reaction of fear. For example, if you see someone hitting another person, that’s a Code Grey. If you see a theft taking place, Code Grey can allow BWH Security to respond quickly. If you see someone who is not clearly identifiable as a police or security officer or guard who has a weapon, Code Grey would allow Security to get to and speak with that person quickly.

How long does it take Security to respond?

Security responds to the code immediately, usually with two to five available officers, depending on the situation.

What happens when a Code Grey is called? 

When the STAT Line announces Code Grey, Security dispatches officers to the location of the code and then calls that area to attempt to get more information about the situation while the responding officers are on their way. If dispatchers receive more information, they will update the responding officers with details about what they will arrive to. This allows responders to better understand the situation before they arrive and to dispatch more units or the Boston Police if needed.

When calling the code location, Security dispatchers will state: “This is Security, and we are on our way to (location). Can you tell us more about the situation?” If the staff member is not able to answer the question for any safety or security reason, they should say, “I’m sorry; I don’t know,” and hang up. This will not affect Security’s response or response time.

What is the difference between Code Grey and the panic buttons?

The panic button is a silent Code Grey. Pressing the panic button activates the Code Grey response without an intercom announcement when an employee can’t safely call a code through the STAT Line. Security responds in exactly the same way when a panic button is pushed.

What if someone is unsure about whether to call Code Grey?

I like to say, “When in doubt, call it out.” If you’re unsure, it is best to call a Code Grey to be safe.

is there Anything else people should know?

Every staff member should know when to call a code, how to call it and what to do when Security responds. If it is safe to do so, staff members in the location should show responding officers where the problem is and help contain the situation by keeping others away from the area and calming patients and staff. Staff are also encouraged to program the BWH Security phone number (617-732-6565) into their cell phones in case they need to request assistance.

To report a Code Grey, call the STAT Line at 617-732-6555.

When BWH interventional cardiologist Pinak Shah, MD, and his band mates from “Off Label” perform later this month at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston in honor of Michael Davidson, MD, they know their friend, colleague and former lead guitarist will be with them in spirit.

“I can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to an amazing physician and person,” said Shah. “It means so much to be able to honor Mike by doing something he loved: making music.”

In addition to music from “Off Label,” the bands “Grounds for Divorce” and “Rod the Long Bone” will perform at the event, which will be held Sept. 26. BWH thoracic surgeon Daniel Wiener, MD, is also a band member in “Off Label,” and BWH plastic surgeons Matthew Carty, MD, and Eric Halvorson, MD, are members of “Rod the Long Bone.”

The night will feature live and silent auctions, with proceeds and ticket sales going to the Dr. Michael J. Davidson Family Fund. A close friend of Davidson’s will match all donations from the evening up to $10,000.

Shira Doron, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Tufts Medical Center and “Off Label” lead singer, said band mates chose to name the event “Rock Like Mike” after Davidson’s mentor and friend Andy Eisenhauer, MD, a BWH interventional cardiologist, encouraged people to “be like Mike.” They want people to challenge themselves to live on the edge of their comfort zone, just as Davidson did.

“If we can take anything from his life, it is to be inspired by the way he lived each day,” said Doron, lead organizer of the event.

Carty says the night will be about celebrating Davidson’s life and all of the good he brought into the world.

“The event will bring people together to honor Mike’s primary passions,” Carty said. “This is a great way to remember Mike and all of the things that were important to him.”

All are welcome to attend the concert on Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.–midnight, at the Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rocklikemike.com.

Matt Schuster

With a passion to promote patient engagement through innovative technologies and public health strategies, Matthew Schuster, MBA, MS, is excited to learn as much as he can during the next year as BWH’s new Deland Fellow.

“This program provides an amazing opportunity to gain awareness and insight into both clinical and non-clinical roles in a health care setting,” said Schuster, who began in the role in early July.

The Deland Fellowship in Health Care and Society is a one-year administrative experience at BWH and BWFH that prepares professionals early in their careers to be leaders of health care institutions.

The fellowship honors the memory of former board President F. Stanton Deland Jr., a key figure during the merger of BWH’s predecessor hospitals.

Schuster will work with senior leaders at both institutions, including his mentor, BWFH President Michael Gustafson, MD, MBA.

As the Deland Fellow, Schuster looks forward to getting hands-on exposure to hospital operations. He’ll work on several projects focused on behavioral health, patient engagement and technology innovation.

Schuster previously worked as a project manager and market researcher in the health care and technology sectors, in addition to volunteering for the Samaritans, a suicide prevention organization.

A Cambridge native, Schuster received his MBA and MS from Boston University and his BA from Tufts University.

Philip Roberts

Philip D. Roberts, who previously served as administrative director for the Division of Surgical Oncology, was appointed senior director of Operations in BWH’s Department of Surgery this past July.

As senior director, Roberts is responsible for administrative leadership, strategic planning and financial performance of the department. He also plans to focus on development and growth of the Department of Surgery operations at BWFH, including both clinic and operating room volume and program development, and establishing strong lines of communication and collaboration with departments and leaders at BWH, including units at Foxborough, BWFH and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).

Before joining BWH, Roberts worked at DFCI as senior manager of Clinical Planning and Network Operations. He received his MBA from Boston College and BA in economics from the University of Vermont.

ICD-10 HealthStream Course deadlines
The ICD-10 implementation date of Oct. 1 is fast-approaching. ICD-10 non-provider HealthStream courses are due Sept. 15, and ICD-10 provider HealthStream courses are due Sept. 30. Courses are accessible from the “My Learning” section of HealthStream. For general inquiries about BWHC ICD-10 implementation, email BWHCICD10@partners.org. For an introduction to ICD-10, view the “ICD-10 and You” video.

“Rock Like Mike” Event, Sept. 26
Tickets are now on sale for a benefit concert supporting the family of Dr. Michael Davidson. “Rock Like Mike,” which features the music of Dr. Davidson’s band mates in “Off Label” and several other groups, will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.–midnight, at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. All are welcome to purchase a ticket to attend this tribute. For more information, visit www.rocklikemike.com.

Updated BWH Attendance Policy
Employees should review the updated Human Resources Policy 307, which sets clear standards for acceptable attendance and guidelines for upholding those standards. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Cabot Atrium, Cafeteria Construction
With the renovation of the Coffee Connection @45, the expansion of Phlebotomy Services and the relocation of the Partners Biobank, Cabot Atrium can no longer accommodate large events. Daytime events will generally not be accommodated. Small reception-style events may still be held after hours when the kiosk is closed. In addition, the upcoming Cafeteria construction will require the Cohn Courtyard to be closed in late August through March 2016. For more information, visit BWHPikeNotes.org.

Christina Mazzone

BWHC has appointed a new information security officer. Christina Mazzone, CISSP, CIPT, CIPP/US, who previously was the information security officer for Partners Continuing Care, will oversee information security for both BWH and BWFH and lead the Information Security team at Partners Information Systems. She succeeds Kevin Littlefield, who served as information security officer for BWH, and Jim Anzeveno, BWFH’s former information security officer.

Mazzone has more than 17 years of experience in information technology with a focus on telecommunications and information security. She is the founder and vice president for the Eastern Massachusetts International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² chapter.

She earned an MS in project management with a specialization in information security at Northeastern University.

ICD-10 Non-Provider HealthStream Courses

ICD-10 non-provider HealthStream courses were assigned on July 20 with a due date of Tuesday, Sept. 15. If you think you should have had ICD-10 courses assigned to you but have not, please speak with your ICD-10 training coordinator and/or supervisor or manager as soon as possible. For an introduction to ICD-10, view the “ICD-10 and You” video, available on BWHPikeNotes.org.

Partners eCare Physician Personalization Labs

Due to popular demand, Physician Personalization Labs at the Partners eCare Information Center have been expanded through the end of August. The center will be staffed August 12–14, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25 and 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Providers can stop by for assistance with Epic, including setting up mobile devices.

Partners Biobank Volunteer Events

Join the Partners HealthCare Biobank research program on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., now through Aug. 18 on the Tower 2 mezzanine, and help the program better understand, treat and prevent diseases that might affect your health and health of future generations. Anyone over 18 years of age may join the biobank by signing a consent form, answering questions and giving a small blood sample for future research. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Join BWH, BWFH Boston Heart Walk Team

BWH and BWFH are participating in the upcoming American Heart Association Boston Heart Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12. If you would like to join the team, become a captain or donate, email meholmes@partners.org, or visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

BWH Bulletin is on a summer schedule. The next issue will hit stands Friday, Aug. 21.

Incorporating input gathered from a diverse group of caregivers in 2014, BWH introduced a S.A.F.E. Response program and an e-learning seminar in collaboration with the Crisis Prevention Institute. S.A.F.E.—which stands for Spot a threat, Assess the risk, Formulate a safe clinical response and Evaluate the outcome—is an evidence-based inpatient clinical response for preventing, managing, de-escalating and responding to events.

The e-learning seminar, which is available on HealthStream, includes real patient scenarios to help staff identify verbal and visual cues that may indicate that de-escalation assistance is needed. It also includes critical information on the S.A.F.E. Response. For example, any staff member who spots a warning sign of a potential threat may call for a S.A.F.E. Response, which quickly brings the patient’s team of clinicians along with others as requested to a patient’s bedside to intervene and update the plan of care.

The goal of these programs is to diffuse a situation by providing expert care to patients or family members who need it before it escalates to a situation requiring security assistance.

For all inpatient and Emergency Department staff, the BWH S.A.F.E. Approach to Care is a required assignment in HealthStream. All employees can access the course by logging into HealthStream and searching the course catalog for “S.A.F.E. Approach to Care.”

Security and safety at BWH are everyone’s responsibilities. If you have a concern, please tell your supervisor, call for a S.A.F.E. Response or call Security. You can also email BWHSafety@partners.org with non-urgent questions and suggestions.

Christopher Fanta, MD, Pulmonary Division

What is your research project about?

More than 25 million Americans, both children and adults, have asthma, and an estimated 300 million people are affected worldwide. When patients experience an asthma “attack,” their bronchial—or breathing—tubes are constricted by surrounding muscles and become inflamed and filled with mucus, causing these passageways to severely narrow. Nearly 2 million times each year in the U.S., people with asthma are rushed to a nearby emergency department, often desperate for lack of air and at risk for progression of their illness to the point of a life-threatening lack of oxygen.

But asthma attacks generally do not come on suddenly. Typically, they evolve over several hours or even days, with the opportunity to intervene and prevent severe and frightening attacks—if only patients could first recognize that their breathing is becoming impaired, and then take action to prevent their symptoms from escalating. We are developing a novel system that will help people with asthma detect the worsening of their breathing and guide them to early and effective interventions that protect them from dangerous asthma attacks.

What is a compelling aspect of your research project?

We are developing a smartphone application that will alert people with asthma that their breathing is deteriorating and suggest interventions that can reverse the decline before it becomes severe. Unique features of this application include voice analysis software that can detect changes in lung function based on changes in the pattern and quality of speech; text messaging to people with asthma and to their designated support team of family and friends about worsening symptoms and suggestions for taking action; and the opportunity to communicate this information to their doctor or other health care provider. We envision a portable comprehensive asthma integrated management system (called “AIMSpire”) that can be customized for each user.

How will your research project benefit people?

Asthma attacks have been identified as being among the most common preventable causes of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Many attacks progress to the point of becoming severe and dangerous because people with asthma may not recognize their early symptoms or because they ignore the warning signals. Integrated into their smartphone, our application will provide them with the information that they need at the time that they need it to prevent severe asthma attacks. The potential benefits are enormous: fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma; fewer days missed from work or school; a safety net to alert family and friends if a child or other loved one is having difficulty breathing; an asthma monitoring resource for health care providers, as well as patients; and a tool for patient self-empowerment through the use of modern e-health resources.

CAST YOUR VOTE
or read more about the other BRIght Futures finalists:

Tiny Drones to Target Cancer

Making Blood Treatments Better

BWH is a Smoke-Free Campus

Please refrain from smoking on campus, adjacent sidewalks or near homes in the area. Please move if asked to do so. BWH has resources available for those who would like to quit smoking. Contact Occupational Health at 617-732-6034 to learn more, or visit BWHPikeNotes.org for information about smoking cessation.

Discover Brigham, Oct. 7

Join BWH on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., for an event that brings the hospital together with the broader Boston health care community to educate and inspire collaboration around science, technology and medicine. Sessions will highlight innovative topics spanning research and clinical disciplines with the opportunity to change health care. Visit discoverbrigham.org to learn more and view the agenda.

Join BWH, BWFH Boston Heart Walk Team

BWH and BWFH are participating in the upcoming American Heart Association Boston Heart Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12. If you would like to join the team, become a captain or donate, email meholmes@partners.org, or learn more here.

Register for August Vacation Club

Registration for the August Vacation Club at the BWH Backup Childcare Center opens Monday, July 27. August Vacation Club is two weeks: Aug. 24–28 and Aug. 31–Sept. 4. Children age 5–12 of BWH/BWFH/DFCI employees are eligible to participate. Call 617-732-9543 beginning July 27 to register for any part of the club weeks. Cost is $60 per day or $275 for each five-day week. Limited spaces are also available for children ages 2–4. All reservations are prepaid and non-refundable. For more information, email stowle1@partners.org, or visit BWHPikeNotes.org.

BWH Bulletin is now on a summer schedule. The next issue will hit stands Friday, Aug. 7.

This spring, more than 6,500 BWHers completed the hospital’s Employee Pulse Survey, providing helpful feedback to BWH leaders on a variety of important topics.

Human Resources and leadership throughout the organization are committed to taking next steps as part of an action plan to address survey responses. Employees are being identified to participate in focus groups on three key topics identified by the survey: recognition, career development and feedback.

“We are truly grateful for such an impressive response rate, which gave us the opportunity to hear the voices of our employees and understand what matters most to them,” said Julie Celano, vice president of Human Resources. “Conducting focus groups will allow us to focus on some key areas and get more in-depth feedback so that we can develop and implement effective programs in these areas.”

Focus groups are set to begin in September. Watch for more updates in BWH Bulletin this fall.

BWH offers an Employee Alert System that enables employees to receive important emergency-related messages from BWH by text message, email and/or phone call. The system is used to communicate information about weather emergencies, MBTA closures and disaster situational awareness, for example. The system is subscriber-based, so you must opt in and select how you would like to receive messages. To sign up, visit www.notifind.net/NF_SUBSCRIBE.

Additionally, BWHC Emergency Management publishes a monthly newsletter called Are You Prepared? that provides staff with information, tips, interesting facts and practice scenarios for emergency preparedness at BWH and at home. Recent editions have included information about what happens when a Code Amber is activated at BWH and what your responsibilities are during such a code. To learn more or read the publication, visit BWHPikeNotes.org.

ABC Series “Save My Life” to Premiere July 19

Last fall, ABC News crews embedded within BWH, MGH and Boston Medical Center for the filming of a new documentary series highlighting the extraordinary trauma care provided at these hospitals. “Save My Life: Boston Trauma” will premiere on Sunday, July 19, at 10 p.m., nationally on ABC and locally on WCVB Channel 5. The six-part series follows trauma cases from the scene of an accident into the ED and OR where they receive “the very best that medicine has to offer,” according to the network. View the trailer and learn more.

BWH Job Postings Unavailable July 23–30

As BWH transitions to a new applicant tracking system, there will be downtime that affects the application process for internal and external applicants for open positions. All job postings will be unavailable to new applicants beginning end of day Thursday, July 23, through Thursday, July 30. The new system, which will be up and running July 30, is expected to improve the application experience for internal and external candidates, as well as hiring managers and HR staff. If you have questions, please speak with your department’s HR staffing partner.

Microsoft Training Summer Schedule 

Partners IS Training offers an array of Microsoft courses to help employees effectively improve and expand their skills. Employees can self-register for courses in PeopleSoft. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org for more information.

BWH Employee Alert System
BWH offers an alert system that enables employees to receive important emergency-related messages from BWH by text message, email and/or phone call. The system is subscriber-based, so you must opt in and select how you would like to receive messages. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more and sign up.

Whether you’re an employee, contractor, volunteer or student, you must wear your hospital-issued ID badge at all times when you’re on hospital property. Properly wearing an ID badge enables patients and visitors to easily identify BWH staff. Badges—a BWH, Joint Commission and Department of Public Health requirement—are also critical for maintaining hospital security during emergency situations and for helping Security determine whether individuals have entered unauthorized areas.

• Please help ensure that BWH is a safe place for everyone by heeding proper ID badge protocol:
• Badges must be worn either pinned or clipped to an outer garment, picture side out, right side up, above the waist. Lanyards are acceptable as well.
• ID badges should not be worn behind the back, clipped to a belt or pants, or in pockets.
• Badges are non-transferrable and are to be used only by the person to whom the badge was issued.
• If you lose your ID badge, report it to the ID office immediately, especially if it allows you access into secure areas.
• The ID badge office, located in the Neville Building, is open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Read the complete ID badge policy and view a photo gallery of the right and wrong ways to wear your badge.

PIE Awards – Nominate Your Colleagues
Help recognize your colleagues for their creativity, dedication and commitment to excellence by nominating them for a Partners in Excellence (PIE) award. All online nominations submitted this summer will be reviewed when the selection committees meet in October. Paper nominations will be available in August. The date of the BWH PIE award ceremony will be forthcoming. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Iftar Prayer Service, July 9
Spiritual Care Services invites the BWH community to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan with an Iftar dinner and prayer service on Thursday, July 9, 8–10 p.m. Iftar is the breaking of the fast, which occurs every day at sunset during Ramadan. The prayer service will take place in the Shapiro Breakout Room, and dinner will follow in Cafeteria Pod B. Space is limited. RSVP at BWHPikeNotes.org by Friday, July 3.

Danielle Sullivan, RN, a nurse on Shapiro 10 East, talks with Tom Smith, CHPA, CPP, president of HealthCare Security Consultants, Inc., about safety and security at BWHC. BWHC hired the nationally-respected firm to comprehensively assess BWH’s security program as part of a detailed review. During the on-site visit, which took place the week of June 8, consultants assessed physical campus security, policies and practices, workplace violence and threat management education, as well as staff engagement. The review was conducted on the main campus, with visits to BWFH, 850 Boylston St., Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center and Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center in Foxborough. BWHC leadership intends to share an implementation plan with the BWHC community this summer. Employees are encouraged to always speak up about any concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing BWHSafety@partners.org.

Primary Care Associates, Longwood, Opens
If you need a primary care provider or would like to switch to a practice close to the main campus, BWH’s new practice at 800 Huntington Ave. is opening Monday, June 22. The practice, which consists of physicians and a nurse practitioner, is accepting new patients. Employees can call 617-582-5240 beginning June 22 to request an appointment.

Cabot Atrium Closed for Events in July
Beginning Saturday, June 27, the coffee cart in the Cabot Atrium will undergo renovation, and parts of the atrium will be unavailable during this construction. The Cabot Atrium will not be available for events throughout the month of July. If you are looking for an alternate location to book an event, please visit the Conference Room Scheduling page on BWHPikeNotes.org to view available spaces.

BWH is a Smoke-Free Campus
Please refrain from smoking on or around campus or near homes in the area. BWH has resources available for those who would like to quit smoking. Contact Occupational Health at 617-732-6034 to learn more, or visit BWHPikeNotes.org for information about smoking cessation.

Physician Assistant Award Nominations
Nominate a BWH or DFCI physician assistant who exemplifies leadership, professionalism, commitment and outstanding clinical care for the annual Physician Assistant Recognition Award. Nominations are due by Wednesday, July 15. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to obtain the form.

Partners Retirement Planning Support

In an effort to assist employees with the important task of planning for retirement, Partners HealthCare offers a Retirement Savings Plan available through Fidelity Investments and TIAA-CREF. Workplace planning and guidance consultants are available to meet with employees to help them stay on track and answer questions regarding personal savings goals. Upcoming dates include: Tuesday, June 9, Monday, June 15, Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 25. View the full list of dates at BWHPikeNotes.org.

Bicycle Cage Open in 5 Francis St. Garage

The bicycle cage, located on the ground floor of the 5 Francis St. garage, is now open around the clock. The cage is equipped with a card reader, cameras and alarms to ensure your bike is safe at all hours. For more information or to sign up to use the cage, visit the Security and Parking office in the Neville House on Vining Street. Call Security and Parking at 617-732-5877 with questions.

AMMP Scholarship Award Applications

BWH and BWFH employees enrolled in a career-related, undergraduate or professional certificate program are encouraged to apply for the 2015 Association of Multicultural Members of Partners Scholarship Award. The application deadline is July 15. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more or email BWHAMMP@partners.org.

RTN Mobile Branch: New Location

The RTN to Go mobile branch has relocated from 75 Francis St. by the Shop on the Pike to 45 Francis St. by Cabot Atrium for the month of June, due to Partners eCare implementation. Visit the mobile branch in June during the following times: Tuesdays, 8:30–11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 8:30–11 a.m., and Thursdays, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Additionally, on Mondays, 8:30–10:30 a.m., the mobile branch will be located at 221 Longwood, first floor conference room. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

H-1B Visa Presentation

Administrators who manage visa requests, principal investigators and lab managers who supervise international researchers and Human Resources employees are invited to the “Learn the ABCs of H-1Bs” presentation on Wednesday, June 24, 1:30–4 p.m., in the BWH Duncan Reid Conference Room. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to register.

Security officer Sean Doolan

BWH recently welcomed back its Bike Patrol service—a weekday patrol that addresses a variety of issues outside and around campus, including security, parking, directional issues and smoking. The campus will be monitored by Security officer Sean Doolan, who aced the police exam and is waiting to begin the next State Police Academy class.

Additionally, BWH has hired a nationally-respected health care security consultant to assess its existing security program as part of a detailed review of the events of Jan. 20. The firm, Healthcare Security Consultants, Inc., will be on-site the week of June 8.

During the on-site review, consultants will focus on physical campus security, policies and practices, workplace violence and threat management education, as well as staff engagement. The review will be conducted on the main campus, with visits to BWFH, 850 Boylston St., Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center and Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center in Foxborough.

The consultant will also provide a framework of security for all distributed campus locations, with best practices for each type of building, such as a stand-alone practice, an office building or a health center. BWH leadership will then determine how best to implement the findings of the evaluation to all sites throughout our distributed campus.

“Thank you for your commitment to hospital safety and security,” said Ron M. Walls, MD, BWHC executive vice president and chief operating officer. “When everyone is vigilant, we have a force of 17,000 people helping to ensure that BWH is a safe and secure place for everyone we serve.”

Employees are encouraged to always speak up about any concerns by telling a manager, calling Security at 617-732-6565 or emailing BWHSafety@partners.org.

In an effort to make sure BWH is prepared to respond to questions and challenges during the implementation of Partners eCare, BWH will institute a Command Center structure, which will ensure that questions are answered quickly and problems are prioritized and solved efficiently.

How will the Command Center work? First, super-users will communicate issues identified by employees to the IS Service Desk. These issues will be triaged by the service desk, assigned a priority rating and sent to the teams in the Command Center. The issues of highest priority will be addressed first. When resolved, the person who opened the ticket will be notified. If the issue impacts multiple users, additional communications, such as tip sheets, may be developed.

In addition to this Command Center structure, there will be several BWHC communication huddles held at multiple locations throughout BWH and BWFH during each 24-hour period, during which priority issues will be addressed by bronze, silver and gold leads.

The go-live service desk number is 857-307-4600. Be sure to have your Partners ID and contact information on hand for the call.

Employee Service Awards, Sept. 21

The BWH community is invited to attend the 35th annual Employee Service Awards ceremony on Monday, Sept. 21, at 4 p.m., in Cabot Atrium. The awards honor employees who have worked at the hospital in increments of five years. Traditionally, Service Awards have been held each June, but with the implementation of Partners eCare later this month, the date of the ceremony has been changed. More information will be forthcoming from Human Resources.

Cashier’s Office Hours Changing June 1

Due to the May 30 implementation of Partners eCare, the Cashier’s Office will be closing a half-hour early, beginning June 1, to accommodate different workflows that need to be established in the new system, as well as timing of payments. Effective June 1, the Cashier’s Office will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Hearing Screening, May 29

The Division of Otolaryngology is offering a free hearing screening for BWH employees on Friday, May 29, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., in the ENT clinic in the 45 Francis St. lobby.

BWH Employee Alert System

BWH offers an alert system that enables employees to receive important emergency-related messages from BWH by text message, email and/or phone call. The system is subscriber-based, so you must opt in and select how you would like to receive messages. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more and sign up.

BWH ID Protocol

Whether you’re an employee, contractor, volunteer or student, you must wear your hospital-issued ID badge at all times when you’re on hospital property. Properly wearing an ID badge enables patients and visitors to easily identify BWH staff. Badges are also critical for maintaining hospital security. They must be worn either pinned or clipped to an outer garment, picture side out, right side up, above the waist. Lanyards are acceptable as well. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org to learn more.

Always Ready for Every Patient

Joint Commission surveyors will arrive unannounced sometime between now and February 2016 for BWH’s accreditation survey. To brush up on your Joint Commission knowledge and ways to prepare, visit the Continual Readiness page on BWHPikeNotes.org.

The latest Association of Multicultural Members of Partners (AMMP) Scholarship Award recipients gathered with BWHC President Betsy Nabel, MD, (center) during the annual AMMP Scholarship Award Breakfast in the Shapiro Breakout Room on May 7. Established by Partners HealthCare in 1998, AMMP is an organization open to all Partners employees who are committed to the advancement, retention, recruitment and development of multicultural professionals into leadership roles within the Partners organization. The purpose of the scholarship is to expand access to a variety of career opportunities at Partners, and assist multicultural employees in obtaining a professional certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree.

“Your commitment to your education and career is exemplary, and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished,” said Nabel at the event. “I wish you the best of luck in achieving your professional and academic goals, and I hope the Brigham will continue to be part of your lives as you take the next steps in your careers.”