Flu Widespread; Masking Restrictions in Place

The New York State Department of Health Commissioner has declared influenza prevalent. Effective immediately, all unvaccinated employees, temporary contract workers (clinical and non-clinical), students, volunteers, and physicians must wear a mask in any area where they may come in contact with patients (within six feet).

These areas include:

• patient care areas
• corridors
• entrances and lobbies
• waiting rooms

Employees may get a 2023-2024 flu vaccine depending on staff availability at Employee Health Services. No appointment is needed; walk-ins are accepted. 

For more regarding the flu vaccine program and other information, visit Highland's FLUsource page or call EHS at 341-8017.

Highland Hospital's ongoing high patient occupancy places pressure on our already limited parking, and it can be difficult for patients and visitors to find parking during busy times. This issue is often made worse by employees who violate the parking policy and park in visitor areas.

We understand that parking at Highland can be frustrating to some employees. But as part of our mission at Highland is to provide patient- and family-centered care, it’s important to remember that our patients and visitors should be able to arrive at the hospital without the frustration of having difficulty finding a parking space.

Parking in spaces other than where you are assigned, parking in visitor areas, or parking in areas designated for a specific use, i.e. handicapped spaces, violates Highland’s parking policy, and runs counter to our ICARE values of Integrity and Accountability. 

Effective January 2, Highland will implement changes to its parking policy. Effective January 2, Highland will implement changes to its parking policy to further deter violations of parking regulations. This will include fines and a disciplinary process. 

Visit the Highland intranet for details.

Information Security Policy Updates and Harassment Prevention Training for 2023 must be completed no later than today!  These trainings are available on Achieve.

Information Security Policy Updates

This training module provides highlights of the key information security responsibilities for all people who work at the University of Rochester, including the Medical Center and all affiliates.

Harassment Prevention Training (2023)

In keeping with Highland's values, and in compliance with state and federal law, all employees must complete an annual mandatory training on how to identify and react to workplace harassment and discrimination. This training is an important component of Highland's efforts to address the damaging effects of racism, sexism, bigotry, xenophobia, harassment, and discrimination.

Any questions can be directed to Learning and Development Center team members Ryan Marlatt or Sheila Dodge.

Facilities News: ICU Waiting Room

Facility upgrades and renovations continue with the replacement of the hospital’s HVAC system. For this work to occur, some staff offices in the ICU area must be temporarily vacated. Those employees have been notified of the upcoming temporary relocation as these work areas will be relocated to the ICU Waiting Room from Monday, December 11 through March. During this time, support persons and visitors of ICU patients may choose to stay in the Hospital Main Lobby waiting area.

UR Medicine Leader Fellowship Program Update

Highland is excited to share that Employee Health Services Manager Lisa Malbouf and Assistant Lab Manager Melissa Martin have been selected to participate in the Administrative Track of the UR Medicine Leader Fellowship program, which focuses on preparing early career leaders for advanced levels of department/division operational leadership.

Congratulations!

University IT is alerting employees of a recent uptick of fake text messages sent to faculty and staff asking for assistance with staff recognition. These phishing messages appear to come from scammers using a (585) area code and posing as faculty members or leadership requesting that gift cards be purchased with photos texted to the sender. University IT is unable to block text messages.

Employees who receive a suspicious message are advised to:

• Take a screenshot of it and report it to abuse@rochester.edu, then block the sender.
• If any communications have already occurred, stop responding.
• Do not send the sender a screenshot of the gift card or the card numbers. Contact the Department of Public Safety at (585) 275-3333 and file a police report.

Tips to identify potential scams are available on the Highland intranet.

Highland Holiday Meal

The Holiday Meal, provided at no cost to staff, will be held on Tuesday, December 12, and Saturday, December 16. This year's menu includes beef bourguignon, vegetable Alfredo lasagna, sides, and a dessert table.

• Click here for the printable flyer with details about Holiday Highlights at Highland.
• Click here for the printable flyer with details about the Holiday Meal.
• Get all the details in the full-length article that includes both downloadable flyers on the Highland intranet by clicking here. 

Christmas Day Treats

Stop by the Grand Grounds Coffee House on Christmas Day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to receive a complimentary hot beverage (regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or tea) and a cookie.

Donate to Willow Domestic Violence Center

Celebrate the season of sharing and joy by participating in Highland's "12 Days of Giving" to benefit survivors of domestic violence at Willow Domestic Violence Center. Starting today through December 12, Highland is collecting donations for Willow Domestic Violence Center. Drop off donations in the box located in the Highland Cafe' Click here to see the Willow Center's wish list.

Blood Drive on December 18

Having blood available for transfusions when they're needed has an impact on patient outcomes. Sometimes, a blood transfusion is needed immediately to save a patient's life.

Highland's Pathology Department is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive on Monday, December 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the back of the Highland Cafe'. More details are available in the attached flyer.

Highland Blood Bank Supervisor Ellen Severcool MT (ASCP)BBcm said, "Over the course of my career in blood banking, I’ve experienced firsthand how the transfusion of red blood cells, plasma and platelets can make life-changing differences in our patients’ lives. It really is a precious resource and it is humbling to know it’s only available through the generosity of others. Personally, I have family members who have benefitted from transfusions. So each time I step up to donate, I think of them and hope someone in need will be able to benefit from my simple gift." 

Join the virtual ICARE Rounds on Tuesday, December 12 at noon. “Sickle Cell: A Meaningful Conversation” will be presented by Dr. JaCon Canese Washington, DMin, and Emily Winters, DNP, MS, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC. 

Visit the Highland intranet for more information, including how to join on Zoom by computer or phone.

Share with friends, family, and colleagues the great work that can only take place at Highland Hospital. Like, follow, or view us to stay connected.

Tax Reminder: Check Withholding Allowances

As 2024 approaches, it is recommended that all employees review their Federal and State withholding allowances and carefully consider whether or not to make changes.

Required by law:

• Employees claiming exempt status on either State or Federal taxes, who would like to continue this exemption in 2024, must refile their exemption using the MyHR system. This can be done by logging into the system and changing your federal and state withholdings with an effective date of 1/1/2024 or after. 
• If this is not completed by February 15, Highland Hospital is mandated to change the employee's withholdings to Single/Married Filed Separately effective February 16.

Please remember training material is available. Go to the MyHR page and select the Training option on the left.

Amerks Home Games Discounts

Attention hockey and lacrosse fans!

As part of Highland's partnership with the Blue Cross Arena, employees can receive discounted tickets to Amerks and Knighthawks home games. Discounts are up to 25% off the normal gameday rate.

To access these offers, click on the links below. Make sure to use promo code HIGHLAND. 

Amerks Tickets: Click here

Knighthawks Tickets: Click here

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