A publication for the Anna Jaques community | July 2021 | E-Newsletter 10 (Issue 150)
Featured photo: Summer flowers in bloom along the Capolupo Entrance walkway.
A Tribute to Betty Abby Stearns, Nursing Supervisor
The Anna Jaques community mourns the loss of Betty Abby Stearns, RN, Nursing Supervisor, who passed away on July 7, 2021, following a period of declining health. Betty dedicated 48 years of service and leadership to Anna Jaques. She joined as a candy striper and went on to assume the role of Nursing Supervisor in 1977 where she remained for the duration of her career.

Colleagues described Betty as dedicated, giving, charitable, professional and generous. She also embodied the hospital’s “family feel” as her parents were both nurses and together, their family gave over 80 years of service to Anna Jaques.
 
Betty devoted her life and career to helping others – both in the care she provided countless patients to her volunteerism in the community. On behalf of the Anna Jaques community, we honor and thank Betty for all that she gave to the hospital and to others. 
Stephen F. Salvo Shining Star: Tim Toplak, Food & Nutrition
Join us in congratulating Tim Toplak, Cook, Food & Nutrition, as our Stephen F. Salvo Shining Star for July.

Tim was nominated by a colleague who shared that he is “always helpful and looking out for others – like sharing fruit-infused H20 with the department to keep us all hydrated."
MOX BOX - Questions & Answers
Q: Purchasing vital sign machines for each patient room would be beneficial to patient care. Currently, vital signs are wheeled into each room and then cleaned between uses. Having a machine in every room would improve efficiency during vital sign checks and emergencies, as well as decrease the cleaning supplies and time required to use in another room. 

A: Facilities has received quotes on purchasing vital sign machines and is assessing the viability of potential purchases for every room. 
COVID-19 Updates
Reminder: COVID-19 Staff Testing Guidelines
Last week, in response to a cluster of COVID-19 cases traced back to Provincetown, the Boston Public Health Commission issued new guidance to those who have traveled to Provincetown during July and until further notice. This guidance recommends that any Boston residents who have traveled to Provincetown since July 1 should 1) get tested for COVID-19 at least five days after return, regardless of vaccination status or symptoms, and 2) self-isolate and avoid groups or gatherings in the community for at least five days and until receiving a negative COVID-19 test.
 
For all AJH staff and physicians:
  • All testing can be facilitated through Employee Health ( x8190).
  • Staff are allowed to continue working if asymptomatic; any staff member with a confirmed exposure must mask at work in all locations, including non-public ones (e.g. conference rooms, shared offices) until testing negative.
  • Daily symptom reporting, regardless of vaccination status and severity of symptoms, must still be completed every day that a staff member comes to work in a BILH hospital/business unit.
  • It is the responsibility of staff to ensure they are in compliance with their local department of health guidelines. 
  • Further details on the BILH staff exposure protocol can be found here
Newburyport Yankee Homecoming Starts Next Week!
August 1 - August 8
Waterfront Morning Workout Series Sponsored by AJH
Daily - All Week
Anna Jaques will once again sponsor a week of free morning workouts on the Newburyport Waterfront hosted by local fitness studios and gyms. This series is open to the community and for all ages and levels of fitness.

To view the class schedule, click here.
Food Drive
July 29 - August 6
AJH is proud to support Yankee Homecoming's Food Pantry Donations to help provide basic needs for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. A donation box will be featured outside of the AJH Cafeteria from July 26 through August 6.

All donations will be evenly distributed between: Pettengill House, The Salvation Army, First Parish Church of Newbury Community Food Pantry and Our Neighbor’s Table.
Yankee Homecoming 5K
Tuesday, August 3, 5pm
With great appreciation for healthcare workers, the Newburyport Lions Club has discounted race registrations for AJH employees which enables AJH to cover the costs of 100 runners in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim.

The first 100 AJH employees/physicians to sign-up will have registration fees covered and receive a “Team AJH” t-shirt. There is only a 5K option for the race this year. Please note that this code is to be used by AJH employees/physicians only.
Follow these steps to register directly online:
  1. Click here to register online
  2.  During registration it will ask “Would you like to join a team” – select “Yes”
  3. Select Team: Anna Jaques Hospital
  4.  Use code: AJH2021 (be sure to press “apply” to have the code applied)
  5. Email ksullivan@ajh.org and share t-shirt size for an AJH team shirt
Bed Race
Thursday, August 5, 6pm
The Newburyport Lions Club will host the beloved and unique Bed Race event with participants racing down Federal Street in Newburyport in creatively decorated "beds." Cheer on members of the Emergency Department as the race down Federal Street.
News & Updates
Stepping Forward Construction Corner
The Stepping Forward Project to expand surgical services and renovate the front entrance is beginning to take shape with great progress the last few weeks. The new structure for the new addition is now in place and cement has been poured on the first floor. Click here to read the latest Stepping Forward Construction Corner Update.
Dr. Gail Fayre, Chief Medical Officer, to Leave AJH in September
After much thought, Dr. Gail Fayre, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), will be leaving Anna Jaques on October 1. Dr. Fayre has decided to relocate to Vermont to be actively involved in her grandchild’s life and plans to return to clinical practice at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, VT.

Dr. Fayre's thoughtful leadership during her 10-year tenure and accomplishments have had a lasting impact on Anna Jaques. She has worn many hats in her role. In addition to her day-to-day CMO responsibilities, Dr. Fayre has overseen the operations of Seacoast Affiliated Group Practice as the Chief Operating Officer of SAGP, served as the hospital’s Chief Compliance Officer, managed the Hospitalist and Intensivists programs, and served as the hospital’s clinical lead throughout the BILH system formation and the pandemic. She has also led AJH on a pivotal journey to become a High Reliability Organization and hard-wired leadership rounding, safety stories, safety huddles, and more as a part of our culture of safety.
More recently, Dr. Fayre led a major initiative with Claro to improve clinical documentation. Her thoughtful involvement with our medical staff and community, her calm and measured approach to problem solving, and her relentless pursuit for quality care for our patients have benefitted us all and will certainly be missed. Fortunately, Dr. Fayre will be with us for a few more months as we conduct a search for a new CMO and ensure a smooth transition.

On behalf of the AJH community, we thank Dr. Fayre for a decade of dedicated service and wish her the best in her new endeavors as she ventures north. 
North Shore Internal Medicine Offering Walk-In Scheduling to Patients
North Shore Internal Medicine is experiencing both a high call volume and staffing shortages. On behalf of the practice, please understand that the team is doing their best to return calls that are left on the voice messaging system.

For patients who are unable to get through to the office or have not heard back in a timely manner, North Shore Internal Medicine is welcoming patients to visit the office to schedule their appointment so the team can better assist their needs.

Patients are also encouraged to utilize the Patient Portal by clicking here.
Facilities Department Leadership Updates
Dave Fowler Retires as
Senior Director of Facilities
Dave Fowler joined the Facilities Department in July 1976. Nearly 45 years to the date, Dave retired as Senior Director of Facilities after dedicating his entire career to Anna Jaques Hospital.

Dave’s contributions to AJH are immeasurable and his passion goes well beyond the facility. Dave has held every position imaginable within the Facilities Department and led the hospital through times of significant change and transformation, helped us grow for our community, and ensured that our facilities remain safe, efficient, and welcoming for all.

Fortunately, Dave will remain part-time to provide management and see two major construction projects that are already underway to fruition: the Stepping Forward Project to expand the operating room and renovate the lobby, as well as Pediatric behavioral health four-bed expansion.

On behalf of the AJH community, we thank Dave for his decades of leadership and dedication and wish him well in his well-earned retirement. He has quite literally left his mark on every inch of our facility. 
Welcome Mike Tremblay, Director of Facilities & Support Services
Mike Tremblay joined AJH in July as the Director of Facilities & Support Services. Mike brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership and facility management experience to the role. Most recently, Mike led the Facility and Maintenance team at Beverly Hospital. He is experienced in managing operations, Joint Commission, code and regulatory compliance and leading change.

Mike comes to our leadership team with degrees in Marine Engineering and Facilities Management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Mike resides in Beverly with his family.

Welcome to the AJH team, Mike. 
Join the AJH Blood Donation Database
Blood inventories have declined significantly nationwide and continue to be of concern to the medical community. Fortunately, Anna Jaques has its own blood donor program and is at par levels at this time. The blood collected through the AJH Blood Donation program is used at our hospital to support our patients and community. 

However, we expect the shortages to continue and would like to be proactive in ensuring we have enough of all the types of blood we may need throughout the summer and beyond.

We encourage eligible, healthy individuals to sign up to become part of our Anna Jaques Blood Donation Database. You will only be called upon to donate blood when your blood type is needed. Additionally, due to supply shortages, only people eligible to donate two (2) units of blood at once will be contacted at this time.

Click here to complete a brief survey to join the database. For any questions, feel free to reach out to the Blood Bank on weekdays from 7am-5pm at ext. 2260.
Meditation & Prayer Services Now Available for Staff & Providers
Brief, Interfaith Spiritual Services of Resilience and Hope
AJH proudly welcomed a new Chaplaincy Pastoral Volunteer, Jane Tuohy, who is a member of the Unitarian Universality Church. Jane is available for staff, departments, and patients and their families.

For Staff:
In the newly renovated Prayer & Meditation Room, Jane will be offering open hours to meet with staff for meditation and prayers.

Brief meditations and prayers services for resilience and hope can be arranged for staff of Anna Jaques and caregivers in short (15-20 minute) services--designed to be interludes of rest and refuge as well as opportunities for connection and community.

For Caregivers & Families of Patients:
Meditation and prayer services can also be arranged for patients and families at times that accommodate their medical care and services.

Jane is part of the lay ministry of the First Religious Society of Greater Newburyport (Unitarian Universalists). She will be ordained by One Spirit Alliance, NY as an Interfaith Ministerial Minister in June 2022. 

Contact Jane Tuohy at jt@cambridgehill.com or 617 359-0079.
HR News & Benefits Offerings
Efforts Underway to Respond to Staffing Shortages at AJH

Like businesses across the country and Commonwealth, Anna Jaques is also experiencing real staffing shortages. The number of open positions is among the highest the hospital has ever seen.

In partnership with BILH, Matt Bennett and the Human Resources (HR) team is aggressively working to respond to staffing needs with a robust recruitment strategy utilizing creative new ways to both recruit and retain talented teammates at AJH. Among some of the innovative ways we are working to recruit more staff to our hospital include:

Work Underway:
  • Harmonized pre-employment policies with BILH around tobacco use, reducing a barrier to employment that was unique across the system and in our local market
  • Hosted an on-site hiring event in June
  • BILH branded recruitment efforts specific to Respiratory Therapy
  • Implementation of partnership with IncredibleHealth to supplement our nurse recruitment efforts

Coming Up:
  • Live (in-person) hiring events being planned in Newburyport in August and along the 95-North corridor in September. Details to come
  • Partnering with Avant International Nursing for supplemental nursing coverage (starting with two positions)
  • Working with BILH to ensure that AJH’s shift differential offering is competitive within the BILH system and with our local market

Ways Staff Can Help:
  • Help us recruit! Employee referrals are consistently the top source for welcoming new staff at AJH. Details on the Referral Bonus Program can be found here. View all open positions at www.ajh.org/careers
  • Share on social media

The impact that staffing shortages has on our providers and staff and throughout our organization is real and recognized. While recruitment efforts will not solve staffing challenges overnight, we want to ensure that staff are supported and heard. Contact Matt Bennett at mbennett@ajh.org to share your experiences, ideas for recruitment or other feedback. 
Free Self-Guided Wellness Resource
As part of our wellness resources, AJH staff have access to a unique well-being resource, SilverCloud Health. This self-guided virtual program provides tools and techniques help you and your adult family members achieve a greater sense of well-being. Topics include depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, resilience and COVID-19. The program is confidential and offered to you at no cost. It can be done at your own pace in the privacy of your home with the support of online tools.
 
To get started, sign up online using access code “BILH”. Select a program or take a short quiz to find the right program for you. Follow the prompts to set up an account. Login, learn and take a step toward strengthening your well-being.
The Power of Positive Psychology
BILH employees have access to supportive content and resources through our employee assistance program, KGA (Use code “BILH” to register). Each month you can also find featured content on helpful and informative topics. July focuses on positive psychology, an evidence-based approach to combat negativity and fully appreciate our lives. Learn more through featured videos and articles on KGA’s monthly features web page. You can also contact KGA 24/7 at 855-760-2454 or at info@kgreer.com.