A publication for the Anna Jaques community | June 2021 | E-Newsletter 9 (Issue 149) |
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Featured photo: AJH Nutrition Department proudly celebrated Pride Month this June. A special thank you to Isabel Schonemann who provided rainbow masks for the department. Pictured (L to R): Kiana Rolfe, Mattie Colson, Mardee Beauparlant, Marie Dawson, Mika Phipps, Tim Toplak, Amanda Bettinger, Samantha Holbrook, and Isabel Schonemann.
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A Tribute to Linda Cameron, Switchboard Operator |
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On June 8, the Anna Jaques community lost a longtime colleague and friend with the passing of Linda Cameron, Switchboard Operator. Linda joined AJH in 1984 as a Housekeeper and in 1992 transitioned to the Switchboard where she became an integral part of the team and a mainstay on the second shift throughout her 35-year career.
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Linda was a truly dedicated employee. She came in an hour early for every shift and covered shifts whenever needed. During snowstorms, Linda was the person who made sure the Switchboard was staffed, frequently working her shift, staying overnight, and then working the next day until the storm let up.
Linda loved Anna Jaques Hospital. Towards the end of her life, she shared with friend and colleague, Marcie Dow, that all she wanted to do was come back to work. As Marcie shared, “If you were lucky enough to know Linda Cameron, you were lucky enough.”
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Photo: Linda Cameron's Retirement Tea in February 2020. Pictured (L to R): Bob Buchanan, Chief Information Officer, Marcie Dow, Switchboard Coordinator, Linda's daughter Christine, Linda Cameron, Mark Goldstein, President & Marilyn Parks.
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Stephen F. Salvo Shining Star: Amie Linnehan, RN |
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Amie Linnehan, RN, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Inpatient Unit, joined AJH as a new graduate over a year ago and this month is our Stephen F. Salvo Shining Star.
Described as a dedicated patient advocate and dependable team member, Amie often picks up shifts to support her team. On two occasions, she stepped up to work in the charge role and did such a great job that three colleagues nominated her for this recognition, sharing: “She jumped in without hesitation when needed. She was cool under pressure, managing patients and assignments with ease and made the night smooth and enjoyable for everyone!”
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Stepping Forward: Construction Corner |
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The AJH and Columbia Construction project teams have been making strong and steady progress in the site preparation, excavation and early stages of the Stepping Forward project to expand the Operating Room and renovate the main entrance. On June 23, a 30-foot beam signed by the crew and hundreds of AJH employees, physicians, volunteers and board members was symbolically lifted into place to "top-off" the new building. View "Topping Off" video. Click here for the latest Stepping Forward Construction Update.
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David LaFlamme, Chair of the Anna Jaques Board of Trustees, signs the beam |
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The steel beam was signed by hundreds of AJH employees, physicians, volunteers, board members & community members |
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Ralph Castagna, Building Committee Member, and Mark Goldstein, President |
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BILH Vaccine Requirements for Staff |
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BILH announced last week that as a system we are moving toward requiring all BILH staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as against influenza, as a condition of employment.
View this video message from Dr. Kevin Tabb, President & CEO of BILH, where he shares why he feels it is so important that, as a health care organization, we show leadership in taking individual and collective responsibility for the well-being of the patients and families we serve, for one another, and for our colleagues and our communities.
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In-Person Meeting Reminders
With in-person meetings slowly starting to resume, please remember:
- Masks should be worn in all patient areas including hallways by all staff
- Masks should be worn by unvaccinated attendees in the meeting
- Vaccinated staff may choose to mask as well
- Please remember to respect health privacy/preferences when it comes to individual masking
Reminder: All visitors must wear a BILH-provided surgical mask while in the hospital regardless of vaccination status. Visit ajh.org for details.
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Laboratory Earns Reaccreditation from College of American Pathologists |
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Following a comprehensive review of AJH laboratories - including Respiratory and the Cancer Center - the hospital has once again received accreditation for all laboratory services provided by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Laboratory Accreditation Program which surveys the entire spectrum of laboratory test disciplines with the most scientifically rigorous customized checklist requirements.
Join us in congratulating every member of the Laboratory team. To have such a great survey post-pandemic is something that speaks to exceptional knowledge and dedication of each Laboratory employee, their commitment to excellence, to our patient community, and to each other. Special thanks to Dr. Laura Harris, Jennifer Castle, and Karen Toscano, who were available to be onsite in support of the team for this inspection.
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Photo: Some members of the AJH Lab Team (L to R): Carmen Lozano; Toni Martel; Natalie Portela; Christine Corcoran; Phyllis Picha; Emily Sweet; Leticia Velazquez; Linda Rockwood, Director; and Danielle Mays.
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Newburyport Gastroenterology Welcomes Dr. Irma Cruz |
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Newburyport Gastroenterology welcomes a third physician to the practice this month, Irma Cruz, MD. Dr. Cruz is board certified in Gastroenterology, having received her medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. She performed her postgraduate training at the University of South Florida.
After practicing Gastroenterology for more than 15 years, she trained in Neurogastroenterology and Motility at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Cruz is bilingual in Spanish and is now accepting new patients – call 978-465-4622 to schedule an appointment with Newburyport GI.
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Thoracic Clinic Relocates & Resumes In-Person Care |
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Dr. Michael Kent & Dr. Sidhu Gangadharan |
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The Thoracic Clinic at Anna Jaques which is offered in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center thoracic surgeons, Dr. Sidhu Gangadharan and Dr. Michael Kent, is now seeing patients in-person – and in a new location at One Wallace Bashaw Way, 2nd Floor, Suite 2003.
Dr. Gangadharan and Dr. Kent come to Anna Jaques twice a month to care for patients locally. On staff at BIDMC and members of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians, both doctors bring years of collective expertise and highly specialized care to our community.
To schedule an appointment, call 978-463-1049.
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Proud to Celebrate Pride Month
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AJH proudly celebrated Pride Month with our LGBTQ+ colleagues, patients, and communities. As part of BILH, AJH is committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion and works to address health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community.
Colleagues across BILH shared their own personal stories of what Pride Month means to them, including AJH's Matt Bennett, HR Leader (pictured left), and Kelly McKora, Wellness Program Coordinator, LADC II - Adult Psych (pictured right). Read snippets below and visit AJH's social media pages for the full post.
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"Growing up in a small town in Maine, you would assume that I had a tough time coming out at the age of sixteen. Quite the contrary, I was blessed with parents who made it feel safe to come out at an early age, and a school community that made our schools, sports teams and other spaces safe for LGBTQ+ teenagers. I am forever grateful for these gifts as I hear the stories of others who have faced far more difficult circumstances than I have." |
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"I honor pride at work and in my community by being my true, Queer authentic self so that others who may fear to do the same may find the courage to be who they were born to be.
One thing allies can do for LGBTQ+ individuals is remember that the fight for equality and inclusion continues. It is amazing to live in a more progressive part of the country, but there are still rights and safety concerns for individuals in our own backyard. If you hear or see anything rooted in hate toward LGBTQ+ people, be a voice of love."
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On June 19, BILH and Anna Jaques Hospital recognized Juneteenth which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and make sure that all slaves were freed.
Together with BILH, we honor this important day as part of our commitment to fostering an organizational culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion.
On June 18, AJH proudly attended the City of Newburyport's inaugural Juneteenth event that featured powerful speeches from community leaders and raised the Juneteenth flag at City Hall.
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Sandra Crabtree, RN, Institution for Savings Inpatient Unit
Sandy Crabtree, RN, retired after 39 years of service at Anna Jaques. Sandy is known for consistently delivering nursing care with the highest level of integrity and commitment to patient-centered care. Director Katie LeBlanc shared, “When asked to share words about Sandy’s retirement, the following Bible verse immediately came to mind with regard to her approach to nursing care and her life as well: ‘Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise,’ Philippians 4:8.”
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Sandy Crabtree, RN, (left) and her daughter, Lindsay, at a retirement celebration at AJH |
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Betty Abby Stearns, RN, Nursing Administration Supervisor
Betty Abby Stearns, RN, Nursing Supervisor, retired after 47 years at Anna Jaques. Betty started at Anna Jaques as a Candy Striper and became a Supervisor in 1977 where she remained throughout the duration of her career.
Director Deb Burke shared, “Betty is known for her generosity and dedication to this facility. Working nights as a Nursing Supervisor she was a faithful employee until her recent retirement. The staff will always remember her bringing in Christmas calendars for every staff members’ children.”
Chief Nursing Officer Richard Maki shared, “Betty's devotion to AJH was heroic and her willingness to supervise others inspirational. She will be truly missed in her leadership role, and I thank her for the inspiration that she has shared for all these years.”
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Karen Binette (left) and Betty Abby Stearns (right)
at the 2019 Employee Service Awards
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Cancer Center Celebrates Cancer Survivors Day - Pictured (L to R): Michelle Petryk, RN, BSN, OCN, Heidi Orr, Bethany Hurrell, Laura Boyd, Di Erwin RN, BSN, OCN, Meghan Hession DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Margie DeMarco RN, BSN, OCN, Amanda D’Andrea, Jaimie Lamothe, Dr. Jonathan Eneman, Medical Director.
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AJH and community members welcomed Jacalyn Stuart Bennett and her team on June 14 to dedicate the newly renovated Prayer and Meditation Room and the Employee Comfort Room, provided by her vision and generosity. She shared the importance of working toward emotional wellness with our attendees and led them in a group meditation.
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In honor of National Best Friends Day, the AJH social media pages highlighted two work "besties" Stephanie Angelo, MA and Joni Johnson, MA who love having fun while working together on AJH's Occupational Health team.
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Colleagues celebrated Volunteer Maggie Dougherty's 80th birthday in the AJH Gift Shop on June 29. Maggie has volunteered for more than 14 years and given 4,000 hours to the hospital. Pictured (L to R): Susan Dixon, Gift Shop Manager, Cheryl Satryb, Director of Volunteer Services, Maggie Dougherty, and Mark Goldstein, President.
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HR News & Benefits Offerings |
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As the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, we have thoughtfully considered the ways in which work has changed for many in our workforce. We recognize that the pandemic has fundamentally impacted our employees and that a one-size-fits-all work policy no longer suits our organization. To better support employees as they transition back to a more normal routine, Anna Jaques Hospital is implementing a Remote Work Policy to enable long-term work arrangements for employees in positions where their essential job functions can be performed outside of a defined location. This policy replaces our Telecommuting for Disaster Response Guidelines and becomes effective Tuesday, Sept. 7.
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Effective June 1, AJH will no longer require a negative pre-employment tobacco screening. This change is part of a system-wide effort to align organizational policies to improve consistency in our practices, enhance organizational efficiencies, and improve the employee experience overall. Please note:
- AJH remains a smoke-free campus
- The use of tobacco products during the workday remains restricted, including on hospital grounds and sidewalks in our community
Being good stewards of health and wellness, we will continue to offer support to help tobacco users quit. Our Employee Assistance Program through KGA offers this benefit, and we will hardwire the offering of this support to those that disclose their tobacco use to our Occupational Health team.
Questions? Contact Human Resources at ext. 1035.
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*New* BILH Living Well Program
BILH is pleased to offer all employees and their spouses a new well-being resource. BILH Living Well is a virtual well-being program that offers monthly nutrition, fitness and emotional health activities. Complete monthly challenges and other activities, and earn points and get giveaways for reaching milestones. You don’t need to be enrolled in a BILH medical plan to participate. Visit the BILH Living Well web page to sign up and learn more.
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Community Events & Programming |
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Newburyport Yankee Homecoming is Back! |
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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. The class schedule will soon be announced here.
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Food Drive
July 26 - 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
- Our Neighbor’s Table
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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 in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim of 100 runners.
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 only.
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Follow these steps to register directly online:
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Click here to register online
- During registration it will ask “Would you like to join a team” – select “Yes”
- Select Team: Anna Jaques Hospital
- Use code: AJH2021 (be sure to press “apply” to have the code applied)
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Once registered, email [email protected] and share t-shirt size for an AJH team shirt
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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, Newburyport, in creatively decorated "beds."
Ways to get involved:
- Join teammates from the ED in participating for Team AJH
- Share creative ideas for AJH's theme/decorations
- Attend and cheer on Team AJH & others
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AJH proudly supports local programming and resources that
encourages healthier communities
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Coastal Trails Coalition
The 30-mile, multi-use off-road bicycle and pedestrian trails and bike lanes connects Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport and Salisbury. The latest extension, the Clipper City Rail Trail, is now open for use. Click to learn more.
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Anna Jaques Hospital
www.ajh.org
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