Petersburg Medical Center Newsletter |
|
▲ PMC's Long Term Care was awarded a Gold Pan award for Excellence in Nursing Home care during the recent Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association conference. Jennifer Bryner and Phil Hofstetter (on the right) pictured receiving the award on behalf of the PMC team. |
▲ Joy Janssen Clinic staff gathered to wish Dr. Hyer a bon voyage as she sets out on an international sailing sabbatical with her family.
|
▲ PMC thanks MIke Boggs for his 24 years of service and commitment as the Facility Manager. From left to right: Cindy Newman, Chad Wright, Grazel Edfelt, Mike Boggs, Phil Hofstetter, Sarah Wright, and Devynn Johnson. |
NEWSLETTER BANNER PHOTO: PMC nursing team with SEARHC specialty scopes team in the Operating Room excited to be offering colonoscopy services locally for the first time in several years.
|
|
As we move into fall, I am thoroughly impressed by the strides PMC has taken in enhancing patient care and PMC’S responsiveness to recent community feedback. Here’s an update:
Community Engagement:
In response to community input, PMC hospital board meetings now take place in the Borough Assembly Chambers and are broadcast on KFSK. The standing meeting day continues to be on the fourth Thursday of the month with a new start time of 5:30 pm to accommodate KFSK broadcast of the meeting. Additionally, the following documents are now on file at the Petersburg Public Library for in-library reference material for public review: (Note: These are also available on the PMC website.)
Patient Centered Care:
We are thrilled to share that the inaugural colonoscopy clinic, a collaboration between PMC and the SEARHC scope team, took place in the last week of September. This highly sought-after service was at capacity, and preparations for the next clinic are underway. Additionally, the PMC and SEARHC scope team is offering endoscopy services, with another clinic on the horizon. In October, Specialty Clinic will introduce dermatology services, encompassing skin checks, removals of moles, lipomas and skin cancer; treatment of chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and dermatitis; and cosmetic Botox procedures. Two exciting new programs launched to help people improve strength, improve balance and decrease fall risk: Bingocize and Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance. PMC received acknowledgment of a $300K HRSA grant award for Rural Communities Opioid Response program which will be a part of the Behavioral Health department.
Facility:
Progress continues on the replacement hospital building project. In September, the Borough Planning Commission approved the final site replat dedicated to the replacement building. Additionally, the comprehensive NEPA Environmental Study was completed and documents were made available for the two-week public review and comment period which began September 15, 2023. Project updates are available on the PMC website.
— Phil Hofstetter, CEO,
Petersburg Medical Center
|
|
▲ 2023 Pedal/Paddle Battle participants gathered at the finish at Sandy Beach. |
▲ PMC staff welcoming and registering Pedal/Paddle Battle participants. From left to right: Matt Pawuk, Becky Turland, Phil Hofstetter, Julie Walker, and Kelly Zweifel. |
▲ Kayakers setting out on their six mile paddle to support continuing education on a beautiful July morning.
|
|
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Community Thank You for Record-breaking Success at PMC Foundation's Ninth Annual Pedal/Paddle Battle
|
Thanks to the outpouring of community support and involvement, the PMC Foundation's ninth annual Pedal/Paddle Battle fundraiser event shattered previous records, raising an impressive $20,395. The event began on a picturesque July morning, where 79 enthusiastic participants gathered at Scow Bay. Among them, 50 opted for biking the six-mile course, while the remaining 29 paddled their way through the Wrangell Narrows to the finish at Sandy Beach.
The fundraiser culminated with a delightful BBQ picnic and raffle drawing hosted by PMC Foundation and PMC Board members. Here, participants and supporters came together to socialize, celebrate, and witness the drawing of prize winners, adding to the overall sense of achievement and camaraderie. Enticing prizes this year included Alaska Airlines tickets, a kayak, or an outdoor puffer blanket.
In addition to the generous support from personal sponsors, the PMC Foundation extends gratitude to corporate sponsors Rexall Drug, Petersburg Properties, Rocky's Marine, Lee’s Clothing and USI for their support. Remarkably, about 65% of the funds raised this year came from participants who secured sponsorships from friends and family. These funds will support furthering education of Petersburg Medical Center staff and provide scholarships to Petersburg High School graduates entering the medical field.
The PMC Foundation expresses heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this event. The Pedal/Paddle Battle serves as a testament to our community's commitment to high quality healthcare. We look forward to continuing this tradition of fitness, fun, and philanthropy in the years to come. To contribute to the PMC Foundation and continue supporting their educational mission providing scholarships, click here. |
|
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Training Equips PMC Nurses for Obstetric Emergencies
|
Eleven nurses and two nursing students recently participated in a Basic Life Support for Obstetrics (BLSO) course held in Wrangell. The BLSO training provided crucial knowledge and hands-on experience in addressing obstetric emergencies during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Jennifer Bryner, PMC's Chief Nursing Officer, emphasized the value of this training, noting, "This class was extremely beneficial in enhancing the comfort and competency of our nurses in areas where we have limited exposure and experience, particularly in low-frequency, high-acuity situations."
The full day course attracted medical professionals from neighboring rural communities, including medical doctors, physician assistants, and registered nurses. Throughout the training, participants covered a range of topics, including normal vaginal deliveries, post-partum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and breech delivery. The course structure featured concise lessons followed by practical sessions, allowing attendees to apply their newfound knowledge in real-life clinical scenarios.
The PMC Foundation played a vital role in facilitating this training opportunity, utilizing funds from the annual Pedal/Paddle Battle fundraiser to cover the cost of getting the team to Wrangell by boat. SEARHC sponsored the course and offered PMC and other healthcare facilities complimentary seats in the course, strengthening healthcare capabilities in our region.
The BLSO course was led by experienced nurse midwives and an obstetrician-gynecologist. Lifelike mannequins used in clinical simulations added an extra layer of realism, enabling participants to engage in practical, hands-on learning.
|
|
▲ PMC nurses heading over to Wrangell by boat for a one day training on Basic Life Support for Obstetrics. Back (left to right): Ruby Shumway, Emma Gates, Jolyn Duddles, Carolyn Kvernvik; Front (left to right): Helen Boggs and Mary Kravitz.
|
▲ This PMC team is excited to learn! From left to right: Lauren Thane, Val Nilsen, Jordan Stafford, Kellii Wood and Jennifer Bryner.
|
Ruby Shumway, one of the attending nurses, praised the course, saying, "I have taken numerous OB classes during my career. That was by far the best class I've ever taken! And to be able to take the class in Wrangell was amazing!" Her sentiments echoed those of others who benefited from this exceptional training opportunity. This type of training helps ensure PMC is prepared to respond to the unique healthcare needs of our community, including rare but critical situations like emergency obstetrics. |
|
▲Residents enjoying our last day of summer sunshine.
|
▲ George Curtiss was our first winner during our new Bingocize program. Bingo+Exercise = Fun!
|
▲ Residents getting ready for treats at our Fall Equinox Party
|
|
LONG TERM CARE UPDATE
Autumn Delights at Long Term Care
|
As autumn leaves begin to turn colors, our fourteen cherished residents of our Long Term Care are eagerly embracing the spirit of the season. We've already kicked off fall with a fantastic Fall Equinox party, with delicious treats lovingly created by our staff and volunteers. Our friends from Petersburg High School's culinary class and the community garden program also shared some delightful creations featuring their garden harvest.
Our dedicated Long-Term Care Nursing and Activities staff continuously strive to enhance the lives of each resident. This quarter, we've introduced some exciting new activities, including swimming, Bingocize, and more visits from our beloved friends at Kinderskog.
We have a lineup of engaging activities planned for the coming weeks, including a special celebration of Indigenous People's Day and Halloween.
Indigenous People's Day Celebration
Mark your calendars for Monday, October 9th, as Long Term Care invites you to join us for an Indigenous People's Day Celebration. Thanks to the generous support of PIA, we'll be treated to traditional Alaskan Native foods, captivating stories, traditional songs, and a showcase of the regalia worn by many local tribal members. We look forward to this day of cultural richness and connection.
Halloween Extravaganza
As October comes to a close, we invite our wonderful community to our annual Halloween Celebration. Join us on October 31st from 4-6pm for an evening of trick-or-treating right here at Long Term Care. We can't wait to see the entire community dressed up in their finest Halloween costumes!
Additionally, we're thrilled to share that our solarium is currently undergoing renovation. Structural concerns discovered this summer prompted this much-needed project. Although we don't have an exact timeline for its completion, both residents and staff are excited to witness the progress being made on this important gathering space.
|
|
MEET THE STAFF
Fostering Laboratory Excellence at PMC Through Passion and Progress
|
Violet Shimek is Petersburg Medical Center’s Laboratory Manager and has been since August of 2020. Born in Arizona, Violet’s Alaskan journey began in Anchorage when her family first arrived in the state during her childhood. Before joining us in Petersburg, she had lived in Nome. When the opportunity to join PMC arose during the summer, Violet embraced it, knowing another harsh Nome winter was on the horizon.
After studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for her undergraduate degree, her desire to travel and pursue medical studies led her to Poland, where she spent four more years. It was during her time in a research lab there that she discovered her true passion for laboratory work. Consequently, she returned to Anchorage and enrolled in a Med Tech program. For her clinical experience, she relocated to Nome, where she swiftly rose to the position of lab manager within a year. After nearly three years in Nome, she made the transition to Petersburg.
The most exciting part of the job for Violet are the opportunities to collaborate with her colleagues and train her staff in various areas, including new testing techniques and the intricacies of the fifteen pieces of equipment that laboratory personnel must know, inside and out. Being able to help individuals advance their education and careers has been one of the highlights of her time here. However, she acknowledges that along with excitement, there are challenges, particularly when it comes to handling mandatory and vital paperwork, which Violet admits can be excessive and seemingly never-ending.
When not working in the lab, Violet loves to spend quality time with her family: her husband Michael and their nearly one-year-old son, Jack, along with their two dogs, Bones who is a Tamaskan Border Collie, and Roo, a Chiweenie. Michael is a photographer and during their off time they enjoy going on long drives around the island to explore the natural beauty of our region.
|
|
▲ Violet with husband Michael and son Jack hiking Raven's Roost.
|
▲ PMC's lab manager Violet Shimuk enjoying the sunshine with her son Jack. |
▲ Violet's fur babies Tamaskan and Roo enjoying a cuddle on the couch. |
|
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
PMC’s Environmental Services Team: Ensuring a Clean and Safe Environment for All
|
In healthcare, the dedicated professionals who diligently clean and disinfect medical equipment, patient rooms, offices, waiting rooms and common areas across the entire facility are in the department named environmental services. While such a department in other industries goes by a different name like housekeeping or janitorial services, PMC’s environmental services staff provide far more specialized services than basic cleaning services.
The committed team of six play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of all individuals who seek services at PMC and those who work within its walls. They regularly disinfect high-traffic areas to prevent the spread of illness and ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Grazel Edfelt, the EVS Manager, has a long-term vision to provide additional specialized training to her staff, aiming for them to become Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technicians, or CHEST, through the Association for Health Care Environment.
While it is challenging to balance the competing demands of training, limited staffing and day-to-day responsibilities, the team is dedicated to pursuing this commitment. Their dedication is evident by their work schedule, which kicks off at 5 a.m. for most, with those with laundry responsibilities starting at 7 a.m.
Edfelt has been an integral part of PMC for a decade, and she commends her team as an exceptionally hardworking crew with a strong sense of teamwork. In September, the EVS staff bid a fond farewell and extended best wishes for a happy retirement to Mike Boggs, their leader and Facilities Manager for the past 24 years.
|
|
▲The EVS crew wished Mike Boggs a happy retirement after 24 years of service as PMC's Facilities Manager. From left to right: Chris Mercullo, Grazel Edfelt, Gilda Barkfelt, Rufina Sturgeon, Mike Boggs, Jeanette Phillips, and Mala Siek.
|
▲ EVS staff Grazel Edfelt, Chris Mercullo, and Gilda Barkfelt in matching their uniforms in the PMC laundry room.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
