Author: Chris DeFrancesco

UConn Health Configuring Its New EMR System

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Roberta Luby and Dean Moroniti from UConn Health's HealthONE team (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)
Roberta Luby and Dean Moroniti from UConn Health’s HealthONE team (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

In less than a year and a half, UConn Health will be using a new integrated electronic medical records system that will enable patient information to seamlessly and securely follow patients wherever they go, both within and outside of UConn Health.

Informally known as “Epic,” which is the name of the vendor, UConn Health has adopted the name “HealthONE” for this suite of applications designed to make the delivery of health care safer and more efficient.

A team of 100 specially trained employees and consultants has been working on the intricate 23-month undertaking to program HealthONE for UConn Health since May. The project is in the “adoption and build” phase, which is nearing the end of its second wave next month. Here is where a lot of the configuration takes place.

“In the scheduled Dec. 13 through 15 Adoption 2 session, we will be pulling in managers and subject matter experts from across the clinical and financial organizations to look at the dashboards that will help them manage our patient care, quality measures, and financial results,” says Roberta Luby, assistant vice president for HealthONE. “We will also discuss the reports that will be available out of the system, and determine which reports they are going to need to manage their day when we go live.”

UConn Health One badgeFor example, a dashboard tool could aggregate data on admitted patients that today may take several hours a day to identify and analyze. The time saved then can be spent on caring for patients, ensuring safety and improving outcomes.

“We’re going to show them what that dashboard might look like, where that information might show up, and what quality measures are available, and let them decide what kind of data they need to see, how often, and when,” Luby says.

Major milestones achieved to date include completion of the direction phase, where current and potential future workflows were reviewed, and the certification of 80 members of the HealthONE team.

Next after the adoption and building phase is the testing phase, an eight-month period starting next May that involves running thousands of scenarios to make sure the system is designed and operating as intended. During that time, a team of trainers also will be working to prepare the training materials and plan the training logistics.

The timeline calls for end-user training to start in early 2018, two-to-three-months before HealthONE goes live in April 2018.

“This system will establish one patient record whether the individual is coming to the ED, an outpatient clinic, or has an admission in the hospital,” Luby says. “It’s going to allow us to see everything that occurred on that patient and have one view into his or her allergies, medications, procedures and immunizations, allowing safe, efficient care regardless of where that patient is in our care environment.”

HealthONE also will allow the exchange of patient information with other EMR, enabling UConn Health to send and receive data from other hospitals and practices that may be using a different system.

“We’ll be able to assemble all the data needed for a patient to enable a provider to care for that patient safely,” Luby says.

 

Recognizing Medical Assistants and Respiratory Therapists

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  • Terri Seelig, Betty Karas and Nancy McLellan are respiratory therapists in the pulmonary medicine clinic (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

October includes weeks dedicated to the recognition of two important, albeit often overlooked, health care disciplines.

This week is Respiratory Care Week. UConn Health employs 20 respiratory therapists in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Respiratory therapy is the assessment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system.

“Today’s respiratory therapists have demanding responsibilities related to patient care and serve as vital members of the health care team,” says respiratory therapy supervisor Janet Annesi. “Respiratory therapists must have a broad knowledge of the pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary system and the complex procedures required to properly diagnose and treat patients, from the very young to the very old.”

Respiratory therapists are trained advanced airway management and restore pulmonary function and support life by administering medically prescribed therapy.

“Outside facilities look to our department and will send patients here,” says respiratory therapist Terri Seelig of UConn Health’s pulmonary medicine clinic, which offers complex and diagnostic and treatment options not common in community outpatient offices.

Meantime, the American Association of Medical Assistants designates the third full week in October to be Medical Assistants Recognition Week.

“Our MAs are at the core of our staffing model in the delivery of care to our patients,” says Caryl Ryan, director of inpatient nursing services at UConn John Dempsey Hospital. “They are caring, loyal, possess a strong work ethic and always perform their duties within the best interests of our patients.”

UConn Health employs 199 medical assistants in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

“Our MAs are always available to lend a hand, consistently going above and beyond to promote the delivery of the highest quality of care, all the while keeping the patient as safe as possible,” says Elizabeth Brookshire, a UConn John Dempsey Hospital nurse manager.

Says UConn Health Emergency Department nurse manager Eileen Scully, “Our ED MAs provide excellent care to our patients each and every day.  They are essential to the operation of our department. We appreciate their hard work and dedication.”

And from the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, assistant nurse manager Beth Pisarsky says, “Our MAs are compassionate and empathetic to all patients across the continuum of cancer care. They provide holistic support, not only to the patients, but to the entire interdisciplinary team. They are a valued member of our health care teams and provide exceptional and safe patient care.”

 

Years of Service Honored

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  • From left: Dr. Andy Agwunobi and Dr. Kikki Nissen congratulate Peter Setlow on 45 years of service at the 2016 UConn Health Employee Recognition Dinner. (Photo by Rosie Wright)

UConn Health employees celebrating milestone years of service were honored at last night’s annual Employee Recognition Dinner at the Farmington Club.

The longest-tenured employee honored this year is Peter Setlow, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, who joined UConn Health in 1971.

“I’m alive, still productive, and still enjoying almost everything I do. And you look up, and it’s been 45 years,” Setlow says. “I’ve spent so much of my life working here, I want to see the institution be successful. As long as I’m still productive and still enjoying it, why would I stop?”

A total of 108 employees with milestones of either 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 years of service were honored. Those with milestones of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service will be invited to an Employee Recognition Celebration scheduled for Nov. 21.

Time to Get a Flu Shot (Or Report That You’re Not)

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UConn nursing student Emilie Kasper (left) administers a flu shot at an Employee Health Services flu clinic at the UConn School of Medicine. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)
UConn nursing student Emilie Kasper (left) administers a flu shot at an Employee Health Services flu clinic at the UConn School of Medicine. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

Employee Health Services is holding a series of flu clinics over the next several weeks, at which free flu shots will be available to staff, students, residents, volunteers and vendors.

While some clinical institutions require all employees be vaccinated against influenza every year, UConn Health does not. But UConn Health is required to report the flu vaccine status of its employees to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

Those who attend an Employee Health flu clinic can receive a flu shot, report that they are declining it altogether, or report that they either have received or will receive it somewhere else.

Once recorded in a password-protected database, the information is reported in aggregate to CMS. It remains confidential. An employee’s flu vaccine status is protected health information and cannot be used against him or her.

Click image to view/download UConn Health Influenza Program brochure.
Click image to view/download UConn Health Influenza Program brochure.

“Your cooperation goes a long way in helping us be in compliance,” says Cheryl Marenick, the nurse who oversees the Employee Health flu vaccine program. “Even if you don’t get a flu shot, we need you to report that to us. If you choose to get a flu shot, even better—we’re happy to do that for you. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and our patients from influenza.”

Employee Health has scheduled several walk-in flu clinics, with reminders and updates to come in Lifeline and The Pulse:

  • Monday, Oct. 24, 12:30 to 4 p.m., Onyiuke Dining Room
  • Thursday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Onyiuke Dining Room
  • Thursday, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Munson Training Room
  • Monday, Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ARB Large Conference Room
  • Monday, Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Outpatient Pavilion 7th floor large conference room

A UConn Health ID badge or employee number is required.

Individual flu shot appointments also can be made by calling Employee Health Services at x2893. Those who get the flu shot elsewhere or decline it altogether can report by email to Louisa Pickett.

 

UConn Health November 2016 Programs, Events

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NOV2016Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for November and early December 2016. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last updated 11/23)

(Canceled 11/1)
New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, Dec. 6, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 860-679-7692 for more information.

Free Discovery Series: “Redefining the Well Woman Exam”
Thursday, Nov. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Dr. Christopher Morosky, UConn Health obstetrician and gynecologist, will discuss topics including birth control, hormone replacement therapy, the HPV vaccine, mammograms, and changes in guidelines for women’s screenings, plus take your questions. Register online, for free, at bit.ly/UCHdisc or call 800-535-6232.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Support Group
Thursday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, Katz Conference Room (C2116)
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Nov. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Nov. 21, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Nov. 28, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Nov. 30, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group was moved to after Thanksgiving this month, but it generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Holiday Bazaar and Basket Raffle
Friday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., UConn Health, rear of the cafeteria
The UConn Health Auxiliary’s annual winter holiday shopping event includes 20 vendors and the Auxiliary’s popular raffle of gift baskets created and donated by UConn Health employees, as well as a new vendors’ basket. Note the new location this year, as the main lobby is under construction. Drawing is at 3:30. For more information please call 860-679-2963.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

(Canceled 11/23)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Directions to UConn Health are available at http://bit.ly/get2uch.

Interprofessional Education for 450 UConn Health Professions Students

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  • Second annual Interprofessional Education Dean's Afternoon, Sept. 30, 2016, at UConn Health. (Photos by Janine Gelineau)
    Second annual Interprofessional Education Dean's Afternoon, Sept. 30, 2016, at UConn Health. (Photos by Janine Gelineau)
UConn held its second annual Interprofessional Education Dean’s Afternoon Sept. 30, part of its continuing educational mission to emphasize the importance of collaboration among health care providers.

The idea behind interprofessional education is to engage students from all health professions and better position them to work together in the future.

“We are noticing more frequently that physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and others are working collaboratively to provide patient care,” says UConn M.D./MPH candidate Fludiona Naka. “We are moving away from the outmoded structures that used to be predominant because we have recognized that in order to provide the best care to the patient we need to work together. This is what some call a team-approach or a term that I like even better, a patient-centered approach.”

The dean’s afternoon drew approximately 450 students and 40 faculty and staff to concurrent events in Storrs and Farmington, and included the schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Dietetics.

“Our students will be entering a very different world as they start practice in 5-10 years,” says Dr. Bruce Gould, associate dean for primary care in the UConn School of Medicine. “We will have transformed our fee-for-service, physician-centric model to one of interprofessional team-based practice caring for populations of patients. Dean’s Afternoon and our other interprofessional curricula and programs are training our students for the future reality they will face.”

Learning objectives included:

  • Identifying the interdependence between health professions’ education
  • Competency development for collaborative practice and practice needs
  • Identifying the educational pathways and scope of practice for health professions
  • How to engage students in the process of interprofessional collaboration

“Learning about interprofessional collaboration beginning at the outset of their professional education is crucial for students because we learn to appreciate and value other professions and what they have to offer,” Naka says. “I firmly believe that interprofessional education will transform health education and thus lead to transformation of health care delivery.”

Parking Areas Temporarily Closing for Repaving

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Lots D and K
(Click image for larger view)

In the coming weeks, Lot D will be closed for repaving for approximately 10 days. Lot D is the parking area that runs along West Road from the academic driveway to the West Dock, with access only from the academic driveway (see map). This paving project will take approximately 170 spaces offline. The following is from the Department of Parking, Transportation, and Event Services:

We have taken some steps to try to minimize this temporary inconvenience. To provide adequate parking and minimize the impacts on the campus-wide community, especially our patients and visitors, we recommend that those who are displaced from the academic lots use the following alternative parking areas:

  • Garage 3 – Levels 1 and 2, via the East Road entrance (Area 1). A ‘Garage Full’ sign will be deployed when the garage reaches capacity.
  • Garage 1 – Level 4, via the Level 6 entrance (Area 1). A ‘Garage Full’ sign will be deployed when the garage reaches capacity.
  • Cell and Genome Science Building (400 Farmington Ave.) – Area 1 or Area 3 spaces. A new direct shuttle service will run between CGSB and the academic entrance from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

After Lot D reopens, Lot K will be closed for repaving for approximately 7 days. Lot K is the parking area that is on the opposite side of the academic driveway and runs along West Road almost to the turnoff to Munson Road (see map).

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue our work to improve the grounds of the UConn Health campus.

UConn Students, Residents, Faculty Serve at Free Dental Clinic

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  • UConn dental student Daniel Lee cares for a patient at the 2016 Mission of Mercy. (Photo by Lauren Dulieu)

Seven residents, 77 students and four faculty from the UConn School of Dental Medicine were among the hundreds of volunteers who provided care to nearly 2,000 patients last weekend.

The 2016 Connecticut Mission of Mercy free dental clinic was held at the XL Center in Hartford. Dental professionals from throughout Connecticut give their time to care for the underserved.

UConn’s dental student breakdown:

  • 19 fourth-year students
  • 38 third-years
  • 23 second-years
  • 7 first-years

 

 

 

 

UConn Health October 2016 Programs, Events

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OCT2016Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for October and early November 2016. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last update 10/24)

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Oct. 1, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

UConn Health Auxiliary Fashion Show
Thursday, Oct. 6, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Lord & Taylor, Westfarms
The UConn Health Auxiliary is holding a fashion show to benefit its charitable programs. VIP admission is $25 and includes a wine tasting, light refreshments, swag bag, Lord & Taylor charity discount ticket, and prize drawing. Call 860-679-2963 for more details. More information about the Auxiliary is available at health.uconn.edu/auxiliary/.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Oct. 8, 2:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, Oct. 17, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Oct. 17, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Support Group
Thursday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, Katz Conference Room (C2116)
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, Oct. 22, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Oct. 26, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

(Event canceled 10/24)
UConn Health Auxiliary Art and Wine Night
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 5 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Rear of cafeteria
Join the UConn Health Auxiliary for an evening of painting, wine, and snacks, and bring home a work of art done by you! Tickets are available at the Connucopia Gift Shop in the UConn Health University Tower mezzanine, $35 for Auxiliary members and $40 for nonmembers. Proceeds to go toward Auxiliary programs. Call 860-679-2963 for more details. More information about the Auxiliary is available at health.uconn.edu/auxiliary/.

(Time updated 10/13)
Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2:30 p.m. 2 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Discovery Series: “Redefining the Well Woman Exam”
Thursday, Nov. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Dr. Christopher Morosky, UConn Health obstetrician and gynecologist, will discuss topics including birth control, hormone replacement therapy, the HPV vaccine, mammograms, and changes in guidelines for women’s screenings, plus take your questions. Register online, for free, at bit.ly/UCHdisc or call 800-535-6232.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at http://bit.ly/get2uch.

Volunteers Guide Patients, Visitors Through Lobby Renovation

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You walk through a door that you’ve entered many times… only to be greeted by a giant wall instead of the lobby that had been the familiar path to your appointment.

For many patients and visitors, that’s what it’s been like these past few weeks since UConn Health’s main lobby closed for renovations. While they are greeted by the wall, fortunately for them they also are greeted by some helpful folks in blue jackets – UConn Health volunteers, at the ready to help people where they need to go.

“They’re shocked, they don’t even know if they’re in the right place or not, because it looks completely different than what they’re used to,” says volunteer George Ziewacz, who’s been volunteering in the main lobby area for more than eight years. “We have a diagram on our wall and we show them how to get to wherever they want to get.”

With the lobby closed, patients and visitors using the main entrance must take a detour to get to the elevators that bring them to the Connecticut Tower hospital floors, the Calhoun Cardiology Center on the second floor, and even the gift shop, which is accessible only from the hallway that runs along the Center Courtyard window. Some of the dental clinics have moved to the main floor, while others remain on the first floor and are still accessible via the elevator near the main entrance.

“Most people are understanding. Only very rarely does someone get real upset,” says Ziewacz, who volunteers eight hours a day, four days a week. “Some of them want to give me tips, but I tell them I’m not allowed to accept tips.”

When patients and visitors know where they’re going but don’t know how to get there, the volunteers will help them find their destination on a map, direct them on how to get there, and in some cases escort them some or all of the way as needed. When patients don’t know where their appointment is, the volunteers can retrieve the information by calling the information desk in the University Tower lobby.

“George and his knowledge of all areas along with his wayfinding skills have been instrumental in helping everyone navigate through the Main Lobby construction detour,” says Lisa Bartis, volunteer administration program coordinator. “The entire Volunteer Department has stepped up to help with wayfinding for all of our patients, families and visitors at both entrances.”

While wayfinding has been a major task for volunteers, they also assist with discharges, wheelchairs, mail and gift delivery, office work, the gift and thrift shops, new admission binders, and periodic checks of patient safety equipment and accessories such as lifts, slings and belts.

UConn Health has 280 registered volunteers, 90 of whom are returning to high school or college for the fall. More information about becoming a UConn Health volunteer is available at health.uconn.edu/donors-and-volunteers.