November 3, 2016
The UConn Foundation recently hosted a dedication luncheon for the new donor wall displayed in the mezzanine of University Tower. During the event, leadership thanked UConn Health donors for their support and were given tours of the new patient tower. Photos by Janine Gelineau and Tina Encarnacion.
October 27, 2016
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.”
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.
October 26, 2016
UConn Health will welcome John Peeples as Vice President of Human Resources on November 28.
Currently with Dimensions Healthcare System in Maryland, John brings over a decade of senior level human resource experience – in both healthcare and government – to his new position. He will be reporting to Dr. Andy Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health.
“I am looking forward to working on issues that impact our people,” John said by phone, “developing what I hope will be high impact human resource and talent management programs while balancing our obligation of fiscal discipline and efficiency.”
Holding an MBA in Organizational Behavior and Management Policy and certifications from multiple major professional organizations, John is a Fellow with The American College of Healthcare Executives. John will assume leadership of the Farmington-based HR function from Chief Administrative Officer Carolle Andrews, who has served during the search as interim leader.
“John’s addition to our team brings important experience and perspective as we tackle the important work clearly illustrated in our recent engagement survey,” says Dr. Agwunobi. “Carolle and the team have done commendable work in an interim period and set a foundation for future success.”
“We had a number of qualified, diverse and enthusiastic candidates from all over the country,” adds Andrews. “John’s selection is the result of hard work by a search committee and our willingness to take as long as needed to find the right leader for our organization and our times.”
Joining John in Connecticut is his wife, Brandie.
October 20, 2016
Photos 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.
“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:
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.
October 19, 2016
October 17, 2016
Here 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.
October 13, 2016
Dear Colleagues,
We are writing to inform you that our close affiliate Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has entered into initial affiliation discussions with Yale New Haven Health System.
Knowing the leadership at both Connecticut Children’s and Yale New Haven Health System, we are confident that their goal is to enhance children’s care for the region and the state while exploring ways they can partner to improve healthcare access for children.
We expect that if a new collaborative alliance between the two pediatric medical centers moves forward it should have a positive impact on advancing pediatric healthcare in Connecticut and help create a readily available expanded network of experts and services spanning the state. Also, we expect it would not only preserve but strengthen and bolster the academic commitments and collaborations among Connecticut Children’s, UConn Health and our School of Medicine.
For many years UConn Health has enjoyed a close educational, research and clinical affiliation with Connecticut Children’s. We have been assured that these relationships will not be affected by the proposed alignment.
We will continue to work closely with Connecticut Children’s to provide excellent patient care, research and training of healthcare professionals for the region.
We wish Connecticut Children’s well in their future discussions and plans. We will keep you updated on any further developments.
Andrew Agwunobi, M.D., MBA
Chief Executive Officer, UConn Health
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs
Bruce T. Liang, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dean, School of Medicine
