Don’t Forget to Tour the Tower

April 14, 2016

You have two opportunities to get a sneak peek of the new patient care tower before it officially opens for business. The first is the Open House specifically for UConn Health employees taking place this coming Wednesday, April 20, from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

You’ll get a unique behind-the-scenes look at our new 11-story, state-of-the-art hospital. After the tour, you can pose for photos with Jonathan the Husky and some of the UConn cheerleaders. You’ll also get a chance to enter a drawing for UConn basketball tickets, and enjoy a snack to commemorate the occasion.

The second event is open to the public so this is when you can bring your family and friends and show them the cool place you work. It’s on Sunday, April 24, from noon to 3 p.m.

There will be guided tours through the emergency department, operating room suite, patient care floor, and public areas. You can take a fan photo with the 2016 Women’s Basketball National Championship Trophy or a selfie with the UConn Husky Mascot or cheerleader. There will be drawings, refreshments, giveaways and some special surprises. WRCH radio personalities will also be there broadcasting live during the event.

No R.S.V.P. is needed for either Open House but the tours do require navigating several flights of stairs. For more info, check out health.uconn.edu/opening. Hope to see you in the new tower!

Photo Gallery: Health, Safety and Environment Fair

April 8, 2016

The 2016 Health, Safety and Environment Fair was a huge success with hundreds of UConn Health employees stopping by the Food Court to learn more about being healthier, safer, and environmentally aware. They also got a chance to play some games, meet Jonathan the Husky mascot, and take photos with the 2016 NCAA Women’s Basketball trophy.

Open house tours were held for employees and the public in the days leading up to the opening of the new hospital.

Way to Go Huskies!

April 6, 2016

UConn spirit was on full display this week in support of the women’s basketball team as they made history by winning their fourth NCAA title in a row. UConn Health employees all over the Farmington campus, as well as our branch offices, showed their pride by wearing Husky attire and posing for team photos. Thanks to all who sent in their photos!

All Systems Go for Launch of Health.UConn.Edu

March 31, 2016

Screen capture of health.uconn.edu home page — UConn Health’s new website has a more patient-friendly presence.

We are pleased to announce the launch of health.uconn.edu and medicine.uconn.edu – the new web presence of UConn Health and the UConn School of Medicine.

Some highlights of our new site include a patient-friendly interface; easy access to search for a provider, request an appointment, or find a convenient location; and community resources such as support groups, classes, and events.

The site is compliant with the American with Disabilities Act and mobile-friendly, which are key to not only the user experience, but to ensure we remain competitive in the market. Leveraging the UConn name will also help with this, and we are excited to have a site that reflects our pride in UConn Health, and our commitment to our patients. This is a first step in a long process to convert all of our websites to a system that will improve health care consumer usage and experience.

The uchc.edu URL will redirect to health.uconn.edu, but we do ask that you begin to update links on newly created materials. The new URL will begin appearing on advertising materials in April.

Since the new site is patient focused, you may notice that some of the content that is used primarily for internal purposes has been moved or integrated into other sites. The Contact Us and Faculty and Staff pages, both found in the footer, should be helpful in navigating where that content is now located.

We ask for patience as we work out any kinks. To report incorrect information or a bad link on a page of health.uconn.edu, please contact the UConn Health webmaster and we will work to remedy any problems as soon as we can.

UHP and UConn Health Reach Agreement on Comp Time Balances

March 29, 2016

Due to employee inquiries, UHP and UConn Health have agreed to amend the Compensatory Time Memorandum of Agreement in order to afford affected employees additional time to increase amounts deferred to their 403b or 457 plans. Accordingly, compensatory time payments originally scheduled for payout in the pay period ending April 14 (check date April 29) will be delayed by one pay period and will be issued in the check dated May 13, 2016.

For employees who want to increase the 403b or 457 deferral for paycheck dated May 13, 2016, the applicable form (403b Contribution Rate Change or the 457 Contribution Rate Change) would need to be submitted directly to Prudential within the date range of 4/1/2016 – 4/15/2016 in accordance with the payroll cutoff schedule.

For those that then wish to decrease the deferral for the May 27, 2016 check, a subsequent form will need to be submitted to Prudential within the date range of 4/16/16 – 4/30/16.

If employees had already submitted forms to Prudential for the April 29, 2016 paycheck, they need to contact Amy Cason at the Office of the State Comptroller (860-702-3553) to postpone the deferral to the May 13, 2016 paycheck.

Additional Information:

Human Resources will notify employees via UConn Health email who have compensatory time balances above 130 hours no later than Monday, April 4.

Employees who wish to adjust their withholding for the pay cycle in which the payout is made may submit a new form W-4 by April 15. You must also submit a second W-4 if you do not wish your withholding to remain the same after the payout.

The payout will be made in the pay period ending April 28 that will appear in the check dated May 13, 2016.

Employees may request the use of any remaining historical compensatory time subject to the approval of management over the course of the next 20 months (until December 2017). Because compensatory time is a debt to the institution, UConn Health and UHP encourage individual employees and the applicable managers to develop a mutually agreed upon use schedule.
If the historical compensatory time cannot be used during the 20-month period, employees will be paid for the time in the pay period that ends December 21, 2017.
Remaining historical compensatory time balances will be kept separate from compensatory time that may accrue after March 31, 2016. Newly accrued compensatory time will be administered consistent with the UHP contract.
A committee will be established to address requests for use of historical compensatory time that are “consistently denied.” The committee will have recommendation authority only. The discretion to approve/deny use of the time is maintained by management.

Employees with questions regarding this MOA are encouraged to contact UHP at 860-676-8444.

Managers with questions regarding this MOA should contact Labor Relations at 860-679-4375 or 860-679-8067.

UConn Health Announces Its 2016 Nightingale Nurses

March 17, 2016

UConn Health has announced the 10 nurses who will be presented with Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing later this year:

JoAnne Donaldson Blythe, Procedures Center

“Joanne is unique in the way she gives herself to others, and comforts them through difficult circumstances.”

“In addition to Joanne’s superb commitment to her patients’ safety, her selflessness, caring nature, and ethics clearly demonstrate her passion. Her philosophy, ‘the patient comes first,’ is always apparent by her actions. Joanne upholds the highest standards within her profession.”

Frank Faccin, Garner Correctional Institution

“Frank Faccin, LPN, has been the ‘go-to’ staff member at the Department of Correction facility housing the most seriously mentally ill inmates. Despite being ‘only an LPN,’ his nursing and physician peers rely on his over 20 years of knowledge and judgement.”

“He sustained a significant injury during an inmate assault, yet returned to work with the same positive attitude he always displayed. The CDOC awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal.”

Lisa Gentile, Outpatient Infectious Diseases and Travel Clinic

“Because of Lisa we have cured more than 97 percent of our [hepatitis C] patients.”

“Lisa is that employee that every manager wants working for them; that every doctor wants as their nurse; and every MA wants as their counterpart. And the reason is: She makes us all look good.”

Keisha Johnson, Osborn Correctional Institution

“At any given time, she oversees the care of 45 to 50 HIV-positive inmates and oversees inmates who are in active hepatitis C treatment. She is extremely well organized, caring, and understanding in her role of ID Nurse Case Manager.”

“Keisha in July of 2015 took time out of her busy schedule to create an HIV/AIDS awareness production. This production highlights the hidden talents of many inmates. The invited inmates/staffs were able to be educated on HIV/AIDS myths and facts. Her production resulted in many inmates who were afraid to know their HIV status now requesting to be screened for the HIV virus.”

Arlene Morin, Clinical Nurse Specialist, John Dempsey Hospital

“Arlene Does consults for inpatients and outpatients in the clinic that include teaching, support and hands-on of how and what to expect… Arlene always looks out for the patient’s best interest when it comes to their health and healing.”

“My nursing career has been personally touched by Arlene and in turn, Arlene is able to touch the lives of all patients I care for. Thank you Arlene for giving me the world’s best example of what it means to be a Nightingale Nurse.”

Lynne Neff, Correctional Managed Health Care Transitional Services Manager

“Collaborating closely with others, Lynne has strived to ensure continuity of care and a more successful return to society for many. When the prognosis of releasing patients is poor, Lynne has creatively arranged hospice services at the patient’s home when family support has been stable, or successfully explored other options.”

“By her work, Lynne has demonstrated advocacy in caring for a diverse, underserved, and disenfranchised population that is more often than not forgotten by the public.”

Anne Niziolek, Nurse Manager, Medicine 4

“Anne is deserving of the Nightingale Award because of the impact that she has had on patient care, her willingness to always go beyond the call of duty, and the excellence that she demonstrates in her leadership role.”

“Anne seizes every opportunity to make improvements in daily nursing practice, recognizing that this helps patients as well as caregivers… We are truly fortunate to have such a selfless and caring nurse and leader.”

Dawn Smith, Calhoun Cardiology Center

“Dawn is simply an excellent nurse with the personality that exemplifies the strong qualities that the nursing profession was built on.”

“Dawn is a model of the type of service UConn must provide to succeed. My patient’s daughter has told several friends to come to UConn for their care. This would not happen without Dawn.”

Jennifer Sposito, Clinical Patient Navigator, Cardiac Unit

“Generally speaking it takes years for a stroke coordinator to create a stroke program. Jennifer’s drive, passion, and tireless work helped reach this goal within a short five months.”

The work Jennifer has done to improve stroke care shows that our organization is exceeding the expectation.”Timothy Tralli, Correctional Head Nurse, Hartford Correctional Center

Timothy Tralli, Correctional Head Nurse, Hartford Correctional Center

“To ensure a proper ‘Code White’ response he helped initiate a training program for correctional officers on his shift… This program was the result of months of interaction and cooperation with the Warden and his staff, and currently is the only one in existence in the state. Our Codes are now a mix of the efforts of both medical and custody and are a testament to his enthusiasm and forward thinking when confronted with a problem.”

“His skills, knowledge and abilities as a nurse educator are second to none. His daily dedication is to the highest standards of nursing services.”

Note: Quotations are excerpts from the nominations. Photos by Janine Gelineau.

The 2016 Nightingale Nurses from UConn Health will join their counterparts from other institutions at an awards ceremony at the Connecticut Convention Center May 5.

UConn Health April 2016 Programs, Events

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for April and early May 2016. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 4/19)

UConn Health Auxiliary Book Sale
Friday, April 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Connucopia Gift Shop
The UConn Health Auxiliary is holding a book sale fundraiser. Call 860-679-8004 for more details. More information about the Auxiliary is available at http://auxiliary.uchc.edu.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, April 2, 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.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, April 2, 2:30 to 3:30 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.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, April 6, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. (This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month.) Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Discovery Series: “Pitch Perfect: Keeping Your Voice Healthy”
Thursday, April 14, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Join Dr. Denis Lafreniere, UConn Health otolaryngologist, for a discussion about what causes voice problems, common voice disorders, and ways to keep your voice healthy. Register online, for free, at http://discoveryseries.uchc.edu or call 800-535-6232.

World Voice Day Symposium
Friday, April 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Join experts from UConn Health’s Voice and Speech Clinic for a free daylong symposium that will include voice medicine updates, vocal health tips, and entertainment featuring several local professional singers as well as a surprise Connecticut-born recording artist. To register or for more information, call 800-535-6232.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, April 18, 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, April 18, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Outpatient Pavilion, 4^th 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
Thursday, April 20, 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, April 21, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, Katz Conference Room (C-2116)
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, April 21, 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.

UConn Health Auxiliary’s Spring Market
Friday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
The UConn Health Auxiliary’s annual spring shopping event includes vendors in the main lobby. Money raised goes toward the Auxiliary’s free mammogram programs, its patient assistance program, and its upcoming patient education program scheduled for the Outpatient Pavilion. For more information please call 860-679-2963.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, April 23, 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.

(Added 4/6)
UConn Health New Hospital Tower Community Open House
Sunday, April 24, noon to 3 p.m., UConn Health new hospital tower lobby
All are invited for a preview of the UConn Health’s new hospital tower in advance of the grand opening at the end of the month, including guided behind-the-scenes tours, drawings, and refreshments. Follow signs on campus for the Open House event. No RSVP is required. Note: Tours included several flights of stairs.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, April 25, 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, April 27, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd 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.

(Date changed 4/11)
Exercise As Medicine
Wednesday, ~~April 20~~ April 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Did you know that there’s a prescription that can help prevent and treat many health problems? Join lifestyle medicine expert Brad Biskup to learn how exercise can boost your energy, reduce or eliminate the need for medication, and control cholesterol levels, diabetes, hypertension, and more. To register or for more information, call 800-535-6232.

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, May 4, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. (This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month.) Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

(Canceled 4/18)
Free IVF Information Session
Thursday, May 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Cell and Genome Sciences Building, 400 Farmington Ave.
Specialists with the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services lead an informational session about current treatments for infertility, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). Each program includes an in-depth explanation of the IVF process, discussion of some of the emotional issues surrounding IVF, and discussion of options for financial planning. Registration is required: 844-467-3483 or www.uconnfertility.com.

(Added 4/15)
Walk for Bladder Cancer
Saturday, May 7, 1 p.m., Farmington River Trail, Route 4, Farmington
The UConn Health Bladder Cancer Support Group and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) hold their annual walk to raise awareness and support for BCAN’s research, education and patient support. Learn more or make a donation at http://support.bcan.org/site/TR?fr_id=1373&pg=entry. For more information, call Laurie at 860-986-3170.

(Canceled 4/19)
Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, May 7, 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.~~Bladder Cancer Support Group~~

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 14, 2:30 to 3:30 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.

Directions to UConn Health are available at www.uchc.edu/directions/index.html.

It’s A Wrap!

March 11, 2016

We held a casting call for our employees and many of them who auditioned were chosen to be in our UConn Health TV commercials.

After months of prep, and two very, very long days with film crews all over the UConn Health campus, today we have all the footage needed to begin the build of the upcoming television advertising campaign. This huge undertaking would not have been the success it was without the flexibility by literally of hundreds of people to get it just right. From extras to electricians, parking to props, casting call to cafeteria lines — a big thank you to everyone who helped make the intense two-day shoot not just possible, but a success. (Photos by Janine Gelineau/UConn Health)

Did You Know…?

March 7, 2016

Help Support the 7th Annual White Coat Gala

March 3, 2016

We are pleased to announce the 7th Annual White Coat Gala to benefit UConn Health on April 16, 2016 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. This very special event brings together our entire community—grateful patients, friends, donors, faculty, and staff—to celebrate UConn and raise funds to support our mission. Proceeds will benefit our Bioscience Connecticut projects and the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. Read more on UConn Today.

This year’s recipients of the Carole and Ray Neag Medal of Honor for contributions to medicine are:

Bess Economos, co-founder of the Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research; and
Pramod K. Srivastava, PhD, MD, director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The evening also will feature UConn student-athlete Ryan Radue, a patient at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Interested in attending or helping? There are several ways you can get involved:

BUY Tickets and shop the ONLINE auction: Register online at foundation.uconn.edu/whitecoatgala or call (860) 486-7169.
SPONSOR STUDENTS: Sponsor a table for our medical, dental, and MPH students. A portion of your donation will be directed toward scholarships. Contact Abbie O’Brien at (860) 679-4524 or aobrien@foundation.uconn.edu.
Donate Auction Items: Please contact Emily Auger at eauger@foundation.uconn.edu if you would like to support UConn Health through a donation. Welcome items include golf foursomes, sports tickets, theater tickets, spa/salon services, vacation homes, artwork, and restaurant gift certificates.
Volunteer: Help make the gala a reality. Contact Jess Sokol at (860) 486-2607 or jsokol@foundation.uconn.edu.

We are grateful to our many supporters, including founding title sponsors Richard and Jane Lublin and top sponsors Stanley Black & Decker, Carole and Ray Neag, Robert and Renee Samuels, Shipman & Goodwin, TIAA-CREF, ConnectiCare, and The Creative Mile. Media sponsorship is generously provided by WFSB Channel 3.