OGHS May 2022 Newsletter

OGHS May 2022 Newsletter

MAY 2022 EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE NEWS IN GENERAL

A WORD FROM OUR CEO Kenneth Cochran, DSc, FACHE President & CEO

I always look forward to the month of May because we recognize “National Hospital Week”! It gives our

with the OGHS Live 4 Life Health Fair was also a very successful event. Many participants took part in the education and health screenings that were offered. It also marked the four-year anniversary of Healthy St. Landry. Thank you to all of the employees who helped with these events. We can all breathe a little easier now that we have completed our Joint Commission Survey. There are a few things that we have been cited for and we are currently working on those improvements for our next visit in a few weeks. Even though our survey is complete, please remember to be mindful of our responsibilities as they relate to patient care and safety. As always, thank you for all that you do for our organization.

organization an opportunity to celebrate you, our employees! This year, we are planning a week-long celebration ending with a very competitive cook- off. We will honor our service award recipients and provide a drive-thru crawfish boil again this year. Full details regarding the list of activities and events are in this issue. I would like to congratulate the OGHS Foundation on their very successful Hall of Fame Gala. The event was very well attended and brought great joy to the recipients, their family and friends. The OGHS Foundation Smoke Free Health Event, in conjunction

Below is the link to this month’s survey. All employees w ho fill it out correctly will be entered into a drawing to win money in the OGHS online store. The next drawing will be in July! Be sure to fill out the survey each month to get more chances to win. https://bit.ly/3vDQp6I NEWSLETTER SURVEY

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT MAY 2022

Dr. Christopher Matt Emergency Medicine

Where are you originally from? Lafayette, LA Why did you choose OGHS?

I chose to work at OGHS because I wanted to give back to the community. Although I grew up in Lafayette, I spent much of my childhood with my family in Lawtell where many of them still live. Working at OGH S allows me to care for my family when I’m needed. I appreciate and can relate to the culture because it is a part of me. What is your favorite thing about working at OGHS? My favorite thing about working at OGHS are my coworkers, especially the ER nurses and staff. What do you enjoy most about being a physician? I enjoy when I make a connection with my patients; when I have the privilege of making a difference in the lives of our neighbors. I really love when a family member or close friend/loved one needs me, especially away from the hospital, and I can be there for them. What would you like everyone to know about you? I am married with 4 children, a dog, a bearded dragon, and a new cat who recently adopted our home out of the blue. This cat was obviously pregnant, and I now have free kittens to give away. What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my family. My 4 children keep my schedule full outside of work: Soccer, baseball, dancing, basketball, tumbling, cheer, football, dirt bikes. I also enjoy regularly beating Stephen Romero, RN in golf and tennis matches.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT MAY 2022 Lorraine Marks What Lorraine likes about working at OGHS: Lorraine enjoys working in the family-oriented environment that OGHS offers. What Lorraine would like everyone to know about her? Lorraine’s favorite time of the year is Mardi Gras, and she loves listening to different genres of music. She also likes to travel when she has the chance to. Lorraine is most THANKFUL for her family and having a job where she is making a difference in other people’s lives.

Lorraine Marks is being ACKNOWLEDGED as the Spotlight Employee for May 2022. We would like to INTRODUCE Lorraine, who has been a member of our OGHS family for the DURATION of 6 years. Lorraine works in the PBX department as a PBX Operator. Lorraine’s EXPLANATION of her various duties: Lorraine is responsible for answering/operating the switch board and making sure all calls are routed to the correct departments as well as calling codes over the intercom when needed. She also checks in patient visitors and gives them visitor wrist bands.

ST. LANDRY CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE

Shelton Anthony and Shelly Fontenot recently served on the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Selection Committee. The Opelousas General Health System Scholarship has been awarded to Kaylee Bergeron of Opelousas Catholic.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR RECOGNITION

Standards of Behavior cards were recently pulled from the Accordion boxes at Main and South Campuses. Each employee that was recognized received 5 J2E coins worth $5.00 redeemable in the OGHS Cafe’ or in the Lobby Shop. Steppin to Service cards for Elizabeth Thibodeaux and Sharon Nchonko were selected from Main Campus. Elizabeth’s card read, “Liz was recognized on a FEB DAS patient survey for providing excellent patient care! Great job.” - Janice Ryan. Sharon’s card read, “While visiting a sick family member, Sharon on the 4th floor was so attentive and respectful. She took her time to explain everything. I know our family member is receiving the very best

care. Thank you.” - Visitor. Shonna Eaglin and Maranda Thibodeaux were both selected from South Campus. Shonna’s card read, “I went on vacation from 3-17 through 3-28 and Shonna handled my workload and hers. She kept up and didn’t complain. Thank you.”- Rochelle Arceneau. Maranda’s card read,“Physicians Practice was closed on Monday, 2/28/22, for Mardi Gras and she offered to help the infusion clinic which was open. She is always willing to help in any way she can. She is patient and kind to all co-workers and patients in our clinic.” - Callie Saizan.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR The Standards Team has initiated a process to recognize employees based on their actions observed by others. Each month, Steppin to Service cards are collected, and the Standards Team selects 1 employee to hold the title of employee of the month based on what they are being recognized for on their Steppin to Service card.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH - MARCH

Cynnamon Albery became a member of the OGHS Family in 2018. She is currently employed as a unit secretary at the South Campus EmergencyDepartment. Cynnamon has 5 children and 4 grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors, roller skating with her grandchildren, gardening, swimming and camping. When asked what she liked about OGHS, Cynnamon said, “It’s not a job here. It’s being with family. I spend a lot of time with my coworkers, and we have created a special bond.” Thank you, Cynnamon, for truly living our Service Standards of Behavior. Cynnamon is pictured with Ken Cochran, President & CEO.

Hospital Week

May 9-13

Ice Cream Social Main & South Campus Cafe 2:30 pm-3:30 pm Monday, May 9th Tuesday, May 10th Employee Appreciation (Managers will pick up gifts in HR) Drive Thru Crawfish Boil Main Campus 4:30 pm-7:30 pm (Sign-up slots will be available) Wednesday, May 11th Breakfast Scones Main Campus Cafe 6:30 am-8:30 am South Campus Cafe 7:00 am-8:15 am Drive Thru Crawfish Boil South Campus 4:30 pm-7:30 pm (Sign-up slots will be available)

Thursday, May 12th Scavenger Hunt 9:00 am (details to follow) Service Awards Presentation Main Campus Auditorium 2:00 pm

Friday, May 13th Poulet Anyway Cookoff

Spaghetti will be served to all staff Behind Building M 11:00 am-1:00 pm

Employees must sign up for 1 time slot to pick up the crawfish platters. You have 2 different nights to choose from in 30-minute intervals. Each time slot will have a limit. It is important to come at your designated time. In celebration of hospital week, each OGHS employee can enjoy 2 platters of Boiled Crawfish!

Tuesday, May 10th 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm Main Campus Wednesday, May 11th 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm South Campus

Sign up must be done through the “Sign up Genius”. The link has been emailed to all employees through your hospital email address. You must have your OGHS employee badge when picking up your platters of crawfish. No boiled crawfish platters are allowed to be brought in the hospital, your work station or break room.

RETIREMENT

We would like to congratulate the following employees who have recently retired.

Patricia Lewis worked as a Storeroom Clerk and has been employed for the past 30 years. She is pictured with Suzanne Kidder, Human Resources Officer and Sharon Ortego, Materials-Manager.

Madeline (Maggie) Richard worked as a Unit Secretary in the ED. She has been employed for the past 17 years. She is pictured with Lauryn Allgood, ER Services Manager and Jackie Simien, CNO.

Charlotte Soileau worked as a Patient Account Representative for the past 41 years. She is pictured with Dennis Thibodeaux, Special Projects Coordinator, Loretta Stevens, Billing Office Supervisor and Shannon Sam, Business Services Manager.

Bernadette Thomas worked as a Department Level Secretary for the past 33 years. She is pictured with Eva Roberts, Inpatient Services Manager and Tanesha Hanson, Charge RN.

Congratulations and best of luck to each of you. Thank you for your service to OGHS!

DONATION TO WOMEN’S SERVICES

Members of our Women’s Services Department attended a ribbon cutting recently honoring the partnership between the local Community Birth Companion Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Clinic and Saul’s Light, a NICU and Bereavement organization based in New Orleans. During the ribbon cutting event, Saul’s Light donated a brand-new Cuddle Cot to our Nursery. The purpose of the Cuddle Cot is to give grieving parents and family the gift of time, allowing them to deal with the loss of their newborn

child at their own pace. We would like to thank both Saul’s Light and Community Birth Companion for this generous donation and our continued partnership! In attendance were staff from our Women’s Services Department including Lauren David, RN, IBCLC; Jennifer Babineaux, Quality RN & Educator; Mary Fontenot,Nursery Coordinator and McKenzie Fontenot, Event Coordinator & Marketing Assistant.

ST. LANDRY YOUTH BLAST

Deanna LeJeune and Shelly Fontenot recently participated in the St. Landry Parish Youth BLAST (Boldy Living As Smart Teens) event held recently at Our Savior’s Church. The attendees, including 8th graders from every school in the parish, were presented with information regarding underage drinking, prescription drug misuse/abuse, and depression. The goal of the event was to bring about a positive presence in addressing the ills of these issues.

Together for Mental Health This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), has a new slogan: Together for Mental Health. Mental Health is not just about the person suffering from mental illness. It affects everyone… family and friends, his or her family support, the healthcare system and/or the community at large. All of these systems of support and stability can be affected by mental illness. It’s important to know that we are not alone in the ways in which we determine what help we need. It’s all of us together that can make a difference. When we think about our mental health and how we are feeling, we must give a bit of attention to the 8 dimensions of wellness. Each of these dimensions affect the other and our overall wellness. These dimensions include the emotional (creating healthy and satisfying relationships), environmental (occupying stimulating conditions and situations), financial (satisfaction with financial situations), intellectual (recognizing talents and skills and using them creatively), occupational (satisfaction in one’s work), physical (recognizing the need for a healthy and balanced physical lifestyle), social (developing healthy support systems) and spiritual (a sense of purpose and meaning in life). Let’s think about this in an example that some of us may have encountered: work and the connections we have at work. Think about a time when you have had a stressful day at the office/clinic, and you just are getting tired of some of the things that you have to deal with. The first dimension you tap into is the occupational wellness (satisfaction or dissatisfaction). In your frustration, you may begin to pull back from your coworkers (social wellness). You may also begin to start feeling bad—headaches, fatigue (physical wellness) and you may even get angry or easily bothered (emotional wellness). Over time, this can start to affect your mental health. Mental health can be affected by different factors and different times in our lives. It is also affected by our life experiences. Those experiences can tap into times and spaces when we feel happy and free or saddened or angered by the histories of trauma and abuse.

Each affect us in many different ways and can also determine how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. For example, our adolescence creates very different mental cues to us than perhaps, our mid-life. Our family history and even genetic history also provides us with different ways in which our mental health is affected. There is no “one size fits all” with mental health. What may be good for one, may not be good for the next. There are physicians and mental health specialists that can discuss options both clinically and through the use of coping skills and strategies. There are many non-clinical ways in which we can seek physical and mental health.

Some examples include: · Regular exercise · Eating well · Getting enough sleep · Focus on positivity · Connect with people that care about you

When things get to be too much, it is important that we seek care, just as we would a physical ailment. Mental health specialists can help guide you to seek a treatment that works best for you. It is important you become aware of your feelings and talk to someone about how you are feeling. Don’t wait for someone to ask you…start the conversation.

If your mental health and wellness has been affecting you and you need to speak to someone, reach out to one of our Employee Assistance Program counselors:

Katrina Prejean, in-house at OGHS ext. 5069 Alicia Reed, Opelousas, LA (337) 678-3132 Harmony House, Eunice, LA (337) 466-3530 A Place for Me, Carencro, LA (337) 565-0908

EAP provides 8 sessions of counseling for employees at no cost to you.

Let’s work Together for Mental Health!

Foods That Help Fight Seasonal Allergies Spring means warming temps, longer days, and beautiful new blooms. It also means heightened allergies for a growing number of people. Whatever the allergen-pollen, pet dander, dust- symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes impact about 1 billion people worldwide. Finding relief isn’t easy, but making small, simple changes to your eating habits may help ease symptoms. Eating fewer inflammatory foods (processed foods often laden with added sugar, refined grains, and preservatives) and replacing them with anti-inflammatory whole, mostly plant based foods has many health benefits, including protection against disease. Enjoy more of these foods to give your diet an allergy-fighting boost. • Onions, Broccoli, and Grapes - These foods contain the powerful plant compound, quercetin, known for it’s anti-allergic properties. This antioxidant-rich flavonoid may boost the immune system into action by inhibiting histamine release and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Quercetin is the main ingredient of many potential anti-allergic drugs and products. Onions are the most studied quercetin containing food, but this compound is also in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, along with apples, berries, citrus, grapes, and wine. • Citrus, Peppers, Potatoes - Choosing foods high in vitamin C can be an effective way to help reduce the severity of allergic reactions. An antioxidant and an antihistamine, this vitamin supports the immune system and protects the body’s cells against damage from free radicals. Research has shown that vitamin C may decrease inflammation, swelling, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Studies show that vitamin C seems to be most effective against upper respiratory allergy symptoms as well. • Kefir, Kombucha, and Kimch i- Probiotics- a mixture of live bacteria and/or yeast that live in the body to help keep us healthy- may also have beneficial effects on allergy symptoms. Probiotics may help stimulate the immune system to improve the body’s defense and reduce allergic inflammation. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, sourdough, miso, kefir, kombucha, and kimchi.

• Salmon, Seeds, and Plant oils - Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for their association with easing allergy symptoms. Growing evidence supports the beneficial effects of omega-3s in chronic inflammatory diseases, including reducing the severity of symptoms in allergic diseases. Sources include cold water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout and tuna, as well as nuts and seeds like walnuts, flax seeds, oils made from them, and some other oils including canola oil, soybean oil, and cod liver oil.

**submitted by OGHS Dietitians. Please call Lauren at x 4409 with any questions** Resource: Environmental nutrition newsletter, may 2022.

HALL OF FAME

Congratulations to our 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees!

Mary Ruth Clues https://bit.ly/3vec4Uh

Dr. Frederick L. Mayer https://bit.ly/3OFtBfU

Dr. Lana Metoyer https://bit.ly/3vec4Uh

Judy Theall https://bit.ly/3ONwA63

The legacy of these individuals exemplifies service and dedication.

MARGIE QUEBEDEAUX DEDICATION

On April 26th, a dedication was held in memory of Margie Quebedeaux, an OGHS employee who served for over 45 years. Margie passed away in June of 2021. She was a true example of service and always so generous with her time. She was a nurturer, motivator, counselor and true friend to everyone. She spent many hours volunteering in the OGHS Healing Garden to keep it beautiful. The members of the People Actively Growing Emotionally (PAGE) support group that she facilitated for over 30 years, honored her by placing a memorial stone granite in our Healing Garden. Her family, OGHS employees and members of her support group were in attendance. Special thanks to Greg Brandt for his donation, time and talent in sprucing up our special space. To see more photos, click here.

“ Always had great service & Doctors at OGHS!” - Betty

ONLINE COMMENTS “She is a wonderful doctor. Only had 2 visits so far, and am very satisfied and impressed with her and the entire staff.” –Dieadra C. on Dr. Samantha Vidrine “This place is so kind. All of the staff in this office of wound care are so patient and willing to solve the issue, it was a pleasure experience!” – Chelsie

“I have been to OGH many times. I have always been treated with respect, and more importantly I have always had excellent care. I would recommend this hospital to everyone!” – Maureen “Huge thanks & praise to all these wonderful doctors who have personally taken care of many of my family members, greatly appreciated!” – Stacy on National Doctor’s Day

OGHS INTRODUCES EXCELSIUSGPS® - A REVOLUTIONARY ROBOTIC NAVIGATION PLATFORM

Opelousas General Health System became a leader in the field of robotic guidance and navigation through the purchase of ExcelsiusGPS®. This platform technology is designed to improve safety and accuracy within the operating room. ExcelsiusGPS® provides improved visualization of patient anatomy through the procedure to help optimize patient treatment. The system is designed to streamline the surgical workflow and reduce radiation exposure to surgeons and staff. This revolutionary robotic

navigation platform is the world’s first technology to combine a rigid robotic arm and full navigation capabilities into one adaptable platform for accurate trajectory alignment in spine surgery. ExcelsiusGPS® is Globus Medical’s advanced technology solution designed to enhance safety and improve efficiency for patients, staff, and surgeons in the operating room. Learn more about this by reading our blog: https://bit.ly/3EzO0OK

Physician Practices Newsletter May 2022

Birthdays

Quote of the Month All things seem possible in MAY! Top News in Physician Practices

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Jennifer Smith, Physician Practices (Quality & Referrals), 5/2 Blair Meche, Surgical Associates, 5/2 Layna Swope, Ortho, 5/4 Justin Muller, Ortho, 5/4 Lynn Lavergne, IMCO, 5/6 Dr. Jamie Collins, Collins, 5/14 Paige Bergeron, LSUE, 5/15 Dr. Sal Vazquez, Surgical Associates, 5/18 Rachel McReynolds, LSUE, 5/19 Crystal May, Physician Practices (IMCO & LSUE), 5/27 Lindsay Robin, Collins, 5/31

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1. OTC Collections $124,983.66, Televisits-28, Visit Counts-3903 for March, 2022. 2. Senior Leader Rounding successes at Collins Family Clinic, Carencro Clinic, and PIT Department. 3. Welcoming Rachel Taylor, NP, Tara Charpentier, Social

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Worker, Katherine Little, NP, and Heather Leday, Receptionist/Clinical to our Rural Health Clinic!

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Teams Pictures

New Team Members

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Jessica Leal, Medical Records Clerk, Ortho Spine Danielle Bernard, Lab Assistant, Collins Samantha Ernestine, Population Health Nurse, Physician Practices Rachel Taylor, NP, Rural Health

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Bridgette Vidrine, Practice Manager Rural Health

Employee of The Month

Open Positions

Riddle MA-FT LPN-FT Physician Practices: XRay Tech-PRN Certified Medical Assistant • Carencro Clinic – LPN • Rainey Clinic – LPN • Pulmonology Clinic – Carencro Clinic: MA/LPN -FT LPN-FT Rural Health Clinic: MA-FT Receptionist-FT Neurology: EMG Tech-PRN LPN-FT Pulmonology: MA/LPN Surgical Associates: LPN-FT Nephrology: MA-FT Centre De La Vie Q. What has to be broken Practice Manager- Pulmonology Clinic Clinical Educator-FT Practice Manager-Carencro

Rebecca Ducote, LPN Collins Family Clinic Congrats Rebecca!!!

1. How long have you worked for OGHS? I have worked for WSH Collins Family Clinic for 15 Months. 2. What do you enjoy most about your role? I enjoy contributing to each patient ’s needs and how I can impact their lives on an emotional and medical level. It brings me so much joy. 3. What’s something surprising about you that people don’t know ? Something surprising about me is that in high school I was first chair trumpet and can still read music to this day. 3 F 3 Fun Questions: un 33333:33Fun3

before you can use it? Riddl Q: A month in Spring that rhymes with Day A. An egg

Need to Know

A: May

• Updates: Donated supplies are available for pick up in PIT Office: isolation drapes, shoe covers, hand sanitizer • Fun Facts: The largest sand castle in the world measured 54 feet high. Credits: Good Housekeeping.com • Events/Forums: o Live 4 Life Health Fair, Saturday, April 30, 2022, 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m., South City Park. o Cook Off for Hospital Week on May 13, 2022. o Hospital week, May 9. Upcoming celebration details will follow from HR . o Dedication, Margie Quebedeaux on April 26, 2022, 3:30 p.m., Healing Gardens at Main Campus.

Photos submitted by:

• Rainey Clinic • CDLV • Physician Practices, Quality • Centre de la Vie • Collins Family Clinic • Ortho Spine Clinic

COVID UPDATES

Safety Topics: Masking, Hand Hygiene, Cleaning all highly touched areas.

MAIN CAMPUS 539 E Prudhomme St Opelousas, LA 70570

SOUTH CAMPUS 3983 I–49 S Service Rd Opelousas, Louisiana 70570