News

July 2, 2009

Progress Notes from Athol Memorial Hospital

By Marcia Maglione Flynn

Celebrating Service
Twenty-nine hospital staff members were recently honored for their years of continuous service to the organization. Honorees included Patricia Aldrich, Bobbie-Lee Carr, Diane Cycz, Jennifer Judd, Marguerite St. Amand, Diana Stratton, Cheryl Tambolleo, and Rita Tolman for five years; Renee Boudreau, Janet Goldsmith, Dean Fleming, and Ronald Raymond for ten years; Susan Batchelor, Peter Euvard, Diane Gray, Nancy Magill, and Marilyn Ryder for fifteen years; Judith Howland, Cynthia Jenkins, and Bethany Maselli for twenty years, Madeline Plante and Carole Vaidulas for twenty-five years; Jacqueline Blaser, Christina Hunt and Teresa Lincoln for thirty years; Karen Lachance, Glenda Raymond, and Sandra White for thirty-five years; and Sandra Jillson for fifty years.

Joining the Ranks
The hospital has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Army Reserve for an employee partnership initiative. The purpose is to help identify prospective job opportunities for Army Reserve soldiers and give the hospital access to highly motivated and skilled pre-screened candidates. The Army Reserve recruits and trains the soldiers in designated Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) aligned with the hiring and staffing needs of the employer. The partnering employer then has the opportunity to interview, and the option to hire, soldiers who have completed their MOS training. Other healthcare organizations participating in this program include Cleveland Clinic, Inova Health Systems, St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center, Pacific Medical Centers, Central Baptist Hospital, Tri West Healthcare Alliance, University of Utah Health Sciences, Providence Health and Services, and in Massachusetts, Winchester Hospital.

Good Growing
The Wellness Garden, planted on hospital grounds during a workshop held in conjunction with the AMH Auxiliary Plant Sale in May, is now providing some of the lettuce and fresh herbs used in the hospital’s cafeteria. The garden is part of a partnership between the hospital and the Seeds of Solidarity Education Center to promote healthful eating. A workshop on creative and nutritious cooking, featuring vegetables from the garden, will be taught later this summer by hospital staff. Stay posted for details.

Auxiliary Update
The Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary raised over $4,500, at their annual Plant Sale and Fair, despite a downturned economy. There are a handful of Lotto calendars, many of them winners, available at The Glass Shelf Gift Shop and the hospital switchboard. Proceeds from all Auxiliary fundraisers are used to purchase patient care and comfort equipment for the hospital. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Refreshments will be served and all members, as well as those interested in membership, are welcome to attend. Auxiliary President Polly Briggs extends a heartfelt thank-you to all in the community who support the Auxiliary and the many events throughout the year.

Kudos
Congratulations to hospital staff members Laura Darling, RN, MS, Manager of Medical Surgery Nursing Services and the Intensive Care Unit; Lucille Songer, RN, MS, Chief Nursing Officer and Manager of Risk Management and Performance Improvement; and John Thayer, RN, MS, Nurse Manager of Emergency Services and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; on completion of their Master’s Degree studies in Healthcare Administration at Worcester State College.