Franciscan Physicians Receives Community Safety Award!

On November 17, Franciscan Physicians Hospital received one of three Community Safety Awards for their work in emergency preparedness.

The awards were given by the Lake County Local Emergency Planning Committee, which serves as the liaison between industry and the local community and is accountable to the State of Indiana’s Emergency Response Commission.

A plaque of recognition, given by the LEPC, is located in the hospital’s west lobby.

The District 1 Hospital disaster drills took place on September 24, 2011. The full-scale exercise is designed to test the operational capability of multiple response functions, such as resource coordination, mental health, continuity of operations and risk communication.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital utilized volunteer participants, staged as patients, to simulate a variety of medical conditions relevant to the specific mocked disaster. The September drill scenario involved the detonation of a dirty bomb in three geographic locations in Northwest Indiana.

“We worked hard to ensure that our staff and physicians were prepared for a real life disaster, which was displayed during the scenario played out on September 24,” says Lori Postma, RN and medical care branch director at Franciscan Physicians Hospital.

Barb Greene, hospital president, states, “I’m very proud of our team for executing the plan in full detail as they’ve been trained to do. I am confident that in the face of a real disaster, their expertise and organization would prove successful in protecting our patients and staff to the fullest of their capabilities.”

Kevin Doolin, LEPC president, presents Lori Postma with the hospital's Community Safety Award.  

WorkingWell Physician to Address Safety Conference at Blue Chip

Joins other industry leaders to bring safety to the forefront in discussing safety and industry topics at large-scale conference

Dr. Charles Mok, an occupational medicine specialist with Franciscan Alliance's WorkingWell program, will be among speakers at the Beyond Safety Conference and Expo Oct. 26 and 27 at Blue Chip Casino.

The conference and expo is the leading tradeshow in the industry, bring together key stake holders in all facets of safety.

Dr. Mok will address the role of acupuncture in treating work-related-injuries. Acupuncture can be used to treat acute pain, in addition to medication and other therapies. In cases where patients do not tolerate pain medications, acupuncture often decreases symptoms so that additional medication is not required. 

The lecture will begin with a brief synopsis of the history and fundamentals of acupuncture. It also will include a discussion of the indications for acupuncture and case presentations where acupuncture was used in work-related-injury treatment. 

"I am pleased to be a part of this program and to share information that can prove so helpful to those who are enduring pain," Mok said, adding, "I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of this educational program."

The second annual event will bring safety professionals and leaders together for a two-day program of education, networking and exhibitions. New this year is the opportunity for professionals to earn 1.2 Continuing Education Units, awarded by the American Society of Safety Engineers, by attending both days of the conference.

About Franciscan Alliance

Mishawka, Ind.-based Franciscan Alliance, which has 14 hospitals, is a leader in providing faith-based, integrated health care, using the latest technology, innovative procedures and the brightest, most compassionate people to serve patients in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. It offers nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence and more than 18,000 employees, including more than 600 physicians. For more than 135 years, Franciscan Alliance has had a mission to provide care for everyone, 2.9 million outpatients and more than 100,000 inpatients every year, regardless of ability to pay.

About Diversified Marketing Strategies

Diversified Marketing Strategies is an award-winning, full-service marketing, communications and public relations agency with more than 20 years of experience in the Midwest. The firm also publishes the award-winning Building Indiana magazine, the leading source of business and economic development news in the state of Indiana. The woman-owned and operated firm is headquartered in Crown Point, with other locations in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Visit www.3dms.com and www.buildingindiananews.com for more information.

Franciscan Physicians Hospital Awarded HFAP Accreditation

Franciscan Physicians Hospital was awarded accreditation from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), an independent, recognized accreditation authority. It earned this distinction after HFAP conducted an extensive and objective review of the hospital's quality and safety standards.

"We're always very proud to have this distinction," said Lisa Leckrone, Risk Management Director at Franciscan Physicians Hospital. "Our community comprises individuals with health care experience from many different providers. It's important that we establish a well-rounded, consistent environment in which they can place trust and pride. I believe we've done that, and the HFAP is one outlet for us to provide those elements."

The HFAP is one of only three national voluntary accreditation programs authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to survey all hospital and other medical facilities for compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation.

The HFAP is a non-profit, nationally recognized accreditation organization. It has been accrediting healthcare facilities for more than 60 years and under Medicare since its inception. Its mission is to advance high quality patient care and safety through objective application of recognized standards. Its accreditation is recognized by the federal government, state governments, managed care organizations, and insurance companies. For more information, go to: www.hfap.org.

Beat the Blizzard: How to Prepare for the Snow

Tuesday, February 1st is expected to be the host of a massive snowstorm that is affecting the entire Midwest region of the U.S. With snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches in the NWI region, it's imperative that you plan ahead. Please consider these tips to stay ahead of the snow and protect yourself from the elements.

1. Keep extra blankets, coats, hats, mittens and water-resistant boots in a central area where they will be easy to access in case of power outages.

2. Have flashlights available for added light in case of power outages.

3. Check on family members, relatives and animals prior to the storm in case assistance is needed.

4. Develop a family preparedness plan that includes the location of food, emergency maps and who to contact for emergency help.

5. Purchase backup food that is easy to consume. Consider items like powdered milk, protein bars, soup and bottled water.

6. Avoid traveling at all cost. If traveling is absolutely necessary, be sure you have an extra coat, hat, gloves, blankets and boots in case you're stranded and have to stay in your vehicle.

7. Be sure that you have enough of your over-the-counter and prescription medications to last several days.

8. Stock up on snow shovels and snow removal equipment beforehand.

9. Be sure that your cell phone is fully charged before the storm hits in case you lose power.

10. If a power outage occurs, check refrigerated food with a thermometer before cooking as temperatures in the fridge may have risen.

Fore more information on blizzard safety tips click here.