Edition 30

Hospital Survey:

Two weeks ago the DOH team came for the State Survey. Thanks to everyone that toured with the surveyors or helped locate the items or workflows they needed to observe. From the exit conference here are a few of the preliminary findings:

Environment of Care:

The surveyor focusing on infection prevention only identified one issue related to storing items in the under sink cabinets.

CliniCAL Care:

This surveyor located a few expired items, incomplete documentation related to pediatrics weights and immunization status, missing pain assessments and care plans, and identified a gap in documenting the physicians face-to-face evaluation as part of restraint use.

Fire and Life Safety:

The Fire Marshall identified a fire door that didn’t latch, a door stop being used in the ER, power strips being used for appliances, missing signage, and missing documentation for a few items.

We haven’t gotten the formal State of Deficiencies yet, but expect to receive it any day. We will create a Plan of Correction to address each deficiency and describe our process to ensure it doesn’t happen again. This survey is the best one I’ve been a part of at NVH. There were very few findings, and I’m particularly impressed with EVS, Dietary, and Maintenance for the great work on the Environment of Care component.

Administrative Changes:

As previously announced Jeanette Hamilton is transitioning to a new organization and we have posted for a HR Director. Her last day in full time capacity is Friday and then she will be available during the transition in a per diem role. We have a few applicants and are excited to hold some interviews in the coming weeks.

Today is also our new CFO, Anthonie Zimmermann’s first day. He is primarily working remotely but plans to make a visit to NVH towards the end of next week. Anthonie is, and will continue, working for Columbia Basin Hospital in Ephrata while he supports NVH in a hybrid capacity.

Scholarship Opportunity:

The North Valley Community Health Association scholarship application period is now open. We encourage local students pursuing careers in healthcare to apply. Currently employees pursuing additional education are also eligible and the Foundation would love to support you.

The Tonasket 4th Graders found out that being tall doesn’t automatically make you a good basketball coach.