March 10 - 16, 2019, HR Professionals in Health Care Week, is designated to recognize human resources professionals in health care organizations across the nation for their important role across the continuum of care.  The Brooks-TLC team (L to R) of Wendy Pagano, Tracie Luther, Carol Habich and Angela Hallmark, oversee all aspects of employment for more than 525 employees across BTLC, in areas such as compliance with labor law and employment standards, administration of employee benefits, and recruitment. 

Expectant Parent classes are now FREE at Brooks Campus and are offered in March, June and September on Wednesday evenings.  Call Katie Tomkiewicz at 363-3080 or register online at www.brookshospital.org/ upcoming-eventsclasses.  

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The “dynamic duo”, as they’re referred to in editor Kelly M. Pyrek’s article “Occupational Health: Joining Forces With Infection Prevention” from the October 31, 2018 issue of Infection Control Today, is showcased for their integrated approach to fighting infection.  As the go-to source for infection preventionists and their colleagues in operating rooms, sterile processing, environmental services and materials management, Infection Control Today is considered the leading industry publication in the field.    

In her research, Pyrek came across the Barone/Schrantz evidence-based model entitled “Employee Health and Infection Control: It Fits. Putting the Pieces Together,” a co-presentation from the 2017 Annual Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Conference.  She reached out and interviewed both women to gain insightful perspective on the combined approach that works particularly well for the Brooks-TLC Hospital System. 

As excerpted from the article with editor permission…
In some hospitals, Occupational Health (OH) services and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) are handled by one leader tasked with leveraging the synergies of both disciplines into a comprehensive healthcare worker and patient safety program. Personnel can be cross-trained in core activities such as surveillance, as well as receive education and instruction around the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccination, sharps safety and handwashing, among other interventions.

Conversely, collaboration is clearly key at Brooks-TLC. 
"In our perspective you need to embrace each other’s knowledge and work together because so much of what we do is connected and affects each other," says Schrantz. "To our readers who have any doubt consider this… if IPC focuses on patients, and OH focuses on employees, and employees take care of patients, and patients rely on employees for safe care, how do remove any part of this equation?"

Barone explains that having a plan that is understood by both departments is essential to a high-functioning safety culture. "It is important that OH knows and understands the Infection Control Plan that is developed at the beginning of the year to identify and minimize risk to both patients and healthcare workers," she says. "For example, if hand hygiene compliance is both a risk and goal, OH should be aware because the more employees clean their hands, the higher risk of dermatitis, and other skin issues. During Influenza season, OH should be aware of the number of patients admitted with flu and flu-like symptoms for employee illness tracking."

Kelly Pyrek’s article can be found in its entirety at:
https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/occupational-health/occupational-health-joining-forces-infection-prevention.
Infection Control Today has been serving hospitals and their critical information needs in the area of infection prevention since 1997. Infection Control Today magazine, website and e-newsletters deliver the timely, relevant practice guidance that medical professionals need to protect their institutions, their patients and their fellow healthcare workers, and to eliminate healthcare-acquired infections.

It was a heart-warming gesture of kindness and generosity displayed by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc. employees at both the Brooks and TLC campuses.  It took four (4) carloads and eight (8) volunteers to transport and sort the array of clothing, toys, and books that were donated to families served by The Master’s Plan Community Church in Dayton. 
 
Following an employee nomination process, The Master’s Plan was selected as this year’s charity to receive gifts from the annual Giving Tree at both the Brooks and TLC campuses. The ministry is run by Angie Mardino-Miller, RN, Emergency Department, TLC Campus, and was nominated by TLC employee, Jane Thomas.  While other worthwhile charities were nominated for consideration, those organizations did not have a need for chilPhoto: 
Front row L to R:  Roberta Johnston, Christine Matthews, Angie Mardino-Miller, Sheila Walier (Brooks-TLC)

Back row L to R:  Paul Ellis, Julian Matte, Don Mitchell, John Pellin, Mike Matthews
dren’s Christmas gifts at this time. 

So, this year’s Giving Tree partnership was formed. 

Each year, The Master's Plan serves 6500 community members in need with its FREE food pantry, Thanksgiving dinners, household items, toys, clothing, school supplies, and rescue housing for abuse or home fire victims. 

Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc. and The Master’s Plan wish to thank those who donated to help make the holidays brighter for those less fortunate in our community. 

This past Saturday, sixty-five (65) children of Brooks-TLC employees enjoyed a visit with Santa (Kenny Long) and Mrs. Claus (Cindi Polowy) along with cookie decorating, crafts and plenty of treats thanks to our faithful Auxiliary friends. Thanks to all who made this happen especially Lisa Muldowney and Joanna Banach.

 
The annual Auxiliary of BMH Tree of Lights ceremony has been scheduled for Friday, December 8 at 7pm in the Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc. – Brooks campus lobby.  
 
The annual tree lighting ceremony is a community wide remembrance and living tribute to those we love and cherish.  Following the official lighting of the tree, which is donated by Toots Tree Farm in Forestville, festivities include caroling throughout the hospital and refreshments.
 
Your contribution of only $10 or $50 per individual name - either in honor of - or in memory of - a loved one will help the Auxiliary of BMH continue providing support to the hospital in the form of much needed patient care equipment.  Names of all honorees will appear on a scroll in the hospital’s main lobby and lights will sparkle throughout December and into January. 

For more information contact Lisa at 679-4774 or download an order form here.

Brooks-TLC nurses had the honor of participating in Dunkirk Elementary School #3 Hallway of Heroes celebration last week.  In addition to corresponding by written letters to inquiring students, nursing staff received the honor of a hero’s welcome by cheering schoolchildren asking for autographs.  The celebration culminated with a Q&A by inquisitive students asking about the nursing profession.