September 15, 2006

What's Happening

JCAHO information table
The MGH JCAHO Steering Committee will host a JCAHO readiness information table Sept. 20, from 9 am to 4 pm at the bottom of the central stairwell outside the Eat Street Café. Information at the table will help all MGHers prepare for the upcoming JCAHO survey. All visitors will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for two tickets to a New England Patriots game.

Eldercare discussion group
The MGH Employee Assistance Program will host its monthly eldercare discussion group Sept. 19, from noon to 1 pm in the Doerr Conference Center, Room 10650, Yawkey Center. Topics covered will include care coordination, the grief process and legal, estate and medical issues. For more information, call (617) 726-6976.

Erev Rosh Hashanah service
MGH Chaplaincy will offer a Erev Rosh Hashanah service Sept. 22 at 11 am at the MGH Chapel on Ellison 1.

Budgeting workshop
The MGH Employee Assistance Program will offer a "Your Budget Blueprint" workshop Sept. 21, from noon to 1 pm in the Thier Conference Room. For more information, call (617) 726-6976.

Senior HealthWISE events
The MGH Senior HealthWISE lecture series will offer "Vitamins and Supplements" Sept. 21, from 11 am to noon in the Haber Conference Room. Helen Delichatsios, MD, of the Beacon Hill Primary Care Practice, will present. Senior HealthWISE also will host an "EatWISE, Eat Smart" workshop Sept. 21, from 3 to 4 pm at the West End Branch Library. The six-week workshop will cover healthy eating for older adults. The program also will offer an "Effective Communication with Your Health Care Providers" workshop Sept. 25, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the West End Branch Library. Registration is required for both workshops. For more information or to register, call (617) 724-6756.

Presentation on IRB issues
The MGH Clinical Research Program is offering "What Does the IRB Really Want? How to Write a Human Studies Protocol" Sept. 19, from 4 to 5 pm in the Simches Research Building, Room 3110. To register, visit hub.partners.org. For more information, contact Lauren Michaels at (617) 726-5010 or lmichaels@partners.org.

Fall 2006 computer training schedule
Partners Information Systems Training has released the Fall 2006 schedule for computer training workshops. Visit is.partners.org/training, then click "Microsoft Office Classes" and the MGH logo. Schedules and information also are available by calling (617) 724-1229. Completed registration forms may be faxed to (617) 724-1402.

Latino Heritage Month celebration
In honor of Latino Heritage Month, the MGH Latino Heritage Planning Committee will host "Our Rich Culture Contributing to America's Future" Sept. 22, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the O'Keeffe Auditorium. Renowned writer Esmeralda Santiago will give the keynote address. A reception will be held from 12:30 to 2 pm under the Bulfinch Tent.

AARP photo for employees over age 50
In honor of the MGH's designation as one of the best employers in the country for workers over age 50 by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), all MGH employees over age 50 are invited to participate in a group photo in front of the Bulfinch Building. The photo will take place Sept. 19, at 7 and 10 am and 3 and 6 pm.

Operation Poseidon disaster drill
The MGH will participate in Operation Poseidon, a disaster response exercise, Sept. 17, beginning in the early morning and lasting into the afternoon at the White Ramp, the WACC and the ED. The MGH will activate its disaster plan, deploy its HAZMAT and Radiation Response teams and set up the Mass Decontamination Unit outside the main entrance for decontamination of simulated victims, who will be sent to other areas of the hospital including the WACC and the ED. Staff, patients, and visitors will have access to the Parkman Street and Yawkey parking garages and will be able to enter via the WACC circle, the Clinics Building and the Gray Lobby. The Fruit Street Garage entrance will be closed for the duration of the drill. Vehicles can exit at any time. For more information, contact Craig Cochran at (617) 726-0312 or cccochran@partners.org.

Last week for PIE nominations
This is the last week to submit nominations for the 2006 Partners in Excellence (PIE) Awards. All MGHers are invited to nominate their colleagues in the following categories: quality treatment and service, leadership and innovation, teamwork, operational efficiency and outstanding community contributions. To submit a nomination online, visit pulse.partners.org/about/pie_about.htm. Forms also are available from managers and supervisors. All nominations are due by Sept. 22. For more information, call (617) 724-9743 or e-mail partnersinexcellence@partners.org.