June 29, 2007

What's Happening

"When Things Go Wrong" DVD available
A free DVD, "When Things Go Wrong: Voices of Patients and Families" is available from professional liability insurer CRICO/RMF. The DVD is intended to help physicians, nurses and other health care providers better understand how medical errors affect the lives of patients and their loved ones. More information and an online order form are available at www.rmf.harvard.edu/WTGWfilm.

Conversations with Caregivers Eldercare Series
As part of its Conversations with Caregivers Eldercare Series, the MGH Geriatric Medicine Unit will offer "Myths and Realities of Aging: What is Normal?" July 12, from 5:15 to 6:30 pm in the Blum Center. Kenneth Minaker, MD, chief of MGH Geriatric Medicine, will present. For more information, call (617) 726-4612.

WACC and Yawkey valet parking rate changes
Effective July 2, the WACC and Yawkey valet rate will increase from $9 to $12 per visit. Vehicles with handicapped license plates or hangtags will continue to pay the $9 rate. There also will be no short-term parking allowed in the WACC Circle to
accommodate increased traffic for patient pick-ups. Individuals who need to enter the hospital briefly may park in one of the main garages and return to the cashier within a 25-minute grace period to exit the garage at no charge. For more information, call (617) 726-8886.

Change to Garden Garage Value Card Parking Program
MGH Parking and Commuter Services has a new program to allow employees to park in the Garden Garage on Lomasney Way past the current 6 pm curfew at no additional charge. Employees enrolled in the Value Card Program who work past 6 pm due to a rotating shift or overtime no longer need to move their car to the front garage before 6 pm to avoid paying additional charges. This option is available for employees whose shift ends at 7 pm or for occasional use only. Employees who use the Value Card Program for nonwork activities are subject to loss of parking privileges and those who routinely stay past 6 pm may be assigned other parking options. Overnight parking is not permitted and any fees incurred for overnight parking will be charged to the employee. For more information, call (617) 726-8886.

Remy Report blood drive
The MGH Blood Donor Center will host a blood drive July 2 through 6 with Jerry Remy, Boston Red Sox commentator and host of the Remy Report. Donors will receive a "RemDawg" t-shirt autographed by Remy and automatically will be entered into a raffle to win a pair of Red Sox tickets. On July 3 and 5, donors also will be treated to a sundae bar. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Ali Horanieh at (617) 726-8171.

Smoking cessation programs
The MGH Tobacco Treatment Service is offering three seven-week smoking cessation programs beginning July 11 at 5 pm, July 31 at noon and Aug. 9 at 2 pm. Topics include preparing to quit, coping with stress and preventing weight gain. Low-cost nicotine patches and/or gum are available with written approval from a primary care physician. Advance registration and a registration fee are required. For more information, call (617) 726-7443.

Change in MGH Hotline schedule
Due to the Fourth of July holiday, MGH Hotline will not be published July 6. The regular publication schedule will resume July 13.