November 6, 2007

Welcome to Access Weekly
Access Weekly is Martin Memorial's online news source for Associates. Each Tuesday, the marketing communications department will share important announcements, special event information and milestones from throughout the health system. With Martin Memorial locations spread throughout the Treasure Coast, it's important to stay connected with our fellow Associates--the Web makes it possible, providing access to everyone--at work or at home.

We encourage you, our valued Associates, to contribute to Access Weekly and share news from your department with the entire health system. For more information, or to submit an idea or announcement, contact Kelly Bruce, publications editor, (772) 223-5945, ext. 4364.

City of Stuart Celebrates Respiratory Therapy Week, Oct. 21-27
This year, the Florida Society for Respiratory Care encouraged all the Florida hospital directors to obtain a written proclamation from local municipalities declaring Respiratory Therapy Week to promote and bring public awareness to the profession.

On Oct. 22, Blood Gas Lab Coordinator Bo Cromer, RRT; Dayshift Lead Therapist Cathy Reasoner, RRT; Sharon Jewett, RRT; Jeff Dublin, RRT, Nightshift Lead Therapist Lisa Rybak, RRT; and Director Karen Booth, RRT accepted a proclamation from Stuart Mayor Cindy Hutchinson. Next year, they plan to pursue a Respiratory Therapy Week proclamation at the county and state level.

Pictured: Proudly displaying a certificate proclaiming Respiratory Therapist Week, in front is Jeff Dublin, RRT. Back row: Bo Cromer, RRT, Michael Rybak, Lisa Rybak, RRT, Karen Booth, RRT, Cathy Reasoner, RRT, and Sharon Jewett, RRT.

Flu Shot Schedule Released
The flu vaccine will be provided at various Martin Memorial locations, free of charge for all Associates and Auxiliary members. This year's schedule includes hospital night rounds. If you are unable to obtain a vaccination at one of the locations below, please set an appointment with occupational health services, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., by calling (772) 223-4960. Be sure to bring your MMHS ID badge! You'll be asked to wait at the vaccination site for 15 minutes after receiving your vaccination. If you are currently under the care of a physician, check with him/her if vaccination is recommended. If you've been sick with a fever, you should wait two weeks before getting vaccination.

MMHS Flu Shot Schedule

Car, Cookies, Compassion
The Martin Memorial Associate United Way campaign is underway, offering a host of prizes, in addition to the satisfaction you'll receive from helping those in need. Congratulations to Lekeba Davis, housekeeping, Medical Center and April Taylor, LPN, Tiffany, winners of the first United Way drawings. Each received a half hour massage. The end of campaign grand prize is a year's supply of oil changes, courtesy of Valvoline Express Care. To qualify for drawings, please interoffice your United Way pledge form to Lou Apugliese in financial services, Smithfield Plaza.

Be sure to check out the 2008 Dodge Avenger at the United Way Road Show locations. Fresh baked cookies will be served and pledge forms will be available at each stop. Make a pledge of $52 dollars ($2 per pay period, payroll deduct), or increase your current donation by an additional $1 per week to be eligible to win this sporty new car.

United Way Road Show Schedule:
Thurs., Nov. 8: Hospital South, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Hobe Sound, 12 - 2 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 15: Medical Center, cafeteria patio, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 12: Treasure Coast Medical Pavilion, 12 - 2 p.m. (healthy snacks served)

For more information, contact United Way Campaign Coordinators Tori Savard, (772) 223-5945, ext. 4597, or Kelly Bruce, (772) 223-5945, ext. 4364.

Martin Memorial Launches Blog
On Nov. 1, Martin Memorial launched Martin Memorial Housecall, a blog hosted by blogspot.com. A blog is a web log similar to a personal journal. The mission of our blog, Martin Memorial Housecall, is simple: Help people navigate health care, prevent disease and live longer. The blog will be updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. See the latest blog post and share your comments.

Register Now for January 2008 Mandatory Education Courses
The learning and organizational development team has streamlined the 2008 education schedule to give you the courses you need to maintain up-to-date certifications. Mandatory courses include ACLS, PALS, BLS and NRP. There are NO mandatory education courses scheduled for February or March. For certifications that expire during these months, you MUST recertify in January. To view education courses, registration and deadline information, visit the Associate Calendar in the "For Employees" section of mmhs.com, and select January 2008. The entire 2008 course schedule will soon be available. Look for more updates in future editions of Access Weekly. For more information, contact Linda Ampol, ext. 3693.