News from Port Huron Hospital

Port Huron Hospital taking applications for Radiologic Technology School

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Port Huron Hospital School of Radiologic Technology is taking applications until February 1, 2010

Port Huron Hospital 55 Plus offers free Lifeline Installation in November and December

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

During the months of November and December, 2009, Port Huron Hospital 55 Plus will provide free installation of Lifeline

Hospitals Announce New Temporary Visitor Rules

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Beginning today, Friday, November 6, 2009, and until further notice, Port Huron Hospital, St. John River District Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital are putting in place temporary visitor guidelines designed to slow the spread of all types of flu.

All three hospitals ask for the public’s help in protecting patients by cooperating with these guidelines:

People, who are experiencing flu-like symptoms, should not come to any St. Clair County hospital facility for any reason, except to seek care. This includes not only patients’ loved ones, but those with business reasons for visiting these facilities. Flu-like symptoms include a fever, together with a cough, sore throat, or runny nose.
No visitor, under the age of 18, will be allowed to visit any hospitalized patient. This age group is most susceptible to the H1N1 flu virus, and high rates of illness are being seen in children and teens.
No patient who has been admitted to any hospital or emergency department may have more than two visitors to his/her room at a time. Visitors should be limited to those who are essential to the emotional and physical support of the patient.

Hospitals across the region are implementing new visitor guidelines to slow the spread of flu which has become widespread in Michigan. Patients who are hospitalized are much more likely than the general public to develop severe complications if they catch the flu.

“We recognize it may be inconvenient for patients and their families, but we are asking the public’s help as we implement strategies designed to protect our patients, employees and staff,” says John Brooks, MD, chairman of the Infection Prevention Committee at both Port Huron and St. Joseph Mercy hospitals. “We value our patients’ visitors and families. Individual patient care situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and any exceptions will be determined by the patient care team.

“The physicians and staff are doing everything we can to keep patients healthy during this flu season. But, the community can help us too,” states Sajjad Saeed, MD, infectious disease specialist on staff at St. John River District Hospital. “We believe the steps we are taking to limit visitors are necessary to protect the health of our patients, staff and the community.”

More information on the new temporary guidelines, and other flu-related topics, is available by going to any of the three hospital web sites: www.porthuronhospital.org; www.stjohn.org; or www.mymercy.us.

More information regarding flu symptoms can be found by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: www.cdc.gov; or the St. Clair County Health Department at: http://www.stclaircounty.org/Offices/health/updates.aspx.

Lang Health Library expands in partnership with American Cancer Society

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lang

Volunteers needed for the 21st Annual Festival of Trees

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Volunteers are needed for Port Huron Hospital’s 21st Annual Festival of Trees, “What Christmas Means To Me.” This annual fundraising event will be held December 4 – 6, 2009, at McMorran Place Arena in downtown Port Huron.

Hours of the festival are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 12. Children age two and under are admitted free. This year’s Festival features a number of special events.

Volunteer Opportunities are available in the following areas:

Admissions—Sell and take admission tickets. Welcome visitors and direct to main display area.
Children’s Area—Several opportunities are available within the children’s area working directly with the children who attend the festival.
Costumed Characters—Requires walking around the arena in a costume for 15 minute intervals.
Raffles—Sell raffle tickets. Must be at least 18 years old.
Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus—Greeting children (while seated).
Talking Tree—Stand behind the one way glass partition and speak into a microphone made to disguise your voice as you interact with the children around an animated tree.
Registration of Volunteers— Register volunteers as they enter the arena.
Volunteer Assistant—Assist the Volunteer Co-Chairs with a variety of tasks, provide relief for volunteers, light housekeeping of areas to assure a clean and pleasant appearance.

For more information on any of the above events, please call Port Huron Hospital Foundation at (810) 982-3776.

Port Huron Hospital Foundation to hold 21st Annual Festival of Trees

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron Hospital’s 21st Annual Festival of Trees, “What Christmas Means to Me” will be held December 4th through 6th, at McMorran Place Arena in downtown Port Huron.

Hours of the festival are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 12. Children age two and under are admitted free. Funds from the annual Festival of Trees go towards children’s services at Port Huron Hospital.

The magical Black Tie optional Preview Party will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m., Thursday, December 3rd. With the twinkling lights of more than 50 beautifully decorated trees, participants will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary champagne and superb entertainment. Rose Norton Photography will be on hand to photograph participants in their evening finery. Cost for this annual fund-raising event is $65 per person. Reservations are required.
Back by popular demand, members of the Port Huron Figure Skating Club will skate on the Center Arena Ice Rink.
New this year; the Blue Water Area art community will be selling their artistic creations at the Festival’s first “Art Fair”
Santa’s LIVE reindeer will be on the premises Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the North side of McMorran.
Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Angry Bull will take place on Sunday, December 6. Enjoy a wonderful, full, hot breakfast and have your children’s picture taken with Santa himself! Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for youth -- ages 3 to 12, and children age two and under are free. Registration is required. Space is limited, so register early.

For more information on any of the above events, please call Port Huron Hospital Foundation at (810) 982-3776.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month touches many lives

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

During last month’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Women’s Wellness Place and the community joined to celebrate survivors, support early detection through free mammograms, and raise funds in a creative way.

The sixth annual Breast Cancer Survivor’s luncheon was held October 16 at Black River Country Club. Approximately 100 survivors and their guests were treated to an atmosphere of humor, insight, and hope with featured guest speaker Nancy Maywar; a clinical social worker, well-known speaker, and breast cancer survivor.

“This is a special event for those of us at the hospital,” says Ardie Hayes, RN, Outreach and Education Nurse Clinician. “It’s a way to thank these women for giving us their trust during a very difficult time. It gives us the chance to acknowledge their courage, and show that we continue to support and appreciate them.”

Also last month, Women’s Wellness Place provided 64 free mammograms to women who have no health insurance coverage and to women who have never had a mammogram. “This program becomes especially important with the economic difficulties of our community,” says Ardie. “Mammograms are so important, and we want to provide resources so women don’t let finances prevent them from getting this vital screening. “

We all know in October everything went “pink” – from pink mops and brooms, to pink packaging on household products, to pink as the “in” trend in fashion. In the Bluewater area, there was also an abundance of pink hair – thanks to owners and stylists at Port Huron’s Artistry Salon stylists and Salon PiZazz!.

All during October, Salon PiZazz! patrons could make a $10 donation and receive pink hair extensions. While this was an important symbolic act to support breast cancer patients and survivors, this effort went a huge step forward and donated the proceeds to local services, including the Donna Neister Breast Cancer Fund at Women’s Wellness Place. “There were so many stories,” says Kelly. “A kindergartner saved her allowance for weeks to get ‘pink hair.’ There was a bride who lost her mom to breast cancer, and we put in a pink extension to fit in with her updo. It was a tribute to her mom. We all went home every day exhausted, but it was worth it.” This was the second year of the Salon PiZazz! “Wear Pink Hair” campaign. This year’s effort more than doubled last year’s by raising over $13,000.

Breast Cancer Support Service coordinates the vast expertise of health professionals

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron Hospital Women's Wellness Place Breast Cancer Support Service coordinates the vast expertise of health professionals for patients with a breast cancer diagnosis

Port Huron Hospital focuses on emergency preparedness with disaster drill

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron Hospital will focus on being prepared for a pandemic, when it holds a disaster drill Wednesday, November 4, at the hospital.

Passers-by will notice tents set up in the parking area outside of the hospital’s Emergency Center. These tents will be used to simulate what would happen if there were a massive influx of patients to the hospital’s Emergency Center. One tent will focus on the protocol and triaging of patients coming into the Emergency Center, the other will focus on the dispensing of antiviral drugs to patients presenting with flu like symptoms but not requiring hospitalization.

A training session on the emergency incident command structure will take place prior to the emergency simulations in the outdoor tents. "Catastrophic emergencies or extreme surges in the need for medical services are a threat to any healthcare organization, regardless of size, scope, or location," says Dr. Michael Tawney, vice president of Medical Affairs at Port Huron Hospital. "A single emergency can temporarily affect demand for services; but a pandemic, or a surge in the number of patients the hospital is seeing, can stress the hospital's ability to adequately meet the needs of the community."

"While we may not be able to predict when we will have an emergency, we are able to look at trends across the region, state and country when it comes to illnesses like the seasonal and H1N1 influenza and to prepare for an influx of patients experiencing those symptoms. It’s important that we carefully plan what our emergency response will be and prepare staff with knowledge on how to respond."

In order to be ready for all emergencies, Port Huron Hospital collaborates with St. Clair County, St. Clair County Health Department, Region 2 North (St. Clair, Oakland and Macomb Counties) and other organizations to ensure that there is a cohesive emergency plan in place should any type of local, regional or national emergency present itself. The hospital uses the information from the disaster/emergency preparedness drills to develop emergency operations plans. Lessons learned in these drills are used to improve plans.

Port Huron Hospital offers Wireless Connection

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron Hospital now provides complimentary wireless internet access as a convenience for patients, visitors and guests throughout the hospital, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Users with wireless enabled devices will connect to phh-guest to access the hospital’s guest network. Before gaining access to the network, users will see a disclaimer that they may either accept or decline. By accepting, users agree that they understand:

the risks associated with using a public wireless network
that Port Huron Hospital is not responsible if any of their personal information is compromised or if their hardware or software is damaged.
that technical support is not available in the hospital if they experience problems with their devices or their connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do to connect to the wireless network?

Many laptops will pick up the wireless connection as soon as you turn them on. If yours does not, make sure your wireless communication is enabled on your laptop. Operating systems vary in how they search for and connect to the wireless network. Follow your system’s direction for detecting wireless networks. Click on phh-guest. Launch your internet browser and a disclaimer will appear. If you accept the terms of the disclaimer, click on Accept and you will be fully connected to the network and have internet access.

Where and when can I connect?

The wireless connection is available throughout the hospital, 24/7.

Can I use a hospital computer to access the internet?

There are computers in the Lang Health Library in the Main Entrance Atrium for use by visitors. The Lang Health Library is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

What can I access through the hospital’s wireless network?

You will have access to all public sites available through the internet. The Port Huron Hospital wireless network should not be used for inappropriate or unlawful purposes.

Will I be able to connect with any laptop computer?

While we can’t guarantee that all wireless cards and adaptors will be compatible with our wireless network, if your laptop is equipped with built-in wireless capability, a wireless card or device, it is likely you will be able to connect to the network.

Can someone help me if I can’t get the connection to work?

We do not have staff available for support with connection problems and suggest referring to the owner’s manual for your device or using support services offered by your device manufacturer.

Is the Port Huron Hospital wireless network secure?

Although there is some firewall security and protection, the hospital’s publicly available wireless connection, like most public wireless hot spots, should not be considered secure. Information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user.

Breast Cancer Survivor Luncheon a Celebration for Vivienne White

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron resident Vivienne White was two-and-a-half months pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 50 years ago. She had one of the area’s first modified radical breast surgeries. Her surgeon was Dr. Ulmer and her primary care physician was Dr. Yost.

Vivienne’s first milestone goal was to make it through her pregnancy. Michael White, her fourth child and only son, was born prematurely and weighed only 2 !/2 pounds. Michael is in his late 40s now and his mother is a 48-year cancer survivor.

Vivienne has attended at least four of the past five Breast Cancer Survivor Luncheons and plans to attend the sixth annual event to be held on Saturday, October 17, at the Black River Country Club. With 47 years behind her, Vivienne was the longest surviving attendee at last year’s luncheon.

“I love to see the people who come back each year,” she says. “It’s a celebration for all of us.”
The White family has been affected by cancer in many ways. Vivienne’s husband survived two bouts with colon cancer, later he died from lung cancer. Her father battled oral cancer. She lost her youngest daughter and her mother to breast cancer. Her two-year-old great grandson has brain cancer and has been in remission for more than a year. Other family members have won and lost their battles with the disease. That might wear some people down, but not Vivienne or her daughter Cheri Jackson.

“We have a very positive family,” says Cheri. “We are upbeat and go on with life. As a survivor, my mom has inspired all of us. She is the wind beneath our wings.”

After getting through her pregnancy, Vivienne has had many milestone goals: seeing Michael go to kindergarten; seeing all four of her children graduate; seeing her first grandchild and then her first great-grandchild. Besides being adamant about women doing their yearly physicals and mammograms, as well as their regular self exams, what does Vivienne recommend to others who may be facing cancer? She answers without hesitating, “Keep active. Keep your sense of humor. And think positive.”

Free Mammograms Gave Cheri Jackson Peace of Mind

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Cheri Jackson has a family history of breast cancer. Her mother is a breast cancer survivor, but she lost both her sister and grandmother to the disease.

Because of that history, monthly breast self exams and annual mammorgrams are a routine part of Cheri’s life. But in 2005, Cheri found herself in a position where a mammogram probably wasn’t going to be possible.

“My insurance didn’t cover the cost of a screening mammogram,” says Cheri. “I was paying for the insurance myself and I just couldn’t afford to pay for the mammogram too. I had resigned myself to not having one that year.”

While at Port Huron Hospital’s Breast Cancer Survivor Luncheon with her mom, Vivienne White, she was given information about free mammograms offered by Women’s Wellness Place.

“Because of that information and the hospital’s dedication to the cause of women’s health, I was able to have my annual mammogram. Fortunately it was negative,” says Cheri, a licensed practical nurse who now works as a para-professional with Port Huron Area Schools. “I’ve told others about the program. It was so important to me.”

Two years later, to thank Port Huron Hospital, Cheri donated an afghan to be used as a door prize at the annual Breast Cancer Survivor Luncheon. “I was honored to return a small portion of what the hospital had done for me with that free mammogram,” explains Cheri.

Cheri designed the afghan in memory and honor of family members who had fought cancer. Mary Maxim bought the rights to the design and donated a portion of the proceeds to the American and Canadian Cancer Societies. “I think they’ve raised about $5,000,” she says.

In an email sent to Women’s Wellness Place regarding her donation, Cheri expressed gratitude: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do for the women touched by this tragic disease.”

Early Registration Deadline Approaching Quickly

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

August 28, 2009, is the last day for the early registration price of $39 for The Port Huron Hospital Foundation Business & Professional Committee’s Tenth Annual Recruitment, Retention and Greater Returns Seminar from 8 to 11 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2009, at Fore Lakes Golf Club. After that date, the price goes up to $49. The registration fee includes the book, “The Encore Effect.” Space is limited and registration is necessary.

“The Encore Effect” will feature world recognized author and speaker, Mark Sanborn, as the keynote speaker. Attendees will learn “How to Achieve Remarkable Performance in Anything You Do!”

The “What Ifs”:

What if you were so good at your work, such an asset to your company, that your employer would do almost anything not to lose you?
What if you performed in such a way that people buzzed about your remarkable performance and wanted more of the product, service or ideas that you provide?
If you knew how to consistently get people to demand more and more of you and whatever it is you do, it would be because of the Encore Effect.
The world is desperately looking for those people who make such a difference, produce such results, have such a positive impact, that they make themselves indispensable……
And that person can be you!!!

For more information, call the Port Huron Hospital Foundation at 810.982.3776 or visit porthuronhospital.org.

Port Huron Hospital Wins Bed Pan Trophy

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Port Huron Hospital’s coed softball team won the Bed Pan Trophy in the softball challenge with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Port Huron August 18, 2009. The game took place in Pine Grove Park. The final score was 15 to 11. The teams were tied at 11-11 going into the final inning and Port Huron Hospital pulled it out.

Port Huron Hospital supporters showed their 'Blue and White' spirit with overflowing bleachers including, hundreds of employees, family members, friends and the nearly sixty-strong volunteer employee cheer section members. Congratulations to the Port Huron Hospital Coed softball Team!

Port Huron Hospital Team members by player number included:

1 Jack Belyea
2 Kurt Brinker
4 Sara Cowhy
5 Stacy Crosby
6 Julie Dickinson
7 Erin Foley
8 Amy Frieger
10 Dennis Julio
11 Rich Kettlewell
12 Becky Lockhart
13 Jim Lotts
14 Dana Ouellette
15 Luke Privette
16 Anne Santer
17 Lori Sayenga
19 Kevin Smith
18 Amy Thompson
22 Amy Tunich
23 Steve White
25 Dale Yeazel
Score Keeper Doris Seidl
Score Keeper Sally Prince
Manager: Chris Babcock
Coach: Tom DeFauw
Umpires for today’s game:
Tyrone Christmas and Terry Ruff

Port Huron Hospital Cheer Section members were:

Michelle Barton
Jennifer Beals
Leslie Boulier
Sue Boyle
Mark Buckley
Chris Cameron
Denise Dencklau
Marsha Dugas
Heather Dunkin
Mark Ehardt
Robin English
Heidi Esser
Julie Everhart
Vikki Filozof
Merry Fitz
Michele Fox
Brenda Gram
Carmon Graziadi
Jen Graziadi
Leann Harp
Nicole Harrington
Ellen Hoover
Jim Karl
Melissa Kerr
Jillian Kirkpatrick
Donna Knowlton
Tammy Lacey
Jean Lenn
Julie Lewandowski
Laura Luttrell
Dawn Lyons
Darcy Macke
Kim Mattox
Nancy McKelvey
Lisa Owen
Chris Parniske
Mary Pool
Cathy Rosche
Rochelle Schiller
Becky Scott
Christi Sansom
Sherry Sheleny
Kathy Smith
Lynn Smith
Belinda Soflin
Teresa Stevenson
Deb Tanton
Cathy Tebay
Judy Webster
Barb Winters
Dawn Zaccardelli-Gates
Karen Zisler

$33,500 in Scholarships Awarded to 29 Individuals

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Twenty-nine individuals received scholarships from Port Huron Hospital, the Port Huron Hospital Auxiliary, Marwood Nursing & Rehab and the Port Huron Hospital Foundation. These scholarships are given to students pursuing degrees in nursing, physical therapy, allied health; and with the addition of Port Huron Hospital employee scholarships, in professions represented within the hospital and community. Through the generosity of those contributing to these funds, Port Huron Hospital was proud to award $33,500 in scholarships.

“As in past years there were many applicants, and the selection of these students truly reflects excellence in academic achievement, enthusiasm for the advancement of healthcare professionals and dedication to making a difference in the community,” says Dennis Hoover, Port Huron Hospital Vice President of Human Resources.

Scholarship recipients are:

Port Huron Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships:

Jacqueline Cole of St. Clair
Christine Fletcher of St. Clair
Siera Hipp of Marysville
Heather Marshall of Lexington
Leigh Peltz of Port Huron
Lacy Potter of Brown City
Lindsey Schuhmacher of China Township
Jennifer Vandekerckhove of St. Clair Township

Port Huron Hospital Employees That Care (ETC) Scholarship:

Hailey Wagar of Port Huron
Jenna Watt of St. Clair.

Karen Susan Draper Memorial Scholarship for Healthcare Professions (for Marwood Nursing & Rehab employees):

Danielle Adent of Kimball
James Arpan of Clay Township
Rachel McDowell of St. Clair
Steven Bliss of Fort Gratiot
Tiffany Kreiner of Port Huron

Port Huron Hospital Employee Scholarships

Michele Brown of Port Huron
Erin Owens of New Haven
Matti Rood of St. Clair
Allyson Symon of Avoca

Shirley Jardine Carter Memorial Scholarship for Physical Therapy

Kathryn Collica of Chesterfield Township,
Melissa Holstine of East China
Michael Stevenson of Chesterfield
Kathleen Juzysta of North Street

Theron & Eleanor Godbold Nursing Scholarships:

Alexandra Miller of Algonac
Angela Zaunerof Fort Gratiot

Catherine Smith Memorial Scholarship:

Stephanie DeLano of Port Huron
Alicia Zimmer of Fort Gratiot
Lauren Nimmo of New Baltimore

Ellen Ross Graduate Nursing Scholarhsip:

Lisa Goddard of Fort Gratiot