Welcome to the UCLA Hospital System’s electronic newsletter
This publication is intended for all staff at the three hospitals in our system.  Although the newsletter is being presented in an electronic format, it is designed to be easily printable for use in department areas where staff members do not have ready access to the Internet.  We are asking our managers either to post this so that all staff can read it or to provide computer access for staff members to read the on-line version wherever possible.  Some paper copies of the newsletter will be available in a few areas, although they will not have the advantage of the many links you will find to other sources of information. 

A major goal in presenting this newsletter is to keep all of us better informed about people and events in and around our hospital system.  The newsletter will use stories to describe what we are trying to accomplish together, but also will focus on individuals and their personal stories as staff members.  We also will frequently use the newsletter to emphasize our special mission as an academic medical center and how we carry it out to develop and deliver leading-edge health care techniques.  The UCLA Hospital System is a special place where we have the opportunity to develop and support incredible improvements in health care through our work.  Everyone who works in our hospitals makes major contributions to support this work and our mission.   Our aim in the newsletter is to recognize and celebrate our individual and collective successes as we work to achieve our goals. 

This newsletter is being produced by our own staff members.  Over time we hope to expand the roster of writers to include our readers from various departments.  We will rely on you for much of the news we will cover.  We are interested in featuring personal events in the departments and your comments about the newsletter or other issues in our hospital system.  The best communication is two-directional, and we will work hard to incorporate feedback from readers into the newsletter.  You are encouraged to send your comments and suggestions for stories or other improvements (click here).   We look forward to hearing from you. 

David L. Callender, MD

Associate Vice Chancellor and CEO, UCLA Hospital System

Tell Us What You Think! Employee Opinion Survey to Begin
Many factors contribute to organizational excellence, but none so important as its employees. For over a decade and a half, US News & World Report’s Best Hospitals survey has ranked UCLA number one west of the Mississippi River. This consistent level of excellence could not be maintained without an expert and talented staff.

In recognition of the vital role that healthcare staff contribute to the UCLA Hospital System, and to make sure that employee needs are met, staff are invited to participate in an Employee Opinion Survey (EOS).

“We want to make certain that we continue to attract and retain the best and most talented staff, and that we develop and implement plans that enhance the work experience. Our goal is to become one of the best places to work for people who provide or support healthcare, our goal is to be an ‘employer of choice,’ explains David Callender, MD, Associate Vice Chancellor and CEO, Hospital System. “By participating in EOS, your thoughts – positive and negative – will be heard and help guide us to create an optimal work environment together.”

The Survey
Beginning Monday, March 20, all employees will be asked to fill out an employee opinion survey (EOS), either on line or on paper (depending on you computer access). All answers are confidential and anonymous. The data collected from the survey will be used to assess what employees think is right and wrong with the workplace, management and duties. The feedback will form the basis of incorporating improvements to the hospitals. The survey ends on Friday, April 3, at 5:00 pm.

Each supervisor or manager should discuss the purpose and logistics of EOS in more detail with their employees. In addition, a detailed email will be sent to employees on Monday, March 20 with information on how and where to take the survey.

The Fun Stuff
To encourage your participation, all respondents will be entered to win fun raffle prizes, including IPODs, generous gift certificates to popular stores, a gym membership, and more! When finished with the survey, please fill out your name and phone number on the completion page. This page is not coded in any way that can reveal your identity. Please be assured that this survey is confidential and anonymous. [top]

Operational Enhancements and Improvements Underway
On our Westwood campus, UCLA Medical Center, Mattel’s Children’s Hospital, and the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital will move into state-of-the-art facilities next year. According to Amir Dan Rubin, Chief Operating Officer (COO), even as that construction continues, improvements to current hospital facilities are being undertaken. These include repairs and enhancements to patient rooms, staff areas, and public corridors. Support services improvements in housekeeping, patient transport, and supply management are also being undertaken. For example, in response to nursing staff input, housekeeping staff is being increased to meet heavy needs on evening shifts. To reduce patient care delays, turnaround time goals for patient escort and transport have been set. Given feedback from clinicians regarding supply availability, efforts are underway to modify par levels, improve supply tracking, and work with our distributor to achieve higher fulfillment rates.

“Operational improvements are also underway in various clinical and ancillary services, in response to medical and nursing staff feedback,” adds Amir. Phlebotomy draw times and lab turnaround times are being examined to facilitate results availability prior to morning surgeries. Improvements in inpatient and outpatient radiological exam availability and turnaround times are being implemented. In pharmacy at Santa Monica UCLA Hospital and at Westwood, efforts are being taken to improve medication availability through implementation of a new fax-scanning system, which will eliminate lost faxes and allow our pharmacies to sort orders via computer rather than paper. Later this year, a medication bar-coding system will be rolled out to improve medication safety and support automated documentation.

Our medical leadership, along with our clinical nurse specialists and case managers, are taking efforts to improve patient flow and throughput. These quality initiatives seek to reduce delays in patient care, and free up capacity for waiting patients. [top]

Wellness Initiative Aims to Boost Employee Fitness and Outlook
By no stretch of the imagination can the Medical Center be mistaken for a spa. Yet, for 20 minutes every other week in a Wilshire Building conference room, Vivian Beene can put aside her International Relations concerns while a UCLA massage therapist teases out the tension and knots from her shoulders and neck. “At least for a short time I can shut my eyes and pretend I’m getting a spa treatment someplace exotic or luxurious. Plus, these massages really relax me and help me focus better throughout the day.”

In recognition of the tensions and demands involved in balancing work and home life issues, a new employee program to promote the health and well being of hospital staff has recently been launched. The UCLA Hospital System Wellness Initiative will offer interested employees a myriad of conveniently located and scheduled fitness and relaxation opportunities. Participants may find these activities a welcome break and a chance for a short mental vacation to refresh yourself for the rest of the day.

According to Patti Oliver, Director of Nutrition Services and champion of the Wellness Initiative, “Our mission is to promote the health and well being of hospital staff by providing an environment and experiences that inspire and cultivate self awareness, healthy living and a sense of community.”

Areas of focus will include classes for weight loss, healthy cooking, an “Ask the Dietitian” website column, and nutritional labeling of cafeteria menu items. To increase physical fitness, classes for exercise, yoga, circuit training, tai chi, ergonomics, smoking cessation and pain management will be available. As the program develops, more offerings will be available.

For more information, please check out the Wellness Initiative website at: http://hr.healthcare.ucla.edu/06_header_emp_wellness.html [top]