Weekly Updates: Week of Dec. 7
COVID News
Penn State Health Lime Spring Outpatient Center begins drive-thru COVID-19 testing
Penn State Health Lime Spring Outpatient Center began offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing on Dec. 9 in its parking lot at 2211 Noll Drive, Lancaster. Testing is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Providers should fax the patient order to 717-531-0043 and instruct patients to not arrive at the testing location until one hour after the request has been faxed. When patients arrive, they must remain in their car and present their photo identification and insurance card.
The Lime Spring drive-thru testing site does not do pre-procedure testing. All specimens will be sent to St. Joseph Medical Center for processing. Patients will view their results on the Cerner patient portal.
New high-volume COVID testing at Hershey Medical Center: clarification on usage, initial capabilities
As reported in The Daily Brief last week, high-volume testing went live at Hershey Medical Center on Nov. 30. Hershey Medical Center Clinical Lab now conducts all COVID-19 testing sent there. The new order for COVID-19 testing in the Cerner Inpatient and Ambulatory catalogs is called “COVID-19 Coronavirus Next Day.”
Hershey Medical Center and Medical Group staff who request the test should continue to follow all previous guidance on where, how and why to obtain it. The locations where testing can be done have not changed. The time frame for when pre-surgical/pre-procedural patients should come to get their swab collected also remains the same. The COVID testing procedures will be updated to reflect the new test name.
Test specimens are no longer sent to Quest, which has had turnaround times of more than 14 days. When at full capacity, the lab at Hershey Medical Center will provide results within a 24-hour time frame for tests. The lab is not yet able to run tests at full capacity and is carefully balancing its resources to meet the rapidly increasing volume. Currently, testing ordered as “COVID-19 Coronavirus Next Day” has a turnaround time of approximately two to four days.
The Clinical Lab at Hershey Medical Center continues to work toward peak performance in the number of specimens it processes and in its turnaround times. It will also obtain additional instrumentation in the coming weeks. Please be patient during this transitional period and understand that the lab team is making every possible effort to meet the health system’s testing demands as quickly as possible.
St. Joseph expands COVID-19 testing at Downtown Campus starting today
St. Joseph will expand COVID-19 testing to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. beginning today at its Downtown Campus, 145 N. 6th Street. Reading.
Patients who have been evaluated and given an order by a provider are eligible. No appointment is needed. Patients must present their doctor’s order, photo identification and insurance card, if applicable. They should enter the building at the Walnut Street entrance.
College of Medicine pandemic response Friday round-up ― week of Nov. 30 – Dec. 4
College of Medicine leaders updated faculty, staff and students on Dec. 4 about the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- This week we have noticed an increase in the number of non-research staff reporting COVID symptoms to Occupational Medicine. The College scaled back to Phase 3 of its research plan on Nov. 23 (see coronavirus section of the website). This phase requires that faculty and staff who can work remotely must do so.
- Effective Nov. 23, a pause was instituted at the College of Medicine and all Penn State Health sites for studies involving in-person interaction with participants with no direct drug or device therapeutic benefit.
- Administrative leaders will begin making daily safety rounding to proactively enforce safety protocols.
- Penn State Health and the College of Medicine have updated the Travel and Quarantine policy to clarify that all travel — both domestic and international — is strongly discouraged. Postdoctoral scholars and fellows who do leave the country during the current remote period or holiday break must ensure that they can return by the beginning of the spring semester, Jan. 18, 2021. Anyone unable to return will be placed on unpaid leave, which may jeopardize an international scholar’s visa/immigration status and result in the appointment being terminated.
- Students, staff and faculty who are under quarantine are not permitted in the University Fitness Center during the quarantine period.
Eight more break spaces available for employees at Hershey Medical Center
In ongoing efforts to keep employees and patients safe, eight additional meal/break spaces are now available in Hershey Medical Center. The additional rooms and capacities are:
- H3502 – 2 people
- H3501 – 6 people
- H3505C – 1 person
- H3505B – 2 people
- H3505 – 2 people
- H3505A – 1 person
- H3330 – 6 people
- 7th floor South – Ronald McDonald Room – 9 (available until Jan. 1, 2021)
Click here for a listing of other safe break rooms.
Employees should follow room-occupancy and social-distancing requirements of six feet or more. They also should wear masks when they are not eating and drinking ― for example, visiting with colleagues, talking on the phone or reading. This applies in common dining spaces as well.
All COVID-19 safety and cleaning protocols are in place for these break spaces.
Other News
Berini: ‘greatest gifts are respect, patience and hope’
Hershey Medical Center President Deborah Berini stressed the importance of working together during one of the most challenging times in health care in the latest edition of the President’s Perspective.
Among the key points:
- During this not-so-normal holiday season, the greatest gifts we can give to one another are respect, patience and hope.
- I want to thank you all for your contributions and commitment during one of the most challenging times in health care. We will come though this together, but it is going to take all of us working as one.
- I recorded a short video, and I hope you will join me in continuing our efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
’Of course, they’re good!’ Santa pays visit to Children’s Hospital
He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good – and he cares when you are sick.
Santa Claus proved, as always, that nothing can stop him from connecting with children, no matter if they’re at home or in the hospital, and even during a pandemic.
On Dec. 4, he talked with children via iPad – with a little help from Child Life associates who facilitated conversations between the North Pole and patient rooms at the Children’s Hospital.
“The kids realize that Santa is really busy making toys right now, and it’s really special that he takes time out to check in with them,” said Sarah Miller, Child Life support associate. “The kids have a sense of wonder, and their eyes get really big because they can’t believe that Santa knows them by name.”
December is a time to celebrate holidays, diversity
Register for a virtual interfaith holiday celebration on Thursday, Dec. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. hosted by the Penn State Health Capital Region (Dauphin) Interfaith Employee Affinity/Resource Group.
Affinity group co-chair Dr. Ayesha Ahmad said the event is meant to explore similarities that bring people together during this festive time of year.
The affinity group promotes a culture of understanding and respect among all faiths and belief systems at Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine.
Read more about celebrating December festivities and tips for respecting others holidays in the workplace here.
‘Engage’ podcast focuses on research ethics
Episode 5 of Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s “Engage” podcast is now available. Jen McCormick, associate professor of humanities at the College of Medicine, discusses research ethics. The podcast is available on all major platforms, including Apple and Spotify.
Wellness Wednesday: staying healthy during holiday season
The holidays might be a good time for your taste buds, but it isn’t exactly an ideal season for your waistline.
Be a smart cookie by following these simple steps to stay healthy during the holiday season:
- Eat mindfully. When you’re eating, sit back and allow yourself to truly enjoy your favorite holiday flavors. Pay attention to the taste, aroma and texture of the foods.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plain or infused water as often as you can throughout the day. Limit your intake of high-calorie drinks, such as eggnog.
- Choose healthy substitutes. With a few simple diet tweaks, you can indulge in your favorite holiday foods and avoid weight gain. For example, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt in recipes and trade mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes.
- Make time for self-care. Don’t let the holiday madness take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Whether you’re caught up in cooking, holiday shopping or socializing, don’t put your needs on the back burner.
Check out the Wellness Toolkit for more information regarding wellness benefits, and for additional wellness resources visit the PRO Wellness BeWell Employee Wellness website.
Hershey Parking Services will move parking violation appeals online in 2021
Effective Jan. 1, 2021, Parking Services on the Hershey campus will no longer accept parking violation appeals in a paper format.
Parking violation appeals should be submitted through the Parking Services Infonet page by clicking the Parking Violation Appeal link, which is listed under the Vehicle Registration and Parking Form. The Parking Services page also provides information about updating vehicle information, requesting a new or replacement parking permit sticker and other parking and transportation services.
Financial, counseling, wellness resources available for employees, families
Employees can access a variety of personalized resources and online tools during this challenging year ― confidential counseling and overall wellness support, financial guidance, family and child care resources, mental health support and more.
- Penn State Health and College of Medicine Employee and Student Special Financial Assistance Care Fund – employees and students can apply for financial assistance
- Penn State Health Employee Assistance Program: ComPsych Guidance Resources. Call toll-free at 866-465-8935 anytime, seven days a week, or visit ComPsych Guidance Resources.
- College of Medicine Employee Assistance Program: Health Advocate – Call toll-free at 866-799-2728 anytime, seven days a week. Or visit the HealthAdvocate website for tools and resources.
- Penn State Health Wellness – employee and family wellness resources
- College of Medicine Wellness – employee and family wellness resources
Additional Resources:
- Penn State Health COVID-19 Resources
- Special Pay options due to COVID-19 illness/quarantine: WELL pay and CARE pay
- Travel and Quarantine Policy
- Meeting, Training and Gathering Guidelines
- College of Medicine COVID-19 Resources
Your ‘Check Engine’ light is on. You’re not alone. Help is available.
Months have rolled past and the pandemic continues. The stress might seem unbearable at times. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance when getting back to your daily routine could hurt you or your colleagues and family?
You’re not alone. Resources and programs through Penn State Health and the College of Medicine are available. Do a self-check to determine any needs you may have, replenish your self-care toolkit and refuel for the long run.
A snapshot of key employee support, mental health, virtual work guidance and wellness resources is provided on the COVID-19 Resources Infonet site.
- Penn State Health Wellness – employee and family wellness resources
- Penn State Health COVID-19 Resources
- Penn State Health Employee Assistance Program: ComPsych GuidanceResources. Call toll-free at 866-465-8935 anytime, seven days a week or visit ComPsych Guidance Resources
- College of Medicine Wellness – employee and family wellness resources
- College of Medicine COVID-19 Resources
- College of Medicine Employee Assistance Program: Health Advocate – Call toll-free at 866-799-2728 seven days a week. Or visit the HealthAdvocate website for tools and resources.
- Penn State Health and College of Medicine Employee and Student Special Financial Assistance Care Fund – employees and students can apply for financial assistance
People
Internal Audit chooses International Fraud Awareness Week quiz winner
Mary Hershey, a supervisor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Hershey Medical Center, was randomly selected as the winner of 6,000 PAWS UP! points for completing Internal Audit’s International Fraud Awareness Week quiz.
Click here to learn about behavioral red flags, recent cases in the news and ways to protect yourself in your personal life and at work.
If you suspect anything suspicious at Penn State Health, you can:
- Share your concern with senior management
- Anonymously report the suspicion through the Compliance Hotline at 800-560-1637 or online
- Email Chief Compliance Officer Kim Lansford or Chief Audit Executive John Gaspich
Remember, employees have a responsibility to report any known or suspected wrongdoing, and Penn State Health has a Non-Retaliation Policy.
Employees honored for work milestones
Congratulations to the following Penn State Health employees who are celebrating a milestone work anniversary between Dec. 2 and Dec. 8. They put our values into action every day:
35 Years of Service
- Lynn Carpenter, Penn State Health Medical Center – Camp Hill
- Rolfa Jones, Preadmission Testing, St. Joseph
- Robyn Mellin, Pediatric Care Management, Hershey
30 Years of Service
- Linda Fritz, Patient Access Services, Hershey
- Cory Hess, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Hershey
- Robert Kelly, Outpatient Physical Therapy, Hershey
20 Years of Service
- Jane Bachman, Patient Financial Services, Hershey
- Lorie Kumer, Histocompatibility Laboratory, Hershey
- Elaine Matangos, Neurology, Hershey
- Sally Seward, Patient Transport, Hershey
15 Years of Service
- David Goldenberg, Otolaryngology, Hershey
- Amanda Morrow, Radiology, Holy Spirit
- Darcy Queitzsch, Penn State Health Medical Group – White Rose Family Practice
- Travis Varner, Nuclear Medicine, Holy Spirit
10 Years of Service
- Lori Adams, Penn State Health Medical Group – Camp Hill
- Michael Bahry, Anesthesia, Hershey
- Michelle Ball, Dermatology, Hershey
- Rebecca Barclay, Patient Access Services, Holy Spirit
- Angela Barron, Clinical Labs, State College
- Megan Bennawit, Respiratory Therapy, Hershey
- Ryan Bubbenmoyer, Security, St. Joseph
- Alicia Cobaugh, Orthopaedics Clinic, Hershey
- Thomas Davidsen, Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey
- Ashley Derbyshire, Pediatric Critical Care, Hershey
- Carolyn Fisher, Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Hershey
- Nicole Fisher, Outpatient Speech Therapy, Hershey
- Danielle Harmon, Sleep Studies, Hershey
- Alyssa Hollinger, Penn State Health OB/GYN, American Office Center
- Jennifer Koser, Psychiatry Administration, Hershey
- Kristina Krupyak, Surgical Intermediate Care, Hershey
- Chad Kuhne, Clinical Staffing Office, Hershey
- Marie Kurtz, Inpatient Speech Therapy, Hershey
- Melissa Lehman, Kidney Acquisition, Hershey
- Misty Lewis, Hematology/Oncology Clinical Trials, Hershey
- Pamela Malloy, Patient Financial Services, Hershey
- Toni Manwiller, Pharmacy Administration and Education, Hershey
- Lisa Mayer, Penn State Health Surgery Specialties – University Physician Center
- Matthew Miller, Housekeeping, Hershey
- Megan Novchich, Labor and Delivery, Hershey
- Crystal Rodriguez, Value Analysis, Hershey
- Megan Rudy, Patient Safety, Hershey
- Jenna Shaffer, Penn State Health Medical Group – Colonnade
Employees are recognized for their time at Penn State Health. Recognition begins on the 10th anniversary and is given in five-year increments. Employees from every entity within Penn State Health are included in these recognitions, but not every entity may have an employee with a work anniversary during this time period. For questions about work anniversary dates, contact the HR Solution Center at hrsolutions@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-8440.
Research
$2.69 million grant aims to address COVID-19 health disparities
Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski, professor of medicine, public health sciences and pediatrics at the College of Medicine, has received $2.69 million through the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to establish projects aimed at addressing COVID-19 health disparities among nursing home residents and racial and ethnic minorities.
The first project will span two years and aims to identify how evidence-based infection control guidelines can be implemented effectively in Pennsylvania nursing homes. The goal of the second project, set to last a year, is to increase the use of community health workers in health disparities research. The research team will provide training and connect researchers and community health workers interested in addressing pandemic-related health disparities in Hispanic communities.
“Research that meaningfully impacts communities suffering from health disparities starts with a network of people invested in bringing about change,” Kraschnewski said. “We are grateful for the collaboration of important community leaders and hope our work will reduce poor outcomes from COVID-19 in our most vulnerable populations.”
Study: Specific type of white blood cell may cause tumor cell death
White blood cells are normally part of immune responses in the human body. College of Medicine researchers say a specific type of those cells may cause brain cancer tissues to die―and that’s not necessarily good news.
Wei Li, assistant professor of pediatrics and biochemistry and molecular biology, said that higher amounts of this tissue death, called necrosis, have been associated with poor survival in patients with aggressive glioblastomas, a deadly type of brain cancer that is common in adults. Li and medical scientist training program student Patricia Yee investigated the molecular processes that cause this tissue death to occur.
“We hope insight into the processes that drive this tissue death can help us develop new therapeutics to improve outcomes for these patients,” said Li, a Four Diamonds and Cancer Institute researcher.
Events
Ma discusses COVID vaccine at Penn State Health town hall Dec. 15
The next Penn State Health town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15, at noon. As Penn State Health manages through the current surge of COVID-19 cases, system leaders will discuss how they are addressing issues related to capacity, staffing and supplies. Dr. Thomas Ma, chair, Department of Medicine, will present information on the research behind the COVID-19 vaccines coming from Pfizer and Moderna, what the science tells us and what remains to be learned. Block your calendar now:
- Zoom: zoom.us/j/99297591044
- Phone: 929 205 6099
- Webinar ID: 992 9759 1044
To submit a question in advance, send it to askacovidq@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
College of Medicine primary investigators must attend Dec. 17 regulatory workshop
The Research Quality Assurance quarterly regulatory workshop on Thursday, Dec. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. will focus on the Centralized Application Tracking System safety project page, a new online system for biosafety protocol submissions presented by Penn State’s Office of Research Information Systems. Attendance is mandatory for College of Medicine primary investigators and one member of their study team. Register online here to receive the Zoom link.
Lunch and Learn series: ‘Burnout in the Pandemic Era’ moves to Dec. 22
Kelly Holder’s presentation titled “‘I was Already Fried’: Burnout in the Pandemic Era” has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. She is the director of the Office for Professional Mental Health at Penn State Health and the College of Medicine.
The virtual session is part of Clinical Documentation Improvement’s Lunch and Learn Series. Zoom: https://pshealth.zoom.us/j/94800036704?pwd=NVBGakg0dm1qMkdldjloQ29kaGxndz09
2020 holiday meal available for on-duty faculty, staff in Hershey
Hershey Medical Center will ensure that on-duty faculty and staff who work third shift on Thursday, Dec. 24, and first and second shifts on Friday, Dec. 25, can enjoy a safe and socially distanced meal in the Rotunda Café.
Employees will be given a voucher, valued at $12, redeemable from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 24 and 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 25. In addition to the traditional holiday meal, a vegetarian option and pizza will be available.
Employees should contact their managers if they want a meal voucher.
Contact Leslie Einhorn Ravitz with any questions.
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