A Sweet Job

Junior volunteer Ashleigh Provance helped bake and serve fresh chocolate chip cookies to visitors at Fauquier Hospital last Wednesday. Her mentor for the task was volunteer Sue Williams.

Young People Can Stay on Parents' Health Insurance Come September

The Los Angeles Times has published a story explaining the health care reform provision regarding young adults being able to remain on their parents' health insurance policies. It's a helpful summation. http://www.latimes.com/news/health/healthcare/la-fi-insurance-youth-20100624,0,4758971.story

Medical Camp Boosts Interest in Healthcare Careers

My daughter is back on her feet (see previous post) and along with 19 other young healthcare hopefuls, is attending Fauquier Hospital's Medical Camp. The kids were a little sleepy looking at 8 a.m. when they arrived, but perked up considerably when they got to harvest corneas before lunch.

With lots of help and encouragement from Fauquier Health staffers, the students visited the pharmacy, learned how to suture a wound and typed their own blood. Tomorrow they'll experience a mock emergency in the Emergency Department and learn IV skills.

This was a level 1 class, for first timers. There is also a level 2 class and, for the first time this year, a level 3 session.

Fauquier Hospital and the Girl in the Red and White Smock

If you are going to faint for any reason, Fauquier Hospital is a good place to do it. My daughter MacKenzie found that out during her second day as a Junior Volunteer at the hospital. She is spending three weeks working with Lisa Spitzer, Concierge and Patient Advocate -- someone who after meeting her for the first time, I officially named "the nicest person I've ever met." That title still holds.

Kenzie and her partner were in Lisa's office listening to directions, when "everything went black."
She felt very sick to her stomach and couldn't hear what Lisa was saying. Kenzie sank into a chair and told Lisa she wasn't feeling well and Lisa helped her to lie down on the floor. Kenzie doesn't remember that part.

Lisa found that my little girl's pulse was "thready," and immediately called in the hospital's Rapid Response Team. When Kenzie opened her eyes again, she said, "there was a nurse kneeling next to me and three doctors standing in the doorway. I looked past them into the hall and there were more doctors and nurses as far as I could see."

Lisa called me in the Marketing Department and I came up to find the crowd of medical professionals had dispersed. Kenzie was sitting up sipping some orange juice, still shaky, but feeling a little better.
A quick call to Dr. Suzanne Hayes, pediatrician, got us an immediate appointment. After some tests, we are starting to get some answers. Apparently, what happened to Kenzie is not uncommon, and not dangerous.

Kenzie felt a lot better after we had Chik-Fil-A.

I just wanted to say an earnest thank you to Lisa and all the kind, concerned physicians and nurses who ran to Lisa's office on a moment's notice. It embarrassed the heck out of Kenzie, but I am very grateful.

Junior Volunteers Begin at Fauquier Hospital

Lots of bright, fresh faces were seen in the hospital lobby this morning at 8 o'clock. A cadre of junior volunteers begins work today in the hospital, Fauquier Health Rehiblitaion & Nursing Center, and at other locations in the health system.

As part of the Junior Volunteer program operated through the Fauquier Hospital Auxiliary, middle- and high school-aged students volunteer two or more weeks during the summer. They help out staff and assist patients where needed.

The patients and staff benefit from the work they do and the enthusiastic energy they lend to every task, and the students have the opportunity to see how a real healthcare facility works. Win-win-win.

Fauquier Hospital Seeks Volunteers for Front Desk

Fauquier Hospital is seeking some good will ambassadors to welcome patients and visitors as they come through the front doors. Lynn Lauritzen, director of Volunteer Services at Fauquier Health, said she is looking for volunteers who are outgoing and ready to help people feel at ease.

She explained, “If you know how to create a warm and comforting first impression, then Fauquier Health needs you as one of its information desk greeters. This ‘on-your-feet’ volunteer position will compliment our existing front desk volunteer staff and is offered in four-hour shifts. It is perfect for friendly faces and helpful hearts.”

Anyone interested in serving as a Fauquier Health information desk greeter may call the volunteer office at 540-316-2910.

Fauquier Health's Dr. Lorraine Chun Moves to New Office

Dr. Lorraine Chun, OB/GYN has relocated to a new office on the hospital campus. She is located in the medical office building, on the second floor. Her office phone/fax will remain the same.

The new address is:
253 Veterans Drive, Suite 210
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 540-316-5930
Fax: 540-316-5931

Fauquier Free Clinic More Important Than Ever

This is an interesting story about a study of free medical clinics in the U.S. --
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100260252. It backs up the idea that these types of facilities are extremely important, especially during these difficult financial times.

Fauquier's own Free Clinic is a non-profit health and dental care clinic serving patients in Fauquier and Rappahannock counties in Virginia. With locations in Warrenton and Washington, the Fauquier Free Clinic provides primary medical care and emergency dental care to low-income, uninsured families. Care is provided by a team of more than 200 volunteers, clinicians, nurses, dentists and administrators.

Fauquier Health is a strong supporter of the free clinic. Forty-one Fauquier Health physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians and pharmacists volunteered 393 hours of care to the clinic in 2009. Fauquier Health also donated lab, radiology and on-site medical services. The total community benefit provided by Fauquier Health to the Free Clinic was $267,204.

The Fauquier Free Clinic website, at www.fauquierfreeclinic.org provides lots of good information, including a helpful FAQ section.

The Villa at Suffield Meadows Is Shaping Up

I stopped by the Villa at Suffield Meadows yesterday for a quick tour. The assisted living facility is scheduled to open in September and seems to be on course. It's going to be a jewel when it's finished.

Some of the one and two-bedroom apartments are ready and look beautiful, with full-size refrigerators and kitchenettes in all. Each "neighborhood" features a great room/country kitchen which should be a great place for residents to socialize.

The spa has most of the tile intact and the dining rooms (a formal dining room and a Bistro) are looking good. With a little imagination, it's easy to visualize happy, chatting folks enjoying meals in these great spaces.

The memory unit is taking shape nicely; it will provide a secure, stimulating environment for senior citizens who need some special attention.

Windows everywhere provide beautiful views. I can't wait to see the landscaping in place, complete with raised gardens and fountains.

The design of The Villa is so thoughtful and smart. Lots of conveniences in peaceful, natural surroundings.

I should be able to provide some photos soon of the work in progress.

Call 540-316-3800 for more information.

Office Workers Take a Fitness Break

Thanks to Janie Ericsson of Warrenton, who sent me a copy of a great Washington Post article about fitness in the workplace -- the benefits of replacing a coffee break with a group exercise break. Fauquier Health has a Make One Change wellness program for employees. Sounds like this would be a great addition to the program!

Check it out:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/24/AR2010052402987.html