Lewiston Mass Casualty Updates

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Patrick Dempsey meets with CMMC patients injured in the mass casualty event in Lewiston   

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Actor, auto racer and Lewiston native Patrick Dempsey yesterday paid a visit to Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC).

While at CMMC, Dempsey stopped in the rooms of patients who continue to recover from the injuries they suffered in the Oct. 25 mass casualty incidents, taking the time to speak with them and their families to wish them well.

“What a pleasure it was for all of our team members to have Patrick stop by,” said Kris Chaisson, RN, chief nursing officer, Central Maine Healthcare. “The patients were deeply touched by his visit following this difficult time in their lives. It was wonderful to see the team react to him with smiles that have been dimmed since the event.

“It has always been clear to all of us that, despite his fame, Patrick Dempsey considers the people of this community his family.”

The three remaining patients at CMMC are all listed in stable condition.

On the evening of the tragedy, Central Maine Medical Center assembled a team of more than a dozen surgeons with expertise in orthopedics, cardiovascular, thoracic, colorectal, plastic, urologic and general surgery. They were aided by more than 100 other physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals, all of whom received training in mass casualty incidents.

The doctors, nurses and team members of CMMC extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event.

As part of our ongoing responsibility to continue serving as the regional trauma center for central Maine, we have established the CMMC Compassionate Care Fund for Trauma Response and Support.  To donate, please click here. Or see: www.cmhc.org/cmmc/ways-to-give/

 

Pictured: Patrick Dempsey meets with Dr. Tim Counihan, chief of surgery, and members of the CMMC nursing team

From the Desk of the Chief Nursing Officer

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Hello nursing colleagues,

In follow-up to the last letter about Relationship- Based Care, our professional practice model, I wanted to further elaborate on the dimensions of this model. More specifically, on how to connect this to our everyday practice. The first and perhaps most important is that the patient and family are at the center. We should strive to have all services, processes and structure aligned with the patient and family needs. Examples include incorporating the family and patient in bedside handoff, rounds and discharge planning.

The second dimension is providing care in a healing culture where all aspect of care relationships and environment are therapeutic and calming treating people with respect and dignity. An example is quietness and cleanliness of environment, refraining from speaking poorly of other people or departments.

The third dimension is teamwork. This requires all care team members to embrace a shared purpose and work together with mutual trust and respect. This an be displayed in how we manage up each other.

The fourth and fifth dimensions are interprofessional practice and care delivery. All clinical professionals are respected for unique expertise and scope of practice to provide optimal care. Care is designed to allow clinicians to accept individual ownership for the relationships with the 25.23team and patient.

The sixth dimension of system design allows for the structure and processes to be continuously improved. We do this by having root cause analysis on and events that cause harm. This allows us to grow from learning.

The last two dimensions are also critical. Using evidence-based practice should guide practice throughout the organization. Leadership cultivates a shared vision that inspires, empowers people closest to the work to improve the processes and relationships. The example that comes to mind is using our unit-based practice council to drive the improvement of our work.

Phew, that was a lot. I hope you have a better understanding about how this practice models fits into the everyday work of nursing.

Respectfully,

Kris Chaisson

A field of DAISYs

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CMMC recently received 47 DAISY award nominations. The award is an international recognition program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate, skillful care nurses give every day.

These nursing professionals were nominated by fellow nurses, patients, patient’s families and providers for consistently going above and beyond. To celebrate, the nominees receive a pin and a certificate presented to them by their nurse leader in the company of their team members.

Here is one nomination- an example of the great work CMMC nurses do every day.

Dori-Lynn Ruman, nominated by Gabriella Kroger, patient:

“Every time I’ve interacted with Dori, I’m been met with outstanding and unmatched care. I can tell the attention she spends with me, she spends with all of her patients because she truly cares and she takes her role as a nurse seriously. Recently, she’s gone above and beyond to help facilitate the treatment I need. She makes sure I’m okay, listens to my wants and worries, and communicates clearly between me and my providers. She’s always upbeat and spreads joy wherever she goes. On top of her joy, she offers comfort and understanding to all her patients. I know I will always have the best care possible if Dori is part of my care team.”

Outpatient diabetes self-management classes offered at Bridgton Hospital

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In December, Bridgton Hospital will offer a series of outpatient self-management classes to inform and empower those with diabetes to live well and effectively manage the disease.

The cost of these classes is covered by most insurance plans, including MaineCare and Medicare.

Class dates:

Dec.4, 1-3 p.m.

Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.

Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m.

The classes include:

  • An overview of diabetes
  • Medications
  • Goal setting and problem solving
  • Nutrition management

Participants must:

  • Pre-register
  • Be able to attend all three classes
  • Receive a referral from their primary care provider
  • Participate in a one-on-one dietary consultation

The classes will take place at Bridgton Hospital in the BHPG Conference Room.

To make an appointment or sign up, please call (207)647-6064.

No condition change for three remaining patients at CMMC from mass casualty incident

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There is no condition change for the three remaining patients at Central Maine Medical Center who were brought to the hospital following the mass casualty event in Lewison on Oct. 25. All remain in stable condition.

Today is the two-week mark since the patients were brought into the Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) Emergency Department.

“It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since these patients were first admitted, because to many of us, it seems like yesterday,” said John Alexander, chief medical officer, Central Maine Healthcare. “As a community, we have all been through so much-our patients, our team members here at CMH, our families, friends and neighbors.

On the evening of the tragedy, Central Maine Medical Center assembled a team of more than a dozen surgeons with expertise in orthopedics, cardiovascular, thoracic, colorectal, plastic, urologic and general surgery. They were aided by more than 100 other physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals, all of whom received training in mass casualty incidents.

The doctors, nurses and team members of CMMC extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event.

As part of our ongoing responsibility to continue serving as the regional trauma center for central Maine, we have established the CMMC Compassionate Care Fund for Trauma Response and Support. To donate, please click here.  Link: cmhc.org/cmmc/ways-to-give

Three remaining patients from mass casualty incident still in stable condition

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All three of the remaining patients at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) who were injured in the Oct. 25 mass casualty incident in Lewiston are still in stable condition.

In addition to these patients, Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) is seeing a high volume of patients who have been admitted to the hospital for other reasons.

“I am glad to report our remaining patients from the October 25 incident continue to show signs of progress,” said John Alexander, MD, chief medical officer, Central Maine Healthcare. “As they recover from their injuries, our team members are committed to providing compassionate and expert care for not only them, but for all of our patients at here Central Maine Healthcare.”

On the evening of the tragedy, Central Maine Medical Center assembled a team of more than a dozen surgeons with expertise in orthopedics, cardiovascular, thoracic, colorectal, plastic, urologic and general surgery. They were aided by more than 100 other physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals, all of whom received training in mass casualty incidents.

The doctors, nurses and team members of CMMC extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event.

As part of our ongoing responsibility to continue serving as the regional trauma center for central Maine, we have established the CMMC Compassionate Care Fund for Trauma Response and Support. To donate, please click here.  Link: cmhc.org/cmmc/ways-to-give