Seton Announcements

Seton Medical Staff HRO Training Required by June 30, 2012

Residents, employed physicians and physicians who have performed at least 20 procedures in the past year OR who have had at least 100 patient contacts in the past year are required to complete a course in "High Reliability Organization Training for Medical Staff" by June 30, 2012. Upcoming training classes. (2-2-12)

Faster System Replaces VPC at Seton Hays, Feb. 2

In response to staff and physician concerns that Seton’s Virtual PC system is too slow and cumbersome, VPC is being replaced by a faster and more user-friendly Citrix Clinical Access system at Seton Medical Center Hays on Thursday, Feb. 2. (1-31-12)

Drug Shortage Communication and Action Plan: IV Ondansetron (Zofran)

Multiple manufacturers have discontinued or temporarily discontinued their ondansetron injection (all presentations, 2-mLand 20-mL 2mg/mL vials and 32 mg/50 mL premixed bags) and remaining manufacturers cannot keep up with demand and have their products on back order. Seton’s on-hand supply is critical low. Read more for recommended management of supply and other available alternatives. (1-30-12)

2012 Austin Trauma & Critical Care Conference

The Seton Healthcare Family is excited to announce the 2012 Austin Trauma & Critical Care Conference to be held at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center May 31-June 1, 2012. The conference offers:

• Curriculum designed for physicians, nurses, ancillary and pre-hospital personnel in the treatment of critically ill and injured patients.
• Current basic and cutting-edge guidelines and technology for evaluation, diagnosis and management of trauma and critical care patients.
• Knowledge and skills of those caring for ill and injured patients in rural, urban and suburban hospitals.

Go to Seton.net for the schedule, presenters and online registration. You can also sign up to receive email updates.

For more information about attending or exhibiting at the event, please contact Katie Foarde. (1/25/12)

Unauthorized Access of Patient Files (Even Your Own) Can Land You in Hot Water

Seton is expanding audits of COMPASS user access to comply with federal rules. The audits began on Jan. 1 and will be conducted periodically.

HIPAA training is mandatory upon hire and again once a year. Abusing access can result in disciplinary action. Additionally, violators face stiff financial penalties and prison time depending on the circumstance. (1-20-12)

Drug Shortage Communication and Action Plan: IV Lorazepam (Ativan)

Products affected are Lorazepam injectable 2mg/ml carpuject syringes and vials, 4mg/ml carpuject syringes and vials. Network supply is estimated to be one week, but product availability is very unreliable and receipt of product is intermittent at best. Read more for recommended alternatives/management. (1/13/12)

Ascension Health Cancels Online New England Journal of Medicine

Due to financial constraints, Ascension Health has cancelled the online New England Journal of Medicine that they’ve funded for all ministries since 2007.

The print subscription will continue. Seton staff can request NEJM articles from the CEC Library by emailing Seton-Medical-Library@seton.org or calling (512) 324-7000 ext. 77449.

NOTE: UTMB and UT Southwestern students, residents and faculty will continue to have NEJM web access through their academic health science online libraries. (1-11-12)

Seton Leadership Changes Effective Jan. 1, 2012

Charles J. Barnett will take a leave of absence from his role as chief executive officer of the Seton Healthcare Family as of Jan. 1, 2012. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jesus Garza has been named interim CEO. As a result of these changes, other leaders within the Seton Family will take on new or additional responsibilities to ensure Seton’s continued success and loyalty to its mission. (12-23-11)

Reinventing the Delivery of Care

The Seton Healthcare Family has taken a major step toward developing a new and less fragmented model for delivering health care in Central Texas by partnering with Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) to create Seton Health Alliance, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). (12-20-11)

COMPASS Medical Provider Refresher Training

The Joint Chiefs of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialty Service recently announced that COMPASS refresher training is available for medical staff and mid-level providers at Dell Children's. This training will enable you to review, add, modify or cancel orders electronically within the current COMPASS scope at Dell Children’s. (12-2-11)

OB/GYN Delineated Privileging Form Revisions Approved

The revised/updated delineated privileging form has been approved by the OB/GYN physicians, Network Credentials Committee and Network MEC. The forms will be mailed to new physician(s) and physician(s) up for April 2012 reappointment. (11-16-11)

Drug Shortage: Vitamin K Injection

Effective Nov. 11, Hospira reports a vitamin K injection shortage due to manufacturing delays. Products affected are vitamin K injection, contains benzyl alcohol, 1 mg/0.5 mL and 10 mg/1 mL amp; and vitamin K injection, contains polysorbate 80 and propylene glycol, 1 mg/0.5 mL pre-filled syringe. (11-14-11)

2011-12 Influenza Prevention & Control Policy

Seton will provide influenza immunization free of charge to all members of the medical staff and all mid-levels; all you need is a Seton ID badge. You may receive your flu shot at locations across the Seton network, which are offering expanded hours of operation through Nov. 14, 2011.

Please note that Seton's Infection Prevention Department will monitor influenza activity in our community. When surveillance data indicate a rise community influenza rates, all Seton associates, medical staff, and mid-levels who do not have documentation of current influenza immunization will be required to wear a surgical mask at all times when present in Seton patient care facilities. (11-8-11)

Major Changes Coming to Dell Children's

Construction is moving forward on south bed tower. (11-4-11)

Seton Hays Hosts Community Health Fair

Thanks to the help of the Seton Family of Doctors at Hays, the second annual Community Health Fair was a big success, with more than 650 people attending the Oct. 22 event. (11-1-11)

Founding Executive Director Appointed to New Seton/UTSW Clinical Research Institute

Verbal Communication and Improving Patient Safety

As part of our high-reliability initiative, the Seton Austin MEC decided earlier this year to focus on verbal communication among nurses and physicians as their first initiative to improve patient safety. They chose as their first tool to highlight SBAR, or a template for clear, concise communication. (10-17-11)

UMC Brackenridge to Enforce Towing Policy

New signs will be in place on Hospital Drive (between UMCB and the garage) by Saturday, Oct. 15, warning that vehicles parked in violation of posted restrictions will be towed at owners’ expense. Starting Oct. 15, towing can and will occur. (10-14-11)

Obtaining Consent for Non-Medical Observers

To safeguard our patients and their health information while continuing our work as an Academic Medical Institution, the Seton Healthcare Family recently approved Policy 1000.29, "Obtaining Consent for Non-Medical Observers." This new policy ensures that non-staff observing patient care in any Seton facility are properly trained and escorted and also have approval from the patient. (10-10-11)

Cancer Management Conference Available to Seton Physicians

Seton Network Oncology Services has cancer management conferences available to physicians across the network. These sessions offer a multidisciplinary review and treatment planning opportunity of patients newly diagnosed with cancer. All physicians are invited to participate and/or present their referrals to the conferences. The activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. (9-23-11)

Announcements Archive