The recent renovation and expansion at Susquehanna Health's three hospital campuses is an asset to its communities, but with the development of additional space, state-of-the-art facilities and enhanced services comes an expanded need for hospital volunteers.
"The expansion of Williamsport Regional Medical Center has increased opportunities for volunteers, which is very exciting," says SH Director of Volunteer Services Whitney Bernan.
New opportunities include everything from volunteer clerks to staff the hospital gift shop in the evening to volunteer pianists who can entertain visitors and patients on a newly acquired Steinway grand piano to a foreseeable need for volunteer "coaches" - former patients who have experienced procedures such as joint or spine surgery who are willing to spend time with new patients to be an encouragement.
Donations of time plus abilities plus compassion can equal a positive impact on patients, hospital staff and even the cost of health care.
SH volunteers Donald and Donna Krupilis have aided patients and staff at Divine Providence Hospital for the last two to three years.
Following retirement, Donald worked part-time as a hospital valet. After experiencing what a difference he could make in someone's life simply by greeting them or offering assistance, he also noted the hospital's need for volunteers.
Donald encouraged his wife Donna to get involved. "I twisted her arm," Donald said with a laugh.
In 2009, Donna began volunteering at the Susquehanna Health Cancer Center assisting patients through the card scanning process at the information desk.
"Sometimes patients aren't sure what to do. It can be a little unnerving," Donna said. "So, you see what you can do to help them feel at ease ... and you keep the coffee pot going."
Donna also helps with filing in the radiation department and at the Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center to allow staff to focus on more urgent duties.
For more information on Susquehanna Health's Volunteer Services programs, visit the Web page SusquehannaHealth.org/ volunteers.
Lock Haven Hospital
awarded accreditation
The Lock Haven Hospital laboratory has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in laboratories.
The accreditation award recognizes the hospital's dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards.
Lock Haven Hospital underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in January. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated its laboratory for compliance with standards of care that directly affect the quality and safety of diagnostic services and patient care.
"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Lock Haven Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," said Jennifer Rhamy, executive director, Laboratory Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission.
The survey team cited the excellent teamwork and leadership in the hospital lab and the detailed documentation of compliance with regulatory standards. Surveyors commended the laboratory's high level proficiency testing programs the lab utilizes to maintain personnel and technology standards.
Athletic trainers in Pa. receive licensure status
On Feb. 20, the state officially recognized athletic trainers as licensed health care professionals.
Licensure for athletic trainers was needed in Pennsylvania in order to protect the public. It is recognized as the most restrictive form of professional and occupational regulation.
Under certification, the state grants protection to persons meeting certain standards, but those individuals without certification still may perform the duties of the occupation. They cannot, however, use the athletic trainer title.
Under licensure laws, it is illegal for a person to practice a profession without first meeting state standards.
Licensed athletic trainers working in the state protect and enhance the health and welfare of clients through prevention, recognition, management and rehabilitation of injuries.
The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society is a progressive organization of health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician. It represents about 3,000 certified athletic trainers and athletic training students in the state.
