UPMC

Paul West volunteers to lead church services at Haven Place every Sunday. His inspiration to volunteer came from visiting with his wife, a resident at Haven Place, and noticing a need for help with these services. Paul said he always opens his service on Sundays with celebrating birthdays, and then telling a joke to lighten the mood, hopefully provide some laughter. He and the residents worship in songs, sometimes while he plays the harmonica, and share in a short meditation and spiritual message. “It makes the residents happy to come to church services on Sundays. They love the music and enjoy getting together.” What Paul loves most about volunteering is helping the residents and interacting with them. “When you get to know them individually, you get to know them better, which makes the interaction more enjoyable and fulfilling. I am very thankful for this volunteer opportunity and to be used in this way.” Paul’s message to anyone considering volunteering is, “volunteering is getting to know not only yourself, but others. Volunteering is very rewarding and satisfying.” Learn more and apply now: https://lnkd.in/eAandi23

UPMC physicians Don Yealy, MD, Rob Bart, MD, and Rachel Sackrowitz, MD, played pivotal roles in developing a state-of-the-art #teleconsult technology platform at UPMC. This platform empowers clinician specialists to efficiently consult with bedside clinicians across various disciplines, including stroke, neurology, critical care, psychology, and toxicology. To date, it has facilitated 40,000 consults and significantly reduced patient wait times by 92%. Recently, eVisit acquired this technology from UPMC Enterprises, aiming to bolster the company’s #telehealth capabilities. Congratulations on an incredible accomplishment for the entire UPMC organization. https://lnkd.in/gNpJeyiD

Diane Holder, president and chief executive officer of UPMC Health Plan, provided insight into fostering innovation, enhancing patient outcomes, and navigating the dynamic health care landscape as the keynote speaker for the recent UPMC Enterprises #TopofMind Digital Health Summit at the Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC. Download the in-depth recap report for more on UPMC’s participation and key insights from the summit. https://lnkd.in/edW9v3vy

Reducing waste is always top of mind for Matthew, director, Food & Nutrition Services, UPMC in Central Pa. Matthew serves as co-chair of the UPMC Harrisburg sustainability committee and brings together the ideas and passion of employees from all seven hospitals in the region. “We started by looking at the waste in our Food & Nutrition Department,” Matthew said. “We are trying to reduce our plastic use and make the food fresher for our patients.” This is achieved in several ways, from reducing the use of foods being shipped in plastic containers, to replacing single-use containers with reusable ones to deliver food to patients. “We are able to give patients food with less additives and make it more nutritious at the same time,” Matthew said. “We wanted to think of fresh, healthy, good-looking food, and by doing more in house, we can reduce our plastic and carbon footprint as well.” Thanks, Matthew, for building a more sustainable and green future for our community!

Meet Ann Kuntz, a dedicated UPMC volunteer who has been making a difference for 18 years! A friendly face at the information desk of UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus, Ann’s inspiration to volunteer stemmed from her desire to stay active after retiring from the Williamsport Area School District. Her passion for meeting new people and giving back to the community eventually led her to UPMC. Ann cherishes the moments spent with patients and finds fulfillment in assisting them. The best part of Ann’s day is knowing she’s making a positive impact and connecting with others. Beyond volunteering, Ann enjoys crafting, solving puzzles, and socializing with friends. Her advice to potential volunteers? “Do it! Volunteering gives back to you!” Thank you, Ann, for your unwavering commitment to the spirit of service at UPMC!

At UPMC, we know that our role as a health care provider is about more than just providing quality patient care—it’s about working together to make a lasting impact in the places we serve. McKeesport, Pa. is one such community that UPMC is proud to champion, providing investment and resources that uplift the neighborhood and impact its residents for the better. Check out the newest feature on the UPMC Careers blog to learn more about how we're doing just that: https://lnkd.in/eRBdAKB3

Recently, the kidney transplant team at UPMC Harrisburg celebrated a milestone of 1,500 transplants since the program’s inception in 2000. “UPMC has distinguished history of pioneering and refining new transplant procedures, making it possible to provide a second chance at life for patients,” said Manish Gupta, MD, transplant surgeon at UPMC Harrisburg. “We are proud to provide the central Pa. region with access to the highest level of kidney and liver transplant care.”

An interdisciplinary team of experts within the UPMC system have created an innovative #teleconsult technology platform that empowers clinician specialists to efficiently consult with bedside clinicians across specific specialties. To date, it has facilitated an impressive 40,000 consults and achieved a remarkable 92% reduction in patient wait times. Recently, eVisit acquired this cutting-edge technology from UPMC Enterprises and joined its portfolio. Kudos to all the contributors who played a pivotal role in this remarkable project! https://lnkd.in/gNpJeyiD

Happy 175th birthday, UPMC Passavant! “We’ve brought our vision to life. We evaluated our communities’ needs, prioritized our resources, and responded to provide the best care for the people we serve,” said Susan Hoolahan, president, UPMC Passavant. “We are proud that U.S. News and World Report ranks UPMC Passavant as the number two hospital in Pittsburgh, just behind UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside, a recognition that reflects the exceptional care provided by our extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff who truly define world-class caring.” Founded 175 years ago as the Pittsburgh Infirmary, UPMC Passavant first opened its doors in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1849. Then, 60 years ago, the North Hills community recognized the need for a hospital in northern Pittsburgh and dedicated fundraising efforts to bring the hospital north. In 1997, North Hills Passavant Hospital became a part of UPMC. And in 2002, St. Francis Hospital, in neighboring Cranberry Township, affiliated with UPMC, becoming an integral part of UPMC Passavant’s care delivery network for the north. "It’s been a real privilege watching UPMC Passavant grow over the years, responding to the needs of the community,” said Joel Yuhas, executive vice president, UPMC, and president, UPMC Health Services Division. “UPMC Passavant’s accomplishments and its passion to improve the health of its communities have cemented its longevity, its legacy and its reputation as the place you choose to receive a life-changing experience.” https://lnkd.in/e_7q5ke8

While nursing is incredibly rewarding, it's also very challenging, which is why it's important for new nurses to have someone to lean on and learn from. Nurse preceptors are valuable because they provide that support and training to students in addition to their regular nursing duties.   I’m pleased to share a wonderful story of how a nurse preceptor and preceptee became colleagues right here at UPMC St. Margaret.   Sharon Walters, RN, has been a UPMC nurse for more than four decades and has served as a nurse preceptor for years. As a student nurse at Clarion University’s Department of Nursing, Allison Norris, BS, BSN, RN, completed a clinical internship as a preceptee of Sharon’s. Sharon’s influence on Allison’s professional development inspired her so much that she decided to also become a preceptor.   “There are so many team members involved in patient care at a hospital,” says Allison. “But nurses are the people who are with patients the most. We’re their constant resource, the ones who get to know them and their families. The nurse preceptor role is an important bridge to delivering quality patient care.”   Read their full story: From Nurse Preceptor and Preceptee to Colleagues | UPMC HealthBeat