To truly realize innovation, you need both creativity (idea generation) and action (follow through) and that is what our idea systems are all about — generating and implementing great ideas from everyone who wants to help us become the best place to give care and the best place to get care.

Creativity + Action = Innovation. I saw this equation solved over and over again at our recent Champions of Excellence celebration and it gave me such pride in our caregivers who, at all levels of the organization, have fully embraced the idea system. This movement is helping transform UMass Memorial Health Care into a national model of innovation, and the results are undeniable.

I am especially excited about the contributions made by our finalists from across the system (listed below) for the Innovators of the Year Award, and the winning team — the Cardiac Step-down Unit at 3 Lakeside, University Campus, Medical Center.

Innovators of the Year recipients from the 3 Lakeside Step-down Unit with me at the event, from left: Roberta Maynard, RN,
Stephanie Costello, RN, Sue Dunn, RN,
Kathy Curtis, RN,
Linda Stevens-Sokowaski, RN, and
Sue Gouin, RN

The staff successfully implemented an astonishing 55 ideas over the last fiscal year, with three adopted campuswide at the Medical Center. They describe the secret to their success as pulling together a multidisciplinary team for an idea huddle every week, with each team member focusing on innovation and improvement beyond their own immediate work area to promote patient safety and efficiency throughout the Medical Center.

Here are just a few comments from the Step-down Unit’s innovators, which capture the power of the idea system far better than I could describe. Please keep these words of wisdom in mind as we continue to innovate, every day.

“As a manager, I get truly excited and motivated when I see my staffs’ ideas become implemented. It almost creates this palpable energy on the unit. Engagement is at an all-time high right now.” — Stephanie Costello, MS, RN, Manager

“In a large medical center, the idea system allows one staff member to have a voice and make a small difference without having to go through multiple levels of management and a myriad of meetings.” — Aimee Sannicandro, RN

The fun and interactive Personality Poker game helped event attendees identify their innovation style. It also helped people discover who complements their style – no matter if they’re Spades, Clubs, Hearts or Diamonds.

“I would encourage anyone that has an idea system to stay focused and engaged and the rest will follow. Don’t take ‘No’ for an answer, challenge the status quo and most importantly, celebrate and appreciate your successes with your team.” — Stephanie Costello

”Our idea board is exciting. It’s awesome to see our ideas come to life.” — Bonnie Morin-Hafford, RN

Congratulations to our Innovators of the Year Award Finalists — great work!

• Clinton Hospital – Lab
• HealthAlliance Hospital – Materials Management
• Marlborough Hospital – Lab
• UMass Memorial Medical Group
• Montachusett Internal Medicine
• Westborough Medicine Pediatrics
• Central Business Office
• UMass Memorial Medical Center
• 3 Lakeside Step-down Unit, University Campus
• Pediatrics/5 East, University Campus
• 6 West, University Campus
• University Campus Pharmacy
• 4 Admissions Unit, University Campus
• Memorial Campus Emergency Department
• University Campus Radiology, 2nd shift
• Surgery Clinic and Weight Center, University Campus
• Anticoagulation Center, Hahnemann Campus
• Memorial Campus, Point-of-Care Testing

Thanks for taking great care of our patients, and each other,

Eric