This week I’d like to begin with an important reminder that time is running out for those wanting to take advantage of the $200 wellness reward for participating in myHealth Matters, our systemwide employee wellness initiative. The financial incentive is just that; our ultimate goal is to encourage you to continue to take care of yourselves so you can take great care of our patients.
In order for benefit-eligible employees 
to receive the $200 Health Savings Account reward, three separate actions must be completed prior to April 30. These include getting a flu shot, completing a biometric screening with their physician or at one of the onsite screening events, and completing a validated wellness related activity, which we call “What’s Your Thing.”
For more information, see the flier or call 888-262-1565.
I want to congratulate UMass Memorial Clinton Hospital on their recent ISO 9001 certification. They are the
first hospital in Massachusetts and only the second in all of New England to achieve this distinction. ISO 9001 is a quality management system widely regarded in the manufacturing industry and relatively new to the medical wor
ld. This certification recognizes Clinton Hospital’s commitment to excellence and as a leader in the adoption of standard operating procedures, which is fast becoming a best practice in the medical field.
It is great to see that we are continuing to leverage our units’ Idea Boards and the Idea System to help drive continuous improvement efforts across UMass Memorial Health Care. I also want to encourage you to use the Innovation Fund for your ideas that need help.
On the subject of ideas, Melissa Arrell, a Community Healthlink practice manager, and staff at the Homeless Outreach & Advocacy Project (HOAP) gives us this week’s Idea of the Week. Arrell and team noticed there was a lack of communication between HOAP and programs referring to the program, leading to some improper referrals. The HOAP team invited staff from a referring entity to do a site visit to primary care so they could get a better understanding of their work. During the visit HOA
P staff gave instructions and guidelines on how to refer and call for medications, and information on direct contacts. This strengthened the relationship between HOAP and the referrers. Both teams are now holding sessions on topics important to women in the program which most recently included discussions on alternative methods of pain management and hepatitis C. Well done!
You can now find a listing of our past Ideas of the Week by clicking the Idea System tab at the top of this page.
Thanks for all your great ideas and for taking great care of our patients and one another,
Eric