Service Stars of the Month

Infection control colleagues, transitional skilled unit colleagues and general services operations manager Donna Jones

Transitional skilled unit colleagues and general services operations manager Debra Jones (top) and infection control colleagues (bottom)

When several people on LVH–17th and Chew’s transitional skilled unit (TSU) became ill with similar symptoms, colleagues took action.

Nurses from infection control identified the possible cause of the illness as norovirus (a type of stomach virus). Then they closed the unit to visitors and new patients to help contain the spread. They also remained in constant contact with colleagues from TSU and general services and spoke with the media to help educate our community about norovirus.

Simultaneously, TSU colleagues explained the situation to patients and updated patients’ family members. In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, general services operations manager Debra Jones rallied her team and called for additional reinforcements. They disinfected the entire unit to prepare for its reopening.

“Together these teams kept this less-thanideal situation from getting worse,” says TSU administrator Bonnie Kosman, R.N. “Everyone showed dignity and empathy.”

• Beverly Baker, physician assistant, Lehigh Valley Surgical Oncology
• Brad Fulmer, Security
• Heather Burhans, R.N., 5T
• Deborah Sundlof, D.O., Lehigh Valley Cardiology Associates

To nominate a star, go on the intranet at lvh.com. Go to the “What’s New” box and click on Nominate a Service Star. Or open e-mail’s bulletin board forms_rewards and right click to “use form.”

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