Riverview Psychiatric Center

Message from the Superintendent (April 07, 2006)

"Man's rise or fall, success or failure, happiness or unhappiness depends on his attitude... a man's attitude will create the situation he imagines" - James Allen

Good Day,

Lots to cover today so I will get right at it.

First, we have installed a new doorway in the Cart Room of Lower Saco, Special Care Unit. The purpose of this doorway is to afford an extra measure of safety to the staff, by providing an immediate, additional exit in the event they are cut off during an emergency, and it affords other hospital staff a very quick and direct access to the Special Care Unit in the event of a "Stat" call. We have re-programmed the duress system to enable stat call initiated on LS-SCU to identify the location as the Special Care Unit and thus responding staff will have 2 possible entrances, the main corridor into the Lower Saco Unit, and now the newly installed doorway, accessed through the double doors on the back corridor. Entrance into the door way/Chart Room, is by the universal key we should all have.

Second, the response to the NAMI Walk for Mental Illness is picking up and there is a sign up list by the time clocks at the staff entrance. Thanks for your interest and there is still time to participate..

Third, although the Legislature is still in session, I would like to update you on where we stand so far. LD 1968 is the "States Budget Bill". In that are all the funding items put forth by the administration, needed for both the remaining fiscal year 06, and for next fiscal year 07. Riverview is in that budget bill for a couple of major items. We have a request to use $250,000 in salary savings from last year (FY05), to help cover some of the costs for this years expenses. We are also asking for the authority to set up and fund an Assertive Community Treatment Team, commonly referred to as an ACT Team, to help with the community treatment (and therefore placements) of our forensic population. Both of these items have survived the budget process and are now Public Law. So it looks like we will once again finish this year in the black, and will be entering next year with a balanced budget and an opportunity to expand services to our forensic population. Central Office and the Legislature deserve a lot of appreciation for their support.

Fourth, coming into work today, I saw a bumper sticker on a vehicle in the parking lot. It read, (I think) "Find what you love, and love what you find". I liked it. I think it reflects an attitude that many of our staff display everyday. I hope each of you find something you do in your work that you truly enjoy and care about. I hope that becomes a big part of every day.

Finally, on a very positive note…I received the following e-mail from a staff person here...
Good afternoon to all,

I would to thank the housekeeping staff on upper Saco for doing such a great job in doing the spring-cleaning of the client’s rooms. Robin and Dan did an exceptional job working with the clients to empty their rooms, wash and wax the floors and to wash their walls. The unit smelled spring fresh! The patients did an awesome job in working with the staff to set up appts. so the cleaning went like clock work. Well organized and efficient. With much verbal praise and recognition given, the unit also gave the clients a small appreciation luncheon and every patient received a thank you card from Robin and Dan. The luncheon of Subway sandwiches would have not been possible if it was not for Kristen, Charlotte and David Proffitt. I thank you for getting us the goodies.
Great teamwork to every one on Upper Saco.
Dorene McFarland

As always, I appreciate the work you do and this opportunity to communicate directly with you. If you have any questions, or suggestions on how to make this more meaningful for you please let me know.

David S. Proffitt
Superintendent

"Since the human body tends to move in the direction of its expectations -- plus or minus -- it is important to know that attitudes of confidence and determination are no less a part of the treatment program than medical science and technology." - Norman Cousins

Agency information

Riverview Psychiatric Center

Message from the Superintendent (April 07, 2006)