Riverview Psychiatric Center
Message from the Superintendent (October 06, 2006)
Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away. When I am gone, I hope it can be said of me that I plucked a thistle and planted a flower wherever I thought a flower would grow. - Anon.
Greetings to all.
A beautiful day it is today. I hope it holds through the weekend and that each of you get a chance to enjoy the great outdoors Maine has to offer us. I have some significant acknowledgments to make this week. First I got a great letter from the Director of the forensic Services today;
David -
Just saw Mr. M, the NCR patient who was so incredibly assaultive on admission several months ago. Oh my goodness. He looks like a completely different person - I didn't even recognize him! He was neatly groomed, with a nice haircut, and good clothes. He stood up straight, looked me in the eye, and remembered my name. He was pleasantly conversational.
This is truly a transformation. This man has a completely new life, and most importantly, a new chance at life. I hope you know, and remind the Lower Saco staff that this is because of their excellent work. This is a person on whom the whole system had given up, until he came to Riverview, and you have made a big difference. I don't think it's going too far to say that, without Riverview, he would have been lost. I know how difficult this was in the beginning, which makes it even more of a tribute to the dedication and skill of your staff.
Please convey my astonishment and deepest congratulations to everyone who had anything to do with this great accomplishment!
Ann
Another note I received was this one below;
The staff on Lower Kennebec SCU would like to recognize one of our peer support staff, Ms. Heidi Smith. Heidi goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that each and everyone of our clients has a positive experience here at RPC. An example of this would be taking time out of her day to assist with a client being able to utilize his coping skills when there are not enough mental health workers to accommodate this special 1:1 order. Another example is the wonderful work she did to bring together a Mexican luncheon for all of the clients on Lower Kennebec including some of our most difficult clients in helping to prepare the dessert portion of the luncheon. A great time was had by all.
I also what to thank Heidi and all the Kennebec staff as I was lucky that they brought me a plate of food and it was great. I had been in a difficult meeting and this was the “comfort food” I so needed! While talking about food … I had the honor of sharing a meal with some members of our great dietary crew this week. I was impressed with their insights into the hospital and recommendations for my consideration. And finally another note is this one by one of our NOD’s
I wanted to express my gratitude to Julie Zale PA-C and Russ Kimball PA-C for going "above and beyond" the call of duty to help out on Monday, Oct. 2, when the Scheduled OD did not report for duty. Julie and Russ gave up family time and needed sleep in order to provide essential physician extender coverage here at Riverview. I would also like to thank Steve Brewer NP for giving up his Yoga group in order to evaluate an Upper Saco patient who was in crisis. Thanks again. Martha
Thanks to all of you for what you all do here in serving those in need. I know I have said it before but it truly is a rewarding job when I get the chance to witness the great care you all provide. It is a rare group that can keep a high quality service being provided while simultaneously acknowledging there continues to be enhancements to be made, and seeking at each opportunity to continue to do better.
As always, thanks for your hard work.
David Proffitt
A quote for our dietary staff …
"Our lives are not in the lap of the gods, but in the lap of our cooks." - Lin Yutang
