Department of Healtha and Human Services
Riverview Psychiatric Center
Message from the Superintendent (December 01, 2006)
The only thing bad about a holiday is it is followed by a non-holiday. - Anon.
The lighted Christmas tree in the central waiting area for the clinic was donated by Dr Castellanos. Just another example of why he is indeed a “Quality Champion” of Riverview.
Dr. Daskivich, shared an observation of the Upper Kennebec team working with a distressed client with me. In short, Shirley and the Upper Kennebec team did a great job and thought you would appreciate hearing a little about it. Of particular note, Shirley Stephens did an outstanding job of using her therapeutic rapport with the client in an effort to aid his comforting; the effect was to help him regain composure is a timely and safe manner.
If you get a chance, take a look at the floor in the dinning room. Last Night Adam O'Neal, Tammy Kincaid and Robin Gerrard worked with four clients stripping and waxing the dining room floor. They did a spectacular job.
This week a long term resident passed away on Upper Kennebec. Doris Orestis RN, Linda Trafton MHW, Diane Lavigne MHW, Lisa Stockbridge MHW, as well as Julie Wise PAC, Sue Wade Security, responded to this incident with care, respect, and professionalism. I am truly impressed with the high level of professionalism, and care that was shown and provided. These fine staff worked as a team to complete the tasks and provide the care and support needed. I have always known that Riverview has great teams however, during stressful events such as this, it becomes much more obvious and reinforces the quality of those teams. I hope you feel honored that you work with such a great group! I know I do!
Riverview has now gotten the court approval to implement a new smoking policy. The intent is to move the hospital to a smoke free campus. This is being done to improve the care environment for our clients and staff. A committee of clients and staff will be formed to make recommendations on the transition toward this goal. This may be a difficult transition for some clients as well as some staff. Ideas on how to accomplish this in the most respective and helpful manner possible are needed. One thing that staff have raised is a need to ensure that a wealth of replacement activity is available to assist clients in developing new coping mechanisms and to deal with the loss of cigarettes. Please take some time and think of what things you would like to see available on the units to provide a more engaging treatment environment. Tell your PSD or supervisor or email me. Working together, we can achieve an enhancement in our environment that will prove a great enhancement for all of us.
Happy holiday season and as always thank you for your good work.
David Proffitt
"We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them." - Kahlil Gibran,
