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Message from the Superintendent (June 01, 2007)

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams

I wanted to take a moment and discuss the efforts the hospital is taking to create a safe therapeutic environment for those we serve and for our staff. As part of a continuing effort to increase the client choice options in the milieu, (A factor important in maintaining behavioral self control), several enhancements have been initiated. These enhancements are in the form of providing the nurses, mental health workers, and other direct care staff more and better tools to assist those who may be exhibiting increases in agitation, depression, anxiety or other symptoms which could be indicators of impending behavioral distress. These new “tools” are or will be available on the units very shortly. They include:

  • Blanket Warmers on the lower units, (although can be used by any units) so staff can offer a client a warm blanket as a self soothing technique.
  • MP3 Players
  • Heated Seat Massagers
  • On Unit Client Computers
  • Portable DVD Players
  • Game Boys
  • Writing Materials
  • Weighted Blankets
  • Welcome Kits
  • Stress Tolerance Kits

Soon the PSDs will be putting up posters on the units (when all supplies are available) and ensuring clients get oriented to these options. Staff will be able to more confidently approach clients in the early stages of escalation with assistance in the form of refocusing energy, self soothing, or self expression activities.

The hospital has established a sensory room on Lower Kennebec and I am now hearing reports of its effectiveness. Soon the hospital will consider duplicating this room in other areas of the hospital. Angie Newhouse is implementing staff training on therapeutic language aimed at assisting staff in utilizing language as a tool in maintaining a therapeutic relationship (especially during behavior crisis). The therapeutic relationship is the most essential of the tools available because it is the tool that allows all other services to be delivered.

If you have ideas or suggestions that you feel will further these efforts please do not hesitate to discuss them with your PSD or Supervisor or you can reply to me directly or anonymously from our web page.

You know, a while back it was stated in the paper that (in reference to the hospital having a goal to be coercion free), “The staff are left with their mouth as their only weapon”. Although I understood the concern, I also understood that staff’s skill in persuasion, engagement, and building of trusting relationships was/is the essential fundamental characteristic of any excellent direct service provider, and Riverview is blessed with many. Now, new tools which will augment those essential abilities and will enhance staff’s effectiveness and move us further in achieving our goal as providing outstanding, compassionate, effective care that recognizes the individual wants and needs of those served. Fidelity to goals of coercive-free interventions while maximizing safety will continue to be maintained. Client comfort, client self-determination, and recovery are themes we will always consistently express.

As always, thank you for your good work.

In Service,
David S. Proffitt

"It is not so difficult a task to plant new truths, as to root out old errors; for there is this paradox in men, they run after that which is new, but are prejudiced in favor of that which is old." - Charles Caleb Colton