Message from the Superintendent (September 25, 2007)

"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you." - Sir William Arthur

I really like the above quote. Sometimes I don’t remember it. I wanted to take a moment or two and offer some encouragement to all of you. I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Gregor yesterday about the use of the sensory room on Lower Kennebec. She reminded me of something that, although I would like to think we all know, it was refreshing to her it from a person as passionate about great care as she. She explained that the use of the sensory room as well as the other stress tolerance tools is more about a change in style of treatment then it is in any of the “tools”. That we accept that our challenge is to assist those we serve in maintaining internal control and avoid placing external control on others. This is significant. Our goal is to assist our clients in keeping behavioral control and cope with the distress they experience. We strive to avoid “taking” control of others. When all else fails and we must take control, (using seclusion or restraint or declaring an emergency) our goal must be to return control as early as safely possible. The skill of our staff is reflected in the time it takes to return persons to autonomous control and the continual reduction in utilization of the aforementioned restrictive treatments. No small challenge. This represents, to some extent, the change of just addressing symptoms and broadening our services to focusing on the functioning ability of those we serve. Assisting them in maintaining control enhances their own efficacy and their long term growth. Riverview Psychiatric Center has employed some of the best mental health providers in all areas and this challenge is being met everyday. Keep up your good work. This is a challenge worthy of meeting!

I also will take a moment to flatter a couple of people.

On September 17, 2007 Upper Kennebec unlocked the sally port door by the back corridor during open times for clients to have easier access to and from the unit. On September 24, 2007 both sally port doors by the nursing station are unlocked during hospital open times. Staff and clients have done a great job implementing this change. Increasing self directive options to those we serve.

Upper Saco recently implemented Primary Nursing model. Staff are working hard at figuring out ways to make sure all the work is done, but in a manner consistent with Nurses and MHWs “owning” certain care activities. I hear that the patients and most the staff are excited about the increased influence this change brings to nurses and MHWs. Good job. I am hopeful the rest of the hospital will learn from your experience.

I also wanted to share that last week I got a chance to witness staff from across the hospital respond to a client crisis on Lower Saco. I was impressed with the professionalism, skill, and caring, displayed. It was a difficult situation. It involved the elements of our work that no one enjoys. Helping a highly deregulated client maintain safety. I was very proud of the work I saw. Good job.

I also wanted to say has anyone else noticed we are seeing less and less of Bob Patnaude lately? I guess his fitness efforts are paying off. Good job to Bob and everyone else in the Weight Watchers group.

As always, thank you for your good work.

In Service,

David S. Proffitt

"Doing easily what others find difficult is talent; doing what is impossible for talent is genius."

And

"To know how to suggest is the art of teaching." - Henri-FrÃ©dÃ©ric Amiel

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Message from the Superintendent (September 25, 2007)