Message from the Superintendent (January 25, 2008)

"Men do less than they ought, unless they do all they can”. - Thomas Carlyle

Great news this week. We got our official letter from the JOINT Commission on the hospital receiving its 3 year accreditation. This is a great complement to the work done at this hospital. In the midst of implementing enormous change we have an unannounced survey which documents your great work here. In a lot of ways, the pace of the work you do here is staggering. Always, we are looking for better ways, newer ways, and more effective ways to help those we serve. An example of this is Lower Kennebec’s accomplishment of truly making restraints the last option in helping people in distress is remarkable and of historical significance. Something that just two or three years ago many would of felt not only impossible but probably irresponsible. Look how far we have come. Thanks to all of you.

I wanted to give you all an update on the Multi-sensory room. The remaining three units have sensory rooms designed and have all submitted purchase orders for equipment for their rooms. The purchase orders have all been turned over to Jamie (LS and US under budget). UK's room will be the first focus for construction and then LS with US last. Staff on each unit will be trained on the purpose of the rooms as well as the mechanics of the equipment. Dr. Gregor has agreed to look for opportunities to present our experience with using the multi-sensory room on LK at a conference/convention as well as publishing opportunities. I think this is great. Not only doe s it help the field of mental health service delivery, but it also gives credit to the quality of the staff here at Riverview – something I hope you take great pride in. I know I do!

Jamie Morrill is leading the efficiency committee and I encourage you to take a moment and consider what processes here at Riverview you believe can be improved upon. Jamie is always looking for those willing to help improve how we do things here.

The legislative session is still in process. The department has been in the process of identifying opportunities for fiscal savings as the state revenues are projecting to not meet the budgetary demands. These are tough decisions. I would ask each of you to read the Commissioners’ weekly update to gain insight into this process.

The Program Service Directors and RN4’s have been sending me notes on a regular bases to share the outstanding work being done by staff out on the units. I want to say thanks to each of them for their good work in capturing some of the outstanding moments of our staff. Thanks Barbara Mispilkin, Lisa Manwaring, Colleen Cutler, Bob Lamoreau, Paul Courtemanche, Jean Cameron, Rita Goodine-Galiardi, Dorene McFarland, Ruth Davis, Martha Seligman, Lei Duarte, and Diane Degen – good work.

And as always, thank you for your good work this week.

In Service,

David S. Proffitt

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” - Thomas Jefferson

Agency information

Message from the Superintendent (January 25, 2008)