Message from the Superintendent (March 21, 2008)

"Victories are easy and cheap. The only victories worth anything are those achieved through hard work and dedication." – Henry Ward Beecher

Well it looks as though Spring will get here and the weather may start to turn. I suspect many are overly ready for the change. I know I am. The legislative budget sessions is also starting to take shape. Riverview has largely been spared cuts. Currently, the plan to reduce one of the two state hospital superintendent positions seems to have lost support. We will continue to seek ways to reduce the cost of the services we provide while continuing to provide excellent health care to those Mainers who depend on us.

The hospital is focusing on three important issues right now. Two came out of Process Improvement Teams. The first PIT explored issues limiting the continuity of care between shifts. Several recommendations made to improve our care delivery and coordination were voiced. In the next couple of weeks the hospital will be implementing the highest priority recommendations. The second PIT made recommendations concerning our behavioral response process. Recommendations are being reviewed and will be presented to the Behavioral Response committee to seek ways to respond to persons in distress in the best possible fashion. The third improvement that I will discuss today is the next step in enhancing the care for the physical health of those served at Riverview.

As many of you know, people with mental illness have a twenty-five year less life expectancy then those without mental illness. About 60% of that shortening of life is related to illness of heart disease, lung disease and metabolic disorders. As we address these very real recovery obstacles we have begun to track Body Mass Index at admission and treatment plan reviews. We are confident that this will lay a foundation for us to start to respond to person’s whose BMI suggests they are at special risk for physical illness. Over time, Riverview will develop the tools to support clients in attaining and maintaining improved physical health which supports overall recovery. This is an important endeavor that will be a significant improvement in the overall care experience.

I want to end by saying a special thanks to four groups of Riverview staff. I want to say congrats to the social work department as it is National Social Work Month. Riverview is lucky to have a gifted group who do vital work here. Lower Kennebec staff continue to demonstrate the capacity of outstanding clinical providers in assisting people in distress without relying on seclusion and restraints. Great job! I was just at Central Office today and heard the Deputy Commissioner of Integrated Services say how impressed she is with the outcomes of this unit. Lower Saco staff continue to provide excellent care to very demanding and unique clients. The staff have been able to maintain a therapeutic paradigm of helping some disturbed clients develop more effective social functioning skills. Not an easy assignment under stress to be sure. Finally I wanted to say “great going” to our housekeeping staff. I realize what a challenge it is to keep this facility clean with all the bad weather, sand, and salt everywhere. You are doing an outstanding job you should all be proud. I know I am.

As always, thank you for your good work.

In service,
David S. Proffitt

"He profits most who serves his fellows best."- Arthur F. Sheldon,

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Message from the Superintendent (March 21, 2008)