Lakeland Health targets hemorrhage risk in labor and delivery

In response to the top two preventable causes of maternal morbidity in the United States -hemorrhage and preeclampsia – Lakeland Health recently implemented four innovative technology initiatives focused on improving obstetric patient care through the use of their electronic health record (EHR).

LAKELAND HEALTH INNOVATOR TEAM… developed the technology initiatives focused on improving obstetric care. Members of the team are pictured (from the left): Front row – Jodi Lute, RN, Tammy Jerz, RN, Merline Abraham, RN; Back row – Cherie File, RN, Karen Yech, RN, Holly Schewe, and Lynell De Wind.

A hemorrhage risk assessment flow sheet was built into the EHR which begins documentation in the primary care office and promotes assessment of the risk throughout the continuum of care during the pregnancy. Order sets were revised to ensure Pitocin is readily available for administration after delivery of the shoulder of the baby or the placenta, which decreases the risk of hemorrhage. A Quantitative Blood Loss Calculator (QBL) was created which allows a nurse to document the wet weight of each surgical item used during delivery which is then automatically subtracted from the dry weight of the item providing an accurate blood loss volume. In addition, an obstetrics emergency narrator was built in to the EHR allowing for more rapid administration and documentation of medications and blood products during obstetrics emergencies.

“One of the underlying reasons why we chose this project is that patient safety is a number one priority at Lakeland, well above everything else,” said Assistant Vice President of Information Systems and Chief Information Officer, Robin Sarkar, PhD, Lakeland Health. “The clinical team had a vision to improve the care for the obstetric patient. The Information Technology/EHR analyst team took that vision and developed creative ways of building, modifying, and enhancing the EHR to provide the tools needed to improve patient care.”

As a result of the initiatives, Lakeland Health has optimized the usage of necessary blood supply as needed by new mothers. Before implementation in January 2015, the OB department used 37 units per 1,000 patients. In May 2016, the department used 24.8 units per 1,000 patients. As of May 2016, 82-percent of obstetric patients had a completed hemorrhage risk assessment and 98-percent of patients had blood pressure taken within 15 minutes of arrival and, of those with elevated blood pressure, care providers were notified 100 percent of the time upon the patient’s arrival. Lakeland Health’s work to improve maternal health was worthy of semifinalist status in Healthcare Informatics’ 2017 Innovator Awards Program.

“These efforts stitch together multiple strings of data, process and protocols to give care providers the right information, at the right time, helping them make the right decision, to ensure perfect patient care, the first time,” said Tammy Jerz, RN, Manager of Patient Care Services, BirthPlace in Niles and St. Joseph. “Minutes can save lives, and we want to be ahead of the game every chance that we get.”

Keeler Township gets court update; Board discussed possible sewer rate increase

By Annette Christie

Van Buren County District Court Judge Michael McKay provided an informational update on the Van Buren County courts at the Keeler Township Board meeting on Tuesday, March 7. McKay reviewed the specialty court programs and the planned expansions including the Drug Treatment, Family Treatment, Regional Veterans Treatment, Adult and Youth Recovery, and Sobriety courts. He also spoke about the Swift and Sure Program.

McKay followed with information on the millage proposal that will be presented before Van Buren County voters at the May 2 election. Voters will be asked to consider a millage that will support a $32 million dollar jail and court renovation. McKay said that even if the ballot issue is not passed, the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners has pledged to renovate the jail either way.

The Sister Lakes Fire Department had eight runs last month with only one being in Keeler Township and even then they were disregarded. The department responded to three fire alarms, a couple of bad traffic accidents, and assisted with storm damage. Four members of the department will be going down south this weekend to look at a truck to replace a much older truck in their fleet. The new one should be in service by May if all goes well when they go to look at it. The new truck will be outfitted as a rescue truck. In addition the department will soon be getting their new tanker in July or August. Even though the department may be spending $250,000 on these two vehicles, by purchasing used, they will be saving approximately $500,000. The two could have totaled $750,000 if they would have been brand new.

The Keeler Fire Department responded to 10 calls last month, eight of which were medical response calls, one car fire, and a semi and u-haul traffic crash. The department has been doing some live fire training, went to a house being used for training and will ultimately be burned down. The township board was asked to approve an amendment to the mutual aid agreement that the township shares with other fire departments. The previous approved agreement stated that the home department could be billed by other departments if their manpower and equipment time exceeded eight hours. The amendment eliminated that wording which departments were not following anyway.

The board approved an application to the fire department for Rich Hutchinson who was asking to be re-appointed. The employment issues he had that were affecting his ability to serve on the fire department have changed.

The planning commission is looking at a step by step guide for the zoning administrator to use when someone is in violation. Trustee and Planning Commission Carmen Fleischauer said that better communication was needed with the resident through the process of a violation. Supervisor Bill Kays said the zoning administrator works for the township board and that the procedure should be reviewed and approved by the township board.

A re-zoning change for some property surrounding Magician Lake will be the subject of a public hearing being held on March 28, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. The change includes changing the zoning from rural residential to residential 1 and to changing some of the lot size requirements.

Kays told the board that Judge McKay has signed the demolition order for the old playhouse, including all of its facilities and structures. The property owner will have until March 30 to get it demolished and if they don’t then will be in contempt of court. McKay also awarded the township $560 in fines.

The township board set the budget workshop date set for March 23 at 5:00 p.m.

The annual meeting was set for Saturday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m. Following the annual meeting, a public hearing will be held for the budget approval and a special meeting will also be held to adopt the budget. This will meet the requirement of having to put the budget in place by April 1.

Kays informed the Sister Lakes Area Utilities Authority (sewer system) is having discussions regarding the possibility of a rate increase. The system was built in 2000 and customers were asked to pay $20 a month. In 2006 the authority raised it $5 so it is $25 a month. Kays said for the last three years, they are probably losing about $100,000 in fund equity. They estimate that when the time comes to repairing necessary components it could cost them some $2 million. Kays said the pumps are 20 years old and it could take $1 million or better to replace all those pumps alone not including other parts. He said they have worked hard on the maintenance and keeping everything in working order. To keep from depleting the fund balance even more, they will be looking at a rate change of maybe $5-$8 a month. Ultimately any increase would come back to the township boards for approval.

Jeff Seidel in concert at Sister Lakes Community Church

  On Sunday, March 12 the Sister Lakes Community Church is hosting a performance by Jeff Seidel, songwriter and artist. The performance starts at 6 p.m.

As a former touring member of the Grammy winning group The Imperials and as a Karaoke host in downtown Nashville, Seidel was inspired to create an interactive concert experience, combining the two. With an aspect of humor added to sharing the production of his latest album “The Road That I Must Travel” and upon request, some of his best karaoke songs, Sister Lakes Community Church invites the public to attend this concert.

The church is located at 67119 M-152 in Dowagiac.

Hartford Public Library News; hosts Family Reading Night

 March is Reading Month at the Hartford Public Library. For every book read in March, the reader’s name will be entered in a drawing for Lego prizes. Each entry must include the name of the book and author to qualify. All entries must be in by Friday, March 31 at 4 p.m.

The Hartford Library has “Family Reading Night” every second Wednesday of the month with pizza included. Also “Family Lego Night” is every third Wednesday from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. with pizza and prizes. Our “Adult Coloring” is the second Tuesday of each month. We have two coloring times from 1 – 2 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Coloma Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, March 15

 On Wednesday, March 15 the Coloma Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting event for Sainte Muse, a new shop located at 222 N. Paw Paw Street in downtown Coloma.

The event will run from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., with ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to this event.

North Berrien Historical Museum hosts “Legendary Lake Michigan Shipwrecks”

On Tuesday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. the North Berrien Historical Museum will welcome back historian and underwater explorer Valerie van Heest who will present “Lost and Found: Legendary Lake Michigan Shipwrecks.” There will be refreshments to follow.

Titanic sank in 1912 and the stories of amazing survival and tragic loss made the ocean liner famous. Titanic’s discovery in 1985 made the ship legendary. Likewise, the Lake Michigan shipwrecks in this program became even more famous after their discoveries than at the time of their losses, gaining notoriety as historic attractions, archaeological sites, and in some cases, over bold salvage attempts or precedent-setting legal battles. Author and explorer Valerie van Heest will take you back in time to experience the careers and tragic sinking of these ships, then beneath the lake to participate in the triumphant discovery and exciting exploration of their remains. Most assuredly, the compelling sagas of these important vessels did not end when the waves of Lake Michigan washed over them.

Valerie van Heest is an award-winning author, underwater explorer, museum exhibit designer, and a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame who has been honored for her work preserving and promoting Michigan’s maritime history.

A passionate and engaging speaker, Valerie shares the exciting stories of her expeditions using dramatic historic and underwater images.

No RSVP is required for this free program. For questions, contact the museum at (269) 468-3330 or at kristen@northberrienhistory.org.

Senior Services

Hartford United Methodist Church

425 E. Main St., Hartford

Monday, March 13 – Coffee & chat, 10:00 a.m.; LUNCH, 12:30 p.m.; Cards, 1:00 p.m.; Bingo, 1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, March 14 – Coffee & chat, 10:00 a.m.; LUNCH, 12:30 p.m.; Cards & computer help, 1:00 p.m.; Knitting & crocheting, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, March 17 – Coffee & chat, 10:00 a.m.; LUNCH, 12:30 p.m.; Bible study & cards, 1:00 p.m.; Knitting, crocheting, & needlework, 1:30 p.m.

All seniors, age 60 and older, residing in Van Buren County are eligible to participate in these programs and activities.

Any questions or comments, please contact Senior Services Paw Paw office at 269-655-8000. Rides are available through Van Buren Public Transit with no less than 24-hour advance notice at (269) 427-7921.