Creative commons: Flickr.com/photos/chriskueh

Part of  our commitment to employee wellness

As part of Bon Secours Virginia’s investment in employee health and commitment to accountable care, we are initiating a nicotine-free hiring policy. Effective Nov. 30, 2011, nicotine users will not be eligible for employment within Bon Secours Virginia Health System.

The policy is an extension of our mission to provide good help and model good health for our patients, employees and the community. Bon Secours Virginia is part of a growing national trend to adopt a nicotine-free hiring policy and joins national health care leaders, including the Cleveland Clinic and Humana in encouraging a healthy lifestyle and reducing health care costs by promoting a nicotine-free environment.

We have prohibited smoking and the use of all tobacco products from inside the hospitals and facilities as well as the property immediately outside since 2009. Current employees will not be affected by the new policy. Bon Secours will continue to offer smoking cessation support, including classes and access to the American Cancer Association QuitLine.

“More than 12,000 Bon Secours Virginia employees care for and inspire patients every day,” said Peter J. Bernard, CEO of Bon Secours Virginia. “It is our responsibility to encourage our employees to be as healthy as possible and to offer creative and convenient ways to ensure their own health and wellness.”

Under the new policy, applicants for open positions at Bon Secours Virginia will be tested for nicotine as part of the pre-employment screening process.  Those who are denied employment due to a positive nicotine test are encouraged to take steps to stop the use of nicotine and reapply to open positions after a period of six months.

The nicotine-free hiring policy complements our employee wellness and employee assistance programs, which provide comprehensive health services, including mental health counseling, health management resources and an on-site employee clinic and pharmacy.

“Employee wellness is a top priority for Bon Secours Virginia,” said Bonnie Shelor, senior vice president of human resources. “The nicotine-free hiring initiative is the newest element of our ongoing commitment to employee health and wellbeing, and we are pleased that the majority of our employees are fully engaged in our overall wellness initiatives.”

According to the American Heart Association, smoking is linked to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and other chronic lung diseases and is the most preventable cause of death in the United States.

Nicotine-free hiring is becoming a national trend among hospitals and health care systems. More than 6,000 U.S. companies have initiated these policies.

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In the latest Share The Health, Dr. Sharon Joseph discusses the signs, symptoms, and treatment for the common stomach bug, or gastroenteritis.

If you do come down with G.I. symptoms, Dr. Joseph suggests we should try and stay hydrated. Drinking water is the best option, followed by a 50% mix of water and a low-sugar sports drink. If you cannot keep anything down, Dr. Joseph recommends seeing your primary care doctor. Most Bon Secours primary care locations offer same day appointments, you can find a clinic near you on our website.

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Bon Secours St. Francis Watkins Centre, the first freestanding emergency department in central Virginia, will open November 1st.

Bon Secours St. Francis Watkins Centre, which broke ground in March 2011, comprises 100,000 square feet in two buildings on 16 acres in northwest Chesterfield County. Watkins Centre includes:

• Opening Nov. 1
• Free-standing emergency department, the first of its kind in central Virginia, with 16 patient bays
• Comprehensive diagnostic imaging center with CT, MRI and ultrasound
• Opening Dec. 5
• Comprehensive Women’s Center with bone density scanning, mammography services and a breast surgery practice
• Opening Feb. 2012
• Additional medical office space with primary care, obstetrics and gynecology and internal medicine physician practices

Access to Emergency Services

St. Francis Watkins Centre is located at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Route 288, across from Westchester Commons. Watkins Centre will increase access to emergency services for Chesterfield, Powhatan, Amelia, Goochland and Western Henrico counties.

Economic Impact

According to Chesterfield County officials, the Midlothian area surrounding Watkins Centre is projected to grow significantly over the next five to 10 years, creating a need for more medical services to accommodate the growing population.

Watkins Centre will also make a positive economic impact on Chesterfield County, creating about 100 new jobs and relocating about 100 employees from other parts of the Richmond metropolitan area.

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High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure greater than 140 or diastolic pressure greater than 90.

Unfortunately, most people with high blood pressure feel no symptoms. Many many not even be aware they have high blood pressure.

While there are several safe and affective prescription medicines available, there are also some lifestyle changes which can reduce your risk and even improve high blood pressure.

• Have it checked regularly – many pharmacies and retail stores have free blood pressure machines. You can also purchase an at-home machine for under $50. Recently, several companies have even released blood pressure devices which work with your mobile smart phones – iPhones and Androids – and let you track your blood pressure over time.
• Regular exercise – walking, jogging, or more is one of the best ways to combat many health issues, including high blood pressure.
• Reduce salt intake – remember, salt doesn’t just come from the shaker on the table. Many processed and prepared foods are high in sodium as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Be sure to read labels and try and stay below 2,400 milligrams - thats just a little more than a teaspoon of salt!
• Talk to your doctor about your blood pressure. If you haven’t had a physical or check up in the last 12 months, it may be time to schedule one.

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In 2011, 8 new students successfully completed the program, earning their high school diplomas as well as vocational skills.

Project Search is a national program focused on helping young people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD describes people who are challenged with normal social interactions and interests. People with ASD often have trouble finding employment and being self sufficient. Nationally, as few as 40% of young people with ASD finish high school and find a job. Nationally, Project Search Students are successful more than 80% of the time.

The mission of Project Search In Richmond Virginia is to help young people with ASD gain professional and vocational skills with the end goal of finding meaningful employment.

In Richmond, Project Search is supported academically and structurally by Virginia Commonwealth University’s department of rehabilitation services, the Commonwealth of Virginia and local school districts.

Bon Secours Virginia Health System – specifically St. Mary’s Hospital – serves as the vocational sponsor. Accepted students agree to leave the school system and join the Project Search curriculum. In the Project, they spend their days at St. Mary’s, splitting their time equally between classroom work and internships in various departments.

In 2010, Bon Secours participated in the first year of Richmond’s Project Search program. You can watch that graduation video here.

Please join us in congratulating the 2011 class of Project Search!

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