Lights, camera, action!

Beginning this month, videographers from ABC News will be at Children’s to film a TV documentary on medical care. The show will be a Boston version of Hopkins 24/7, a seven-part, in-depth look at Johns Hopkins Hospital that aired in 2000; a second series ran last summer. The majority of the show will be filmed at Mass. General, and Children’s will be the focus of some of the pediatric story lines.

The series will be shot with hand-held cameras, natural sound and lighting, and a fly-on-the-wall approach to capturing events and interactions as they occur. The videographers will not be escorted by Public Affairs, and they will have wide access to the hospital, except for some highly sensitive areas such as Bader 5. The ABC crew members are experienced in working in hospitals and have been HIPAA-trained. A joint ABC-Children’s consent form has been created to address the special confidentiality and privacy considerations that may arise in this type of filming. Staff are welcome to opt out of being filmed, and patients will be able rescind consent at any point. Hospital-wide communications to staff, patients, families and visitors are already underway and will continue throughout the three months ABC may be here.

The program will air in the summer of 2010. Visit childrenshospital.org/chnews for additional information.

Legislative learning

State Senator Steven Tolman spoke at Children’s legislative breakfast at the Massachusetts State House in February. The biennial event showcased the unique nature of pediatric care, research and training. It featured a speaking program and information/demonstration tables where legislators could learn more about the hospital’s core missions, innovative research advances and advocacy priorities for the 2009-2010 legislative session. ′

Black History Month observance

Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, dean of the School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College spoke about healthcare realities for diverse populations as part of Children's Black History Month observances on Feb. 25. Children's CEO James Mandell, MD, presented her with a gift on behalf of the Black History Month Observance Committee.

View a slideshow of Children's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observance.

Outstanding African-American nurses

Children’s Hospital Boston is honored to have five recipients of this year’s Excellence in Nursing awards, which are given by the New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA) to a handful of outstanding African-American nurses.

Josh Anyaosah, RN, staff nurse I, 10NW
Anyaosah is exceptionally self-directed and passionate about nursing, and is known for his strong leadership and teamwork. He joined Children’s in 2007 as a clinical assistant. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Massachusetts, he was promoted to an RN. Anyaosah is dedicated to outreach work and recently presented at Nursing Grand Rounds about his involvement with United for African Growth, a nonprofit he formed to assist the people of Bongo, Kenya in Africa. "He approaches his patients and families and community outreach programs with unmatched passion and excellence," praises a nominator.

Sophia Powell, RN, clinical nurse II, MOR
In her two-and-a-half year at Children’s, Powell has become a highly valued member of the hospital, thanks to her endless energy and grace. "Her enthusiasm permeates her professional, as well as personal, interactions," writes her nominator. Though she joined the staff as a novice perioperative nurse, Powell quickly advanced to Level II staff nurse in the Operating Room. She is currently pursing a Master of Science degree in Nursing at Regis College. "She is a role model for nurses," writes a nominator. "It’s her motivation and drive, her ability to teach and mentor and her strive toward perfection that gives me confidence."

Vanessa Moody, RN, staff nurse II, 7 West
Moody can be counted on to bring a calm and practical approach to every challenge. "Her no-nonsense response to problems makes even the most difficult situation one that can be dissected and solved with critical thinking and creative answers," writes a colleague. Moody was hired as a clinical assistant in 2002 and after graduating, Moody was promoted to Staff Nurse 1 in 2004. Last year, she took on a leadership role as a Level 11 nurse.
"She has a depth of knowledge of both the medical and developmental needs of each of her patients," writes a nominator. "She understands that a child here at Children’s is part of a large group of supports, including the parents, extended family and friends. She takes this into consideration as she offers empowerment through education."

Stacey Douglas, RN, Staff Nurse 1, 6 North
Responsible for the direct care of children with cancer and other hematological malignancies in Inpatient Hematology/Oncology, Douglas ensures that all available resources are provided to her patientsóparticularly those with cultural or social needs that may require additional services. Douglas has great talent for teaching. "She embraces patient and family education, always making sure families have the necessary information to successfully care of their child at home," says a colleague.

Heather Blake, RN, Staff Nurse 1, 9 East
In her five years at Children’s, Blake has left an indelible mark on her unit. "She brings strength, maturity and wisdom and is a strong resource to the staff," says a nominator. Each year, Blake consistently sets goals for herself and then exceeded them. She is cross-trained to work in the Intermediate Care Program, which cares for patients with more acute health care needs. "She provides a high level of caring, compassionate nursing care, and always tries to make every person feel like part of the team," says a nominator. "She strives to be the best nurse she possibly can."

Registered Dietician Day

March 11 is Registered Dietician Day. Children’s would like to recognize the 43 registered dietitians who work in all major units, specialty departments and satellite locations. We appreciate the contribution they make toward improving the nutritional health of our patients and families. Please take a moment on March 11 to personally recognize and thank the Registered Dietitian in your area.

Children’s night at the Garden

Standing tall among 6- and 7-foot tall basketball players, Jim Cote, director of Children’s Martha Eliot Health Center (MEHC), proudly accepted the Heroes Among Us award on the legendary parquet floor of TD Banknorth Garden. Established by the Boston Celtics in 1997, the award is given to individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others.

Celtics fans and players cheered at the game as Cote was honored for his exceptional contributions to the Boston community. With more than 20 years of health care management experience, Cote has strengthened MEHC’sclinical programs and helped develop new initiatives to fill the community’s unique needs. Just one example: He led the development of a volunteer trauma response unit that helps families affected by violence cope.

Along with honoring Cote, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and Corinne Grousbeck, wife of Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, presented a check to Children’s. James Mandell, MD, CEO, accepted the $50,000 check. The donation is one of many ways the Celtics support Children’s work.

Suicide prevention award

YCSP: Students from Monument and Odyssey High Schools celebrate their award at the State House. Photo credit: Eduardo de Oliveira

More than two dozen students from the Odyssey and Monument High Schools in South Boston were presented with a Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award at the Massachusetts State House in February. The award was given by the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention as part of its 10th annual State House event. Senator Jack Hart of South Boston presented the group with the honor. The students act as Peer Support Leaders (PSLs) in the Youth-Centered Suicide Prevention (YCSP) Program directed by Children’s Glenn Saxe, MD, in the two schools. The YCSP began in 2006 to educate students about depression, healthy relationships, community violence, self-injury, suicide, substance abuse and trauma. PSLs provide outreach and help to facilitate the link between at-risk students and clinical staff.

Donations, dolls and smiles

With bright smiles, Children’s patients accepted more than 50 American Girl dolls, donated by the doll maker. American Girl representatives visited the hospital for a check presentation and tour and celebrated at a winter wonderland party thrown by Child Life.

During the October grand opening weekend of its Natick store, American Girl hosted an event with ticket and silent auction proceeds benefiting Children’s. In addition, 10 percent of all in-store sales that weekend were donated to the hospital. In total, $30,000 was raised for the hospital.

Blood donor of the month

Congratulations to the Children’s Blood Donor of the Month for March, Gary David. The Blood Donor Center staff knows David as their "cowboy." He owns two horses and travels around to various rodeos in his free time. But even more impressive is the fact that he has donated more than 100 pints of blood for the patients who rely on it greatly. David is by no means a fan of needles, to this day he can’t look at the needle in his arm, but yet every time he gives blood he makes his next appointment for exactly eight weeks later. He sees the importance in developing the habit of donating regularly, not just every once and awhile: "It only hurts for a split secondÖit’s important to keep it goingÖto do it regularly."

More than 35 years ago, David began donating blood. It wasn’t until 1983, however, when his co-workers at the phone company he worked at suggested he donate blood at Children’s. Today David continues to work for the phone company installing and repairing phone lines, and he is also still committed to Children’s. When asked why he keeps coming back, he replies in his quiet way, "The kids need it more than I do." If you are interested in giving blood or would like more information, call 617-355-6677 or visit www.childrenshospital.org/donateblood.