July 14, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Headline News: COVID-19 Vaccination Achievements
- Answers to Common Questions from Members: Philips Recall
- What to Know: Changes Coming to Occupational Health
- KPNW Superhero Award Winners: Janey Combs and WMC Perioperative Arena
- Well-Being at KP: Sunday Parkways + New Resources
Headline News
COVID-19 Vaccination Achievements
We’ve transitioned from the COVID-19 Vaccine Command Center into oversight through our regular operations, but we’re continuing to focus on vaccinating our employees and members. Here’s a snapshot of our recent achievements:
Meanwhile, we continue to vaccinate patients in our hospitals. And, we have several goals for ongoing vaccination efforts in our Medical Office Buildings: Ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines in MOBs during open business hours to close the gap with patients during a visit; provide all 3 vaccine products in each service area; offer at least 1 weekend day each week in every service area.
KPNW Employee and Clinician Vaccination Stats: Health Plan is nearly 79% vaccinated. How can we boost that number? The combined vaccination rate for Health Plan, NWP, and PDA is 82%. Vaccines protect all of us – and our patients, families, and communities. Visit the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.
Answers to Common Questions from Members
What is the latest guidance regarding the Philips recall?
On June 14, Philips Respironics issued a recall of its sleep apnea and ventilator machines because of potential health risks. The recall covers more than 3 million machines – and, locally, affects about 45,000 KPNW patients. With direction from national leadership, KPNW is informing and supporting our patients and clinical teams. Here’s what we’re doing this week:
- Starting to send letters in batches to all affected members, with guidance on what they should do if they use a recalled machine;
- Launching a hotline Thursday for members to call and hear a recorded message. Callers will also have the option to talk with a live representative. We are working toward staffing a dedicated team trained to answer high-level questions about the recall. The recall hotline: 1-855-878-6411, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Maintaining an up-to-date page at kp.org/PhilipsRecall/nw.
- Working to set up a callback system so members can speak with a clinical expert.
The joint Incident Command Center, led by Leong Koh, MD, VP of Quality, Care Experience, and Patient Safety, and Susan Hobbel, a Senior Administrator for Ambulatory Care, meets daily to coordinate clinical guidance, patient outreach, and supply chain decisions prompted by the recall.
What to Know: Changes Coming to Occupational Health
KPNW is part of an exciting plan to redesign Occupational Health services to better meet the needs of our members and patients. Kaiser Permanente On-the-Job® (KPOJ) is an enterprise-wide program focused on expanding services beyond the current Worker’s Compensation care. Learn more about new clinic openings and our enhanced services.
KPNW Superhero Award Winners
Janey Combs, RN, Team Lead for Allergy
Janey Combs, RN, team lead for the Allergy back office, is a strong leader who always goes above and beyond for her team, providers, and patients. During the pandemic she quickly jumped in to help design a new workflow to continue the care for allergy patients needing injections. Read more.
Westside Medical Center Perioperative Arena
To reduce the post-pandemic surgical/procedural patient backlog, the four Perioperative units – (Operating Room (OR), Surgical Preparation Area/Post Anesthesia Care Unit (SPA/PACU), Medical Procedure Unit (MPU), and Cardiovascular Lab (CVL) – completed the largest 3-month volume of cases in the history of our hospital. Read more.
The KPNW Superhero Award celebrates this excellence by recognizing the creative and collaborative ways your teammates support our company, our members, and community. Help spread the word! Post the KPNW Superhero Award flier in break rooms, and wherever teams gather for meetings / huddles and nominate your hero today!
Well-Being at KP: Sunday Parkways + New Resources
If exercise and fresh air are your favorite ways to thrive, here’s an opportunity to get both: The popular Sunday Parkways is back for 2021. Presented by Kaiser Permanente in partnership with the City of Portland, this season’s “Choose Your Own Adventure” activities offer multiple ways to explore the city and have a fun, safe summer. You can also participate virtually. Find more info at the 2021 Sunday Parkways website.
New resources: Check out Rise & Renew – Our Journey to Recovery, new resources on HR Connect to support your mental health and well-being.
Clinician Voices in Our Communities: Supporting Kids During Their Return to School
After more than a year of isolation, kids may experience anxiety about returning to summer activities and school. Pediatrician Eugene Nicholson, MD, shares advice with KPTV Fox 12 Oregon for parents to support kids’ mental health as they move forward. Thank you, Dr. Nicholson, for helping to improve the health of our communities. To listen and share, click here.
Words from Our Members
“I’ve been a Kaiser member for many years. I love all the available doctors and clinics throughout Oregon and Washington. I can always see and get an appointment without any issues. I love the Kaiser app and the fact I can schedule a phone/video visit. I love that my prescriptions are delivered to my home and you have Interpreters available (for my husband and parents). My kids even had the same doctor until she retired!”