Download Revised Weapons Policy at Aspirus Take the Pressure Off Your

October 31, 2011
In This Issue (pg 1):
Revised Weapons Policy
Take the Pressure Off Your Holiday Shopping
In This Issue (pg 2)
New Stevens Point Location for OP Therapies, Home
Health and Hospice Services
Reminders: New PACS System Coming in Dec; Avandia
no longer available; Critical drug shortage updates
Revised Weapons Policy at Aspirus
AWH Board of Directors has approved a revised Weapons policy in compliance with the new Concealed Carry
regulations. In brief, the policy prohibits any individual, (medical staff, allied health, and employees included)
from carrying weapons and firearms while on our property. Law enforcement is exempt. We are utilizing the
term “property” to include Aspirus wholly-owned buildings, grounds, and parking lots. Individuals may have
weapons in their locked personal vehicle while on our property. The weapons just cannot leave the locked
vehicle.
For common knife issues, we will consider the intent and context. Hunting knives, machetes etc. do not have a
purpose in our facility at any time, but a steak knife may be appropriate for eating.
Should you observe someone with a weapon:
1. Politely inform the individual of the policy and ask them to secure the weapon in a locked vehicle.
Example: “Sir (Ma’am), I see you have a weapon that is not allowed on our premises. Please return to
your vehicle and secure your weapon in your locked vehicle.”
2. Report refusals to secure the weapon immediately to the Manager of the facility and/or Security
Department. Those who do not comply will be charged with trespassing.
Wisconsin is the 49th State to adopt Conceal Carry, but it is new to us, so we expect questions. For a copy of
the policy, please request via [email protected]. Tamarah Cox, Hazard Response & Security Manager, will
help with questions. She can be reached at 715-847-2000 x53659.
Take the Pressure Off Your Holiday Shopping
All of the following are available at great prices with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Marathon County:
Raffle Tickets for:
One night stay in the Grand Lodge and Stoney Creek with 4 waterpark passes.
Win one of two sets of tickets to the Packer / Bear Christmas Day game at Lambeau Field
Green Bay Packer Autographed Football (Superbowl Champs!)
MedEvac Helicopter Ride and Lunch with Crew for 3 people
Every department has someone selling tickets or you can stop by AWH Administration. Tickets are $2 each or
3 for $5. The drawing is November 11.
Poinsettias, Hanging Baskets, Door Swags and Wreaths: Order any of these at great prices for your
holiday season. Orders must be placed by 11/4, and items will be available for pick up on 12/5 and 12/6. Stop
by any department or AWH Administration to see pictures and place an order.
Continued on Page 2
10/31 Edition, Page 2
*** REMINDERS ***
Radiology PACS System Upgrade Coming in December
Aspirus Imaging Services is moving to a new PACS system (Image Review and Picture Archive System), as
we have outgrown the capabilities of our current system. The projected go-live date for this change is 12/13.
Changes impacting the user interface included: Patient lists will look different or tools (measure or zoom) may
be accessed in a different fashion. We also anticipate the new FUJI PACS will allow us to make PACS more
readily available in the clinic setting.
The Imaging Department will be providing training sessions and operator documentation for users throughout
the Aspirus system. Please look for notices for training sessions and open labs in the weeks prior to go-live.
Please direct any questions to Susan Rock, Radiology Clinical Manager, at 715-843-1072.
Pharmacy Updates
Avandia/Avandaryl/Avandamet products (medications containing rosiglitazone) are now withdrawn from the
current medication supply chain as a result of updated prescribing stipulations issued by the FDA. As of
Sunday, October 23rd, these products were no longer be available at the hospital or outpatient
pharmacy. For more information regarding the Avandia-rosiglitazone medicines access program follow this
link: https://www.avandia.com/Public/default.aspx
Drug shortages: The hospital is still working through many national drug shortage issues. The following is a
list of the most concerning medication supply issues:
•
•
•
Prochlorperazine (Compazine) for injection is currently unavailable. Alternatives in the same
pharmacological class for nausea are droperidol, haloperidol, promethazine.
Fentanyl injection of all sizes: We currently are buying any sizes we can and may resort to
repackaging 2 mL syringes
o Consider morphine or hydromorphone for PCAs in place of fentanyl if suitable for patient
o Consider morphine for continuous infusion in place of fentanyl if suitable for patient
Morphine 1 mg/mL preservative free 2 and 10 mL packages is very low. We are unable to replace
inventory at this time.
o Sufentanil is also not available as a replacement for fentanyl due to supply issues
o Atropine for injection is not available in the 1 mL vials, pharmacy is repackaging into unit of use
syringes
o Ketorolac 60 mg/2 mL will soon be exhausted, we continue to have the 30 mg size available.
o Aminocaproic acid for injection is experiencing severe supply restrictions. We have adequate
stock for the next 30 days. Tranexamic acid is an alternative if needed.