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Currents To Medical Center Employees: Since the mid-1990s one of the Medical Center’s priorities has been consistent  communication with all employees.  Effective communication is easier said than done and must be “two way.”  The proliferation of communication methods can result in “communication static” leading to confusion and ambiguity if not properly managed. Perhaps the best forms of communication by managers include communication by setting the example and face-to-face communication. Some of our communication methods include routine staff meetings, involvement of many in implementation of the tactical plan and performance improvement initiatives, the incentive plan (focusing on patient satisfaction and financial performance), training programs and other tactics.  We also rely heavily on technology for our communication. I believe this results in the need to improve face-to-face communication.  This past September we conducted a series of Medical Center town hall meetings. The meetings were reasonably successful but we hope to improve attendance and participation in the future.  A survey was conducted recently to determine the best times to schedule town hall meetings. Of the 954 respondents 42 percent indicated 2:30 p.m. and 36 percent indicated 11:30 p.m. as the most preferred times. We plan to schedule more town hall meetings this December and will ensure they are scheduled at convenient times for all shifts.  We remain committed to enhancing two way communications to solicit ideas, build trust, share knowledge and provide feedback. Everyone is encouraged to make every effort to support our communication goal as we move forward.  Sincerely,  W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center   New hospital project under way The new hospital project is now pushing dirt instead of paper, Chris Malanuk reported Tuesday at the weekly hospital communications meeting.  To describe what is taking place in and around the site, Malanuk reminded that back in January the old McClennan Banks facility was demolished and next are the demolition of the two south wings of the Wellness Center, which have been vacated since April of this year. “That work is beginning and as a product of that all parking behind the Wellness Center was shut down on Oct. 21.” In addition, construction of the Central Energy Plant is under way. That has been fenced off and has displaced parking access for a number of house staff and medical students on A Lot. Those who park in County Garage will see some immediate changes in the coming weeks as a duct bank is installed under Charleston Center Drive and the street itself is widened. Also, as an effort to minimize the total period of disruption for traffic exiting both the Veterans Administration Medical Center and the County Garage, a temporary shutdown of the existing intersection at Bravo Street, Alpha Street, Doughty Street and the garage exit road is planned. “There will be a period when we shut this intersection down to complete the related site, infrastructure and below-ground utilities,” Malanuk said. He explained that late December to late January is the current expected time frame for temporarily rerouting traffic coming out of the garage around the south of the property to exit either via Charleston Center Drive or at the existing traffic signal at Doughty Street and Courtenay Drive. Further updates on construction activities and the associated schedule will be provided in the weeks ahead. Annie Lovering On-campus representative for the American Red Cross Annie Lovering announced that she is leaving her position with the Red Cross but remaining on campus as a research nurse for pediatric endocrinology looking for individuals 20 years or younger who have been diagnosed with diabetes. “I have never worked in a job where I have met so many nice people, so cooperative, so helpful and generous on all levels,” Lovering said of her three-plus years at MUSC with the Red Cross. “I just wanted to officially thank you all. We couldn’t have had the numbers we have had without your support.” She said that last year 900 individuals gave blood at MUSC and almost 2,000 units of blood were collected. Angel Tree Liz Nista presented the employee-inspired initiative called Angel Tree, which is about MUSC families helping MUSC families. She distributed letters from MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., explaining the MUSC partnership with The Salvation Army to ensure confidentiality “Everyday there are employees among us experiencing hardships,” Greenberg wrote. “For those in need, the Angel Tree is a way to request help discreetly. For those who want to help, The Angel Tree is a wonderful way to make a difference.” “If you know of anyone who could benefit from the program, encourage them to apply.” Nista said that the information explaining the program went out by broadcast messages on Friday and on Monday morning she had e-mails and phone calls from employees asking how they could use this assistance. “That’s confirmation that this program is really needed and is going to do a lot of good.” Human Resources Update Helena Bastian announced that the new cultural diversity lessons are out there to meet the Joint Commission standards for this year—both for new employee orientation and ongoing for staff. Jane Smith will be sending educators a note by e-mail as well, she said.