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Currents To Medical Center Employees: At the Dec. 10 communication meeting, an overview of the smallpox disease and vaccine program was presented. Highlights of the presentation are outlined below. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is leading the national effort for the phase I voluntary vaccine program.  DHEC is responsible for state level coordination and has asked for a commitment from acute care hospitals to participate. Phase I targets hospital workers who could reasonably have direct contact with smallpox cases. DHEC asked that we provide an estimate of the number of employees targeted for the voluntary phase I program. We gave DHEC an estimate of approximately 580 employees. This estimate includes employees in areas such as the emergency room, intensive care units, Meducare, diagnostic radiology, respiratory therapy, admissions, environmental services and security. The Medical Center administrative team will serve as a conduit of information. The MUSC clinical leadership will provide guidance and direction. Everyone is encouraged to keep abreast of the news media and to read other information such as that located on the CDC’s Web site (www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/index.asp).  There are some risk populations (see below) that will be screened and not given the vaccine. However, CDC has indicated that, for the most part, those vaccinated should not have adverse reactions that interfere with work, but some may experience flu-like or other symptoms. Any employee who voluntarily takes the vaccine and experiences adverse reactions will be given administrative leave to cover normally scheduled work hours. Although a specific date has not been identified, we expect the vaccination program to begin sometime in January 2003. The vaccinations are projected to be given during a 30-day period.  Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center Plans for smallpox vaccination program discussed  Betty Webster Harley, infection control practitioner, and Joseph Cantey, M.D., director of infectious diseases, discussed the smallpox virus and DHEC’s phase I voluntary vaccination program. Smallpox, a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease, was eradicated worldwide years ago. However, the virus still exists in some labs, and the federal government is taking precautions due to the threat of bioterrorism. The only prevention for the disease is vaccination. The U.S. has a stockpile large enough to vaccinate all citizens. Phase I of the voluntary vaccination program will focus on staff who have contact with smallpox cases. CDC has suggested that vaccinations be staggered for phase I volunteers. DHEC will be responsible for the vaccinations and will screen all volunteers. Individuals with risk factors will be excluded. Risk factors include the immunosupressed, individuals with eczema, pregnant women and others. The MUSC clinical leadership will carefully consider the vaccine program and will provide appropriate guidance. Individuals vaccinated will be provided instructions regarding vaccination site care. DHEC and MUSC will ensure for appropriate monitoring and follow up. Concerned employees will be provided with clear instructions. STARLIGHT Productions Presents: “Singing in the Rain,” starring Al Nesmith The audience sang along as Al Nesmith, director of Security, Safety, and Volunteer Services, pointed to the “Singing in the Rain” lyrics on an overhead projector. Rain gear-clad and toting an umbrella, Nesmith briefed managers on the status of projects taking place around the hospital.  The projects included the renovation and new construction on the 2nd floors of the Clinical Sciences building and main hospital, the 3rd floor Radiology Gamma Cameras, the Heart and Vascular Center on the 5th floor of the Children’s Hospital, the 6th floor of the main hospital and Rutledge Tower, and the 9th floor of the main hospital. The 9th floor renovation of Rutledge Tower has been completed. The JCAHO Environment of Care standards call for a proactive risk assessment to address the impact of demolition, renovation or new construction activities have on infection control, patient safety, utility requirements, noise, vibration, and emergency procedures. The Medical Center EOC committee and its Construction Preassessment Planning task force serve as the vehicle to conduct the risk assessment and to fulfill other related standards. ‘CATTS’ appearing at MUHA in January  “CATTS,” MUHA’s Computerized Annual Training and Tracking System, is scheduled to roll out in January 2003.  This interactive, Web-based training system will provide em-ployees with the ability to complete annual mandatory training online while providing managers the ability to monitor their department activities. The system will provide flexibility for employees as well as accurate tracking and reporting.  MUHA conducted a “name the system” contest in November, and Deborah Turner from TCU won by giving the system the “perrrfect” name.  Announcements  Rosemary Ellis, director of Quality, informed managers that changes and updates for MUHA policy, including revisions to the employee health examination policy, would be available on broadcast email. Ellis also mentioned that, in the future, all progress notes and updates would circulate throughout departments in clear red folders.  Eric Frisch, manager of Human Resources Employee Relations, announced that ratings for all performance evaluations due this cycle need to be reported to the Human Resources office by Dec. 29. Helena Bastian, director of Human Resources announced that the STEP UP goal of 399,000 for November was surpassed with 548,000 STEP UPs.. Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.