Orchestra to perform music from opera and cinema classics

Under the direction of Robert T. Smith III, the Yale Medical Symphony Orchestra will perform at 7:30 pm Friday, Feb. 26, in Harkness Auditorium, 333 Cedar St. The concert is free and open to the public. The orchestra, featuring members of the medical staff from Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine and the community, will play Carmen Suite No. 1, Star Wars Suite, The Fellowship of the Ring Symphonic Suite and March From Superman.

W.B. Mason to become YNHHS office supply vendor 

Effective March 1, Yale New Haven Health System's office supply vendor will switch to W.B. Mason. Beginning on that date, employees will be able to order supplies using a portal on the YNHHS employee intranet (click "Departments" and "Supply Chain Management"). Employees should not use OfficeMax after March 1. W.B. Mason benefits include cost savings, no required order minimums and free, next-day delivery. For information, contact Tony DePaola, YNHHS Corporate Supply Chain, [email protected]. For W.B. Mason customer service, contact Stephanie Florczak, [email protected] or 1-888-926-2766, extension 1716; or account representative Mark DeSanto, [email protected].

Scholarship applications accepted beginning March 1

Applications will be accepted March 1 - April 30 for The Frances Grindell Patient Care Associate, Clinical Technician and Emergency Department Technical Associate Scholarship for YNHH employees in these positions who are pursuing nursing degrees. To be eligible, YNHH employees must be in good employment standing and working at least 24 hours per week for at least one year as a PCA, CT, EDTA or ED tech. Scholarships of up to $750 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees will be awarded annually to qualified applicants who have been accepted by or are enrolled in a Connecticut registered nursing licensure program. Applications must be submitted online only. Applicants will be required to submit official transcripts, a letter of recommendation from a YNHH manager and an essay. Visit HR Connect for more information. The scholarship fund was established by the children of the late Frances Q. Grindell, RN, a YNHH nurse for 44 years, to honor her love of education and dedication to nursing.

Blood drive at SRC March 7

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Saint Raphael Campus, 7 am - 12:30 pm Monday, March 7, in the cafeteria. To make an appointment contact Anne Baker, [email protected], 203-789-4010.

Transforming Healthcare Grand Rounds March 8

Employees are invited to Transforming Healthcare Grand Rounds, 5 - 6:30 pm Tuesday, March 8, Fitkin Auditorium. The speaker is Michael S. Barr, MD, executive vice president, Quality Measurement and Research Group, National Committee for Quality Assurance. Registration is not required. For information, contact Marcia Johnson, 203-688-8475, or [email protected].

Closer To Free registration, kick-off March 9

Registration for the 2016 Closer To Free bike ride to benefit Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven opens Wednesday, March 9. Riders can sign up at rideclosertofree.org, or head to BAR, 254 Crown St., New Haven, for a 5 - 8 pm kick-off event that will include pizza and more. To RSVP for the kick-off, visit rideclosertofree.org. The Sept. 10 Closer To Free Ride will include routes of of 10, 25, 62.5 or 100 miles, with all proceeds raised benefitting patient care and research at Smilow.

Events scheduled for Patient Safety Week

Employees are invited to participate in National Patient Safety Week March 13 - 19 by joining Morning Safety Report at 8 am Thursday, March 17, 55 Park St. auditorium, York Street Campus, or Cronin Auditorium, Saint Raphael Campus. Employees, patients and visitors are invited to safety fairs that week, 10 am - 2 pm, Tuesday, March 15, cafeteria entrance, SRC; and 10 am - 2 pm, Thursday, March 17, West Pavilion, second floor, overlooking the YSC Atrium. Learn about emergency services, safe sleep for children, car seat safety, interpreter services, the YNHH safety coach program and more. The event is sponsored by the hospital's Nursing Shared Governance Quality and Safety Council and Quality Improvement Support Services department.

Onsite Fidelity representative available to meet with employees

A Fidelity Investments representative is available multiple days every week, from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, to meet with Yale New Haven Hospital employees to discuss saving, investing and financial planning. The Fidelity office is at 836 Howard Ave., across from the York Street Campus Emergency Department. Employees may make one-on-one appointments to discuss their YNHH TSA 403(b) plans, IRAs, Social Security, consolidating accounts and retirement goals. To make an appointment, call 800-642-7131.