News briefs

Walk-in fit testing available at select vaccination fairs

Respiratory fit testing is now offered on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary, at select onsite YNHHS vaccination fairs. See the intranet for a list of fairs offering walk-in fit testing through the end of November. Annual fit testing is required for all patient-facing healthcare workers and any others identified as required by their job position code.

Fit testing is also available Monday - Friday by appointment; visit respfittest.ynhh.org. The fit-testing location will be provided upon confirmation of your appointment. Fit testing can take up to 15 minutes per employee.

Staff previously fit-tested for an elastomeric respirator should bring it with them to their walk-in visit or scheduled appointment. To ensure a correct seal, employees should not have facial hair.

For more information or to cancel a scheduled appointment, email [email protected].

Oct. 23 Workplace Violence Prevention webinar focuses on benefits of debriefing

Employees are invited to a webinar: “Debriefing Dynamics: Turning Insights into Action,” noon - 1 pm, Wednesday, Oct. 23. Visit the intranet for the webinar Zoom link.

Debriefing, or reviewing an event to analyze what happened, identify lessons learned and determine areas for improvement, can be used for any type of event where clear communication would help improve outcomes. The webinar will help attendees understand the debrief process and its benefits, including:

• Improving patient outcomes and an environment of psychological safety 
• Defining a process to determine what went well and what we can do better
• Promoting a culture of communication through providing and receiving feedback
• Providing a forum for staff to openly discuss events, thereby reducing anxiety about a situation/process and potentially preventing future adverse events.
  
   

Epic upgrade coming Nov. 10

The next Epic upgrade is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 - 3:30 am. Users may visit and bookmark the training portal at Epic.ynhh.org to learn more about upcoming changes and how to use them. From the portal, click the blue Applications and Support Materials dropdown, then select Epic Upgrade to access training slides, tip sheets, webinar information and more. Staff may also stay current with the Learning Home Dashboard by clicking the Tip Sheet button in the Hyperspace toolbar.

Get ready to vote!

With general elections Tuesday, Nov. 5, Yale New Haven’s department of Community and Government Relations reminds everyone to vote. Check with your city’s or town’s registrar of voters on voting locations.

If you are not registered to vote or are unable to vote in person, visit one of the sites below for information and forms, including voter registration applications and absentee ballots:

• Connecticut: Secretary of the State website
• Rhode Island: Voter Information Center
• New York: Board of Elections

Employees caring for patients who wish to vote but who will be hospitalized Nov. 5 may direct their patients to complete an emergency application for an absentee ballot at one of the sites above. Application deadlines vary by state.

Questions? Contact Community and Government Relations, 203-688-2503.

PhysicianOne is now Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care

PhysicianOne Urgent Care, which joined Yale New Haven Health System last fall, is now officially Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care. It provides on-demand, convenient care that goes beyond the traditional urgent care model to help patients navigate complicated healthcare issues. Yale New Haven Urgent Care is the only provider offering locally staffed 24/7 telehealth, fully integrated with its in-center urgent care. It expands YNHHS’ existing urgent care centers in Fairfield and Milford, NEMG walk-ins across Connecticut and orthopedic walk-in centers in North Haven and Stamford. Visit ynhhs.org/urgent-care for more information.