University of Missouri's mission is to provide education, research and service to the residents of Missouri. This page offers online tools and information to help faculty and staff accomplish their goals.

University Hospital auxiliary to host $5 jewelry, accessories sale
The University Hospital Service League Auxiliary will host a $5 jewelry and accessories sale from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the hospital's main lobby.

Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. All proceeds benefit hospital patients through the Service League Auxiliary. For more information, please contact Volunteer Services at (573) 882-4714 or e-mail ryboltc@health.missouri.edu.

Electronic paycheck records save time, paper
The University of Missouri is offering employees paperless paycheck stubs through the myHR human resources site. The paperless option allows employees to view paychecks sooner.

Electronic pay records through the myHR site also save paper. If all MU Health Care employees switched, approximately 115,000 envelopes and pieces of paper would be saved each year.

To choose paperless paycheck records, visit the myHR site at https://myhr.umsystem.edu. Once you are logged in, click the "Self Service" tab, then "Payroll and Compensation," then "View Paycheck" and "Set Pay Advice Delivery Method (campus mail or online)." Check the appropriate box to receive your pay advice online only. Pay records may be printed from the site. For more information, please contact the Payroll Department at (573) 882-7912.

Lactation space available at University Hospital
A space has been designed to accommodate breastfeeding employees at University Hospital. Room GW-12 is located in the staff locker room. It features easy access to a water supply and two private spaces separated with curtains for privacy. The room is equipped with a chair, shelf and electrical outlets. One space contains a Medela Symphony breast pump. Supplies for the pump can be ordered by contacting Lori Lampe, RN, a staff nurse and board-certified lactation consultant, at (573) 499-6066. 

For questions about the space, please contact Theresa Shettlesworth, a credentialing specialist in Medical Staff Services, at (573) 884-6120.

Nominate a manager for the Circle of Excellence Award
Nominations are being accepted for the Department of Service Excellence's Circle of Excellence awards. The awards recognize managers or assistant managers who help MU Health Care fulfill our mission in each of our six columns of excellence through exceptional deeds. To be eligible, nominees must have held their title of manager or assistant manager for at least two years and supervise two or more employees. Any University of Missouri Health Care employee may nominate a manager or assistant manager.

Nomination forms are available at the information desks at Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, Quarterdeck, University Hospital and online at the Human Resources Intranet at https://sharepoint.missouri.edu/sites/hri.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, in the Service Excellence office, located at University Hospital, Room 2S-11. Finalists and winners will be selected by MU Health Care's executive team and honored at the eighth annual Service Excellence Awards Banquet, planned for Thursday, Jan. 21.

Nominations sought for Legend Awards
Nominations are being accepted for the 2009 Service Excellence Legend Awards. These awards recognize the University of Missouri Health Care employees who provide consistent and exceptional service and help MU Health Care fulfill its mission through our Columns of Excellence: service, people, quality, finance, growth and community. Nominations must describe how the nominee excels in each of the six columns. 

"These awards offer MU Health Care the opportunity to recognize employees who have truly contributed legendary service to our patients, families and our organization," said Karen Harris, RN, director of service excellence.   

Nomination forms are available on the Human Resources Intranet at https://sharepoint.missouri.edu/sites/hri or at the information desks at Columbia Regional Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, Missouri Rehabilitation Center, Quarterdeck and University Hospital.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, to the Service Excellence office at University Hospital, Room 2S11.

Finalists and winners will be selected by MU Health Care's executive team and will be honored at the eighth annual Service Excellence Awards Banquet on Thursday, Jan. 21.

Sponsor a local family during the holidays
University of Missouri Health Care employees will sponsor 19 families and one person with disabilities through the Voluntary Action Center in Columbia, Mo., during the holiday season. If your department would like to adopt a family, please contact a Staff Council member, Theresa Kellogg, planning and budget analyst for financial services, at (573) 882-7633, or Theresa Shettlesworth, credentialing specialist, at (573) 884-6120.

If your department participates, your generosity will help provide:

• A holiday dinner meal for each family with a minimum donation of $50 per family
• One gift for each family member up to age 18 and elderly or disabled persons living independently
• Household items, wrapped as gifts, for adults (optional) 

In 2008, employees donated approximately 150 gifts and 15 bicycles, as well as household items including laundry detergent, bath towels and bed sheets.

To help the program run smoothly, please:

• Do not put any cash or gift certificates in the gift packages. See below for details on submitting these items.
• Donate cash for meals, not food items. Families will receive gift certificates for meals.
• Wrap all new gifts. Used items should be in good condition and not wrapped.
• Every individual package must be marked with the family number and the name of the recipient. You will receive tags once your family is selected.
• Because the program is anonymous, please sign cards as "Your Friend" or "Your Sponsor."
• Call (573) 882-4910 for Staff Council's courier service to pick up gifts.

Cash must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 1, for the Voluntary Action Center to purchase gift certificates. Gifts (wrapped by the sponsoring department) must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 4.

October/November Archives
Dr. Mitchell's life-saving legacy
Plus:
Photo finish: Amazing pics taken by our employees
A look at the new MU Psychiatric Center: Q&A with medical director John Lauriello
Click to read the issue online.

Hospital signage honors founding father of trauma care
Frank L. Mitchell Jr., MD, one of the founding fathers of modern trauma care, was honored at a ceremony at University Hospital Nov. 7. University of Missouri Health Care unveiled permanent signage on the University Hospital building with the wording "Frank L. Mitchell Jr., MD, Trauma Center."

In more than 50 years at University Hospital, Mitchell has been instrumental in building the hospital's trauma program. University Hospital's Frank L. Mitchell Jr., MD, Trauma Center is one of only two Level I trauma centers in Missouri nationally verified by the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS verification is the highest national recognition a trauma center can receive.

"University Hospital is a nationally recognized trauma center thanks to the lifelong commitment and support of Frank Mitchell," said Jim Ross, chief executive office of MU Health Care. "Dr. Mitchell is a visionary whose contributions to modern trauma care have played a significant role in saving the lives of thousands of trauma patients."

Other speakers at the ceremony included M. Margaret Knudson, M., vice chair of the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma; Erwin Thal, MD, professor of surgery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas; Donald Trunkey, professor of surgery at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland; and Kenneth Mattox, professor and vice chair of surgery at Baylor University in Houston.
                                                                   
"We are reminded of Dr. Mitchell's commitment to improving the delivery of trauma care each time a patient is transported to University Hospital by ambulance or the Staff for Life Helicopter," said Stephen Barnes, MD, associate professor and chief of the Division of Acute Care Surgery. "Modern medical technology is shortening treatment times and resulting in more successful outcomes for patients. This was the vision of Dr. Mitchell more than 40 years ago when he started University Hospital's ambulance service and remains the mission of our entire trauma team today."

To read about Mitchell's contributions to trauma care and the trauma center's accreditation, please view the latest issue of University of Missouri Health System's employee magazine, Archives, at http://www.muhealth.org/archives.  

Recycling programs offer employees many options
Partnering with University of Missouri Campus Facilities and the Sustainability Office, MU Health Care leaders are making "green" design a priority in the new Missouri Orthopaedic Institute and patient care tower construction projects. 

MU Health Care is pursing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for both projects from the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED certifications would be the first for the University of Missouri System.

"A basic building block of the U.S. Green Building Council's sustainable design awards is proof of a successful recycling program in each project," said Clarissa Easton, AIA, chief facilities officer. "We need everyone's help in demonstrating MU Health Care's commitment to our community and to good stewardship of the environment."

MU Health Care partners with MU to recycle numerous products, including plastic and aluminum beverage containers, paper and cardboard, batteries, linens, and printer ink and toner cartridges. 

To view a full-size PDF of a poster detailing recycling programs, including paper, batteries, cardboard, printer ink and toner cartridges, and linens, please click here.

Tiger Institute for Health Innovation announced
To view the press conference announcing the Tiger Institute for Health Innovation, please click here.

University Hospital hallway to be narrowed for construction
Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, a section of hallway on University Hospital's ground floor will be narrowed for several weeks for utility construction. The section of hallway is located between the ground floor entrance to the patient and visitor parking garage and the Staff Health Office.

To view a map, please visit here.

2010 staff calendars available
University of Missouri Health Care's 2010 staff calendar is available to employees. Distribution to departments began by campus mail Oct. 16. For additional copies of the calendar, please contact Colin Planalp, senior information specialist, at (573) 884-1935 or planalpc@health.missouri.edu.

To receive calendars, please provide your:

• Name
• Department
• Quantity requested
• DC mailing code

Campus area near hospital designated tobacco-free
The designated smoking area at the southwest corner of Stafford Hall has been dismantled to comply with a new MU campus tobacco policy. Campus Residential Life staff has begun removing the tables, smoker stations, trash cans and fencing by Stafford Hall. Additionally, the Pershing area, including the Mid-Campus Housing project, which is currently under construction, and Defoe-Graham residence halls, are designated smoke-free areas.

All University of Missouri Health Care employees are expected to respect the designated smoke-free areas in Pershing and elsewhere on campus, in addition to complying with our tobacco-free policy. To view the MU Health Care tobacco-free policy, please visit https://docushare.umh.edu/dsweb/Get/Document-8892/LD-2%20Tobacco%20Free%20Policy.doc.

University of Missouri Health Care facilities are tobacco-free facilities to promote a healthier environment for our patients, visitors and staff. The use of all tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco) is prohibited in all areas of the facilities. To learn about tobacco-cessation resources available to employees, please visit http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/curators/wellness/programs.shtml#tobacco or contact Armine Alioto, RN-C, the nurse manager for Healthy for Life, the T.E. Atkins University of Missouri Wellness Program, at (573) 884-1439 or aliotoa@umsystem.edu.

University Physicians 2009 Directory published
The University Physicians 2009 Directory is now available. The directory includes educational, clinical and contact information for the more than 400 University Physicians who provide patient care at University of Missouri Health Care.

Copies of the directory will be distributed to all members of University Physicians, as well as referring physicians. To request additional directories, please contact Velvet Hasner, publications coordinator, at (573) 882-5818 or hasnerv@health.missouri.edu and provide the number of copies you would like and your campus mailing address (DC code).

Healthy for Life newsletter available online
The wellness newsletter published by Healthy for Life, the T.E. Atkins University of Missouri Wellness Program, is available on the program's Web site at www.umsystem.edu/ums/curators/wellness/newsletter.shtml .

University of Missouri Health Care 2008 Annual Report
Click here for the 2008 Annual Report. The Annual Report is also available on the About Us Web page.

An exciting new era for Children's Hospital
In October 2008, University of Missouri Health Care announced our plan to consolidate Children's Hospital services under one roof at Columbia Regional Hospital. The move of Children's Hospital will offer Missouri children comprehensive health care in a single, convenient location.

The move will take place in two phases. In the first phase, Children's Hospital will occupy new pediatric and adolescent units at Columbia Regional Hospital, with 100 percent private patient rooms. The Children's Blood Disorders and Cancer Unit, pediatric short-stay unit, pediatric intensive care unit and pediatric cardiology clinic also will move during the first phase, which is scheduled to be completed in summer 2010.

In the second phase of the Children's Hospital move, pediatric outpatient clinics will receive a new home at Columbia Regional Hospital.

"Our new home will offer patients and their families high-quality care in a kid-friendly, convenient location," said Timothy Fete, MD, director of Children's Hospital, chair of the Department of Child Health and Children's Miracle Network Professor in Pediatrics. "The location at Columbia Regional Hospital will provide single-stop children's health services, 100 percent private, newly renovated patient rooms and easy access by Highway 63 and Interstate 70."

Click here to read more about the move

While You Work car and laundry services
Poster | University Garage Site

University of Missouri Health Care's hospitality services program, in conjunction with local businesses, offers dry cleaning, laundry and car services for staff members and physicians. Employees at any University of Missouri Health Care facility in Columbia may use the services - all from the convenience of their work area. So don't worry about picking up your dry cleaning after a long shift or driving your car to the garage on your lunch break. With While You Work services, these chores can be taken care of while you're serving patients. More information

Pharmacy introduces prescription delivery to Quarterdeck
Beginning Tuesday, June 2, the University Physicians-Smiley Lane Clinic pharmacy will offer free "While You Work" prescription delivery to employees at Quarterdeck. Service will be available from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Employees may pay using a credit card on file at the pharmacy or through payroll deduction. To set up payroll deduction, employees must visit University Hospital's Human Resources Department in Room 1W-46. A receipt will be provided to employees with each delivery.

To transfer prescriptions to the University Physicians-Smiley Lane Clinic pharmacy or for information about MU's 90-day prescription plan, please contact the pharmacy at (573) 817-3555. For more information, please visit the information table from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27, near the Quarterdeck cafeteria.

Staff Council newsletter available online
The Staff Council News is available online on the Staff Council Web site at www.muhealth.org/staffcouncil. Staff Council News is published monthly by the University Hospital and Clinics Staff Council. Please submit article suggestions to Caprice Hudson-Forrest, MBA, software support analyst, at forrestc@health.missouri.edu.

Counseling services available to employees
In response to requests by University of Missouri Health Care staff, MU's Employee Assistance Program recently introduced office hours at University Hospital for MU Health Care employees. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Friday at McHaney Hall, Room 11.

The program uses a three-pronged approach to assist University employees and work groups, said James Hunter, director of the Employee Assistance Program. Services include:

• Counseling services
• Training and development
• Organizational consultation

EAP offers approximately five free counseling sessions to employees and their immediate family members. The program's staff provide counseling and assistance on a variety of issues, such as family, financial, occupational and emotional stress.

"EAP can help employees cope with and resolve virtually every life problem," Hunter said.

Hunter also encourages employees to use EAP services as an assistance tool if they are looking for assistance in making a big decision.

"A person need not be in severe distress to seek out our services," he said. "Seeking assistance early is an important way to make good decisions."

For more information, please visit http://counseling.missouri.edu/eap/. To make an appointment, contact EAP at (573) 882-6701.

Occupational stress workshops planned
The University of Missouri Employee Assistance Program will provide a monthly series of occupational stress workshops in 2009 to help employees manage stressors connected to work. Each brown-bag session will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on the first Friday of each month at University Hospital, Room CE505. Topics will include:

• "Interventions for Work Stress," Friday, Dec. 4

There is no cost to attend; however, space is limited and registration is required. To register, please contact Tammie Tilmon, administrative assistant, at (573) 882-6701 or tilmont@missouri.edu

Gainor sells CDs to benefit Children's Hospital
Gainor and Friends is a bluegrass group that features Barry Gainor, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon at University of Missouri Health Care. Gainor is fundraising for Children's Hospital by selling his compact disc, "Bonesetter's Best and Bonuses," at the orthopaedic clinic front desk in University Hospital. More than $8,000 has been raised for Children's Hospital through Gainor's music. The CD costs $18 and checks can be made payable to MU Children's Hospital. To purchase the CD by mail, please send checks to Barry Gainor, M.D., at 1030 Bourn Ave., Columbia, MO, 65203, and add $3 for shipping. Click here for video clips from performances.