News Briefs

Vital Signs

Admissions for August
(the second month of this fiscal year 1997) 1,890 (8.8% less than planned)

Average Length of Stay for the Hospital 6.03 days (.54 days greater than budgeted)

Patient Days 11,964 (423 less than budgeted)

Notes: Patient days are a critical indicator of the need to save costs since approximately one half of the insurers now pay a daily rate. The hospital's patient days for this period are reported by Walter E. Moore, Vice President for Financial Planning and Reporting.

AISR Offering Symposia on Internet Topics
AISR - the Academic Information Services and Research unit - is offering a fall series of symposia on Internet topics geared to Jefferson adminstrative staff, faculty, researchers and students. Upcoming symposia include:

Admissions for August (the second month of this fiscal year 1997)	1,890 (8.8% less than planned)
Average Length of Stay for the Hospital	6.03 days (.54 days greater than budgeted)
Patient Days	11,964 (423 less than budgeted)
Notes: Patient days are a critical indicator of the need to save costs since approximately one half of the insurers now pay a daily rate. The hospital's patient days for this period are reported by Walter E. Moore, Vice President for Financial Planning and Reporting.

October 30 - Copyright and Publishing will cover intellectual property, legal aspects of copyright and Internet resources dealing with the evolving topic of electronic copyright issues.

November 22 - Communicating Scientific Information will feature presentations on effective video production, development of presentation skills, and use of the presentation software, PowerPoint.

December 13 - Healthcare Pharmaceutical Information will feature a pharmacist discussing the educational aspects of drug delivery - plus an introduction to the Micromedex database.

JeffPRIME Employee Information System news
On Thursday, October 3, 1996, employees will receive their pay in a new format and on new check stock. This is the result of a massive undertaking to convert the existing employee information and payroll systems to a new one called JeffPRIME. The single new system will replace three existing systems used to process employee information, benefits and payroll.

An informational payroll alert detailing the layout of the new paycheck and stub was distributed on Thursday, September 19. Please refer to this information to help you understand the new system.

If you have questions related to your Thursday, October 3, 1996 paycheck, please call 3-5744.
Benefits Update for Hospital Employees
Within the first two weeks of October, all hospital employees will be issued new health insurance cards. There are no changes in coverage. These new cards simply reflect Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Inc.'s new group number.

Employees will receive cards at home directly from the insurance carrier. Please direct your questions to the Benefits Hotline at 3-8100.
'Eat, Visit and Live Safely' at October 9 Safety Fest
Eat lunch outdoors, visit with co-workers and learn the latest fire and safety tips. You can do all three Wednesday, October 9, on Scott Plaza at Jefferson's annual Safety Fest, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There's still time for departments to sponsor a table. To reserve a table and for more information, call Bob Shewbrooks at 3-7153.
'Push the Switch' - and Save Energy Dollars
The Jefferson Energy Team reminds us that individual actions count big when it comes to saving energy costs.

"Make a statement by your actions," the team says. Whenever you "push the switch" on lights, computers, copy machines, or whatever else is not being used or needed overnight or during lunch, you can save big dollars in energy costs.

Don't wait for somebody else to do it. Make your own statement by acting - and set a positive example for others. "Push the switch."