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KVH Joins TeamBirth: Elevating Communication and Safety During Labor and Birth

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At Kittitas Valley Healthcare, we believe that every birth story deserves care that’s not only safe and skilled, but deeply personal because life’s most meaningful moments should be met with compassion, clarity, and connection. That’s why we’re proud to announce our participation in TeamBirth, a nationally recognized initiative designed to improve communication and safety during labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

What Is TeamBirth?
TeamBirth is a best-practices program developed by Ariadne Labs, a health systems innovation center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In collaboration with the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), the program is now being implemented in hospitals across the state, including here at KVH.

The core idea behind TeamBirth is simple yet transformative: make sure everyone involved in a birth, the patient, their support team, and clinical staff—is on the same page. The program formalizes “huddles” at key points during the hospital stay, such as admission, any significant changes in condition, or when important care decisions are being made. These huddles take place in the patient’s room and are anchored by a shared whiteboard that clearly outlines care plans, preferences, and updates.

Why This Matters
Childbirth is deeply personal. It’s also unpredictable. By implementing TeamBirth, we’re creating a system where patients are heard and supported, and where care teams are aligned every step of the way. The program promotes shared decision-making and empowers the person giving birth to be an informed, active participant in their care.

We’re excited to join 11 other hospitals across Washington in this latest rollout—representing the fourth cohort of hospitals bringing TeamBirth to our communities. Since the program’s introduction in 2023, 38 hospitals in Washington and Oregon have already adopted the model. The goal: to achieve 100% adoption across Washington’s birthing hospitals by the end of 2025.

Looking Ahead
KVH’s participation in TeamBirth underscores our long-standing commitment to high-quality, patient-centered maternity care. It’s a step forward in ensuring that every family we serve feels safe, respected, and supported from their first contraction to their baby’s first cry.

We are honored to be part of this movement and look forward to sharing more about the program’s impact in the months to come.

Reference: Fourth Cohort of Washington Hospitals launching TeamBirth to improve communication, safety throughout labor and birth (by: WHSA)

PUBLIC NOTICE – RFQ

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Request for Qualifications (RFQ)- Architectural Services for Nursing Home to Administrative Office Remodel (pdf)

Public Hospital District – Ellensburg, WA

Public Hospital District No. 1, located in Ellensburg, Washington, is inviting qualified firms to submit qualifications to be considered for the continuation of renovation and construction services for a medical facility originally constructed as a skilled nursing facility. The facility is approximately 21,000 square feet, with 10,500 square feet already renovated.

The scope of the project includes, but is not limited to:
– Completion of design development
– Code compliance updates
– Space planning
– Interior finish selection
– Construction oversight
– Expansion of existing parking in accordance with city ordinance
– ADA access improvements

Approximately 50% of remodeling work has been completed, including select mechanical and structural components. Geotechnical and infiltration reports are finalized, with SEPA and city parking permits currently in process.

Interested firms may obtain the full RFQ packet and submission instructions by contacting:

Wayne Tivis   
Public Hospital District No. 1 
(509) 933-8625
KVHContractorSubmissions@kvhealthcare.org

Proposal submissions are due by midnight on 5/30/25, and must comply with all instructions in the RFQ packet.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities or irregularities in the process. This project is a public works project and subject to all applicable Washington State laws and regulations.

A Journey Towards Safer Healthcare: The Story of KVH’s Safety Committee

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In the bustling environment of Kittitas Valley Healthcare (KVH), safety is paramount—not just for patients but for the dedicated staff who work tirelessly within its walls. At the heart of ensuring a secure workplace is the Safety Committee, a group whose recent efforts have not only garnered them a prestigious award but have also sparked a renewed commitment to employee welfare. This is the story of their journey, as recounted by the committee members themselves.

Commitment to Safety

The Safety Committee has been instrumental in implementing strategies that reduce workplace hazards and promote a culture of vigilance. In 2023, KVH filed a total of 38 claims, with about 5 of these considered “near miss” incidents. The following year, 2024, saw a slight increase with 40 claims filed; however, 11 of these were classified as “near miss.” These numbers indicate an enhanced awareness and reporting culture within the organization, underscoring the committee’s success in fostering an environment where safety concerns are promptly addressed.

The proactive measures and continuous training programs initiated by the Safety Committee is designed to empower employees to identify and report potential hazards before they result in harm. This commitment to safety highlights KVH’s dedication to maintaining a workplace where staff feels protected and supported, ultimately contributing to better patient care and a more harmonious working environment.

Washington Hospital Services (WHS) Top Performer Program

The Washington Hospital Services (WHS) Top Performer Program is meant to capture best practices from WHS Member Hospitals as well as highlight those organizations that strive to continually improve their employee health and safety. The WHS Top Performer Program is open to all Washington Hospital Services Workers Compensation group members in good standing.

Nicole Hilderman, Trent Baker, Anahi Rodriguez, and Marlo Willis embarked on a project that stemmed from a suggestion by Mandee Olsen, KVH Chief Quality Officer. Mandee learned about an opportunity through the Washington Hospital Services (WHS). The project focused on enhancing safety protocols, specifically through root cause analysis.

Understanding Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

To strengthen their safety initiatives, the team turned to Root Cause Analysis (RCA), a proven method for identifying and addressing underlying risks. Initially, the team faced a crucial decision: whether to pursue the project, which could potentially earn them the Washington Hospital Services 2024 Top Performer award. However, the decision was clear—the project was not only an opportunity for recognition but also a chance to address gaps in their safety processes.

A Collaborative Effort for Safety Enhancement

The project required assembling a diverse team, including members from human resources and safety departments. Together, they reviewed existing processes and identified areas for improvement. As the project unfolded, the team began by examining the root cause of bloodborne pathogen exposure. However, they soon realized the importance of broadening their focus to investigate all types of workplace injuries, including near misses and potential hazards. This comprehensive approach aimed to create a safer environment for all employees, from medical staff to dietary workers.

Nicole Hilderman emphasized the importance of a safe workplace, saying, “Healthcare settings are a pretty high risk for injury and exposure. A safe workplace is an important service to provide.” The team’s collaboration was key, allowing them to divide tasks effectively and leverage each member’s unique skills.

Recognition and Motivation

In January 2025, the KVH team was recognized as a Top Performer.  As a result, they received a commemorative plaque, a cash award, and will be honored by the WSHA Board as a 2024 Top Performer at the annual WSHA Conference.  The group hopes to use the awarded funds to enhance the visibility of KVH’s Safety Committee members and the impact and effectiveness of the committee.

Earning the Top Performer award was a milestone, but for KVH, it was just the beginning of an even stronger commitment to workplace safety. The recognition served as a catalyst for further innovation and improvement within the hospital’s safety protocols. Trent Baker noted, “By identifying ways to reduce employee injuries, we create a safer work environment where our team feels supported and can focus on what they do best—caring for patients. When our employees stay healthy and on the job, they can serve patients more efficiently and effectively.”

Central to this success was the revitalization of the Safety Committee. By incorporating feedback from diverse perspectives, the committee fostered a culture of safety awareness and accountability. In the next month, we plan to launch an RCA toolbox, filled with commonly used terminology, forms/templates, and links to examples/case studies. If you are ever asked to participate in or are just curious about an RCA event, this would give you some insight into the process.

Trent Baker highlighted this effort, saying, “What we discovered is that we already had many of the necessary components—they were just scattered in different places. The idea behind the toolbox is to bring everything together into one unified location, making it easily accessible for everyone to reference and utilize.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the Safety Committee aims to continue its efforts in promoting a safe workplace. Plans include enhancing communication channels, providing ongoing education, and ensuring all employees feel comfortable reporting potential hazards. “Our vision for the safety committee, as we reevaluate it, is to truly amplify the employee voice,” said Nicole Hilderman. “We want to reach a point where we’re anticipating potential issues ahead of time and proactively preventing them before they happen.”

Marlo Willis added, “It’s just about exposing risk and it’s just for anybody to do it.” The ultimate goal is to create an environment where safety is a shared responsibility and where every employee feels valued and protected.

Conclusion

The Safety Committee’s story is one of collaboration, innovation, and dedication. Through their efforts, they have not only improved safety protocols but have also instilled a sense of pride and commitment among their colleagues. The committee is dedicated to continuously fostering a culture of safety and excellence, ensuring KVH remains a place where both patients and staff thrive.

Dog Safety for Children

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Most kids have a natural attraction to dogs, but we need to teach our children to be safe around them. Of the roughly 4.5 million dog bites annually in the US, the most common victims are kids, and their injuries tend to be more severe. In general, people are most likely to be bitten by a dog they know as opposed to a stray. Talk to your child about dog safety (starting when they are very young) and be a good role model when interacting with dogs. Basic dog safety includes:

  • Always be gentle. This applies to all animals and is a valuable lesson for our kids. Keep voices calm and reassuring as raised voices or screaming are understandably upsetting to dogs and may cause unpredictable actions. Praise your child when you see calm, kind behavior towards any animal. Practicing gentleness at home with a stuffed animal makes kids more confident when interacting with the real thing!
  • Never disturb a dog when sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. No grabbing at dogs, touching eyes, pulling on ears or tail- even the most patient dog has limits. Stay away from the food bowl, treats, or special toys as any dog can become protective.
  • Never leave a young child (under age 5 years or so) alone with a dog.
  • When out and about, greet a dog’s owner first, and ask about the dog’s temperament and tolerance for children. You or your child can then ask for permission to pet the dog and after greeting the dog by name, can offer the top of a closed hand for a sniff. Stand to the side of the dog and pet gently on the back or side. Keep interactions brief. Commend your child for behaving kindly and gently.
  • If your child is fearful, do not force an interaction. From a comfortable distance, you and your child can chat about the dog, its size, cuteness, etc., to encourage positive feelings.
  • Any treats should be offered with a flat hand. Never tease a dog by offering a treat and then whisking it away.
  • Notice body language: A tucked tail, laid back ears, and a stiff stance may indicate fear. If a dog is trying to hide behind its owner, it is not ready to be social. A wagging tail often indicates friendliness but, in some dogs, may signal being on alert.  If you have concerns, you can say, “It looks like this doggy isn’t ready to meet new friends. Let’s give him some space.”
  • Stay away from strays. If approached by a stray, turn away, avoiding eye contact with arms crossed. Sometimes saying, “Go home!” emphatically will work. Do not scream or run away.

It is important to teach our kids to be kind to animals, and dog safety is particularly vital given the fact that about 65 million US households include at least one dog. So even if you are dogless, your child will undoubtedly have lots of opportunities to interact with them—and you can help those interactions to be positive and safe.

Resources:

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Measles in Children

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The rise in measles cases recently has many people, parents included, very concerned, and with good reason. Measles is a viral illness that can be very dangerous especially for infants, children under age 5 years, pregnant women, and those with immune system problems. As of 2/26/25, there have been 165 cases in 10 states, including Washington, and sadly one child has died. Although the number of infected people does not sound very high, measles is one of the most infectious viruses known, so numbers are likely to grow. Measles infects 90% of those exposed if they are not vaccinated.

Measles starts with a fever (as high as 104), runny nose, cough, and red watery eyes. These symptoms usually start 7-14 days after exposure though it can take as long as 21 days to show signs. Two- three days later, small white spots inside the cheeks (Koplik spots) may show up. The typical measles rash starts on the face at the hairline about 3-5 days after symptoms begin. This rash consists of red, usually flat, spots that spread head to toe and may join together. Fever may spike to 104 when the rash appears. Diarrhea can also occur.

Complications are common with measles, especially in infants, children under age 5 years, pregnant women, adults over age 20 and those who have immune system deficits. Ear infections occur in 1 out of 10 kids with measles and pneumonia happens in 5% of all people infected. Brain inflammation (encephalitis) afflicts 1 out of 1,000 infected children and can cause brain damage, deafness, seizures, and death.  Nearly 3 in 1,000 kids with measles die, most commonly due to pneumonia or encephalitis. Pregnant women are at increased risk of delivering early and having a low-birth-weight baby.

There is a very rare complication that can occur 7-10 years after measles infection called Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE). It is a brain disorder related to the earlier measles for which there is no treatment and results in death within 3 years of diagnosis without exception.

The good news is that the measles vaccine (either as MMR [measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines] or MMRV (as above plus varicella [chickenpox] vaccine) is safe and effective. For kids it is a 2-dose series, given at ages 12-15 months and 4-6 years; adults who are unvaccinated may only need one dose. One dose of a measles vaccine is 93% effective at preventing infection, and 2 doses gives 97% protection. Common side effects include muscle soreness at the injection site, low grade fever, and a mild rash. Rarely there can be a brief harmless seizure due to fever, occurring in less than 8 kids per 10,000 vaccinated.

The Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, issued a statement on March 3, 2025, with the subheading “MMR vaccine is crucial to avoiding potentially deadly disease” and then noted “Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”

Earlier concerns about MMR vaccine and autism have been strongly disproved in multiple studies. The doctor who made those claims was found to have fabricated his ‘results’ and lost his medical license. Autism is often diagnosed at around the same age as when kids receive MMR vaccine, but the vaccine does not cause autism.

During a local measles outbreak, students who are unvaccinated are excluded from school for 21 days from the last measles rash identified in the community. If they are given the first dose of the MMR or MMRV series, they may return to school. If an unvaccinated child is exposed to measles, they should be immunized as soon as possible to decrease the risk of infection.

If you have questions about measles vaccination, contact your child’s health care provider. Measles is a very dangerous virus that is unfortunately also extremely contagious. Our best way of protecting our kids and our community is vaccination.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

“Bone Up on Bone Health” with Chelsea Newman, PA-C

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Upper Kittitas County Senior Center Hosts “Bone Up on Bone Health” with Chelsea Newman, PA-C

Cle Elum, WA – February 20, 2025 – The Upper Kittitas County (UKC) Senior Center is excited to announce a special “Bone Up on Bone Health Presentation” with KVH’s Family Medicine Cle Elum Physician Assistant Chelsea Newman, on March 18th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Center’s main hall.

During this month’s Community Talk, Chelsea Newman will provide valuable insights on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fall prevention—two essential topics for older adults seeking to maintain and improve their bone strength and overall well-being. Chelsea will share practical tips for the diagnosis, pharmacological treatments and lifestyle recommendations for osteoporosis.

This presentation is free and open to the community, and we encourage all to attend. It will be a great opportunity to learn about strategies for staying active, healthy, and safe in everyday life.

Details of the Event:

  • Date: March 18, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Location: Upper Kittitas County Senior Center, Main Hall, 719 E 3rd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
  • Speaker: Chelsea Newman, PA-C from KVH’s Family Medicine Cle Elum Clinic

The UKC Senior Center is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of older adults in our community, and we are pleased to offer this educational session as part of our ongoing programming.

For more information, please contact the UKC Senior Center at 509-674-7530.

About Upper Kittitas County Senior Center:
The Upper Kittitas County Senior Center is a community-based organization that provides a variety of programs, services, and activities for the Upper Kittitas County community. The Center is committed to enhancing all aspects and well-being of the lives of older adults through educational opportunities, social activities, and resources that promote health and well-being.

Bad Breath in Children

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As a parent, you may occasionally wonder how your sweet child can have such bad breath, but bad breath in kids happens!

As opposed to just ‘morning breath’, chronic bad breath (“halitosis”) can have a variety of causes and occasionally can indicate a true medical problem. The most common reasons for halitosis in children include:

  • Poor dental habits: Without routine brushing and flossing, bacteria on the teeth increase, which can cause a filmy layer called plaque. Plaque can lead to cavities and gum inflammation, both of which can cause bad breath.
  • Dry mouth: This can result from not drinking enough water, sucking of thumbs or fingers, chronic nasal congestion, or chronic mouth breathing.  A dry mouth means saliva is not adequate to wash bacteria and food particles away.
  • Infection or disease: Viral or bacterial throat, tonsil, or sinus infections can cause bad breath. The bad breath should improve once the infection resolves. If your child has fruity breath, this is quite unusual and could indicate a serious problem like diabetes, though other signs like excessive thirst and urination would typically be present as well.
  • Allergies: Chronic nasal congestion or postnasal drip due to allergies can create bad breath.
  • Foreign body: If a bead, piece of tissue, or some other small foreign body is stuck up in the nose, a foul odor and nasal discharge from one side of the nose may develop.
  • Large, pitted (having an irregular surface) tonsils: Although shallow pits are normal, they can trap bacteria, nasal secretions, and bits of food, which can become calcified, resulting in a tonsil ‘stone’ or tonsillith. This looks like a small whitish lump and can have a bad odor. It is not, however, pus and does not indicate a throat infection.
  • Certain foods: Eating foods with strong odors like garlic, onions, etc. can cause bad breath, but it is usually temporary.

There are multiple things to try if your child is having bad breath. Brushing teeth well (begin when teeth are touching) at least twice a day, flossing, and brushing the tongue is important. Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Older kids can chew sugar-free gum with Xylitol which increases saliva, decreases bacteria, and lowers plaque buildup which can keep the mouth healthier overall.

If you observe chronic nasal congestion or mouth breathing, talk with your child’s health care provider.  If tonsil stones are noted, recall that these are harmless and usually go away on their own. Older kids can try gargling with salt water which may loosen the stone. If your child’s breath has a fruity odor especially if there are signs of diabetes, call your child’s provider right away.

Remember that in most cases bad breath is not serious and can be easily remedied. If your child’s breath is not improved by the above measures, a visit with your child’s healthcare provider and/ or dentist may be in order.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Maternal Health Awareness Day

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January 23, 2025, marks Maternal Health Awareness Day, an important occasion to reflect on the health and well-being of mothers both globally and locally. It highlights the challenges many women face during pregnancy and childbirth, while emphasizing the urgent need for better care, resources, and support in communities everywhere. Whether in remote areas or urban centers, raising awareness can help ensure that all mothers, regardless of their location, have access to the care they deserve, paving the way for a healthier future for mothers and their children.

KVH is dedicated to supporting local families and maternal health through 4th Trimester Resource Center and KVH Women’s Health clinic.

Preventing Hearing Loss in Kids

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Excellent hearing is crucial to a child’s health and development. Poor hearing, even if mild, can cause problems in communication, learning, speech, and social skills. There are multiple reasons a child may develop hearing loss, including chronic ear infections, trauma, certain medications, and vaccine-preventable serious brain infections like meningitis.

In 2023 the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement concerning one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss—excessive noise exposure, calling this a “largely unrecognized … serious public health hazard”. This type of hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Over 12% of kids aged 6-19 years and 17% of adults under age 70 have permanent hearing damage from loud noise exposure.

Because children have smaller ear canals, higher frequency sounds are more intense and potentially more damaging. Think of noise as ‘dose-related’; the longer the exposure, the more risk even if just slightly louder than what is considered safe. Sounds over 75 dB for older children and adults can cause damage, depending on length of exposure. Noises we consider routine like city traffic, TV, and lawnmowers can harm children’s hearing. Concern has also been raised about infant sound machines used to help babies fall asleep. Since infants can have damage beginning at 60 dB, it is recommended to keep a noise level at 50 dB or lower, but sound machines may exceed this.

Depending on your child’s age, hearing loss can present differently. They may not meet developmental milestones. A 3-month-old should alert to a sound and babble back and forth. By 6 months, you should hear some consonants (“mamamama”, “dadada”, etc.). A 1-year-old will follow simple directions like, “Look at Mommy!”. Toddlers and older kids with hearing loss may have unclear speech, say “Huh?” a lot, and want the volume of TV or music turned up. Acute loud noise exposure can also cause ear pain and ringing in the ears (“tinnitus”).

Personal listening devices (PLDs) such as iPods, smartphones with earbuds, and headphones for watching TV can magnify the risk. The World Health Organization estimates 1.5 billion people worldwide are risking hearing damage from ‘unsafe listening practices’.

We can start early to protect our child’s hearing. Checking decibels in your child’s environment is helpful although decibel apps on phones are not 100% accurate. Anything over 85 dB can harm an adult’s hearing, and over 70 dB can impact a child. The louder the noise, the faster it can cause damage. 

Infant sound machines should be at least 7 feet away from a baby and at 50 dB max. Consider avoiding loud noise exposure (concerts, fireworks, etc.) but if unavoidable, younger children can wear sound protecting earmuffs (plastic cups connected with a headband) over their ears. Ear plugs are safe for older kids and there are different types; ‘musician earplugs’ dampen volume yet preserve audio quality better than foam earplugs from the drugstore.

Be a good role model by setting good rules for hearing protection and wear ear plugs yourself when appropriate. Set clear expectations for protecting every family member’s hearing. Loud background noise can also be distracting, worsen a child’s mood, and disrupt learning, so routinely having a quiet home at times can be a benefit. If you have concerns, talk to your child’s health care provider about getting a formal hearing evaluation by an audiologist.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
Profile

Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.