GREETINGS VSHE MEMBERS!!!

Our Annual May Conference is upon us! VSHE members have been busy! We are about to spend some time together at our annual conference in Roanoke in May. This year’s conference is at a larger capacity venue than last year: The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. We will have more booths and networking time. This year’s guests include the talented and entertaining Bob Davies and Dan Boever. Bob Davies is a nationally recognized speaker who comes to us with energy and enthusiasm for “being the best you can be”. Dan Boever will entertain us on the golf course with some trick shots and humor. A great time!!

Next, VSHE has initiated relationships with SkillsUSA, AGC, the Department of Education, and Tradecrews.com. We are working together to raise awareness about our industry labor needs, in hopes of lessening the burden on the issue of ‘where does our future workforce come from”? I was also recently introduced to members from the Dept. of Labor and Industry; and am working with them to promote our industry and workforce needs. Further, through our VSHE contacts, VCU Medical Center has been asked to host a number of Tech Center teachers for a tour of the campus to help them understand how their classes relate to our industry’s current work place environments and practices.

Finally, we are working on an upgrade to the VSHE website; and we plan to reveal the new site in May. Becoming a better organization does not happen because one person does a lot. It happens because a lot of people do a little. If you have any ideas or want to get involved, reach out to a Board member to see how to get involved. We hope that you will use the Virginia Society of Healthcare Engineers as a forum for the exchange of innovative ideas, practical solutions to problems, and as a resource for current developments in the healthcare industry.

Respectfully,

​~Joe Auricchio BS, CHFM
VSHE President 2017-2018

SPRING IS HERE!!  With the changing of the seasons, it is a great time to reflect over the past few months and make plans for the spring and summer. 

As I reflect on the past, I am amazed how quickly my time as VSHE Advocacy Chairperson has passed. The year has been a rewarding experience, to work with the professionals that are a part of VSHE and the VSHE Board.  It is great to be a part of an organization that desires to share knowledge and help others to succeed.  It has been an honor to work with you all and strengthen the VSHE Chapter.

As my time on the Board draws near, I am excited to consider what is next for my career and me. I will still be involved with VSHE where needed, and I will be volunteering to serve on the ASHE Faculty. Occasionally, I will be traveling around the country to present some of the ASHE certification courses.

Concerning advocacy, as a professional, I must ask if you are an ASHE member.  So much of our industry is changing.  That is why it is crucial to support ASHE through your membership.  ASHE has representatives on ASHRAE, NFPA, and FGI boards.  They are our voice.  As a member of ASHE, you have access to those that sit on the boards and opportunities to discuss codes and interpretations.  ASHE also provides up-to-date information to its members.  Recently, an article on “Hospitals being cited for compounding pharmacy issues” was distributed. Please consider being an ASHE member.

ASHE is always looking for volunteers to be involved with various committees.  If you have an interest in expanding your experience and skills, and helping others in our trade, go to the ASHE website and look at the opportunities. If you attended the PDC in Nashville this year, please submit a paragraph summary to VSHE on the value that it provided you.  Remember the ASHE Annual Conference is in Seattle, Washington.  This annual conference is a great event and provides many resources for you. 

~ Rick Sanders
 VSHE Immediate Past President 2017-2018

GREETINGS FROM YOUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS!!!

With our 9^th Annual Conference fast approaching, registration is OPEN. As you will see, a lot of thought about how we can support today's hospital manager, A/E professional and regulatory agency compliance officers was put into this year's agenda in the selection of education/presentation sessions most requested in our industry. Along with our new conference location at the Hotel Roanoke, the agenda includes new items such as a site tour (registrant # is limited) of Carilion's recently completed Simulation Lab on Tuesday evening May 8, a larger exhibition space to support more vendors wanting to be a part of the VSHE conference exhibition scene.

Professional Golfer Dan Boever who will be joining our golf tournament on May 10. Dan is a PGA-recognized golfer, and will be at Ballyhack Golf Course to entertain us with pointers, tricks and insights before our shotgun start. He will continue to be available throughout the tournament for on-the-spot coaching.

With Wednesday night traditionally being the big 'networking night' of the VSHE conference, numerous restaurants, pubs and museums are within walking distance of the hotel via skybridge over the historic train tracks and into the heart of downtown Roanoke. We are excited to see VSHE as an ever-evolving and growing resource to the healthcare facility design and management community, as well as gaining interest among the up and coming labor pools of the trade schools, technical colleges and various industry apprenticeship programs.

NEW VENUE:

The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, Virginia
May 7-10, 2018
Please go onto our website to reserve your room for the May Conference!
​Click here to reserve your room today!

We look forward to seeing each of you at the 9^th VSHE annual conference in Roanoke for an educational and uplifting conference experience!
As chairperson of the 2017 -2018 VSHE Conferences, I would like to thank everyone who participated. Our 2018 Fall Conference will be October 24, 2018.
And THANK YOU to our sponsors!!

GREETINGS ALL VSHE FAMILY MEMBERS!!

When I was a kid growing up, my mom would remind me that ‘April showers bring May Flowers’. Translate that to VSHE language and it means that you should help us spread the word about the May conference and the members discounts associated with registration. Our district leadership teams have been doing a fabulous job of hosting an increased number of activities and events aimed and bringing value to our members and trusted partners. Staying connected with peers and colleagues is essential, especially during these challenging seasons where a lack of skilled workforce, changing regulatory standards, and increased demands on resources equates to more risk and vulnerability than ever. 

Please be sure to renew your membership and promote membership to your peers and colleagues, especially those who are employed by the healthcare and hospital systems. Look forward to seeing our VSHE Family in Roanoke in May!!! 

Regards!
~ Jerry Baker
VSHE Membership Chair 2017-2018
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We had a successful district broadcast meeting on April 11 and discussed “Ligature Safety in the Psychiatric Environment” Presented by Leslie Colucci from Perkins+Will.

The Joint Commission has recently issued new guidelines with an emphasis on ligature safety in psychiatric environments.  We will discuss how to make good decisions (even with a limited budget) to create spaces that minimize aggressive acts and reduce the wear and tear on both facilities and staff while improving outcomes.

Based on the idea that “Good Design is a safety feature”, the presentation will focus on the reality of ambulatory, active patients with serious mental illness.  We will discuss what the latest neuroscience tells us about how cognitively impaired individuals respond to their environment.  Based on this information, we will discuss how to make good decisions (even with a limited budget) to create spaces that minimize aggressive acts and reduce the wear and tear on both facilities and staff, while improving outcomes.  I will present specific, actionable information that can be used to make decisions about potential renovations, additions or new psychiatric units.

Thanks,
~Marty Misicko
VSHE Blue Ridge District Chair 2017-2018

~Scott Schwegal
Central District Chair 2017-2018

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY!!!Our VSHE Technology Subcommittee is working with an outside consultant to design and roll out a new VSHE website soon. This new website with enhancements will provide easier navigation of the entire site. Our new website will have a calendar with all of our upcoming events and critical dates. If there are features you would like to see added, please call me: Brandon Galbreath (757) 323-9064 or send an email: brandon.galbreath@rivhs.com.

 Please stay tuned for future communication as we progress through our website redesign. And be sure to LIKE US on Facebook!!
~Brandon Galbreath
VSHE IT Chair 2017-2018

VSHE Call for Nominations from Joe Auricchio

To Active VSHE Members, the VSHE Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who hold positions that are elected and appointed. The VSHE offices of the President–Elect, Secretary, Treasurer and District Chairpersons are elected by active members. The Board-appointed positions are: Conference Chairperson, Membership Chairperson, Communication Chairperson, Technology Chairperson, and Program Chairperson. 

Per the VSHE by-laws, before each annual conference we call on active members to nominate those who they think should be involved with VSHE activities at the Board of Directors level. If you or someone you know would like to be involved at this level of VSHE, please send the information to Joe Auricchio at Joseph.auricchio@vcuhealth.org. If no one steps forward to be involved, the VSHE Board has agreed to hold our current positions for another year.

All submitted nominees for appointed positions will be considered. We will be accepting nominations until April 24, 2018. If no one steps forward, we will hold the Board as it stands. We welcome any and all comments about the 2018-19 Board of Directors and elections.

Respectfully,
Joe Auricchio, BS, CHFM
VSHE President
Joseph.auricchio@vcuhealth.org

More than 3,200 professionals gather on-site each year to get vital information on health care compliance, codes and standards updates, emerging trends, and best practices for efficiency, sustainability, emergency preparedness, and other pressing topics in the field. Attend the ASHE Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition to connect with colleagues in the field and "reach new heights" in your role as a health care facility management professional.taking.
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We strongly recommend that you consider attending the
55th ASHE Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition
taking place in Seattle, July 15-18, 2018.