Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Designated as a Live Well Allegheny Workplace

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has been designated as a Live Well Allegheny Workplace from the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), which aims to improve the health and well-being of Allegheny County residents.

“Our physicians, nurses and support staff who are among leaders in their fields make Children’s a world-class pediatric facility, and we are proud to have a hospital that is healthy, innovative and environmentally sustainable for patients, families and all staff,” said Christopher Gessner, president, Children’s Hospital. “We strive to create a work environment that enables and fosters healthy living behaviors for everyone.”

Children’s Hospital moved to a new campus in May 2009, and developed a “green” campus with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the main hospital and John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center. The buildings incorporate natural light and utilize energy, water, materials and land as efficiently as possible.

Children’s also has used more than 30 measures to design one of the quietest hospitals in the world, which includes acoustic ceiling tile in lieu of hard ceilings; special use of carpeting and door seals; silent notification for nurse call through integration of wireless communication devices; and use of personal communication devices in lieu of overhead paging.

“Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has been a fixture in our community for more than 120 years and has always focused upon the health and well-being of our region’s children, so it’s no surprise that they’ve joined the Live Well Allegheny effort,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Having a partner that is so substantial — more than one million outpatient visits, 12,000 inpatient stays, 9,600 observation stays, 147,000 emergency and Express Care visits, and 23,300 surgical procedures — is no small accomplishment and I commend ACHD and Children’s for working together to make us the healthiest county in the country.”

Children’s takes pride in focusing on employee health. At the main hospital, all employees have access to the Children’s Fitness Center. A Wellness Committee, comprised of employees, offers educational sessions on a variety of health-related topics and events. The committee also encourages all employees to take regular walks around the campus daily.

With support from the UPMC Health Plan, employees can get access to Lifestyle Coaches who guide employees in improving their physical and mental health. They also participate in the “Take a Healthy Step” program, which offers incentives to lower health insurance deductible credits for those who participate in healthy activities and programs during the year. UPMC also offers discounts for employees to participate in local fitness clubs, yoga studios and other health-related organizations.

All staff are required to have influenza vaccinations each year, and UPMC generously offers these vaccinations each fall at no cost. UPMC also opened on-site MyHealth@Work clinics, also at no cost, where employees can be seen for minor injuries and illnesses.

“As committed as Children’s Hospital is to the healthy lifestyles of our employees, we also are very proud of our continued and valued partnership with area schools and out-of-school-time providers to advance healthful lifestyle choices for students, including adding physical activity and healthful eating into their daily routine,” said Anne Marie Kuchera, director, community health, Children’s Hospital. “We have helped more than 60 schools and 70 after school programs throughout the region create healthier environments for students.”

“I am very pleased to bring Children’s Hospital on board as the newest Live Well Allegheny Workplace,” said Karen Hacker, M.D., M.P.H., director, Allegheny County Health Department. “Children’s Hospital is striving to improve the health of their employees through a variety of exciting efforts. We look forward to working together to help improve the health of all Allegheny County residents.”

For more information on the Live Well Allegheny campaign, visit www.LiveWellAllegheny.com.