Cottage Health 2020 Culture Audit

Supplemental Materials Online News Article: Cottage Nurse Volunteers for Doctors without Walls • SBCH was the first hospital in the nation to be recognized with a Gold Level Environmental Sustainability Certificate from the Association for the Healthcare Environment of the American Hospital Association. We divert 42% of waste from landfills by recycling or composting. • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – Plans are underway for new stations at all Cottage Health campuses. • Celebrating Earth Day – More than 800 employees turned out for Earth Day at SBCH this year to learn about environmental and eco-friendly practices. • A farmers market offers fresh local produce for local growers each week at SBCH. The goal of “a greener Cottage” is to improve health services and administrative practices in an ecologically sustainable manner, without lowering patient safety or care standards. Our green initiatives include the following:: • Waste Diversion Through concerted efforts made by employees at SBCH, the hospital reduced its landfill waste dramatically. Recycling centers are conveniently located at all hospital elevator landings, and recycling/composting centers are located in the cafeterias. • Partnering in Sustainability with Vendors Through Supply Chain Management and the QVAT process, CH ensures that part of the negotiation process with vendors includes their willingness to partner with the hospital in sustainable business practices. Through reduced packaging materials, fuel-efficient delivery schedules and the increased use of reusable and recyclable products, suppliers commit to environmentally sensible practices. • Sustainable Food Practices Our kitchens have become increasingly focused on using local and organic products that have less impact on the environment and are healthier for patients and patrons. The hospitals serve local organic produce, humanely- raised grass-fed beef and responsibly-sourced seafood. A farmer’s market, available at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s cafeteria for employees and visitors, features seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in Goleta. • Local Sustainability Leader Through our buying power in the local market, distributors have been encouraged to bring sustainable products into the community for use by hospitals, as well as other local organizations. • Commuter Programs The Commuter program’s goal is to encourage increased use of green methods of transportation. Employees seeking to ease traffic and parking congestion and save money at the same time are eligible for a 50% reduction in bus or train ticket costs. Cottage also provides up to $75 a month to employees who use alternative transportation at least 80% of the time. Cottage also provides a 50% subsidy for van pools. Employees Volunteer to Change Lives Cottage employees are dedicated to making lives better – on the job and off. Many of them even use their vacations to help others. Here’s a story that aired on National Public Radio about how a Surgical ICU nurse spent his time helping the wounded in Iraq at a front line medical aid station. And, this story tells how a Cottage Nurse volunteers for Doctors without Walls and Santa Barbara Street Medicine. Audio: South Coast Nurse Spends Vacation Helping Wounded in Iraq AUDIO NEWS 119/119 Start | Contents | Highlights | Business Description | Hiring & Welcoming | Inspiring | Speaking | Listening | Thanking | Developing | Caring | Celebrating | Sharing • Sharing 6.35