Yes, it’s true. The CDPH has issued yet another update on the state of California’s H1N1 virus. Due to delays and shortages in H1N1 vaccine production and related distribution issues, California now finds itself with short-term imbalances that may affect Coast Plaza. Rest assured, however, that steps are being taken to rectify the situation, and the remainder of H1N1 vaccines should be distributed shortly. If you have not already gotten your H1N1 vaccination, please use added precaution when working with patients or visitors who exhibit flu-like symptoms.

The Annual Coast Plaza Hospital Medical Staff Meeting will be held at the Hospital Cafeteria on Tuesday, December 8, at 6PM. I look forward to seeing the Hospital’s Medical Staff next Tuesday.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the addition of Jorge Carreon, M.D., to the Coast Plaza Hospital Medical Staff. Specializing in pelvic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Carreon brings a unique skill set to his role here at Coast Plaza. His office is located at 13132-A Studebaker Road, Norwalk, California, 90650, and can be reached by phone at 562-864-7547, by fax at 562-484-0437, or by email at drcarreon@sbcglobal.net.

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As Coast Plaza has recently switched to Sun Life as our dental provider, it is important for all employees who are dental PPO members to contact the Sun Life Early Touch Dental Eligibility Hotline at (800) 525-7374 ext 6224 or ext 6220 for dental eligibility verification prior to December 23^rd. Please have your dentist call the Sun Life Eligibility Hotline at his or her earliest convenience to ensure your enrollment for the following year.

Sun Life has confirmed that the DHMO enrollments will be activated effective December 1^st for DHMO members. Corresponding ID cards will be mailed to the homes of all participating employees by the beginning of next week.

As the end of the year approaches, I would like to address the Coast Plaza Vacation Policy. The intent of this policy is to allow eligible employees who have worked certain productive hours over a period of time to accrue time off in the interest of taking a vacation or to spend quality time away from work.

Each eligible employee earns a bank of hours commensurate to their designated vacation days. Though the purpose of the Coast Plaza Vacation Policy is to reward employees for their service by giving them time away from work, the Hospital does understand that circumstances may at times cause employees to prefer a cash payment for their accrued vacation time in lieu of paid time off of work. Active employees with accrued vacation time may request to cash out up to three (3) times per year, up to a maximum of forty (40) hours per episode. However, such payouts will not be given during the months of December and January of any given year, except where required by law.

In keeping with our pledge to serve the community and our drive to make Coast Plaza an environmentally aware hospital, I am pleased to announce that we have joined forces with NeighborGoods, a new online community where people can buy, sell, or share goods with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few holiday bargains or make a little extra cash. With NeighborGoods, you can preserve the environment while protecting your wallet. I urge all of you to see what NeighborGoods has to offer. Sign up here: https://neighborgoods.net/groups/coastplaza.

As a token of our appreciation for a year’s hard work and to get us all in festive spirit, I am pleased to announce that from December 1st to December 8th every Coast Plaza Hospital employee will receive 20% off all items except candy, magazines, and flowers at the newly reopened Hospital Gift Shop. Simply present your badge to receive your discount. The dedication shown by our employees throughout the year is what makes Coast Plaza a top quality hospital, both in which to be treated and in which to work. I wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season.