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Alzheimer’s Care
Special Alzheimer’s Facility Guides Connecticut Listings p4 Massachusetts Listings p14 “Customized Care” for every stage of Alzheimer’s, every symptom p5
Special Education & Career Section
The Mercy Community receives Award from Alzheimer’s Association of America p7
Continuing Ed Opportunities Begins p10
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Sept/Oct 2014
Hospital Newspaper - NE
You don’t have to be an eldercare expert to appreciate continuity in care. M ME
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As your needs and preferences change, we’ve got the solution. At Waveny LifeCare Network, person-centered care is at the heart of our mission. Like a river, our programs, services and residential options flow together fluidly to benefit those we serve. All within a single organization, and without any expensive buy-in fees or long-term commitments. Why choose a VWDQG DORQH SURYLGHU ZKR FDQœW DGDSW WR \RXU QHHGV RYHU WLPH ZKHQ /LIH&DUH LV RXU VSHFLDOW\" With nearly 40 years of non-profit expertise in serving the community, we understand how personal QHHGV FDQ FKDQJH RYHU WLPH RU HYHQ LQ DQ LQVWDQW 7KDWœV ZK\ LWœV VR LPSRUWDQW WR HQWUXVW \RXU FDUH WR D healthcare provider that can meet your unique preferences both in the moment and beyond. We welcome older adults from all areas. To find out more or arrange for a tour of our award-winning New Canaan campus, call Ginny Carroll at 203.594.5331 or visit us online at waveny.org.
We’re Seeking a Director of Nursing - Apply Today! Waveny Care Center has a wonderful opportunity for a nursing leader to join our 5-star SNF. Our person-centered community offers a mission-based, non-profit culture. Contact us today by calling 203.594.5330 or apply online at www.waveny.org.
Waveny Waveny LifeCare Network 3 Farm Road • New Canaan
Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
Page 3
Fun Fall activities to do with your favorite senior citizen There’s a chill in the air, nights are getting longer, and many have woken to lawns and roofs glistening with the first frost: Fall is here. The change of seasons can offer lots of new opportunities to spend time with your favorite senior citizen. If your senior has health problems you may need to look for specific activities to involve them in a more active lifestyle. When your senior has memory problems, doing seasonal fall activities will spark their memory of time spent during their life doing that old familiar activities. But most of all, spending time engaged in some fun fall activities with your senior citizen will enrich your life and theirs, and it will be fun for both of you.
Here are some great ideas for spending time with your senior friends this fall: Fall outdoor activities Pick the last of the tomatoes from the garden and have them wrap them in newspaper to ripen. Store in a cool dark place. Go for a nature walk at the local park. Take your senior citizen to visit an apple orchard and pick apples. Plant some bulbs for next spring. Help your senior citizen decorate for fall by planting some pretty mums. Rake fall leaves and have an outdoor bonfire. Go to a fall bazaar or outdoor fall festival. Go on a shopping trip to the grocery store and purchase groceries to put in a food basket for needy family.
Find some children, grandchildren, etc. to make a scarecrow. Perhaps your senior has some old clothes for the scarecrow.
Compassionate, Geriatric Medical Psychiatry Care at Clinton Hospital The 20-bed Geriatric Medical Psychiatry Program at Clinton Hospital offers a therapeutic environment designed to stabilize older and geriatric adults experiencing a psychiatric crisis. This program promotes a genuine respect for patients while conducting diagnostic evaluations in a safe and secure environment, and while keeping referring professionals and family informed and involved in the patient’s progress. • Psychiatric evaluation and treatment • Medical/surgical services
Take your senior citizen on a fall car ride to look at the beautiful fall foliage.
• Psychopharmacology
Indoor Fall activities
• Therapeutic milieu
Buy stickers and fall cards to send to their friends. Help your senior citizen make them out and mail them. Help your senior make homemade chili or a hearty fall soup. Fall cooking with your senior could include making apple butter, apple pies, and homemade bread. Help them get out their fall and winter clothing and pack away summer clothes. Bring in lots of fall and winter magazines for your senior to look at.
• Occupational therapy • Individual and group therapy • Physical and speech therapy
For more information or to refer a patient into the Geriatric Medical Psychiatry Program at Clinton Hospital, call 774-696-7659.
201 Highland Street, Clinton, MA UMass Memorial Health Care Member Hospitals: UMass Memorial Medical Center • Clinton Hospital • HealthAlliance Hospital • Marlborough Hospital
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Sept/Oct 2014
Hospital Newspaper - NE
Alzheimer’s CareDirectory Connecticut HAMDEN MAPLE WOODS AT HAMDEN 203.248.1864
NEW CANAAN WAVENY CARE CENTER 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org Waveny Care Center, a not-for-profit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, offers short and long-term care and a special unit for individuals with advanced memory loss.
THE VILLAGE AT WAVENY CARE CENTER Assisted Living Dedicated to Caring for People with Memory Loss 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org Featuring our award-winning “Main Street” replica of a quaint New England town, The Village at Waveny Care Center is uniquely designed to provide the most advanced therapeutic benefits for people with memory loss.
ADULT DAY PROGRAM AT WAVENY CARE CENTER 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org The Adult Day Program at Waveny Care Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults who are still living at home, but who may require personal assistance, more social interaction or medical monitoring throughout the day.
GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT AT WAVENY CARE CENTER 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5300 www.waveny.org Waveny Care Network's professional Geriatric Care Management team helps family members and friends navigate the complex issues, questions and difficult decisions involved in caring for an older adult.
Drs. Charlotte & David Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic 3 Farm Road, New Canaan 203-594-5200 www.waveny.org The Drs. Charlotte & David Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic is a well-respected outpatient program that was established in 1998 to address common, but often complex, medical issues in older adults - especially memory loss. Led by a board-certified geriatrician, the Clinic focuses on the evaluation and ongoing management of clinical problems that affect seniors and their families.
❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧
RIVER RIDGE AT AVON 860.677.2155
❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧
AVON
PLANTSVILLE ALZHEIMER'S RESOURCE CTR OF CT 1231 South Main St. Plantsville CT 06479 860-628-9000
WEST HARTFORD HEBREW HEALTH CARE, INC. 1 Abrahms Blvd., West Hartford CT 06117 860-523-3800 www.hebrewhealthcare.org SAINT MARY HOME 2021 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117 860.236.1924 www.themercycommunity.org THE McAULEY 275 Steele Rd., West Hartford, CT 06117 860.236.6300 www.themercycommunity.org
WILTON THE GREENS AT CANNONDALE 435 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 203.761.1191 www.thegreensatcannondale.com
Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
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“Customized Care” for every stage of Alzheimer’s, every symptom. The Evergreen program at The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, Connecticut, has always been at the forefront of care for those with memory and sensory loss. Activities and techniques are designed for every stage of impairment: from early onset Alzheimer’s to advanced dementia. The underlying goal is to make daily life more enjoyable, less isolated and to achieve positive reactions. Our program for the most functionally aware residents includes brain games, with the use of our smart board, verbal and physical exercises and a variety of social interactions. Another care program is tailored for smaller groups and features music, one-on-one companionship, being read to, and engaging residents with recollections of the past. For our residents who have reached the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, our innovative sensory programs help residents to enhance the quality of their life.
One of the most successful innovations utilized at Evergreen is “Touch Therapy.” Matthew Tomasino, a licensed massage therapist could be called “Mr.Touch” by grateful residents. “Though I’m a licensed, experienced massage therapist,” he says,” I don’t like to think of what I do as ‘massage.’ It is more and less than that. I’ve observed, through my work, that one of the most effective ways to help men and women in various stages of Alzheimer’s is to engage them by filling their need for physical touch. This has to be achieved very gently, in no way to be perceived as threatening or abrasive. Just good, solid touch. My entire life’s work is to relieve touch deprivation for those challenged with brain disease.” Matthew utilizes principles of shiatsu and energy work. “Over time, there have been very positive results, “ says Sue Herbst, Evergreen Director of Operations. “I’ve seen residents respond, become calm, and seem to have a better disposition and attitude after being touched.”
Matthew starts by introducing himself, then very gently, asks for permission to hold the resident’s hand. “Soon, they accept being touched on the forehead. In many cases, with future visits, residents will welcome me and want me to touch their ears and feet. I don’t consider myself a healer. I am a conduit to feelings for Alzheimer’s patients. Touch can bring about more alertness, a feeling of contentment, quieting agitated feelings and confusion.”
“Often one small touch is all I do, and once-resistant residents then may let me touch their arms and shoulders. Aromatherapy is also very effective. I use lavender for agitated residents. Lemon is always good. The aroma seems to trigger a positive response.” Matthew’s technique is as natural as possible. “Residents don’t have to move. I go to them wherever they are. The idea is to have them comfortable in their own world.” One of the most difficult aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease is the stress,
despair and exhaustion that the caregiver experiences. The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 helpline (800-2723900) and support groups for patients and caregivers which make a big difference, but when Alzheimer’s symptoms become overwhelming and more than one person can handle, a program like Evergreen’s gives peace to the caregiver and professional support for the loved one. All members of the Evergreen team have received extensive training in dementia care and are among the very few who have been trained and certified by the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Licensed therapists specializing in sensory therapy are on site regularly. Evergreen’s attentive, professional staff members go above and beyond to fulfill every individual resident’s need for security, affection and respect. The Evergreen Program at The Greens at Cannondale, 435 Danbury Rd. Wilton CT 06897 203-761-1191 or www.thegreensatcannondale.com
This Is The Senior Lifestyle You Deserve ! It is time to treat yourself to gracious living with an abundance of amenities including daily housekeeping, meals, personal care, transportation and the choice to be involved in many organized or personal activities.
With its stately New England architecture on nine acres of rolling meadows, The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, CT is at the top of the list of the most preferred communities in Fairfield County. Let us give you a personal tour.
The Greens at Cannondale
435 Danbury Road
Wilton, Connecticut 06897 Phone: 203-761-1191 Fax: 203-761-1193 Website: www.thegreensatcannondale.com
Live better. Make The Greens at Cannondale your future.
PAGE 66 PAGE
Sept/Oct 2014 January, 2009
Hospital Newspaper - NE Healthcare Newspaper - Westchester
OUR VIEW VIEW OUR
ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER Company Company
Page Page
AdCare Hospital Classifieds
19 28
A&T Healthcare Cambridge College
19 11
Barksdale Home Care Clinton Hospital
14 3
Executive Park Physical Therapy EPOCH of Weston
32 15
Fast Forward Marketing Florence Medical Uniforms
1 21
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Keystone Financial Services
17 5
31
Hudson Valley Radiology Associates
The Greens at Cannondale Medco
5 30
West Medical Billing MetroBroadway North Chiropractic
207
Hebrew Health Care MedExcel
15 3
Points Medical Wealth Management MidState
134
Resource Directory Resource Directory
29 18
Public Safety Ad Nexera Consulting
Silverman Ctr for Gender Selection Whitney Place Spine Care Shrewsbury Children’s Center Team Health Stamford Hospital Upright Imaging
27 9
8 7 9
10 13
SYNERGY HomeCare Westchester Spinal Decompression Ctr
24 2
23 11
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Hospital Newspaper - New England edition - Vol. 11 No. 5 Healthcare Newspaper - Westchester, New York edition is published 6 times a year for $18 per year by Belsito Vol. 2 No. 1 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and addiStreet, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New tional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: to Hospital Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a distypographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad play, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the same month of publication. newspaper during the same month of publication.
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TheDeck importance of Case Management the Halls in this economy? This is an important topic receiving increased attention in the media. A transition of care takes place when people By Jim Stankiewicz move between care settings—such as when a person leaves the hospital and returns home or goes to a rehabilitation facility—or care providersGeneral (such asManager physicians and other members of the or agencies involved the same or traditional family). In acare mostteam, challenging year most people with are poised to cutclient back on Care transitions expenditures.also occur when a person’s condition or situation holiday changes. For example, a person withupawhen serious physical mental some memories growing things seemedor very tight I was recalling illness may have a relapse, or a child may leave a foster home and and our family seemed to almost become closer. One such year when I was return to her his family. during care about 11 years oldor I joined my threeLack sistersof andcoordination brother in the downstairs area oftransitions our home inis, Newburgh. We made Christmas tree and decorations of conunfortunately, quite frequent can beout disastrous struction paper and glitter and my Mom popped a bunch of popcorn and we for everyone involved. Failure to transfer important information spray stringerrors of popcorn goldexamples for garland.ofWhen I lookproblems back it wasthat one and painted medication are two common ofoccur the most memorable Christmases we shared. There was spirit of being during care transitions. together. Case managers are integral to successful transitions of care. This I realized communication it wasn't about what gifts we received involved, or who had Theywas helpwhen to facilitate among everyone the best light show on the block. It really is about spending quality time with including you and your loved ones. people you love. It's about helping others less fortunate then your self. Please share your stories with us: news@hospitalnewspaper.com. With the events of this year you can't help think that there is a new opportuJim can be reached at 845-534-7500 ext. 219 and via email at jim@hospitalnewspaper.com. nity to enjoy the basics. Are there seniors who need a little attention? What can we do for those hospitalized around the holidays? What can we do for the troops risking their lives at holidays for our freedom? I want to thank all of our loyal customers for their support in 2008. I wish all of our readers a very memorable and meaningful holiday season!
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The Mercy Community receives Award from Alzheimer’s Association of America Connecticut Chapter bestows Award to Innovative “Armchair Travelers” Group THE McAULEY, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, which promotes and fosters an independent lifestyle within a life care setting. In addition, The McAuley offers an Assisted Living Program for those residents who require more assistance with the tasks of daily living. For more information about The Mercy Community, The McAuley, Saint Mary Home, rehabilitation services, or any of our other programs, visit www.TheMercyCommunity.org.
W H I T N E Y P L A C E is proud to feature our highly acclaimed TAPESTRY PROGRAM, a dynamic memory care assisted living program.
provided
Pictured is Theresa Di Meo, who designed and facilitates the Armchair Travelers group for the residents at Saint Mary Home.
The Mercy Community, West Hartford’s premier continuing care retirement community, is pleased to announce that Saint Mary Home has been honored by the Alzheimer’s Association of America’s Connecticut Chapter with a Best Practices Award for their innovative “Armchair Travelers” group for residents dealing with Alzheimer’s and related Dementia. The group, designed and facilitated by Theresa Di Meo of the Therapeutic Recreation Department at Saint Mary Home, allows Alzheimer’s/Dementia Special Care Community residents to experience international travel without leaving their chairs, a method of learning used in a variety of settings in academia and health care. “I found the notion fascinating,” Di Meo notes. “Trying new things is important at any age, and I wanted to afford that ability to our residents.” Each month, roughly 25 residents gather in the Saint Mary Home Dining Room to “travel” to a different destination. In the past, Armchair Travelers have visited countries in Europe, Central America and the Caribbean, featuring warmer climates during the cold New England winter, and cooler ones during summer. The group begins each journey by mapping a route from Saint Mary Home to the featured location. The length and method of transport is described, as well as current weather and politics in the destination. Through library books and DVDs, residents immerse themselves in the local culture, learning about music, art, history,
religion and literature. Di Meo even makes a special effort to serve refreshments that are inspired by the featured region. In a recent journey, Armchair Travelers enjoyed tea and scones while trekking their way through England. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia are forced to confront the reality of memory loss, and as a result, are faced with frustration and grief. The process can be heartbreaking for loved ones, as well. Often times, residents’ memories of their own trips are triggered by armchair travel, letting them relive those experiences. Many of the travel DVDs that act as “tour guides” feature the same family. Theresa noticed that it has brought an added dimension to the experience, allowing residents to visit new locations through the eyes of growing children and their parents. To learn more about The Mercy Community and the services that they provide to seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, please visit www.TheMercyCommunity.org. About The Mercy Community: The Mercy Community offers a comprehensive and integrated continuum of senior care and services, including: SAINT MARY HOME, which provides skilled nursing, shortand long-term rehabilitation, dementia, hospice, palliative, subacute, residential and adult day services.
The Tapestry Program at Whitney Place weaves together each individual’s strengths, the involvement of families (and friends) and the wealth of experience of our caregiving team to create a supportive environment. Our therapeutic recreation programming incorporates the habilitative approach to caregiving by encouraging residents to play an active role in meeting their care needs. We focus on simplifying the environment, concentrating on each resident’s capabilities, creating opportunities for success, and helping care partners learn to speak the nonverbal language of the Alzheimer’s patient.
800-372-3800 www.SalmonHealthAndRetirement.com N ATICK
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Hospital Newspaper - NE
Ask An Expert Operational Effectiveness is Strategy and Vice Versa By Bruce C. Vladeck, PhD In most healthcare organizations, strategy is considered a separate function that falls under the responsibility of a Board committee, C-suite executives, and designated staff. It is typically distinguished from operations and finance. But in my experience, continuous improvement in operational performance is often key to the successful implementation of strategic objectives and often a strategic objective itself. Take three common strategic decisions. First, a hospital exploring potential partnerships or mergers with other organizations recognizes that its attractiveness to potential partners, as well as its bargaining leverage in potential negotiations, is highly influenced by outside perceptions of its operating performance, particularly its most recent performance. That’s what the process of due diligence in such transactions is largely about. The stronger the hospital’s operations, the more opportunities it will have to enter into favorable relationships, and the better deals it will be able to make. In another example, a hospital looking to develop or expand a particular service line has to be sure that relationships with its current medical staff are open and healthy. Good relationships with clinical staff act as a safeguard so that key physicians don’t perceive the new initiative as a threat or a tilt toward particular competitors. If those relationships are not well-maintained, the hospital runs the risk of hiring costly staff and purchasing expensive equipment that will be underused because of a lack of patient referrals. Third, in the classic paradigm for strategic planning, decisions about major capital investments are inseparable from the evaluation of the costs of capital from various sources. Those costs are all highly influenced by analyses not merely of the organization’s recent performance, but of its prospects for performance improvement. In other words, strategy and operations are fundamentally interrelated; any systematic effort at strategic planning requires an understanding of the organization’s market, patient flows and characteristics, and policy environment, as well as what’s “under the hood” on a day-to-day basis. Success in meeting strategic objectives requires an organization that is running on all cylinders, so operational improvement is often a central requirement—if not a prerequisite. On several occasions, I’ve been asked to help a healthcare organization develop a strategic plan only to discover that the client was so preoccupied with short-term financial pressures that any planning horizon much beyond the current fiscal year became unrealistic. In those instances, measurable performance improvement became the strategy. Even after a short-term crisis is resolved, redoubling the commitment to operational improvement remains the strategic core. Fundamentally, healthcare organizations are in the business of taking care of patients, doing so as compassionately, effectively, and efficiently as possible. If they can’t do that well, the most brilliant strategies will ultimately be to no avail. If they can do it well, constructing effective strategies becomes much easier—and more likely to succeed. Dr. Bruce Vladeck is Special Advisor, Nexera. He served as Administrator of the Healthcare Financing Administration as well as a Presidential Appointee to the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare. He has held positions at Mount Sinai Medical Center as Professor of Health Policy and Geriatrics as well as Senior Vice President for Policy, at Ernst & Young’s Health Sciences Advisory Services, the United Hospital Fund as President, and several faculty positions. Want to know more about Nexera’s Strategic Advisory Services? Contact Monica Chopra at mchopra@gnyha.org
Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
Att N A Nexera, Ne exe era, w we e build b suc success cesss from from the inside in nside out. out. Optimizattion str Optimization strategies ategies succeed succeed when w the theyy ar aree built on a solid olid foundation. foundation. The innerr workings of your hospital hospital are are essential ccomponents omponents of any comprehensive comp prehensive growth growth strategy. strategyy. One size size does not fit all. Nexera iss pr Nexera proud oud to to announce announce the launch of Strategic Strategic Advisory Adviso ory Services, Services, our latest latest suite su uite of offerings offerings that customize customiz o e plans so you y achie achieve ve or even even exceed exceeed your goals. goals. Led Led by industry indusstry expert Dr. Dr. Bruce Bruce Vladeck, Vladeck, our team team can can advise on n and help impl implement lement physician str strategies ategiees and payment payment models, strategic sstrategic planning, and service service line development. development. The best strategies strategies leverage leverage your health health system’s system’s existing strengths s engths while building for str for the future. future. See how we we can can help—call help —calll (877) 639-3720 or visit nexerainc.com n xerainc.com ttoday. ne oday.
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education & careers The 2014 West Hartford Center Kidscard offers discount deals in support of Connecticut Children’s Calling all shoppers: the West Hartford Business Association has an offer you can’t afford to miss! Purchase a 2014 West Hartford Center Kidscard for just $50 and you’ll save 20-percent every time you shop or dine at your favorite West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square stores and restaurants from October 23 through November 1. Sealing the deal is that thanks to the generous support of Kidscard sponsors, 100-percent of the proceeds will directly benefit Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s Surgery Center in Farmington. “The tremendous support of the participating stores and the community through this event each year is overwhelming,” said Lauren Zeligson, West Hartford Center Kidscard Committee Chairperson. “Over the last eight years, Kidscard has donated $240,000 to Connecticut Children’s. The participation of everyone involved allows us to make a significant contribution in support of Connecticut Children’s surgical patients.” For more information, a list of participating stores and restaurants, or to buy your 2014 Kidscard online now, visit www.centerkidscard.org. The Kidscards will be sold in participating stores beginning October 16. From general, orthopedic and ENT surgeries to more complex neuro, cardiovascular and reconstructive surgeries, Connecticut Children’s talented and caring surgeons are committed to providing the care children deserve. With two operating suites, the Surgery Center in Farmington increases the number of children in Connecticut who benefit from the expertise of pediatric surgeons. It also decreases the amount
of time a child will have to wait for a procedure and creates distinct surgery centers for complex care at Connecticut Children’s in Hartford and more common procedures in Farmington. About Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Connecticut Children's Medical Center is a nationally recognized, 187-bed not-for-profit children's hospital serving as the primary teaching hospital for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Named among the best in the nation for two of its pediatric specialties in the annual U.S. News & World Report "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings, Connecticut Children's is the only free-standing children's hospital in Connecticut that offers comprehensive, world-class health care to children. Our pediatric services are available at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford and at Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, with neonatal intensive care units at Hartford Hospital and the University of Connecticut Health Center, along with a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center, five specialty care centers and 11 other locations across the state. Connecticut Children's has a medical staff of nearly 1,100 practicing in more than 30 specialties. For more information, visit www.connecticutchildrens.org or connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/connecticutchildrens and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ctchildrens.
BMC receives grant funding from Cardinal Health Foundation The Cardinal Health Foundation announced it has awarded Virginia R. Litle, MD, a Thoracic Surgeon at Boston Medical Center (BMC) grant funding from the E3 Grant Program to implement best practices and help improve the effectiveness, efficiency and excellence of patient care. The funding will be used to study the efficacy of a Caprini Risk Assessment Model to reduce venothromboembolic (VTE) complications after thoracic surgery and to implement an efficient and lowcost anticoagulation compliance protocol after patient discharge. This is an initiative within the thoracic surgery division at BMC to reduce the incidence of post-operative VTE events across the continuum of care in an at-risk population. VTE is among the most common preventable and potentially fatal postoperative complications in all surgical
patients. Litle also is Associate Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). Surgical resident Krista Hachey, MD, and BUSM student Philip Hewes will be part-time research assistants. The Cardinal Health E3 Grant Program awarded funding to health care providers in 22 states. Since the inception of the E3 Grant Program, the Cardinal Health Foundation has awarded more than $7 million in funding to 249 hospitals, health systems or other health-related organizations across the country. This year’s E3 Grant Program called for proposals that addressed one of three areas: projects that will improve medication safety, particularly as patients move from hospital environments to the home and other health care settings; projects that, in partnership with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses
(AORN), improve operating room safety and test a protocol for assessing risk and implementing changes in the operating room to reduce pressure ulcers during surgery; or projects that result in the implementation of best practices in the care of babies born addicted to opiates. After six years of providing support to health care providers, we are so pleased to continue offering these grants to organizations that are working to implement best practices and improve the effectiveness, excellence and efficiency of patient care," said Dianne Radigan, vice president of Community Relations. “Cardinal Health has a vested interest in helping health care providers save days, dollars and lives by working collaboratively to improve the quality of care nationwide. We congratulate Boston Medical Center for their work to achieve meaningful, long-term improvements."
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Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
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education & careers Greenwich Hospital Board announces scholarship fund in honor of retiring CEO Corvino The scholarship will be offered annually to several qualified employees who demonstrate leaderpotential in service ship excellence and who will apply knowledge gained to reduce instances of harm, improve patient outcomes, reduce waste and promote “The Greenwich Hospital Experience.”
Donations to the Scholarship Fund will support an endowment which will generate annual income in perpetuity that will be used to underwrite training, coaching and other educational opportunities for the approved recipients. Those who wish to donate may do so by calling (203) 863-3863 or emailing Jim.Wright@GreenwichHospital.org.
Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS).Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has
evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient excellence.www.greenwichhospital.org
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Frank A. Corvino The Greenwich Hospital Board of Directors has announced the creation of The Frank A. Corvino Scholarship for Service Excellence Fund. The goal of the scholarship is to support the training and education of qualified caregivers at Greenwich Hospital who are committed to fulfilling the Hospital’s mission of providing the highest form of service excellence and safe, compassionate care to all patients. The Fund is intended to cover costs of educational opportunities, including training, conferences, lectures and seminars that provide participants both the concepts and skills needed to lead service excellence efforts. The Frank A. Corvino Scholarship for Service Excellence Fund will provide employees the opportunity to learn from leading experts who are actively engaged in service excellence and quality improvement efforts throughout the nation. The Fund may also be used to underwrite costs for guest speakers, lecturers or other service excellence experts. “Putting the patient first has been Frank’s focus throughout his time at Greenwich Hospital, and therefore it is fitting that we honor him by continuing his legacy of service excellence,” said Dan Mosley, Greenwich Hospital Board of Trustees chairman. “It’s been very touching to see the support that the Board, the Auxiliary and the community have exhibited in supporting this fund.”
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or nfo f i t s e Lat es and
nursdents stu
Hospital Newspaper - NE
Nurse’s Viewpoint
By Alison Lazzaro, RN
Hospital Newspaper Correspondent
Shared Governance Model in Magnet Recognized Hospitals A breathtaking bouquet made up of a variety of flowers blends together to catch the eye. The unique result of many different nurses working together can also create something remarkable. Collaboration of team members is the heart of a shared governance model. Having an opinion that matters in your workplace creates personal and professional satisfaction. Shared governance models, also called shared decision making, is a strategy implemented to allow staff members to contribute to decision making that affects their work life. This team effort is balanced with leadership and organization by management. Magnet accreditation requires that nursing organizations involve transformational leadership, structural empowerment, and innovation and improvement. The shared governance model has been proven to align with Magnet designation status. Shared decision committees work best when they are defined by set of operating principles or guidelines (bylaws). Likewise, when divisional nursing councils provide an opportunity for staff to affect decision making within a defined nursing leadership structure, outcomes are more optimal. Many large hospitals across the country have implemented committees based on these recommendations and continue to refine them for improved outcomes. For instance, many committees implemented a strategic planning retreat, which provides team building. With the days of managers calling all the shots behind us, it is crucial that staff from all areas of nursing join in the shared governance committees. This ensures that policies and procedures are adaptable to a variety of units. Ideally, each shared governance council is chaired by a staff nurse. Regular membership guidelines should be strongly encouraged to ensure that goals are met in a timely fashion. Examples of committees created for system wide shared governance include councils on research, education, quality and safety, and professional advancement. Committee members follow a vetting process to designate roles fairly and appropriately. Though it may be time consuming to implement these committees, shared decision making is proven to make employees feel more empowered in the workplace. If your hospital does not already have shared governance models in place, consider getting the ball rolling and involve stakeholders to join the movement. If your hospital is Magnet accredited and these committees are in full swing, get your application in and take a leadership role for a united front that has a voice in the workplace.
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education & careers Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center celebrates career of cardiac electrophysiology pioneer with Professorship Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has established a named professorship to celebrate the career of an internationally acclaimed cardiologist who developed new ways to correct life-threatening problems in the electrical system of the human heart. With a reception at Harvard Medical School, dinner and symposium, BIDMC launched the Shlomo Ben-Haim, MD, Professorship in Medicine in the Field of Cardiac Electrophysiology in Honor of Mark E. Josephson, MD. Ultimately, this Harvard Medical School chair will bear both the Ben-Haim and Josephson names in tribute to two exceptional leaders in cardiovascular innovation. Josephson is the current chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine within the CardioVascular Institute and director of the Harvard-Thorndike Arrhythmia Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Ben-Haim—a renowned Israeli biotechnology entrepreneur—is the namesake and lead donor with a multi-million philanthropic gift. In addition, several patients, colleagues and friends helped endow the chair as a tribute to Josephson’s long career as a pioneer in cardiac electrophysiology. “Mark is an extraordinary investigator, clinician and educator who has truly transformed this field, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this wonderful recognition,” said Kevin Tabb, MD, President and CEO of BIDMC, at the reception. “He has many remarkable accomplishments, including establishing the Harvard-Thorndike Arrhythmia Institute at BIDMC in 1992.” Ben-Haim said he gave his gift “to recognize Mark’s seminal work
in electrophysiology and for being my teacher and my constant challenger, and to make sure his past contributions to electrophysiology will be sustained. I have been the beneficiary of his remarkable humanity, honesty and support for decades and so my gift closes an important loop.” “This professorship will support the director of the HarvardThorndike Arrhythmia Institute at BIDMC to ensure the continuation of the Institute’s mission and leadership in the field of cardiac electrophysiology,” Josephson said. “I’m grateful to all the people who contributed toward my research and this chair, in particular Shlomo Ben-Haim, whose generous gift has in large part made this possible.” The Harvard-Thorndike Arrhythmia Institute—the first of its kind in the nation—is a world leader in state-of-the-art clinical care and groundbreaking research into all kinds of arrhythmias. The future incumbent of the newly established professorship will direct the Institute. Pioneering Doctor, Researcher, Educator During his 40-plus-year career, Josephson has driven the development of many surgical, ablative and implantable cardiac devices to treat arrhythmias. He was the first to do systematic programmed stimulation of the heart to treat ventricular tachycardia, a potentially life-threatening condition that causes irregular heartbeats. He was the first to develop heart- mapping techniques that are the basis of catheter ablation, a procedure that is used to treat a wide variety of arrhythmias. Using these tools, he uncovered the pathophysiology of lethal arrhythmias associated with heart attack.
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He worked with surgical colleagues to develop mapping-guided surgery to cure ventricular tachycardia, which is still the most effective treatment for that disorder. The author of more than 450 peer-reviewed articles in electrophysiology, Josephson wrote Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Techniques and Interpretations, the definitive text on cardiac electrophsyiology. Josephson’s impact on the field of electrophysiology includes mentoring and training over 250 fellows who are poised to continue his legacy of innovation. A number of them participated in the festivities to honor their esteemed mentor. Academic Children and Grandchildren “I have no doubt that if you asked Mark what his proudest accomplishment is that he would say without hesitation it is his role in educating and training the next generation of pioneering physician-researchers in
cardiac electrophysiology,” said Tabb. “I have often heard him refer to his fellows and trainees as his ‘children’ and ‘grandchildren’—a sentiment that reflects the time, support and resources he has dedicated to ensure that they, too, move forward to develop their own career paths and pursue their own innovative research.” Josephson explained that BenHaim is one of his “academic grandchildren,” having been trained by one of Josephson’s “academic children,” a former electrophysiology fellow. Ben-Haim later came to Beth Israel Deaconess to receive further training directly from Josephson. They remained friends and worked together on several projects. Among Ben-Haim’s many achievements is the development of CARTO, a sophisticated navigation system that allows the cardiologist performing an ablation to visualize in real time the position and orientation of a specialized catheter (tube) within the patient’s heart.
Josephson remains the Herman Dana Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. About the CardioVascular Institute at BIDMC The CardioVascular Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center combines cardiology, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery in a structure designed to facilitate collaboration across disciplines. The CVI delivers outstanding outcomes, easy access, and better service, earning BIDMC recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the best 100 hospitals or a distinguished hospital in heart care and surgery since 2006. Community-based cardiologists and vascular surgeons at convenient offices in Massachusetts and New Hampshire provide a wide range of services and, when advanced care is needed, refer patients to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. For more information, visit www.bidmc.harvard.edu/CVI.
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Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
Rabbi Daniel Braune-Friedman joins Hebrew Health Care
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Hebrew Health Care is pleased to announce that Rabbi Daniel Braune-Friedman is joining Hebrew Health Care as its new Director of Pastoral Care. Rabbi Braune-Friedman comes to Hebrew Health Care with a wealth of knowledge and a broad spectrum of professional experience. Before coming to Hebrew Health Care, Rabbi Braune-Friedman was a Clinical Pastoral Resident at Hartford Hospital, providing pastoral support to patients, families and staff. Rabbi Braune-Friedman’s experience is not limited to Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care. In addition to serving as Chaplain at Oxford University, Rabbinic Intern at NYU Hillel, Chaplain Intern at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Pastoral Intern at Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, NY, he has experience in fundraising from his position as Assistant Director for the UCONN Foundation Annual Fund.
He holds two Bachelor of Science Degrees in Political Science and Judaic Science and a Masters of Art from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Rabbi BrauneFriedman was ordained from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. “We are pleased to welcome Rabbi Braune-Friedman to Hebrew Health Care, and we look forward to the contributions he will make to our community,” commented Bonnie Gauthier, President and CEO. Of his appointment as Director of Pastoral Care at Hebrew Health Care, Rabbi Daniel Braune-Friedman remarked, “I am overjoyed to join the staff at Hebrew Health Care. I have holy shoes to fill taking over for Rabbi Lavit but the staff, residents and volunteers have gone out of their way to make me feel right at home from day one!” Hebrew Health Care is a nonprofit, non-sectarian health care provider featuring a full spectrum of integrated and seamless in-patient; out-patient and community based geriatric services to meet the needs of older adults in the Greater Hartford community. Hebrew Health Care is committed to providing comprehensive care of the elderly. Not simply saying it, not simply building it, HHC does it – every day, every week, every year, for over 100 years. Hebrew Health Care’s commitment to the elderly in the Greater Hartford area is unparalleled and is the foundation on which our reputation for excellence is based.
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Parkinson's Disease Association West Hartford Support Group 10-08-2014 Hebrew Health Care and West Hartford Senior Center, affiliated with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Connecticut Chapter, have partnered to offer a Parkinson's Disease Support Group. This support group is for people and their families who are having difficulty coping with Parkinson’s disease. It provides an opportunity to discuss experience and feelings, and to share solutions to common problems. Location: Atria Hamilton Heights, Pub Room (Back Entrance) 1 Hamilton Heights Drive West Hartford, CT 06119 Speaker: Jenn Forman, Staff Pharmacist Hebrew Health Care Call Hebrew Health Care Dementia Care Services at (860) 920-1810.
Our program of workshops is designed especially to assist family members caring for older adults. Our geriatric health specialists and expert partners in elder law, finance and related fields will give you the knowledge, skills and support you’re looking for. Eleven two-hour workshops are just $20/session (scholarships available)! Talking with Your Doctor • Household Safety • Medicare & Medicaid Basics • Estate Planning • Avoiding Caregiver Burnout • Emergency Preparedness • Myths about Memory Loss • Avoiding a Nursing Home • Normal Aging & Health • Avoiding Scams & ID Theft • What to Do about Depression
Call us at 860.920.1810 or visit www.agingcareacademy.org to learn more. One Abrahms Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06117 M Aging A ging C Care are A Academy cadem mySSM iiss generously generrously supported supported by by the tth he Farmington Farmington Bank Bank Community Community Foundation. Foundation.
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Hospital Newspaper - NE
Emergency Nurses honored with Emergency Nurses Week Hospitals nationwide celebrate lifesaving “Everyday Extraordinary” heroes Hospitals nationwide are honoring their Emergency Department nurses with week-long festivities Oct. 6-12 to celebrate the extraordinary acts of service, compassion and commitment that emergency nurses provide to patients every day of the year. The week’s highlight is Emergency Nurses Day® on Wednesday. This year’s theme, “Everyday Extraordinary” is a call to acknowledge the daily bravery, devotion and dedication provided by nurses who save lives and care for the critically ill, mentally ill, traumatized, and marginalized patients who enter their doors 24/7. Most hospitals celebrate the week or the day with special events to honor their Emergency Department nurses. “This week is a way to say thank you to the people who have dedicated their lives to helping others,” said 2013 ENA President JoAnn Lazarus, MSN, RN, CEN. “Emergency Nurses are prepared for anything that can happen. We urge hospitals to join us in honoring these heroes who are truly extraordinary every day of the year.” About the Emergency Nurses Association: ENA, which has more than 40,000 members worldwide, is the only professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing and emergency care through advocacy, expertise, innovation and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA develops and disseminates education and practice standards and guidelines, and affords consultation to both private and public entities regarding emergency nurses and their practice. Additional information is available at ENA's Web site, www.ena.org and at www.ena.org/ENweek.
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Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
Page 17
Portsmouth Regional Hospital – Offers Tomosynthesis 3D Breast Screening Women who undergo routine mammograms at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s Breast Center, 155 Borthwick Road in Portsmouth, now have the latest screening and diagnostic technology available to them. Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s Breast Center is now offering 3D mammography, also known as tomosynthesis, for breast cancer screening. 3D mammography helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. The center’s Selenia® Dimensions® breast tomosynthesis system is made by Hologic, a world leader in digital mammography. The Selenia Dimensions system offers exceptionally sharp breast images, an advanced ergonomic design providing more patient comfort, and the ground-breaking tomosynthesis platform designed to deliver superior screening and diagnostic performance.
We believe 3D mammography will benefit all screening and diagnostic mammography patients, and is especially valuable for women receiving a baseline screening, those who have dense breast tissue and/or women with a personal history of breast cancer. Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis when combined with a conventional 2D mammography has a higher cancer detection rate than conventional 2D mammography alone.1 Radiologists are reporting that tomosynthesis technology gives them increased confidence with a significant reduction in recall rates.
Know the signs of breast cancer Breast health with regular self-breast exams and recommended screenings based on age and risk factors are essential. Often an early sign of breast cancer is an abnormality found on your mammogram before it can be felt. Common signs of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, an abnormal thickening of the breast, and/or a change in the shape or color of the breast.
During a 3D mammography exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. These images are then used to produce a series of one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast. By offering women the latest technology in mammography, Portsmouth Regional Hospital hopes to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. Portsmouth Regional Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering 3D Mammography, Portsmouth Regional Hospital provides the latest in imaging quality. If you would like to schedule a mammogram, call 603-5594190. For more information about this important breast health procedure, call 603433-5191.
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Other signs of breast cancer include: New, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast
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RESOURCE
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WHAlER’s CovE AssIsTEd lIvIng “ExCEpTIonAl CARE AT An ExCEpTIonAl pRICE”
Bernstein & Associates, Architects Founded in 1990, Bernstein & Associates, Architects, specializes in the design and construction of hospital and healthcare facilities. Our focus: high-quality design, excellent service, and client satisfaction. We have worked for over 100 hospitals and another 200 private healthcare facilities, across the United States. Our project types have included all hospital and healthcare service groups, including: Adult Day Care, Alcoholism Treatment Facilities, Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Assisted Living, Cancer Centers, Cardiac Cath, Cardiology, CCU/ICU, Clinics, Coronary Care, Dental, Dermatology, Dialysis Clinics, Doctors Offices, Drug Treatment Facilities, Elder Care, Employee and Student Health Support Services, Emergency Departments, Emergency Preparedness, Endoscopy, ENT, Expert Witness, Group Practices, Hospices, Hospitals, Infectious Disease, Information Systems, Intensive Care, JCAHO Survey, Joint Commission Survey, Laboratories, Master Plans, Medical Offices, Medical Equipment, Medical Libraries, Medical Records, Neurology, Nursing Homes, Ophthalmology/Eye Center, OB/Gyn, Orthopedic, Pain Care Facilities, Pathology, Patient Safety Consulting Services, Pediatric, Pharmacy, Physical Fitness and Sports, PT/OT, Primary Care Programs, Psychiatric, Radiology, Rehabilitation, Senior Citizen Facilities, Sleep Centers, Social Services, Statement of Conditions, Surgical Suites and Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Urgent Care Centers, and USP 797 Consulting Services. The firm's projects have won design awards from Progressive Architecture, Architectural Record, and the Architectural Woodworking Institute, and have been published in Advance, Health Facilities Management, Medical Technology Today, Bio/Technology, Progressive Architecture, Architectural Record, Design Solutions, Hospitality Design, Sound and Communication, Contract Design and Hospital Newspaper. Architectural Services include: programming, planning, design, construction documents, bidding and negotiation, and construction administration. The firm also offers sustainable or “green” healthcare design. The firm has a number of LEED-accredited professionals, has successfully completed numerous green healthcare projects, and has published articles on “Greening the Healthcare Environment”. Project Management (or Owner’s Representative Services) is offered as a stand-alone service through our affiliated project management company, Empire Projects, Inc. (www.empireprojects.com). Bernstein & Associates, Architects - PLLC 100 Pearl St. - 14th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103 Contact: William N. Bernstein, AIA Managing Principal Tel: 860-616-2200 Fax: 860-616-0018 wb@bernarch.com NEW YORK - HARTFORD - PRINCETON
Whaler’s Cove Assisted Living has 120 safe and affordable rental apartments in a beautifully restored historic building. Life at Whaler’s Cove means living independently for senior adults who no longer want the responsibility of maintaining a home, but may need a helping hand with personal care and other needs. Located in Southeastern Massachusetts, on the site of the former Whitman Mills, bordering the Acushnet River, Whaler’s Cove offers all of the comforts of home. Amenities include a spacious dining room, large sunroom with interior gardens, chapel, library, beauty/barber salon and beautifully furnished lounge areas. Whaler’s Cove has recently added a billiards room and gym, as well as refurbished the Reception Desk area. At Whaler’s Cove, our professionally trained and dedicated staff is sensitive to residents’ changing needs, assuring that they receive the services they need to maintain their independent lifestyles. Whaler’s Cove is one of the most affordable assisted living facilities in the area. In addition, our units are 20-50% larger than other local facilities, making ours the most generously sized apartments in Southeastern Massachusetts. Are you in need of accommodations following surgery or an injury or just want to try us out before you decide? Ask about our Short Stay Suites. At Whaler’s Cove, we understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique and that these circumstances determine how you will fund your or your loved one’s stay in an assisted living. There are a wide variety of options available which offer the flexibility and additional resources that you need. Call us today to ask how we may be able to help you make the transition to assisted living. Whaler’s Cove Assisted Living 114 Riverside Avenue New Bedford, MA 02746 Phone 508-997-2880 • Fax 508-997-1599
ElIMInATIng HospITAl ACQUIREd InFECTIons TSK Products has over 5 years experience in hospital wide surface disinfection and 20+ years in environmental engineering applications. As an engineers, we develop solutions, not simply sell products. We offer two unique, mobile, surface disinfection options; an UltraViolet light and a hydrogen peroxide fogger. Both are very effective. We look for the best solution to help you control costs and reduce hospital acquired infections.
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Connect with leading Healthcare Recruiters Join BlueSteps, the executive career management service of the Association of Executive Search Consultants Healthcare executives are in demand. Are you being considered for the top leadership jobs? Join BlueSteps today to put your resume and confidential careerprofile at the finger tips of over 8,000 of the world’s top executive recruiters, including hundreds who specialize in healthcare and life sciences recruiting. In addition to a unique connection to the executive search community, BlueSteps also provides a suite of proactive career management tools including: • a free resume review and career consultation • access to the International Executive Search Firm Directory • exclusive information on hundreds of active executive searches • online brand management tools • career management content and events specifically for senior-level executives As a service of the Association of Executive Search Consultants, you can rest assured that your career details will be confidentially and securely managed within BlueSteps. Unlike other mass job boards, only the highest caliber executive search consultants (all members of the AESC) will have access to your BlueSteps profile. Each year, AESC members recruit for over 70,000 of the highest level executive positions globally, many of which are never advertised publically. Join BlueSteps today and receive 15% OFF your membership! Visit www.BlueSteps.com and enter Healthcare15% at checkout to get this exclusive discount. Contact info@bluesteps.com to learn more or for assistance getting started! or for assistance getting started!
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Contact Jim Stankiewicz to find out how your organization can be featured in Hospital Newspapers Resource Directory. 845-534-7500 ext.219 Fax: 845-534-0055 Online Directory available at www.hospitalnewspaper.com
Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
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Hospital Case Managers honored with National Case Management Week National Case Management Week (NCMW) 2014 is October 12-18. We hope you will use National Case Management Week as an opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion, and patient care outcomes achieved by hospital case managers in your organization. Hospital Newspaper encourages you to use this week to celebrate with your team and recognize case management's outcomes and achievements within health care. Show Your Support Activities during National Case Management Week typically include banquets and recognition dinners, state and city proclamations, continuing education seminars, and other community events. Case Managers are typically honored with gifts, dinners, and flowers by friends and family members, coworkers such as doctors and administrators, and patients who want to show their appreciation. Please visit www.cmsa.org for more information.
Emerson Hospital President & CEO Christine Schuster named AHA Regional Policy Board Member, AHAPAC Most Valuable Player The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA), has named Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President & CEO of Emerson Hospital, to its Regional Policy Board for the New England region. Schuster was formally appointed at MHA’s annual meeting in June, where she also received the AHAPAC Most Valuable PAC Player Award for her leadership in encouraging participation in advocacy to benefit hospitals and patients. “The patients and communities served by Emerson Hospital have been fortunate to have Chris as their advocate, and now America’s hospitals will benefit from having Chris share her experience and insights as a healthcare leader in her new role as a member of AHA’s Regional Policy Board 1,” said John F. Barry, AHA’s Regional Executive for Region 1, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. AHA has nine Regional Policy Boards (RPBs) that meet three times a year to foster communication between and among the AHA, its members and state hospital associations. The RPBs provide input on public policy issues considered by the AHA Board of Trustees, serve as ad hoc policy development committees when appropriate, and identify needs unique to a region and assist in developing programs to meet those needs.
Schuster will serve on the Region 1 RPB. She is a resident of Sudbury, Massachusetts.
systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for healthcare leaders and is a source of information on healthcare issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA Web site at www.aha.org.
About the AHA The AHA is a not-for-profit association of healthcare provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes nearly 5,000 hospitals, healthcare
provided
About MHA The Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) is a voluntary,
not-for-profit organization comprised of hospitals and health systems, related organizations, and other members with a common interest in promoting the good health of the people of the Commonwealth. Through leadership in public advocacy, education, and information, MHA represents and advocates for the collective interests of its members and supports their efforts to provide high quality, cost effective and accessible care.
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Sept/Oct 2014
Hospital Newspaper - NE
Coverys welcomes Paul J. Desjardins, D.M.D., Ph.D., to its Board of Directors of global clinical research and medical affairs for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, senior vice president of global clinical and medical affairs at Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and executive vice president of clinical research operations at SCIREX Corporation. He also served as professor and as the associate dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Desjardins is the former chairperson for the Board of Advisors at Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine and is a member of several professional associations including the International Association for the Study of Pain; American Pain Society; and American Dental Association. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy from
and a Bachelor of Science from University of Rhode Island, School of Pharmacy, in Kingston, Rhode Island. Dr. Desjardins has his Dental Licensure in the State of New Jersey. For more information about Coverys, contact Loren LeVasseur, public relations specialist, at (617) 946-8665 or llevasseur@coverys.com. provided
Medical Professional Mutual Insurance Company (“ProMutual”), a Coverys company and a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance, is happy to welcome Paul J. Desjardins, D.M.D., Ph.D. to its board of directors, effective August 6, 2014. “Dr. Desjardins brings strong knowledge of strategic planning and experience in the healthcare industry which will be instrumental to the board of directors as Coverys continues to respond to the needs of the evolving industry,” said Brenda E. Richardson, chair of the Board of Directors for ProMutual. Dr. Desjardins has over 30 years of experience in healthcare, currently serving as the president of Desjardins Associates, LLC. Dr. Desjardins was previously the senior vice president
Paul J. Desjardins, D.M.D., Ph.D. Georgetown University, School of Medicine, in Washington D.C.; a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts;
About Coverys Coverys is the eighth largest medical professional liability insurance provider in the country based on direct written premium. Coverys member companies insure more than 25,000 physicians, dentists, and allied healthcare providers, as well as more than 500 hospitals, health centers and clinics in 27 states from coast to coast. Coverys has net admitted assets of $3.4 billion and direct
written premium of $363 million as of December 31, 2013. In addition, Coverys member insurance companies Medical Professional Mutual Insurance Company (“ProMutual”) and ProSelect Insurance Company, as well as ProMutual-sponsored Coverys RRG, Inc. have a Best’s Rating of A (Excellent). MHA Insurance Company and Washington Casualty Company have a Best’s Rating of A- (Excellent), while OHA Insurance Solutions, Inc. is not rated at this time. Coverys emphasizes physician education and patient safety, and the company is acknowledged as a leader in providing supportive risk management services and resolute claim defense to the healthcare community. For more information visit Coverys at www.coverys.com.
Dr. John Idoine joins Memorial Hospital Orthopedics practice John Idoine III, DO, has joined the orthopedic practice at Memorial Hospital, bringing his expertise in shoulder and elbow surgery to the Mt. Washington Valley. Dr. Idoine just completed a Fellowship in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. While there, he worked under the direct supervision of Reuben Gobezie, MD, Case Western Reserve University’s Chief of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and one of the country’s leading innovators in minimally invasive shoulder surgery. “My surgical specialties include both anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement procedures,” Dr. Idoine said, noting that the reverse surgery is a new procedure that will now be available locally. He said reverse shoulder replacements are very rewarding because they can successfully return motion and function to people with torn rotator cuffs. “This is a surgery that has seen many advances in the last five years,” he explained, pointing out that most patients experience significant improvement in their shoulder strength and range of motion within a few months after surgery. Born in Massachusetts and growing up in Ohio, Dr. Idoine’s original career plans were to move to Colorado and become a ski instructor. That’s exactly what he did after high school and, again, after he received a degree in economics with honors from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. However, a broken leg on the ski slopes and employment as a veterinary technician in Colorado provided a brand new direction for him.
“The two veterinarians really mentored me and encouraged me to return to school and pursue the sciences I would need to study medicine,” Dr. Idoine said. “And I decided that if I was going to study medicine, I wanted it to be human medicine. My outdoor interests – and the surgical repair of my broken leg – made orthopedics a natural specialty, so I headed back to Ohio for medical school.” Dr. Idoine received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2008, and completed his orthopedic surgical residency at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio in 2013. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association of Orthopedics. It’s clear that his recent Fellowship with Dr. Gobezie, Director of the Cleveland Shoulder Institute, was a life-changing clinical experience. “Dr. Gobezie is a world renowned surgeon and researcher,” Dr. Idoine said, “and I was very fortunate to train with him for the better part of a year. His work on cartilage restoration of the shoulder is going to be a game-changer for younger patients with degenerative arthritis.” Dr. Idoine rounded out his fellowship year with additional training at Crystal Clinic in Akron, Ohio with Dr. Robert Bell, current president of the American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons society. He also spent a month in Annecy, France with Dr. Laurent Lafosse, Chairman of the Alps Surgery Institute. Dr. Lafosse is widely recognized as a pioneer of
modern shoulder surgery and one of today's world leaders in arthroscopic shoulder reconstruction. Dr. Idoine has very favorable impressions of Memorial Hospital and the colleagues in his new practice. “This is a great community hospital, and I am really impressed with the facilities and everyone I’ve met,” he said. “It’s clear that every person on this staff cares about the quality of service they provide.” Dr. Idoine joins orthopedic surgeon Dr. Doug Taylor and sports medicine specialist Dr. James Glazer in serving the community's orthopedics needs at Memorial Hospital. Appointments can be made by calling the Orthopedics office at (603) 356-4949 ext. 2637. Additional information about all of Memorial Hospital’s clinical services and medical practices can be found at www.MemorialHospitalNH.org. About Memorial Hospital Memorial Hospital is a not-forprofit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in North Conway, NH, and is a member of the MaineHealth family. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health & wellness programs, family birthing center, sleep center, wound care and hyperbaric medicine center, and the Miranda Center for Diabetes. Physician practices include primary care and family medicine, women's health, orthopedics and sports medicine. The Merriman House, a 45-bed nursing home specializing in Alzheimer's and other memory disorders, is also located on the hospital campus.
Metro West Medical Billing P.O. Box 312 Hudson, MA 01749 Tel: (978) 562-4503 (888) 568-MWMB Fax: (978) 562-MWMB Fax: (978) 567-MWMB sue.ferguson@metrowestmedicalbilling.com
Let Metro West Medical Billing take care of your billing needs so you can save time and money focusing on what really matters; your customers Specializing in third party insurances: Aetna, Bankers Life & Casualty, BC/BS, Cigna, Fallon Community, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Humana, Medicaid, Medicare, MetLife, Tufts, UniCare, Unysis/MA Health, and all other major health insurance plans
Hospital Newspaper - NE Sept/Oct 2014
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Southcoast Health performs first TAVR procedure in Southeastern Massachusetts Southcoast® Health announced recently that it is the only healthcare system performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, in all of Southeastern Massachusetts. TAVR is a highlyspecialized valve replacement surgery that eliminates the need for open-heart surgery and gives new hope and relief from pain to highrisk patients with heart valve disease. With the introduction of TAVR, Southcoast Health further increases its vast array of cardiovascular services — open heart procedures, cardiac catheterizations, coronary angioplasty and cardiac implantable devices. The procedure is offered through the new Southcoast Structural Heart Program at Charlton Memorial Hospital. “TAVR specifically, and the Structural Heart Program in general, benefits patients with valve disease, congenital heart disease,
connective tissue disease and complex coronary disease,” said Margaret Ferrell, MD, Physicianin-Chief of Southcoast Health’s Cardiovascular Care Center. “Now, individuals afflicted with those kinds of conditions have local access to evaluation and treatment through a multidisciplinary service model at Southcoast.” TAVR is a minimally-invasive approach that uses catheters to replace a tight (stenotic) aortic valve. Once replaced, patients will often see symptom improvements and will live longer. The introduction of TAVR is a crucial advancement in care because many people dealing with stenotic aortic valves are elderly and can be high-risk surgical candidates because of other medical conditions. “Many of these patients would not have received therapy previously because the risks involved
with open-heart surgery were too high,” said Adam Saltzman, MD, Medical Director of the Structural Heart Program, and the leader of the TAVR team at Southcoast Health. “TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a new alternative to patients who desperately need a valve replacement. We’re seeing great results with our TAVR patients.” Dr. Saltzman, who is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology, began performing TAVR during his tenure at Massachusetts General Hospital and introduced the procedure at Southcoast Health. He is a specialist in catheter-based complex coronary interventions and valve procedures, as well as transcatheter therapies for congenital heart disease. Dr. Saltzman performs the procedure at Charlton Memorial Hospital in
tandem with Drs. James Fingleton, Iraklis Gerogiannis, Christopher Abadi, Franklin Schneider and Mitchel Sklar. “TAVR is another addition to a growing list of highly-advanced cardiac procedures that are being performed right here at Southcoast,” said Dr. Ferrell. “The talent level of the physicians on our TAVR team is second to none. People in Southeastern Massachusetts are now getting the same level of care as in Boston or Providence right in their own backyard.” Patients develop aortic stenosis (tightening of the aortic valve) as they age and as calcium builds up on their heart valve, restricting valve mobility, and preventing proper blood flow. It is believed that up to 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from aortic stenosis. Of that population, approximately 250,000 suffer from severe symptomatic aortic stenosis,
Breast Health Center at Kent to Host Breast Screenings Kent Hospital’s Cancer Program and the Breast Health Center at Kent are providing a breast health screening program which consists of a mammogram and clinical exam for women 40 and over. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kent Hospital is partnering with the RI Department of Health Women’s Cancer Screening Program to provide free breast health exams to women 40 and over who do not have insurance. The mammogram followed by the clinical exam will be performed at the Breast Health Center at Kent. Appointments can be scheduled starting in October 2014, by calling (401) 736-1988. All participants must be Rhode Island residents. The Breast Health Center at Kent draws on the expertise of specialtytrained physicians who are national leaders in breast health. This collaboration with Women & Infants Hospital enhances and broadens Kent Hospital’s commitment to providing its patients with access to the best possible care in this region. For more information log on to the website at www.kenthospital.org or call the Breast Health Center at 736-3737.
often developing debilitating symptoms such as chest pain, loss of consciousness and heart failure. The condition typically becomes severe in patients in their 70s, 80s and 90s who are often suffering from other medical conditions, making open-heart surgery too risky. Once symptoms develop, the mortality rate is 50 percent over two years. During a TAVR procedure a catheter is inserted into a patient’s body via an artery in the leg or between the ribs by the left breast. The catheter carries a balloon-expandable heart valve, which is advanced into the heart and placed inside the aortic valve. The balloon expands the new valve, compressing the diseased valve against the wall of the aorta, essentially taking its place and functioning as a new valve. Patients are typically in the hospital for three to five days after the procedure.
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Sept/Oct 2014
Hospital Newspaper - NE
Milford Regional uses robots to fight deadly germs Milford Regional Medical Center has introduced the latest innovation in the battle to eliminate super germs in patient rooms. Say hello to WALL-E and Rosie, the newest members of environmental services at Milford Regional. These germ-fighting robots have taken Milford Regional to a whole new dimension in combating deadly pathogens and multi-drug resistant organisms through the transmission of ultraviolet light. Resembling R2D2 from Star Wars, the Xenex disinfection device uses pulsed xenon ultraviolet (UV-C) light that is 25,000 times more powerful than sunlight to destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and even bacterial spores. Studies show that the Xenex system is consistently 20 times more effective than standard chemical cleaning practices and effective against a variety of the most dangerous superbugs, including Clostridium difficile endospores (C.diff), norovirus, influenza and staph bacteria like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA. It has been credited for helping healthcare facilities in the U.S. decrease their MRSA and C.diff infection rates by more than 50 percent. The environmental services staff couldn't be happier making WALL E and Rosie an important part of their daily cleaning regime. “Our team members are very excited to be using this kind of advanced technology in their daily work,” says Angel Ruiz, Milford Regional director of environmental services. “They feel very empowered because they can clearly see that they’re saving lives by preventing infections.”
In just five to 10 minutes, the device can disinfect a patient room, patient bathroom or operating room (OR) by washing over the surfaces with UV-C light where germs reside without leaving a chemical residue. To disinfect a room after standard cleaning procedures are complete, hospital team members wheel the Xenex robot into the room, begin the automated sequence, and then leave the room. For enhanced safety, a sign placed outside the door warns people not to enter, and a motion sensor automatically shuts off the machine if someone should enter. A huge advocate for the purchase of the Xenex system, Dr. Michael Newstein, Milford Regional's infectious diseases physician, recognizes the importance of adding this advanced technology to the Medical Center's arsenal of infection control products and procedures. “We already have a strong infection prevention program," he points out. "The Xenex technology allows us to be even more proactive in protecting the health of our patients and staff.” Milford Regional has been recognized for patient safety measures in the past, so it makes sense that the Medical Center is incorporating this very latest innovation in disinfecting technology to provide the best defense against acquired infections. “Patient safety is always our top priority," says Ed Kelly, Milford Regional president. "We are very excited to begin using the Xenex system to help bring us one step closer to eliminating hospital-acquired infections." provided
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Sept/Oct 2014
Hospital Newspaper - NE
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month The Women’s Breast Center at Stamford Hospital offers compassionate breast care supported by leading-edge technology and clinical excellence. We are proud to be the first comprehensive breast center in the region to offer 3-D tomosynthesis to all screening mammography patients for better detection and fewer callbacks. With convenient locations at the Tully Health Center and Darien Imaging Center, we welcome walk-ins and offer day, evening and weekend appointments. All patients seen during normal business hours receive their results before leaving the Center. Those who schedule evening or weekend appointments can expect to receive their results on the next business day. To schedule your mammogram today, please call 203.276.PINK (7465).
Join Us to Help “Paint the Town Pink!” Girls’ Night Out…With The Boys!
Treats & Treasures
An Evening with Broadway’s Frank Mastrone
Thursday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m.
United House Wrecking 535 Hope Street, Stamford
Italian Center, 1620 Newfield Ave., Stamford
For FFo or a full ffu ulllll calendar u ca c alen al end nda of events, visit PaintTheTownPinkStamford.org n
As part of Hope in Motion, an ongoing fundraising campaign to support the programs and services of the Bennett Cancer Center, all proceeds from Paint the Town Pink events will be used to help provide free screening mammograms for low income women who are uninsured. Paint the Town Pink is a registered trademark of Breast Cancer Network of Strength and is being used under license.