Janaury 9, 2020
New Year, New Name The Excela Health Bariatrics Center is now named the Excela Health Weight Management Center. This change comes as a result of adding a medical option for weight loss, Ideal Protein, to the existing menu of surgical weight loss procedures. Program director Jessica Stack states, “We felt changing the name to ‘Weight Management Center’ was a more accurate reflection of what happens here. We are educating patients on ways to manage their weight, and live a healthier life.” Excela Health employees are eligible for a discount on Ideal Protein services, click here for more details.
Flu Season is Upon Us According to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease, the current flu season is on track to be one of the worst in years. During the flu season, you may feel inclined to come to work when you are not feeling your best. While we strive to provide the highest standard of care for our patients at Excela Health, coming to work with an influenza-like illness poses more of a risk to those that we serve and our co-workers. If you are feeling under the weather and elect to come to work or are returning to work after having an influenza-like illness, we strongly recommend the following infection control workplace practices: • Don a surgical mask while at work utilizing the appropriate Mask Etiquette until your symptoms resolve • Strict hand hygiene • Cover your cough
Volunteer Highlight For years, Kathleen Dougherty worked with patients in her role as a nurse. Now retired, she continues to give back to her community as a front desk greeter at Excela Square at Latrobe. "At the front desk, I greet patients with a smile, guide them around the square and can help to calm their anxiety about their appointments." To learn more about volunteering at Excela Health click here.
Volume 3 Issue 2
In the news Cancer Clinic Now Open at Excela Square at Frick in Mount Pleasant “Over the past five years, Excela Health continued to build out the Frick complex to include more physician specialists in addition to the hospital and emergency department,” Read more. Blood Donated By Virginia Man Helps Victim In Pennsylvania Turnpike Crash “Mic Platt, from Virginia, was notified that his blood donation helped a victim who was transported to Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant.” Mass-casualty plans become reality as Western Pa. hospitals treat turnpike crash victims “Mass-casualty plans became reality for local hospitals as medical personnel scrambled to handle the influx of patients after the bus struck an embankment and flipped onto its side, creating what state police called a chain-reaction crash with tractor-trailers and a passenger vehicle.” Read more.
Unplug and Recharge Stress, anxiety and fear are all common emotions experienced by everyone. The Excela Health Well-Being Center offers free 15-minute sessions for visitors, families and employees so that they can unplug, relax and renew as you move through your day! View the 2020 Unplug and Recharge calendar by visiting the Well-Being Center on the Intranet. To request a customized program for your department or facility please contact Betty Minerva at 724-850-3159. You can also Unplug and Recharge on your own here:
Kudos & Recognition Thank you to all Excela Health We extend our thanks and appreciation for the tremendous team effort by staff and volunteers at all Excela Health Hospital campuses during this past Sunday’s tragedy. Excela Health Frick Hospital treated 31 patients and every staff member played a critical part. We are proud to extend the expertise of our staff, resources and technology not only to the residents of Westmoreland County but to those visiting and traveling through our area.
Dates to Know Ideal Protein The Excela Health Weight Management Center is now an independent authorized clinic for Ideal Protein, a structured diet intervention weight loss program. Attend an information session to learn more: • 1/29, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Westmoreland Hospital Visit the Bariatric Center Intranet page for more details.
daVinci Xi Open House Join us for a simulation of the latest advancements in robot-assisted surgery. You will also have an opportunity to test drive Excela Health’s newest robot model! • 1/17, noon to 4 p.m., Latrobe Hospital Excela Health surgeons will be onsite between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. for a live demonstration
Hernia Screening
Mall Walkers
Excela Health Surgical Specialists discuss the importance of diagnosing a hernia, risks, and latest treatments used for hernia repair. A free screening will be provided. Seating is limited to the first 50. • 1/18, 10 a.m., Excela Square Latrobe • 2/1, 10 a.m., Excela Square Norwin To reserve your spot click here.
Join Excela Health for its ninth year walking! January’s presentation topic is “Care Options Outside Your Home.” Make health your 2020 goal: • 1/23, 8 a.m., Westmoreland Mall Call 1-877-771-1234 to register and receive your free t-shirt.