ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS FALL/WINTER 2010
Care for Mom and Baby– In One Place page 2 Surviving Neonatal Surgery page Going Extra Miles: AirLife Denver page 10
A Health Publication for Parents
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Special Deliveries pa g e 3
Reginald Washington, MD, FAAP, FACC, FAHA Chief Medical Officer Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
Coordinated Care for Mother and Child—In One Place When parents learn that they are expecting a new baby, the hope is that the mother will do well during her pregnancy and that the baby will be healthy. We know, however, that complications can occur—due either to the health of the mother or the baby, or both. In a high-risk pregnancy, there are two patients who need care: the mother and her unborn child. That’s when high-risk obstetrical specialists, known as perinatologists, becomes a vital part of the mother’s health care team. Doctors and hospital staff in the HealthONE system have the most experience with high-risk pregnancies in the region. These services for high-risk obstetrical patients include specialty care for the mother as well as the highest level of neonatal intensive care for premature
RMHC at P/SL is now open at 19th and High, with a 24/7 pediatricstaffed Emergency Department.
2 Rocky Mountain Kids | fall/winter 2010
or ill newborns. By providing this coordinated care in our hospitals, pregnant women have the comfort of knowing that their medical needs will be closely managed by a team of physician specialists, nursing staff and all the other highly skilled medical professionals who have experience working together in the same hospital. Sometimes high-risk obstetrical patients can continue their care at their “home hospitals,” while at other times they need the highly specialized monitoring, technology and services available at a regional hospital such as Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s (P/SL). Our partners in this team approach to high-risk obstetrics and neonatal intensive care are perinatologists and neonatologists who are among the most experienced and skilled in their respective fields. But more importantly, because of
their experience working together, they communicate and coordinate care rapidly and effectively for both mother and child. Women throughout the Rocky Mountain region look to hospitals in HealthONE for superior obstetrical services and the delivery of healthy babies. When healthy pregnancies become complicated, women can also be reassured that all the services they need for themselves and their babies are immediately available in the same system. I hope that you enjoy reading some of the heartwarming stories about the mothers and their children who have benefited from our experience and expertise.
Reginald Washington, MD
State-of-the-art operating room at RMHC at P/SL.
Special Deliveries Colorado’s leading maternal-fetal specialist is dedicated to caring for mothers with high-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancies require special care. Fortunately, moms and babies with special needs in the Denver-metro area can turn to Richard Porreco, MD, an internationally recognized perinatologist (maternal-fetal specialist) and director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, at Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center, who has delivered more than 10,000 babies over the years—many of them involving high-risk pregnancies. Experienced Teams, Latest Technology Common complications, such as gestational diabetes, often can be managed by traditional providers and hospitals, but high-risk pregnancies—including early labor pregnancies where the mother is carrying more than one fetus and where either the mother’s or the infant’s health is threatened—require specialists with experienced teams who have access to the latest medical technology. “Over the last two decades, our ability to identify high-risk mothers and infants has improved dramatically,” Dr. Porreco explains. “It’s imperative we identify medical problems ahead of time so we can provide the care that’s needed.” In this regard, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC) at Presbyterian/ St. Luke's Medical Center (P/SL) is the only facility for mothers and children in the region that has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staffed 24 hours a day. The board-certified neonatologists specialize in: • Resuscitation • Assisted breathing • Surgery for newborns requiring advanced medical care
In addition, RMHC at P/SL has 300 affiliated physicians practicing in 40 pediatric specialties, including pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology and surgery. The maternal-fetal team can offer high-risk mothers the following services: • Reproductive genetic counseling • Comprehensive fetal evaluations • Targeted ultrasound evaluation, including Doppler velocity studies, fetal echocardiography and 4-D imaging
the baby—in the same facility is something the hospital and staff are really good at. “At RMHC at P/SL, we are a team—the doctors, the specialists, the nurses, the imaging technicians—everyone contributes, everyone has a role to play in the safety and well-being of the mothers and infants we care for,” he explains. “As a result of the high level of our multidisciplinary capabilities, we are able to manage virtually any condition or health issue that arises for a mother, fetus or newborn.”
Maternal-Neonatal Care Crucial Dr. Porreco also insists RMHC at P/SL’s unique ability to care for and closely monitor two at-risk patients—the mom and
”RMHC at P/SL’s unique ability to care for and closely monitor two at-risk patients—the mom and the baby—in the same facility is something the hospital and staff are really good at.”
Dr. Porreco with one of his many “special deliveries.”
—Richard Porreco, MD www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 3
Surviving Neonatal Surgery Just the beginning for a Highlands Ranch bouncing baby boy After their first child, Evan, was born following a normal pregnancy, Jennifer and Jon Badding of Highlands Ranch expected more of the same when Jennifer’s second pregnancy came around. That dream came to an end when a routine ultrasound at Jennifer’s 13-week checkup picked up an abnormality. RMHC at P/SL the Place to Go Upset by the news, Jennifer was referred to maternal-fetal specialist Richard Porreco, MD, director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center. “He saw me right away and immediately knew what was going on,” Jennifer explains. “He said the baby had an obstructed bladder that needed immediate attention. Right there in the office, he inserted a needle into my belly and extracted the urine.” As crucial as the extraction was, it was only the first step in Ian’s treatment for a bladder obstruction that would be life threatening if left untreated. Dr. Porreco told the Baddings the baby was a good candidate for the insertion of a small shunt into his bladder while he was in the womb. In Good Hands “When it all started, it was pretty disheartening not knowing what was going on, but once we met Dr. Porreco, we immediately felt like we were in good hands,” Jon says. “We were so grateful to have someone of his knowledge and experience.” Jennifer’s water broke at 18 weeks, and at 24 weeks she checked into Presbyterian/St. Luke’s, where she spent the rest of her pregnancy on complete bed rest. 4 Rocky Mountain Kids | fall/winter 2010
”We knew Ian would be born early, and I wanted to be where both he and I would have the best care available.” —Jennifer Badding
“The biggest factor that led us to P/SL was the high-level NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit]. We knew Ian would be born early, and I wanted to be where both he and I would have the best care available,” Jennifer explains. After five weeks in the hospital, Jennifer went into labor on April 29, 2009. Weighing just 2.5 pounds at birth, Ian was rushed from the delivery room to the NICU, where he stayed for a little more than three months. On July 4, having reached a sound 5.5 pounds, he went home. Growing and Thriving Since then, Ian has had two follow-up surgeries and is currently wearing a cast to treat hip dysplasia that occurred in the womb. Even so, his prognosis is excellent. “Ian is doing great—he’s a healthy 19-pound baby who is growing and thriving and moving forward,” Jennifer says. “And despite all he’s going through, he’s happy and peaceful.”
Caring for Your Child’s Concussion Ski, Sled, Skate and Snowboard Safely
A concussion is a change in the way the brain functions that results from an injury to the head.
• Ringing in the ears • Loss of consciousness, even if only for a few seconds
What to Look For Some of the immediate signs of a concussion include: • Blank stare • Responding slowly to questions • Confusion • Slurred speech • Stumbling when walking
What to Do Parents should contact a hospital or doctor immediately if their child has lost consciousness for any amount of time or if any other symptoms get worse or start up days or weeks later. Otherwise, rest is the only way to care for a mild concussion.
Be Cautious With Concussions All kids who suffer concussions need the support of a multidisciplinary team that includes the athletes, their parents, school personnel, coaches and medical professionals. “Kids should not resume sports until their symptoms are gone completely, and then their participation should increase gradually,” says Karen McAvoy, PsyD, director of the Center for Concussion at the Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute, a program of Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/ St. Luke's Medical Center. “Those who have one concussion are three to six times more likely to suffer a second concussion.” Dr. McAvoy has written a REAP (Reduce, Educate, Accommodate, Pace) Manual outlining a six-step plan to manage concussions in children, adolescents and teens. To download the manual, visit www.youthsportsmed.com.
Young athletes should take steps to stay safe on the slopes or the ice this winter: • Strap on a well-fitting helmet and wear other safety gear. • Take lessons to learn proper form and how to fall safely. • Use the right equipment and make sure it’s working properly. • Quit when you’re tired. • Wear sunscreen.
Getting Young Athletes Back in the Game Specialists at the new Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute provide an unparalleled level of care to young athletes suffering with sports-related injuries. “Kids don’t always bounce back from injuries as quickly as many people think, and they often require a different type of care than adults do,” says K. Brooke Pengel, MD, medical director. “Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to helping kids heal so they can continue to enjoy sports safely.” “The Institute is one of only a handful of facilities across the nation with a comprehensive pediatric sports medicine program,” says John Polousky, MD, surgical director. “We not only treat kids’ injuries, we also focus on injury prevention, community education and research.” For more information, visit www.youthsportsmed.com. www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 9
Going Extra Miles to Get Patients the Care They Need Expectant moms don’t have to live in Denver to have access to some of the best specialty care available. AirLife Denver— HealthONE’s medical transport service—has the only dedicated obstetrical (OB) flight team in the Denver area. The team transports patients with pregnancy-related complications to the Center for Maternal-Fetal Care at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center. “We’re available around the clock to help women who have preeclampsia, preterm labor, gestational diabetes or other medical conditions that affect their pregnancies,” says Susan Tishendorf, RN, high-risk OB flight nurse/coordinator. She has been a member of AirLife for 14 years. Air and Land Transportation AirLife has three helicopters, two Learjets and two ambulances that travel within a 500-mile radius of Denver to patients who live in remote areas or are in hospitals that don’t offer services for high-risk pregnancies. “Many facilities don’t have the staff, facilities or technology to treat expectant moms coping with medical conditions,” Tishendorf says. “I grew up in a small town of 900 people, so I relate to patients in rural communities. I treat them as if they ”Our goal is to get pregnant women to Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at P/SL before they deliver.” —Susan Tishendorf, RN High-Risk OB Flight Nurse/Coordinator
The AirLife Denver Team
are part of my own family and do everything I can to get them the right medical services. I know that without proper treatment, the lives of the moms and their babies are at risk.” Expert OB Care The team for each trip includes one of AirLife’s seven OB nurses and another registered nurse (RN) who specializes in emergency or critical care. Richard Porreco, MD, the center’s medical director, is available for consultations as needed. “It’s important to have OB nurses caring for pregnant patients,” Tishendorf says. “Safety is our first consideration. Babies have better outcomes when they’re delivered at the hospital, where they’ll receive care after birth. But we have to make sure patients are stable enough to travel. Our goal is to get pregnant women to Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at P/SL before they deliver.” Helping Children Thrive If a mother delivers before she’s transferred, the OB flight team helps stabilize the newborn until an AirLife neonatal flight team arrives to take the infant to the hospital. AirLife’s 12-member neonatal team is comprised of neonatal nurse practitioners, RNs and respiratory therapists. Team members travel within the coverage area to provide care to very sick infants, toddlers, children and adolescents during their trip to Denver.
AirLife Denver: Best in the World! AirLife Denver was recently selected by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) as “Air Medical Program of the Year.” AirLife Denver outshined hundreds of other medical flight programs around the world for this prestigious honor. The AAMS Air Medical Program of the Year award recognizes an emergency medical program that demonstrates the highest caliber of patient care, management expertise, strong leadership, exceptional customer service, supreme quality and safety, marketing ingenuity, service to the community, and commitment to the medical transport community. With bases at Swedish, P/SL, Sky Ridge, The Medical Center of Aurora North and the Frederick-Firestone fire station, AirLife Denver is the Emergency Medical/Critical Care Transport Service of HealthONE and provides air and 10 Rocky Mountain Kids | fall/winter 2010
ground critical care transport for both adult and pediatric medical/trauma patients. HealthONE and Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children extend congratulations to the 120 AirLife Denver Team members and thank them for all their hard work. And we encourage you to look up and look around—you’ll undoubtedly see the blue and sonic green flight suits, helicopters, critical care ambulances, Learjets, and all the wonderful people that make up AirLife Denver.
news & events from
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at... Sky Ridge Medical Center Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. Essentials Workshop
Two hours—$20 (includes workbook). For parents and caregivers with children ages 3 to 12 years old. This one-time, two-hour interactive workshop provides simple, effective, practical and fun tools and information that will help you create and maintain a healthy lifestyle for your entire family that they will enjoy. Classes are held in the Sky Ridge Medical Center Board Room, Garden Level, 10101 Ridge Gate Parkway in Lone Tree. For class dates and times, more information, or to register, call 720-225-5362 or visit www.skyridgemedcenter.com.
Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center Parent Education Classes To register for classes, call 87-PSL-Cares (877-752-2737)
• Baby 101: Understanding Your Newborn One three-hour session, $40 Thursday, December 9, 2010, 6 p.m. Saturday, January 15, 2011, 9 a.m. • Infant Safety One three-hour session Wednesday, December 8, 2010, 6 p.m., $50 (includes CPR book) Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 6 p.m., $55 (includes CPR book) • Boot Camp for New Dads One three-hour session, $40 Thursday, January 13, 2011, 6 a.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011, 6 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at P/SL Exceptional Images Mean Outstanding Care
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s is the first facility in Colorado equipped with the Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., Aquilion® ONE—the only 320-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner available. CT scanners use special X-rays to create detailed 3-D pictures of structures inside the body. “The Aquilion ONE takes CT scanning to a new level,” says David Fanning, director of Radiology. “We’re able to take high-resolution images of one organ or an entire anatomical area in a child with just one rotation of the scanner.” The new system was designed to meet the special needs of kids who are more sensitive to radiation exposure and have smaller blood vessels, less body fat and lower body density than adult
patients do. It includes Toshiba’s SUREExposure™ Pediatric software, which tailors the radiation dose based on the child’s size and age and the type of exam. Children receive the lowest radiation dose needed to produce high-quality images.
Rose Medical Center Rose Medical Center proudly announces the arrival of the newest “Rose Baby”—the new Rose Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Opening in late November, this new NICU features private rooms for each family, state-of-the art design and brand new, cutting-edge equipment, allowing for the best care for our most precious Rose Babies. To learn more, go to www.rosebabies.com. Introducing HypnoBirthing® Preparation Classes at Rose Medical Center. This program teaches new mothers how to call upon their bodies’ own natural relaxants and thus lessen, or even eliminate, discomfort and the need for medication. Through self-hypnosis, special breathing and visualization, HypnoBirthing teaches mothers how to trust their bodies and work with them. To learn more, go to www.rosebabies.com.
North Suburban Medical Center Congratulations to North Suburban Medical Center Celebrating 25 Years of Medicine At the heart of all that matters are people—connected in purpose. North Suburban Medical Center’s doctors, nurses and employees are committed to changing lives. For 25 years, they have been providing excellent care to patients when they are most at risk.
The Medical Center of Aurora The Medical Center of Aurora recently received two prestigious awards: the GWTG Stroke Silver Performance Achievement Award for quality stroke care and the GWTG Gold Performance Achievement Award for quality cardiac care. These awards recognize hospitals that have excellent— 85 percent or better—performance rates in treating cardiac and stroke patients.
www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 11
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Rocky Mountain Kids is published by Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s family of hospitals from HealthONE. The information is intended to educate the public about subjects pertinent to their heath, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Beverly Petry Editor Rocky Mountain Kids welcomes feedback from our readers. To offer feedback, please go to www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com and click on "Contact Us." ©2010 Rocky Mountain Kids. All Rights Reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only.
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First Call for Children ®
Our nurse advice line has the answers to your after-hours questions.
303-563-3300 (Out of Denver area call toll-free 877-647-7440.)
Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center 19th Avenue and High Street Denver, CO 80218 ER: 303-563-3111
The Medical Center of Aurora Potomac and Mississippi Aurora, CO 80012 ER: 303-695-2780
Centennial Medical Center Arapahoe and Jordan Centennial, CO 80112 303-699-3040
North Suburban Medical Center Grant and Thornton Parkway Thornton, CO 80229 ER: 303-450-4519
Rose Medical Center 9th and Clermont Denver, CO 80220 ER: 303-320-2455
Sky Ridge Medical Center I-25 and Lincoln Lone Tree, CO 80124 ER: 720-225-1900
Swedish Medical Center
For medical emergencies, ALWAYS call 911. Open Monday–Friday, 5 p.m.–8 a.m. 24 Hours on Weekends and Holidays
Hampden and Logan (three blocks east of Broadway) Englewood, CO 80113 ER: 303-788-6911
Swedish SW ER
Wadsworth and Bowles Littleton, CO 80123 303-932-6911
Have Fun This Winter! Be one of the first 500 applicants to request a FREE Snowman Kit to add to your children’s fun in the snow. To apply, go to our website, www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com. Offer available to the first 500 applicants in the four-state region only (Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas). 10334M