THE PULSE OF HEALTH IN NORTHEAST TEXAS FALL–WINTER 2020/2021
Spotlight on Memory Care Introducing outpatient cognitive therapy at Hunt Regional
A first-person view inside the cardiac cath lab from local automotive teacher and robotics coach George Kroncke
LEARN MORE ABOUT PROVIDING COVID-19 CARE INSIDE THE ICU
HEALTH NEWS | EVENTS | FEATURE STORIES | UPDATES | A PUBLICATION OF HUNT REGIONAL HEALTHCARE
hb contents
FALL–WINTER 2020/2021
inside...
EDITORIAL
Lisa Hill - Executive Editor Chelbie Birdwell - Design Editor Joe & Emily Shipman - Photography
WHAT’S THE STORY?
04
Welcome to the new look of healthbeat! Have you got a story or feedback for the team?
Back on Her Own Two Feet
REACH US AT contact@huntregional.org
Destiny Shelton regains mobility after an extensive therapy process at Hunt Regional Medical Center
STAFF HRH Foundation Chair - Roz Lane HRH CEO - Richard Carter HRH Foundation Director - Lisa Hill
DISTRIBUTION For inquiries or questions regarding distribution please contact: 903.408.1064
ONLINE Follow us at: www.huntregional.org www.facebook.com/huntregional www.twitter.com/hunt_regional
2 / healthbeat /
08 P08 COGNITIVE THERAPY Learn more about outpatient memory assistance for patients with memory loss and other conditions
PLUS DON’T MISS ALL THIS
10 P10 BEATING A HEART ATTACK George Kroncke talks about his heart attack and recovery following stent placement by the cardiac cath lab
16 P16 BANDING TOGETHER ICU coordinator Jenny Balentine, BSN, RN discusses the importance of supporting one another during the COVID-19 pandemic
P09
Hydrotherapy: A new, gentler therapy option
P14
Spotlight on Emergencies: Don't delay care
P15
Calcium Scoring: A simple scan to identify heart risk
P23
Upcoming Events: What not to miss this season
P24
Director’s Notes: Foundation updates from Lisa Hill
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
T
o state the obvious, the last year has been an unusual time in healthcare. Certainly most of 2020 has been full of unexpected hardships for our country, our community, our patients, and our employees. I have never been more proud to be the leader of our organization and stand alongside our healthcare heroes. Through long, uncertain days, our employees have come together, encouraged one another, cared for others selflessly, and have put their own health on the line in the name of patient care. We are so thankful to serve a community that gives back. From PPE and food donations to prayers and other contributions, we have been blessed by
the outpouring of support from Hunt County residents. I would like to encourage you to continue practicing frequent handwashing, wearing a mask, and social distancing when possible. I would also like to remind you that our emergency rooms in Greenville, Commerce, and Quinlan are still available 24/7 to address your medical needs, as are our preventative, diagnostic, and surgical care services. Maintaining and checking-up on your health is more important than ever. I wish you and your family good health as we prepare for the next season. May the upcoming months bring us all a
muchdeserved respite. And should you need us, we’ll be right here, providing the same great care you’ve come to trust.
Richard Carter Chief Executive Officer
healthbeat: the pulse of health in northeast texas
P
64%
WELCOME
welcome
ublished by Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation in partnership with Hunt Regional Healthcare, healthbeat is a publication for friends and supporters of the Foundation. The goal of the publication is to increase awareness of healthcare advances, opportunities and challenges in the area. Staff members of the strategic marketing & communications department are responsible for the production of healthbeat. All material in this publication is the property of the publisher and is not intended for purposes of medical diagnosis or prescription. Please discuss your health with your doctor if you are considering a medical treatment, therapy or procedure. Stories may not be reprinted or copied without written permission from the publisher. Some photos may include models and may not represent actual patients or situations. Unless otherwise noted, the physicians featured in healthbeat have been granted staff privileges at Hunt Regional Healthcare facilities but may not be employees or agents of the hospital or the hospital district. Reader letters, suggestions and questions are welcome. Please call 903.408.1066 or write Editor, Office of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Hunt Regional Medical Center, P.O. Drawer 1059, Greenville, Texas 75403-1059. If you receive multiple copies of healthbeat, need to change your mailing address, or wish to be removed from our mailing list, please write to the address above and enclose a copy of the mailing label from your publication. This publication is neither printed nor distributed at taxpayer expense.
64% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) report that it negatively affects their quality of life due to symptoms such as shortness of breath and chronic coughing. If you've been diagnosed with a lung disease, our pulmonary rehabiliation program may be an option for you. SOURCE: CDC.GOV
/ healthbeat / 3
feature
“I don't think I would have done as well if I would have had staff that didn't communicate as effectively as they do” Destiny Shelton lay in a hospital bed for almost 7 months, uncertain if she’d ever reclaim the life she once had. She knew the illness which had brought her near death may have also killed any chance of a normal future with her two children. But what she didn’t know was that the therapy team at Hunt Regional deals in uncertainties all the time. And that they specialize in changing the future. A critical moment After undergoing weight-loss surgery at a metroplex hospital, Destiny Shelton hoped to regain the energy and confidence needed to live a full life with her two young children. Instead, complication after complication arose, leaving Destiny in and out of the hospital, never fully healing. Two months after her surgery, Destiny’s condition took a turn for the worse. While visiting her parents, she didn’t get out of bed for days; she stopped eating and eventually stopped responding at all. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Destiny’s parents called for emergency help. When she arrived at Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville, the emergency department staff discovered that Destiny was in 4 / healthbeat /
much worse shape than she or any of her family members knew. “I had two leaks in my stomach and one at the bottom of my esophagus. I was in septic shock, my organs and kidneys were shutting down, and one of my lungs had collapsed,” said Destiny. Critically ill, she was careflighted to Dallas where she would begin the fight for her life. Destiny had no idea at the time that it would be three months before she returned and that when she did, her journey would only be halfway through.
A long road home The life-saving measures performed by the medical
Destiny Shelton Mobilizing Harness OutpatientTherapy Services BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
feature teams at Hunt Regional and in Dallas had saved Destiny’s life. But her recovery was far from over and anything but easy. In fact, she was beginning to think that recovery might not happen at all. In September, Destiny returned to Hunt Regional Medical Center’s inpatient rehabilitation unit to begin intensive therapy to regain strength and mobility. “Because of my illness and time in the hospital bed, I lost a lot of muscle mass and wasn't able to walk,” she said. For three months, the physical and occupational therapists in the acute rehab department worked to help Destiny regain the ability to walk and ultimately return home. “The whole seventh floor was amazing the few months I was there,” said Destiny, recalling how they pushed her to stay focused on her goals. On December 20, Destiny was officially discharged. More than six months after she arrived at Hunt Regional by ambulance, she was headed home. It was time to begin the final stage of her recovery.
Regaining balance After discharge, Destiny began therapy at Hunt
Regional’s outpatient rehabilitation center. Part of her therapy program involved the use of a weight stability mobilizing harness, a newly added rehabilitation approach for improving gait and balance. “When they put me in the harness, that was one of the best things that they could have done for me. I was very unstable on my feet when we first began,” said Destiny. The tool allows patients to engage in activities requiring freedom of movement without the risk of fall or injury. “The first few times I was very unbalanced and it took me a little while to keep my grip. But once I got it down, there was an amazing change because I was able to pick up speed,” said Destiny. As her mobility increased, so did her momentum. When she progressed, Destiny’s therapy expanded to accommodate her new mobility. “We started throwing the ball back and forth to each other while I was connected to the weight-stabilizer. I loved being in that harness. I was able to keep myself balanced better and stand up straight instead of leaning forward,” she said.
SEPSIS
SWEATY SKIN
DISORIENTATION
SHIVERING
30% of SEVERE SEPSIS
HIGH HEART RATE
6 / healthbeat /
EXTREME PAIN
SHORT OF BREATH
PATIENTS DIE
feature Destiny says the relationships she built with the staff during her sessions have helped her heal.
will miss the friendships she has developed during her treatment.
“We'd talk and laugh and just act silly for a minute before we had to straighten up and get serious,” said Destiny.
“We have such a good time, and it really is going to be hard when all of this is over. I'm going to be happy because I'll have some normalcy, but when I have to say goodbye to everybody, it's really going to crush me because we've all gotten close. I enjoy them so much,” she said.
“The staff is absolutely amazing. I don't think I would have done as well if I would have had staff that didn't communicate as effectively as they do,” she said. Despite the negative circumstances which connected
After more than a year of health concerns, Destiny says she is overwhelmed with gratitude to be alive
“To know where I was compared to now,it's a wonderful change.” her with the therapy team in the first place, Destiny says her experience was decidedly positive. “They are great. The whole experience was amazing. From the seventh floor the few months I was there until I came down to do outpatient therapy, every one of them has been absolutely amazing,” she said.
Getting her life back Finally home in Caddo Mills, Destiny is still keeping up with her outpatient physical therapy routine, and is down to just two days a week. “Everything is going so good. Right now I’ve reached the point where I'm bending down to the ground and bringing myself back up with my feet, and in a few more weeks I'll be where I need to be,” she said.
and active in the lives of her two children. “They’re involved in football and cheer. Being able to function and walk on my own two feet—to be able to enjoy all this again makes me emotional. I appreciate it very much,” she said. Destiny says she can’t express enough how much the seventh floor rehab and outpatient rehab teams mean to her and that without their help, she wouldn’t be where she is today. “They got me to where I am now versus where I was so that I can be back with my kids,” she said. “To be able to get my life back and get back on track, I'm very appreciative and I'll always be grateful,” she said.
“To know where I was compared to now, it's a wonderful change,” she said.
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
Although she is eager to be 100%, Destiny says she
CALL: 903.408.1886
ONLINE: www.huntregional.org/rehab
/ healthbeat / 7
real health
Spotlight on memory:
COGNITIVE THERAPY CAN HELP WITH MEMORY LOSS If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a memory condition, or are experiencing difficulties thinking or communicating, cognitive therapy can help. 8 / healthbeat /
P
roblems with memory can be concerning and can lead to other medical issues like falls or forgetting to take medication. If you are experiencing memory impairment, trouble expressing your thoughts, have difficulty choosing the right words, or find yourself losing your train of thought, outpatient cognitive therapy can help. The outpatient cognitive therapy program at Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville helps patients regain or maintain memory skills lost due to a disorder, illness, or injury. Led by certified speech therapists, our cognitive therapy program creates memory tools based on the individual needs of each patient.
Our therapists use a variety of strategies which are practiced and repeated. Techniques include creating memory or habit books tailored to specific daily needs, list-making, visualization strategies, and more. There are several disorders and conditions that can cause memory problems. Examples include ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, depression, grief, cancer, aging, and other illnesses. Caregivers are welcome and may also benefit from viewing the therapy sessions. Our program is covered by Medicare and some private insurances. A physician referral is required. To learn more about your therapy options, call 903-408-1886 or visit www.huntregional.org/rehab.
feature
HYDROTHERAPY INTRODUCING H2O REHAB
H
unt Regional Medical Center in Greenville is now home to a brand new product in the field of hydrotherapy and rehabilitation. H2O for Fitness introduces the Mirage as an innovative hydrotherapy treadmill which boosts the recovery time for patients. Along with aquatic rehabilitation, the Mirage can also be used for fitness training and weight control. Hydrotherapy is defined as ‘the use of water to achieve therapeutic benefit and relaxation’. Formerly known as hydropathy, it involves the use of water for pain-relief and treating illness. The natural buoyancy
of water provides a low impact but high intensity workout which is especially important for patients in recovery mode. With adjustable water temperatures and water levels, the Mirage makes rehab, fitness training, pain management, or weight control a relaxing experience. The underwater treadmill helps people in need reach their fitness and rehabilitation goals without putting extra strain on joints and other parts of the body. Patients can increase strength and cardiovascular fitness with the ability to incline the treadmill chamber while exercising with the push of
Types of 3 Therapy
Therapy comes in a variety of formats according to each patient's needs. Among the three most common forms of rehabilitation programs are occupational, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy.
a button. The treadmill is also equipped with resistance jets which add to aquatic therapy, sports performance training, rehabilitation or deep tissue massage. To learn more about therapy options at Hunt Regional, visit huntregional.org/rehab.
Healing on your terms NEWLY RENOVATED THERAPY CENTER NOW OPEN
O
ur newly renovated outpatient rehab center is now open and scheduling patients. Hunt Regional’s physical therapists are trained in helping restore function and mobility after injury, arthritis, surgery, stroke, and other conditions.
A
Occupational Occupational therapy helps patients regain daily living as well as work skills. This includes grooming, dressing, and fine motor skills.
B
Physical Our physical therapists are trained in helping each patient restore his or her function and mobility as part of recovery following an injury, surgery, stroke, or ongoing condition.
C
Speech-Language Speech-language therapy helps patients restore communication and swallowing skills lost due to a disorder, illness or injury. The inability to express or understand language, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing are all common reasons to seek therapy.
Patients can come directly to their physical therapist without the delay of seeing a physician first and receive treatment for 10-15 days without a referral. If the therapist determines the patient needs longer treatment, patients can then visit their doctor and receive a referral for more extensive treatment. Call 903.408.1886 to schedule. / healthbeat / 9
George Kroncke Emergency Department & Cardiac Cath Lab BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
feature
“People need to know how lucky we are that we have the cath lab.” For Cheri and George Kroncke,Valentine’s Day 2020 is a day they will never forget, but it’s not for the reason you might think. Instead of a romantic evening at home, the Kronckes spent the night in the emergency room, preparing for a different kind of heart to heart. Message from the heart
On-screen tune-up
It’s true that on February 14, 2020, George Kroncke’s day centered on hearts. But it wasn’t the kind stamped with whimsical messages or one made of cardboard and filled with chocolate. It was a heart that was hindered by two blockages and desperately in need of blood flow.
When George arrived in the cardiac catheterization lab, he was met by Dr. Roger Belbel, interventional cardiologist, and the cath lab staff, who told George what to expect.
As George was mowing the yard late in the afternoon, he began to feel strange. Thinking he just needed to cool off, he decided to take a water break. “I felt kind of weird, so like a typical male, I went inside and sat down. I had a bottle of water and decided about 45 minutes later to go finish. I went back out and made it about two minutes before realizing something wasn’t right,” said George. When George’s wife arrived home, they debated on whether or not it was a true emergency. Thankfully, they chose correctly. Together, the Kronckes decided they needed to take action and sought medical care at Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville. “When you walk in at a relatively young age with heart issues, they take things seriously. They got me right back into a room, started hooking the EKG up, and began drawing blood,” said George. That’s when his suspicion that something was wrong was confirmed. George was having a heart attack.
“They were very upfront, which I like. I don't need anything sugarcoated,” said George. "He told me, ‘You're hoping that I have you on the table for 45 minutes to an hour and a half. That means that I can take care of whatever you need,’” recalls George. Knowing that a shorter procedure would mean his condition was more serious and would require surgery, George watched as Dr. Belbel began the process of examining his heart. Cardiac catheterization is used during a heart attack to eliminate blockages and restore normal blood flow to the heart. A cardiac cath does this by mapping out the inside of a heart’s arteries using advanced imaging technology. If an artery is blocked, a small balloon—or stent—is placed to allow blood flow to return to normal. While some patients might find the prospect of being awake while a doctor investigates your cardiac arteries unnerving, George found the process fascinating. / healthbeat / 11
feature
“I can't speak highly enough about the cath lab.It’s a hidden gem.” “There was zero pain. I'm very much a hands-on person when I teach, and I love technology so I found the cath lab very interesting. I could see the blockages and I could listen to them debate on what size stents to put in and how far they needed to put them,” said George. An automotive technology teacher at Greenville High School, George also serves as coach of the robotics and solar car teams. He even helped name “Dr. Wrangler,” Hunt Regional’s Stryker Mako orthopedic surgery robot. “He was obviously teaching someone, which I thought was great because that's the only way to
12 / healthbeat /
learn. They had to remind me multiple times to quit moving around because I thoroughly enjoyed watching it on the TV,” said George. Two of George’s arteries showed 99 and 90 percent blockage, requiring the placement of two stents. His decision to seek care had been the right one and had most likely saved his life.
Heart education Following the successful stenting, George stayed overnight to monitor his condition. During his stay, George met with nutrition specialist,
feature Alexandria Anderson, RD, LD, who gave him realistic tips for healthy living. “I really enjoyed meeting with the nutritionist. She came in and gave practical advice like taking my body type into consideration, using your wrist size, and having twice as many vegetables. She was very, very good,” said George. Nobody enjoys a stay in the hospital, but George says he is thankful for the care he received, from the original x-rays in the ER, to the cath lab, and the third floor medical staff. “The nurses on the third floor were phenomenal. Even the phlebotomists—I call them the vampires— were great. The care was outstanding,” said George. After a short rest, George began the work of
“Since the heart attack, I watch my diet. I try and stay away from the bad stuff unless it's a special occasion,” said George. “I walk a lot. That's key for me. So far I've had good checkups,” he said.
Care within reach Now almost nine months out, George is back in action and feeling good, teaching at GHS and enjoying his newly restored heart with his family. “I can't speak highly enough about the cath lab. It’s a hidden gem,” said George. Although the process is not one he wishes to relive, George says he is thankful that the cardiopulmonary team—and the cath lab in particular—were there
“Not having to get transported to Dallas was priceless.” strengthening his heart through the Mary Rich-Lynch Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Hunt Regional Medical Center. “The ladies in the rehab center, especially Elizabeth and Heather, are exceptional. The monitoring and their care was great. I have nothing but great things to say about them,” said George. The outpatient program, which is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), includes up to 12 weeks of physician-supervised exercise and education sessions which help patients adapt to a new, healthier lifestyle and make lasting changes to reduce the risk of future heart problems.
when he needed them. “I'm a longtime Greenville boy and have been in Greenville for 41 years. People need to know how lucky we are that we have the cath lab and the doctors along with the technicians. Not having to get transported to Dallas and getting that fixed at home was priceless,” said George. “The cath lab was and is a hidden treasure,” he said.
LEARN MORE ONLINE: www.huntregional.org/cath CALL: 903.408.5000
/ healthbeat / 13
real health
Spotlight on emergencies: DON'T DELAY SEEKING EMERGENCY CARE
The emergency room is available 24/7 to address medical needs. Not only should patients not fear emergency rooms, delaying treatment for medical emergencies can have longlasting effects or even be fatal. 14 / healthbeat /
D
uring the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency rooms have seen a concerning decrease in patients seeking help for serious non-COVID issues, such as heart attack, stroke, and abdominal pain. The emergency room physicians at Hunt Regional Healthcare say ignoring a true emergency can result in serious—often preventable—complications, or even death. “Emergency care received in a timely manner could save a patient's life in a medical emergency, and it is important to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment early in the course of illness. Every minute that you delay, the likelihood of having a worse outcome increases,” said Dr. Ryan Randles, trauma medical director for Hunt Regional Medical Center. Precautions are being taken
throughout all Hunt Regional Healthcare emergency facilities—including our fullservice emergency rooms in Commerce and Quinlan—to isolate patients with COVID-19 symptoms and prevent exposing other patients to possible infection. “Our ERs continue to deliver the highest level of care for all medical conditions. Not only will Hunt Regional providers do everything they can to treat your illness or injury, they will do everything they can to protect you and the community from COVID-19,” said Randles. It is important for patients experiencing signs of an emergency, such as heart attack or stroke, to call 911 or seek care at the nearest ER immediately. Under no circumstance should you avoid going to the ER or calling 911 if you feel that your symptoms are truly serious.
feature
1, , 2 3...
CARDIO CARE
Every
H
Counts
ECHO TEAM EARNS ACCREDITATION unt Regional Medical Center in Greenville has been granted an additional three-year term of accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in the area of adult transthoracic echocardiography. This latest accreditation demonstrates the facility’s ongoing commitment to providing quality patient care in echocardiography. IAC accreditation is a seal of approval that patients can rely on as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement. Performed on-site in our cardiovascular services center, an echocardiogram is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that allows for diagnostic imaging of the heart and chest cavity
without a hospital stay. Echocardiography can detect heart disease or signs of serious conditions. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, followed closely by stroke as the fourth highest cause of death. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 2,150 Americans die each day from cardiovascular disease which amounts to about one every 40 seconds. There are many factors that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on echocardiography. The training and experience of the sonographer performing the procedure and the type of equipment used all contribute to a positive patient outcome.
Second
Know the facts about the importance of seeking quality care during a heart attack.
A Accreditation by IAC indicates that Hunt Regional Medical Center has undergone an intensive application and review process by a panel of medical experts and is found to be in compliance with the published standards.
We restore bloodflow 28 minutes faster than the national average of 60 minutes. That's 1680 extra seconds of saved heart muscle. Cath lab physicians usually resolve blockages placing a stent—a tubular support rod that keeps the artery open, sometimes with the help of a balloon.
B
IDENTIFY YOUR HEART ATTACK RISK WITH A SIMPLE SCAN
D
o you know if your score is in the danger level? Have you heard from family and friends who discovered hidden heart disease? Now you can identify blockage before a heart attack hits with a simple, non-invasive CT scan.
FACT: Saving lives is what we do. Not all cath labs are created equal. Our cath lab treats over 100 heart attacks and inserts more than 50 pacemakers each year. During a heart attack, you should call 911 or seek help at the nearest emergency room.
To learn more, visit huntregional.org/ cardiopulmonary.
Calcium scoring
FACT: Time is muscle.
C
FACT:You can treat blockages before a heart attack occurs. We provide 24/7/365 coverage to handle emergencies. But we're also here to prevent them. Our cath lab handles scheduled interventional and diagnostic procedures to detect and stop heart problems.
If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risk factors, you may be at increased risk. A cardiac CT scan for calcium is a noninvasive way of identifying the extent of plaque in the coronary arteries. The exam is fast, pain-free, and doesn’t require an IV or contrast. And, you don’t have to have a referral from a physician. Simply call 903-408-5010 to schedule. / healthbeat / 15
feature
“The community has provided the utmost respect and appreciation for the nursing field.” ICU coordinator Jenny Balentine, BSN, RN, shares a glimpse inside the intensive care unit at Hunt Regional Medical Center and new challenges they've overcome as a result of COVID-19. Inside the ICU With regular disaster drills, intense training, continuing education, and rigorous state and national standards, our staff prides itself on being prepared to provide care in any situation. However, being prepared and being ready are two very different things. When the novel coronavirus took the world by surprise this year, our organization acted quickly, implementing safety procedures and new policies to protect our patients, staff, and community. Working in a healthcare setting requires thinking on your feet and cooperation between dozens of departments. But adapting to a global pandemic has required flexibility and strength beyond the normal scope of practice. No amount of preparedness can numb the pain of saying goodbye to an ICU patient, who despite exhaustive resources, was unable to be saved. Or quell the exhaustion of a day spent in head to toe PPE equipment while providing care to scared, sick patients. 16 / healthbeat /
Jenny Balentine, BSN, RN, ICU coordinator, says she has seen her department pull together and rise to accommodate patient needs. “The ICU staff has truly been amazing in adapting to change. Change occurs everyday, whether it be in a policy, which type of N95 mask is in stock, to what type of gown will be provided for PPE that day,” said Jenny. “The nurses are constantly reading evidence-based literature and making a collaborative effort with the doctors to provide the best care for their patients,” she said. Perhaps the most publicized part of COVID treatment is the isolation. For families of patients, nurses have taken on the extra role of counselor, comforting patients and families while they are apart. “One of the most difficult parts of caring for a COVID patient is watching them watch their loved one from a window. The family must watch from outside the glass door while the nurses comfort them,” said Jenny.
Care during COVID Employees on the Frontlines BY CHELBIE BIRDWELL
/ healthbeat / 17
feature As difficult as it is for family members, it is perhaps equally as hard for the medical team that develops close relationships with patients and families. “The ICU takes care of very sick individuals, but we do not do this long-term, as we are an acute care unit. Since COVID, we have had many patients stay for three weeks and even over a month. That patient became our family also,” she said.
Community support The mental health of frontline workers—dubbed healthcare heroes—has been at the forefront of healthcare discussions. Anxiety, depression, and fatigue have been commonly reported, yet these heroes press on, performing their jobs with an unexplainable strength. “We like to see improvement, but when you try over and over to fix someone only to watch them decline it starts getting depressing,” said Jenny. Even in the midst of difficulty, the outpouring of community support has helped strengthen the resolve of Hunt Regional employees. Jenny says she has been inspired by the response from the community. “The community has provided the utmost respect and appreciation for the nursing field. In this field, we know we make a difference, but the appreciation has
14 / healthbeat /
never been displayed in this manner,” said Jenny. Hunt County individuals and businesses have provided food, personal protective equipment, monetary donations, and messages of encouragement for Hunt Regional employees. “We have absolutely felt the love from Hunt County,” said Jenny.
United by crisis More than just the community, every department has stepped up to the demands of COVID-19 care. PPE shortages, constantly changing government recommendations, and expanding therapeutic treatments have required our medical staff to constantly adjust their routines and their expectations. When our healthcare system was unable to acquire COVID-19 testing kits in the marketplace due to short supply, our lab staff created alternative swabs in accordance with CDC guidelines to provide our physicians and patients with the tests they needed. When mask shortages hit, our mask reprocessing team made it possible to protect our staff from COVID-19 with N95 masks, the recommended respirator level. By performing UV disinfection, we have been able to provide every clinical staff member with the best protection, extend our PPE supply, and keep our employees safe and healthy so that we can
feature
continue to provide outstanding care to our patients. From the supply chain team, surgery, and inpatient units to our support staff, infection control, and screeners, every department has answered the call in a critical time of need. As we move health forward, we look to the future with continued readiness and a plan for any contingency. While we encourage community members to take COVID-19 seriously, it’s also important to know that
handwashing, wearing a mask, and social distancing as much as possible.
A hopeful future On the brink of a new year, Jenny says she is optimistic about the future and believes we will continue to make progress in the fight against COVID. “I am hopeful we will gain more information about this virus and better pinpoint the appropriate plan of care to improve this disease process,” she said.
“We have absolutely felt the love from Hunt County.” most people experience mild symptoms and are able to recover at home. We are providing safe care through CDCrecommended practices, stringent around-theclock disinfecting, monitoring of employee health and symptom-checks, and testing before elective procedures. It’s also important to remember that the best protection from COVID-19 is still frequent
Our organization is strong. Our nurses are resilient. Our support staff is dedicated to improving the patient experience. COVID-19 may not be going away any time soon. But neither is hope. And neither are we. MASK PHOTOS BY DR. EYAD ZONJY ONLINE: www.huntregional.org/ourservices CALL: 903.408.5000
/ healthbeat / 19
IN MEMORIAM:
HUNT REGIONAL HEALTHCARE REMEMBERS THE FRIENDS WE LOVE AND MISS
NANCY BROWN - GREENVILLE VOLUNTEER ADDIE ETHRIDGE - GREENVILLE VOLUNTEER NONA HATCHER - GREENVILLE VOLUNTEER RHEBA ICENHOWER - COMMERCE VOLUNTEER CONNIE LEWIS - FORMER EMPLOYEE CATHY MAYABB - FORMER EMPLOYEE ALETTA MILLER - FORMER EMPLOYEE DAVE PRICE - EMPLOYEE JOHN REYNOLDS - FORMER HOSPITAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER
events
season events this
CHECK OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HEALTHCARE THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
NOVEMBER
at diagnosis. Hunt Regional’s ACR-designated Lung Cancer Screening Centers offer a fast and easy lung cancer screening that can detect cancer before it becomes symptomatic.
Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her own chance of having a healthy baby by taking a vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day and by
MORE INFORMATION: www.huntregional.org/imaging
BIRTH DEFECTS PREVENTION MONTH
seeking pre-natal care. Should your baby need advanced care after birth, the Truett & Margaret Crim Maternity Center is home to the area’s only Level III NICU.
NOVEMBER 18-24
GERD AWARENESS WEEK GERD is more than just heartburn. Damage caused by GERD can lead to serious medical problems such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), narrowing of the esophagus (strictures), and Barrett’s esophagus or cancer. Our Bravo reflux testing system is a minimally invasive test for evaluation of heartburn or
DIABETES MONTH If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, the Diabetes Self-Management Center at Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville is here to help. Our team provides education, nutrition guidance, weight-loss counseling, and tips for healthy living. Our certified experts help patients develop an effective treatment plan for Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. READ MORE: www.huntregional.org/diabetes FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 903.408.5130
NATIONAL HANDWASHING AWARENESS WEEK
NOVEMBER
Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined and nearly half of all cases are in the most advanced stage
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER 1-7
LEARN MORE: www.huntregional.org/maternitycenter
LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
featured event
related symptoms. This tool helps make an accurate diagnosis so you can be treated effectively with medications or surgery. LEARN MORE: www.huntregional.org/BRAVO
Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. Now, more than ever, it's important to frequently practice correct handwashing. Experts recommend washing your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. Be sure to get a good
lather going and clean the back of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails. LEARN MORE: www.cdc.gov/handwashing
Notes
FROM FOUNDATION DIRECTOR LISA HILL
A
s 2020 draws to a close and I reflect back on this unprecedented year, the word that comes to me most is thankful. It may seem odd to be thankful considering all we have experienced in 2020 so I’d like to share my thoughts. First, I could not be more thankful for the outpouring of support we have received at Hunt Regional Healthcare from the community during this time. So many have donated PPE, masks for our non-clinical workers, food and snacks for our staff, sent encouraging cards and letters, and even chalked our sidewalks with messages and inspiration. When many of our frontline clinical workers might have been dreading their day, these things could very well have been the boost needed to carry on. Second, to all who participated and donated during our two Hunt
Regional Healthcare Foundation events, the UnGala and Bras for the Cause, I am extremely thankful for your participation. Because of your help we were able to complete much-needed projects in our maternity center, surgery center, and Janice’s Closet. As many healthcare organizations have struggled to stay open, I am thankful that Hunt Regional’s administrative leadership and board of directors have managed the situation well. Because of their forethought, we were prepared and have fared better than many of our peers. Personally, I’m thankful that no one I know has been touched by COVID, and I am grateful that locally we have the resources to treat those who have been. Finally, I’m thankful to see 2020 come to a close and I pray for a healthier 2021 for us all.
Sincerely,
Lisa Hill, Director Hunt Regional Healthcare Foundation / healthbeat / 23
T
A i c a a G
H
