Memorial Medical Milestones -- 2020, Issue 1

memorial

Medical Milestones 2020 • Issue 1

Page 10

To our community COVID-19 has brought with it new challenges and an interruption into life, as we know it throughout our community and the health care systems that serve you. Our patient and visitation procedures are ever evolving in this fight. We will continue to update our community on Memorial’s response and protocols throughout our facilities.

Larry Graham President & CEO Lake Charles Memorial Health System

Our staff and nurses follow the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations to keep them and our patients safe. If you happen to find yourself in our facilities, you will notice things move a little differently during this time. As we continue to move forward to combat the spread of this disease, we ask for your patience and understanding during this time.

In the meantime, we ask the public to heed the advice of our community and state leaders, and follow the instructions they pass on. The public is the most important part of this fight against COVID-19. With your support and help, we can mitigate and slow the spread of this virus quicker than without your action.

Below are links to resources and information from the state and Memorial on the current status of this situation. We ask that you stay alert to the latest news and information so we can continue to serve you in the safest and most effective way possible.

Memorial Coronavirus Nurse Hotline available from 8am to 8pm (337) 494-2110 Updates pertaining to Lake Charles Memorial Health System can be found at www.lcmh.com/covid19 Updates pertaining to the state of Louisiana can be found at http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus

PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

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memorial

Medical Milestones COVID-19 Information 4 Hospital Procedures and Information

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Tragedy Leads to Gift for Memorial for Women

COVID-19 6 Signs, Symptoms and Protection

Innovations 8 Accuracy, Automation and Speed in the Lab

Cover Story

The Gift of Time

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Let Your Light Shine

Lake Charles Memorial Health System and its related entities comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not Emergency Care 14 discriminate basis ofOnly race,Trauma color, national Memorial on HastheSWLA’s Centerorigin, age, disability, or sex.

Top Doctors 16 Lake Charles Memorial Health System respecte les lois fédérales Doctorsaux Recognized enMemorial vigueur relatives droits civiques et ne pratique aucune discrimination basée sur la race, la couleur de peau, l'origine nationale, l'âge, le sexe ou un handicap.

Healing Art 18 Young at Art Turns 10 Years Old

Lake Charles Memorial Health System cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System tuân th lu t dân quy n hi n hành c a Liên bang và không phân bi t i x d a trên tu i, khuy t t t, ho c ch ng t c, màu da, ngu n g c qu c gia, gi i tính.

Patient Non-Discrimination:

Language Assistance:

Lake Charles Memorial Health System and its related entities comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System offers language translation service free of charge to our patients and families, as well as assistance for those with visual or hearing impairments. Our House Supervisor can assist in connecting patients and families with assistance. Call 1-337-480-8430.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System respecte les lois fédérales en vigueur relatives aux droits civiques et ne pratique aucune discrimination basée sur la race, la couleur de peau, l'origine nationale, l'âge, le sexe ou un handicap.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System tuân th lu t dân quy n hi n hành c a Liên bang và không phân bi t i x d a trên tu i, khuy t t t, ho c ch ng t c, màu da, ngu n g c qu c gia, gi i tính.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System offers language translation service free of charge to our patients and families, as well as 3 assistance for those with visual or hearing impairments. Our

ATTENTION : Si vous parlez français, des services d'aide Page 10 linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le 1-337480-8430.

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-337-480-8430.

CHÚ : N u b n nói Ti ng Vi t, có các d ch v h tr ngôn ng mi n phí dành cho b n. G i s 1-337-480-8430.

PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, hospitals and health systems know our patients and communities are increasingly concerned about the virus spreading. That’s why we are working closely with our federal, state and local partners to respond to this challenge, update contingency plans and stay informed with the most up-to-date information. In particular, hospitals and health systems are focused on identifying, isolating and informing on new cases of patients known or suspected of having the virus. We are also closely following CDC recommendations on how to best use and preserve existing supplies of personal protective equipment due to concerns about limited supplies.

In addition, we are paying close attention to the protection of our health care workers on the front lines. They are the most valuable resource when it comes to treating and stopping the spread of the virus. As such, we want to make sure they have the personal protective equipment, training and support they need to provide care to patients.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms, CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN. Memorial has a Coronavirus Nurse Hotline available from 8am to 8pm for general questions. (337) 494-2110 You can also call 211 which is a hotline provided by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Anyone looking for information about the COVID-19 outbreak can simply DIAL 211 or text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available. In addition to being able to call the Louisiana 211 and to sign up for text messaging, residents can get written answers to the most-asked questions by concerned citizens. The website is www.la211help.org.

Updates pertaining to Lake Charles Memorial Health System can be found at www.lcmh.com/covid19 Updates pertaining to the state of Louisiana can be found at http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus

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Medical Plaza Pharmacy Procedures Medical Plaza Pharmacy now has a plan in place to allow patients to pick up medications without having to enter the hospital. There are five spots that are next to back entrance of Memorial Hospital (they are the spots that face the glass windows). Patients should park in the designated parking spots and call 494-4777. A pharmacy employee will come to their car and assist them in dropping off or picking up prescriptions.

Patients are encouraged to use the mobileRx app to call in refills and to sign up for text messaging so they know when their prescriptions are ready for pick up. If they are unable to use the mobileRx app, they can call refills into the main pharmacy line 494-2990.

The pharmacy is still open for employees or any patients who are already in the hospital.

With mobileRx from Smith Technologies can With mobileRx from you Smith use your iPhone® or Android™ device to request

Technololgies, you can use you refills while on the go. Follow the steps below to get started.or iPhone Android device to request refills while on the go.

Follow these steps to get started.

FIND PHARMACY

HOURS & DIRECTIONS

To use mobileRx, you must first

View information including a map

find your pharmacy. From the

of the store’s location, address,

Search Pharmacy screen, type your

contact numbers, and pharmacy

pharmacy’s name or a zip code

hours. Select Launch Directions to

and radius. Click your pharmacy’s

open directions to your pharmacy.

location and you’re in.

GET THE APP To get started, search for mobileRx pharmacy in your app store. You can also use your smartphone

HOME SCREEN

POLICIES

camera and a QR-code reader/scanner application.

The Home screen displays several

From here, review helpful store

After you’ve located the app, follow the next steps

options, including Express Refills.

policies and learn more about the

to set up your account and request refills.

Choose this to request a refill.

services provided.

You can enter the prescription number or tap the camera icon to scan the barcode on your current prescription label.

APPLE

ANDROID

EXPRESS REFILLS

ACCOUNT/LOGIN

Enter up to 6 prescriptions for refill

Create an account with an email

at a time by typing their Rx numbers

and password to view your profile

or scanning the labels. To request

and quickly submit a refill request.

more than 6 refills, just repeat the

PRESCRIPTION REFILLS ON THE GO

process. Choose a delivery option, and then tap Refill.

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PHYSICIAN REFERRAL • 1-800-494-LCMH (5264)

STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS

Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Wash your hands often with soap water for at least 20 seconds.

Mary Kay Stoma, Director ofandPathology Services and

Sarah Brown, Hematology Supervisor

cdc.gov/COVID19 314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM

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SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness.

Symptoms* can include

FEVER

*Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

COUGH

Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

cdc.gov/COVID19-symptoms CS 315252-A March 20, 2020, 12:51PM

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LABORATORY ADVANCEMENTS

Mary Kay Stoma, Director of Pathology Services and Sarah Brown, Hematology Supervisor

Innovations

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The laboratory’s hematology system was upgraded to a Sysmex XN-3100 that includes not only new machinery, but software that allows for more detailed and accurate results.

“Our hospital administration is very receptive to the lab requesting new technology to maintain the highest quality of care for our patients,” Mary Kay Stoma, Director of Pathology Services and Hematology. “In order to provide that quality of care, we must have the best equipment available. We have been fortunate to acquire the instrumentation from Sysmex and it has made a difference in our Hematology section and the patients we serve.”

Technological advancements and medicine go hand in hand when it comes to better treatments and patient outcomes. That is especially true in one of the often overlooked, but critical areas of the hospital – the laboratory. Memorial’s full-service laboratory is a critical part of patient care and one area of medicine that constantly has to improve its speed and accuracy with a growing workload.

Recently, the laboratory’s hematology system was upgraded to a Sysmex XN-3100 that includes not only new machinery, but software that allows for more detailed and accurate results.

The XN-20 analysis module and DI-60 integrated cell image analyzer were included with the upgrades and have proven to change workflow and improve efficiency. As one of few facilities in the country with an XN-20, the laboratory strives toward innovation with the ability to streamline testing of abnormal specimens and minimize manual blood smear reviews.

The laboratory has been consistently improving and upgrading year after year. In 2018, the lab installed a state-of-the-art automation line for the chemistry department. The Siemens Aptio® Automation improves utilization of lab resources with increased efficiency and accelerated processing in order to achieve even faster results.

The 120-meter track allows a technologist to load a sample and simply “walk away.” Once the specimen is loaded, the track carries the sample to the centrifuge, and then delivers the tube to the instrument for testing. Once the test is finished, the tube is then routed by the track to the storage unit where the sample is assigned a specific location. If the specimen is needed later for more testing, the technologist can recall the specimen from its location, and the track will deliver it to the technologist.

This is particularly true with cancer patients where patients undergo complete blood count tests prior to treatment. The new technology uses flow cytometry along with artificial intelligence to count the blood cells, flag for abnormalities and further differentiates the abnormal cells.

“Our oncologists need the results prior to starting chemotherapy.

Since testing is done on the same day as treatment, it is important to get them the results as quickly as possible,” says Sarah Brown, Hematology Supervisor. “We strive to provide the best patient care and quality of test results. The Sysmex technology allows us to do this in Hematology.”

With chemistry being one of the highest workload areas of the lab, the automation line has provided the department the ability to better manage its large volume of specimens by standardizing processes, reducing errors, and achieving consistent and predictable turnaround times. The intelligent tube-routing system is another way Memorial stays dedicated to improving patient care by maintaining the most modern technology in its laboratory.

In the past, a lot of this work had to be done with a technologist sitting at a microscope manually counting cells. This modern technology cuts the time in half and is less subjective. Memorial is committed to continually improving patient care and these latest upgrades shows that the entire health system is serious about providing the best possible resources to achieve this.

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In these uncertain times, extra precautions are being taken, but Memorial doesn’t stop. We cont 10

tinue to provide healthcare. Our team is here for our community through it all‌.lighting the way.

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The Gift of Time

The Istre Family presents the donation of a CuddleCot to the staff at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women Family Birth Center.

They lack quality of life, however, often blind, deaf, unable to feel pain and unaware of their surroundings.

Nancy and Floyd Istre were excited to learn in October 2016 that their family would be growing once again when finding out that they were expecting again. The pregnancy was as normal as any of Nancy’s other pregnancies until February 13, 2017. Nancy was 21 weeks into her pregnancy when an anatomy scan revealed their daughter, Ann Marie, had anencephaly.

“We remember the room went silent toward the end of the scan and our doctor told us the baby was incapable of life,” Nancy recalls. “We remember being asked if we had ever heard of anencephaly, and, of course, we had only seen a few stories online about couples doing bucket lists for their babies with anencephaly.”

Anencephaly is a neural tube defect in which parts of a baby’s brain and skull do not form. Most babies with this birth defect do not survive more than a few days, but some have lived for several years.

Abortion is not an option for the Istres. They are devout Catholics

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Nancy and Floyd wanted to do something to honor their daughter and came across a device called the CuddleCot ~ a cooling system that gives families the gift of time with their child. so that her big brothers could come in the room and give their baby sister some love. One of the hardest things we have had to do as parents is explain the death of our daughter to her young big brothers,” Nancy says. “We explained that she would look different than other babies but that is ok. We told them to tell her that they loved her and to not be afraid of her. They both did very well and we were both so proud of them.”

and believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.

They began researching and educating themselves as much as they could. Their OBGYN suggested they see a maternal-fetal specialist to confirm the diagnosis.

There wasn’t much hope given at the first appointment with the specialist, but the Istres were able to gather more information. They were assured it was nothing they had done or anything related to genetics. No one really has an answer as to why anencephaly happens.

The Istres did question genetic factors because their oldest son, Mark, experienced birth defects, but Mark’s issues and Ann Marie’s were unrelated.

After making the many beautiful memories with Ann Marie, it was time to send her to the operating room for her donation. Ann Marie was able to donate her ovaries, lungs and a shoulder muscle. All of her donations were for research and she was the first baby girl in the nation to donate her ovaries for cancer research. Anne Marie was laid to rest two days later on June 17, 2017.

“Our experience with Mark gave us insight on a different life that most parents do not have and played a huge role in how we chose to move forward in our decisions for Ann Marie,” Floyd says. “We were in the NICU at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans for nearly a month. We were with parents with very sick babies, dying babies, and babies that were waiting for an organ transplant of some sort. Seeing everything that we did, we knew that we wanted to look into organ donations if it would be at all possible.”

Through their loss, Nancy and Floyd wanted to do something to honor their daughter and came across a device called the CuddleCot, a cooling system that gives families the gift of time with their child. At the time of Ann Marie’s birth, the Istres had never heard of a CuddleCot, but since then, they have joined communities of families that have been through similar circumstances. It is in these communities that they found out about the CuddleCot, and decided to donate one to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women so that every family could have the opportunity to spend as much time with their babies.

They contacted LOPA and were put in touch with Laura Leguin, research and donation support coordinator, who specifically works with neonatal donors and their families. Two months before Ann Marie’s arrival, we met with Laura to discuss organ donation. Laura went to one of our appointments to meet with our doctor and to answer any questions that he may have about her donation.

“As a parent, you want your children to leave these little legacies, and when you find out your child is not going to survive, you wonder what the purpose is,” Nancy says. “Neonatal and organ donation are not for everyone and we respect that. I’m thankful we were able to ask questions about it and have so much support from Laura and LOPA. These children have a very important purpose. Other children could be saved. Donating the CuddleCot is another way Ann Marie is leaving her own little legacy. We are thankful for everyone that helped make this possible.”

At 38 weeks, the Istres decided that it would be best to induce. Most babies with anencephaly do not come naturally and it was in Nancy’s best interest to have her a few weeks early. Since Ann Marie was an organ donor, we had to have a heart monitor on just in case Ann Marie’s heart would stop in the labor process. We opted to have her heart monitored every hour. At 4:45 pm, Ann Marie’s heartbeat was detected, but an hour later there was no longer a heartbeat. With one push Ann Marie was born sleeping at 6:27 p.m. June 13, 2017. She was a beautiful baby girl with dark hair like her daddy and big brother.

Today, Floyd and Nancy Istre still live in Southwest Louisiana with their three children Mark 8, Isaac 5, and Amelia 1.

“Our mothers were eagerly waiting to dress their newest granddaughter

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SWLA’s Only Trauma Center

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The trauma center at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has been “This took commitment from many people, from administration to verified as a Level III Trauma Center by the Verification Review front line staff. We had to have commitment from administration Committee (VRC), an ad hoc committee of the Committee to support us in providing the tools and education not only to our on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). physicians, but to our nurses,” Kyle says. “There was much trial and This achievement recognizes the trauma center’s dedication to error, but with the excellent leadership of Dr. Shimer, we were able to accomplish something this area definitely needed.” providing optimal care for injured patients.

“This is a tremendous achievement for the trauma team at Lake The ACS Committee on Trauma’s verification program does Charles Memorial,” says Richard Shimer, MD, medical director not designate trauma centers. Rather, the program provides of the Memorial trauma team. “Memorial now has Southwest confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment Louisiana’s only certified trauma center. We are equipped to better to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients. meet the needs of our growing community and will continue to The designation of trauma centers is the function of the Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN). work to grow our trauma program as our region grows too.”

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the COT’s The Louisiana Emergency Response Network (LERN) is an agency Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the of state government created by the Louisiana Legislature in 2004 development of trauma centers in which participants provide not charged with the responsibility of developing and maintaining only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the a statewide system of care coordination for patients suddenly entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. stricken by serious traumatic injury or time-sensitive illness (such as This spectrum encompasses the pre-hospital phase through the heart attack and stroke). It is a system also designated to serve as a vital healthcare resource in the face of larger scale emergencies rehabilitation process. and natural disasters.

The goal of growing the trauma program was not easy, nor was it a one-man job. Tracy Kyle, BSN, RN, CEN, and Trauma Program This achievement recognizes Memorial’s commitment to providing Manager helped coordinate the effort that takes years to optimal care for injured patients. accomplish.

For more information visit www.lcmh.com/trauma

Memorial now has Southwest Louisiana’s only certified trauma center. We are equipped to better meet the needs of our growing community and will continue to work to grow our trauma program as our region grows too.

Richard Shimer, MD Medical Director Memorial Trauma Team

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Memorial congratulates our doctors who were named to the Quality Blue Primary Care Top Performers 2019-20.

The Quality Blue Primary Care program focuses on managing the care of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana’s members with hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Edward Hebert, MD, of Internal Medicine Clinic of Lake Charles, was recognized as the only physician in the state who is a top performer in all four disease suites.

Louise Becnel, MD Diabetes Care

Edward Hebert, MD Craig Greenman, MD Kidney Disease, Diabetes Care, Diabetes Care, Hypertension, Vascular Care Hypertension

Brian Clements, MD Vascular Care

William Hebert, MD Diabetes Care, Hypertension

Susan Ieyoub, MD Hypertension

Mark Lafuria, MD Diabetes Care, Hypertension, Vascular Care

Gerald Mouton, MD Jason Langhofer, DO Diabetes Care, Hypertension, Diabetes Care, Vascular Care Vascular Care 16

Cristian Romero, MD Diabetes Care

new doctors at memorial Anesthesiologist David Bracho, DO Memorial Medical Group welcomes David Bracho, DO, is an anesthesiologist who serves patients of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Bracho received a bachelor of science in microbiology from the University of Michigan. He went on to receive his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania.

His post-graduate training includes a year of internal medicine training at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio, and an anesthesiology residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Before coming to Memorial he worked at Banner Health-McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colorado.

He is a member of the American Board of Anesthesiology, American Society of Anesthesiology and American Osteopathic Association.

Hospitalist David Palombo, MD Memorial Medical Group welcomes David Palombo, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and serves as a hospitalist, treating and caring for patients admitted to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Palombo is a graduate of the University of Louisiana – Lafayette. He received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans. He then completed a threeyear family medicine residency program at the Lake Charles Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and holds a certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support..

Urologist Kenneth Verheeck, MD Kenneth Verheeck, MD is a board-certified urologist. Dr. Verheeck received a bachelor of science in pharmacy from the University of Mississippi. He then served in the US Army, achieving the rank of captain. He graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. His post-graduate training includes a urology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.

Dr. Verheeck is no stranger to Lake Charles, having worked in the city for 20 years. He then practiced at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi from 2014-2018. He is board-certified by the American Board of Urology. He is also a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, American Urology Association, American College of Surgeons and Calcasieu Parish Medical Society.

Advanced Urology 1715 Wolf Circle Lake Charles 337.480.7499 www.lcmmg.com

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YOUNG AT ART CELEBRATES 10 YEARS!

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Through this program, elementary and middle schools provide artwork that is featured in the halls of Memorial Hospital and Memorial Hospital for Women.

It’s a known fact that exposure to the arts—music, painting or theatre—are shown to help improve people’s spirits and reduce anxiety. For many people, hospitals represent some of the most anxious times in their life. That’s why 10 years ago Lake Charles Memorial forged a relationship with local elementary schools to bring art to the halls of the hospital.

“There are so many different programs that highlight student academics and athletics, which is something some kids struggle with,” Romero says. “I love that Young at Art focuses on other things that truly are just as important. It makes my young artists feel important, and it shows them that what they do can make a difference and help others.”

Through this program, different elementary and middle This year, Young at Art is looking to reach out to high schools schools are contacted to provide sixty pieces of art that are for the first time in its decade of existence. This will bring a featured for one month in the halls of Memorial Hospital and new and exciting twist to the program. a second month in the halls of Memorial Hospital for Women. “At the high school level, the artists are no longer strictly Kathy Derouen, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Lake amateurs. High school students may already be selling their Charles Memorial Health System started the program in 2010. art or preparing for a career as an artist,” DeRouen says. “We The art isn’t required to have a theme other than to be bright, are so excited to feature their art in the Young at Art program moving forward.” colorful and fun.

“It was a way to brighten the walls of the hospital with colorful artwork and also provide a venue for school children to display their talents,” DeRouen says. “The program was an immediate success as we found that employees, patients and visitors looked forward each month to seeing the children’s art.”

For high school students, the stakes are even higher, according to Sam Houston High School art teacher Julie Groth. Including a broader range of students will give young artists more opportunities to showcase their work that might have been overlooked otherwise.

“Being able to participate in a public viewing of art is a confidence booster for the students,” Goth says. “Many of my students enter contests and apply for juried shows and don’t get in even though they have good work and show talent and promise. Young at Art is an opportunity for them to have their work on display and encourages them to continue on “Many of my students doubt their skills and abilities, but programs like this help boost their confidence and give them their artistic paths. This boost is often the catalyst to applying the validation that they need,” says Adreinne Romero, an art to college and majoring in art.”

“We love this program because it is a fun and exciting way teacher at Maplewood Middle School says. “It shows them that they’re real artists! It also gave them something to work for our hospital to interact with the schools in the Southwest Louisiana community. And who knows? We may end up with a towards and look forward to as well.”

In Southwest Louisiana, athletics often dominates the field future award-winning artist on our walls,” says Derouen.

It’s not only the patients who benefit from participation in this program. By providing a public space to show their work, Young at Art instills confidence and pride in young artists across Calcasieu Parish.

of extracurricular activities for school-aged children, and arts can fall by the wayside. Romero believes programs like Young at Art can help provide an outlet for children off the field.

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If your school is interested in participating in this program, please feel free to contact Sally Brockman, Community Outreach Specialist, at smcpherson@lcmh.com.

1701 Oak Park Blvd.

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Memorial Medical Milestones Kathy DeRouen Senior Vice President of Marketing Matt Felder Communications Manager This is a publication from Lake Charles Memorial Health System. The information in this newsletter is intended to inform patients and potential patients about subjects pertinent to their care not as medical education. Š 2020 Printed in U.S.A.

Memorial Medical Excellence in Stroke Care Outcomes Lake Charles Memorial has been recognized as the top hospital in Louisiana for medical excellence in stroke care outcomes by CareChexÂŽ. This 2020 award is based on a comprehensive quality scoring system that CareChex uses to compare inpatient quality performance across general, acute and non-federal U.S. hospitals.

CareChex is an innovative medical quality rating system designed to assist hospitals and health systems in improving the quality of inpatient care and promoting medical excellence to consumers, payers and employers.

The analysis by CareChex looks at patient safety, inpatient quality and measures of mortality, complications and readmission rates. Unlike other publicly available quality rankings, CareChex provides a composite evaluation of all components of medical quality including process of care, outcomes of care, and patient experiences.

For access to provider quality ratings and more information on these awards, visit www.CareChex.com.

MEMORIAL. EVERY SECOND IS PERSONAL

www.lcmh.com/stroke