2021 ANNUAL REPORT
While the interest in these areas may seem new, OU Health, along with our academic partner, the University of Oklahoma, has been in the pursuit of answers for a long time. And, working together with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, we are able to provide the state of Oklahoma and the region with a truly comprehensive academic health system that is bringing new therapies from “bench to bedside,” and ultimately providing the very best and latest healthcare options for our patients. This is always rewarding, but it means something more when we can provide this level of care and treatment options to those too young to even tell us where it hurts. Children are our future and we take the responsibility of caring for them seriously at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health. Hands down, there is nowhere else an Oklahoma parent should take their critically ill child. Our work here has been recognized across the world and for that reason, we are able to recruit the best of the best to care for those children.
Richard Lofgren, M.D. President & CEO, OU Health
MessageCEO
Dr. Lofgren came to OU Health from UC Health, the University of Cincinnati, Ohio’s affiliated health system, where he was president and CEO. UC Health encompasses more than 11,000 employees, physicians and advanced practice providers, two hospitals, the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care, Lindner Center of HOPE and more than 30 outpatient service locations in three states. In addition to his expertise as a President and CEO, Dr. Lofgren has considerable experience in the tripartite mission of academic healthcare. As an academic physician, Dr. Lofgren served as a tenured faculty member while at University of Kentucky, Medical College of Wisconsin and University of Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, he has earned 14 awards for teaching excellence in academic healthcare, and he created two different health services research centers aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for veterans. Dr. Lofgren has been a funded researcher and has numerous publications and scholarly contributions spanning his 40-year career. Dr. Lofgren received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and completed his residency and chief residency at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he also received a master of public health.
Healthcare has experienced a lot of change in the past two years. It’s been challenging, at best, to make it through, but it’s also been rewarding in how we have seen a real shift in focus. Where the average person may have never thought of research before, there is now a flurry of interest in the scientific method as we develop not only new vaccines, but continue to tackle challenges to develop the next drug that could one day cure cancer or even diabetes.
In the next year, you will see a lot of changes at OU Health, but one thing won’t change: the way Oklahoma Children’s Hospital puts its patients first and the dedicated team who works diligently to get our patients out of the hospital and back home where they can return to being kids.
Richard P. Lofgren, M.D., MPH, FACP, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of OU Health, Oklahoma’s only fully integrated, unified academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. He became the inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer of OU Health in March 2022.
Dr. Lofgren is a board-certified internal medicine physician and administrator with nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare and a particular interest in healthcare delivery redesign, operational efficiencies, performance improvement and applied health services/quality research. He is a national thought leader within academic healthcare and is an expert in health system transformations and redesign, with a proven track record as a CEO of uniting hospitals, clinics and centers into a single enterprise with a single purpose.
Cameron Mantor, M.D. Chief Physician Executive, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health
The Power of Philanthropy
MessagePresident’s
The Potential of Virtual Care
The Promise of Hope
Together, we rise.
OklahomaPresident,Children’s Hospital OU Health
Last year, we saw great progress toward full clinical integration. It’s an ongoing process, already yielding substantial benefits in operational efficiency, identified in studies as a key ingredient in creating positive patient experience. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is relentless in pursuit of seamless care that engenders trust when situations seem uncertain. Confidence is on the rise. With a distinctive calling to care, the dedicated team at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is focused on a most vulnerable patient population. This makes our work uniquely empowering and rewarding. The information presented here is not a dry recitation of data, but a true celebration of achievement, even in the midst of sweeping change and new challenges. Inspired by children, their families and how our lives intersect every day, we are charting an exciting path forward.
Jon Hayes
We achieve growth and success when we ask relevant questions that lead to solutions. At Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, we ask, “Where have we meaningfully enhanced care, expanded services, or added amenities that promote the well-being of our patients and their families?”
Answers come both in incremental steps and major strides. Movement is perpetual; as a result, pediatric care is on the rise.
You will notice this icon tagged to different stories in the Annual Report. This means that the project was generously funded through philanthropy. We're grateful for all of our donors!
The completion and opening of our new pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit promises that more children with life-threatening or life-limiting heart conditions will have a better chance at healthier, more normal and active lives. Hope is on the rise.
Virtual care is still care – not an impersonal, electronic substitute for compassion. We launched a new program for virtual urgent care services for easier, faster access when an immediate need arises. With virtual care, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital provides real-world, real-time access, staffed by the same experienced pediatric experts who practice in our clinics. Innovation is on the rise.
As the state’s premier resource for exceptional pediatric care, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is committed to growth and success, measured not in mere numbers and dollars, but in how we serve our patients and families.
Jon Hayes Cameron Mantor, M.D. President, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health Chief Physician Executive
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital has enjoyed the generous support of individuals, family foundations and other partners whose transformative acts of philanthropy extend care beyond the medical and physical needs of our patients. We introduced a new structure for philanthropy a year ago, which has been enthusiastically embraced by people and groups committed to making life better, wherever opportunities are present. In this report, you’ll see how each gift fills a vital niche to promote more positive patient outcomes. Momentum is rising.
The Purpose of Integration
About Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health
OU Health is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. The flagship academic healthcare system is the clinical partner of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, one of the most comprehensive academic and research campuses in the country. With 10,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, OU Health is home to Oklahoma’s largest doctor network with a complete range of specialty care. OU Health serves Oklahoma and the region with the state’s only dedicated children’s hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and Oklahoma’s flagship hospital, which serves as the state’s only Level 1 trauma center. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health was named one of the Top 50 Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in its most recent rankings. OU Health’s mission is to lead healthcare in patient care, education and research. To learn more, visit ouhealth.com.
At Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, staff blends years of training with education, research and technology to improve the lives of women and children throughout the region. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital was named one of the Top 50 Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in its most recent rankings. The Oklahoma Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit provides the highest level of newborn care in Oklahoma. An embedded service within the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is the Women’s and Newborn Service, which is a regional referral center for the state, providing prenatal and delivery care for pregnancies ranging from low-risk to the most complicated. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is also home to the only 24/7 pediatric emergency room in Oklahoma City. With a family-centered approach to healing, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital offers resources from pet therapy to child life specialists who help families cope with hospitalization and illness. From advanced surgical services to general pediatrics, oncology care and more, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital provides cutting-edge research and treatments through hospital-based and outpatient services. To learn more, visit oklahomachildrens.org.
About OU Health
Alleigh OklahomaBrown,Children’s Hospital Patient
2021 By the Numbers 12,398 Admissions 34,206 E R V isi t s 3,520Deliveries Open-Heart259Surgeries83,4748,208SurgeriesOu t pat ient Regis t rat ions 173,127 O u t pat ient Clinic V isi t s53,731 O u t pat ient Radiolo g y V isi t s
“When the best in children’s healthcare joins forces with partners of like passion and vision, the possibilities for good are magnified exponentially,”
“The Family Resource Center is a manifestation of our steadfast commitment to patient- and family-centered care, made possible by the Rapp Foundation. This warm and welcoming environment is a place to breathe and relax, as well as tend to practical matters that don’t stop just because someone you love is in the hospi tal. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the Rapp Foundation and what the Family Resource Center will mean for our patients, families and staff members.”
Jon Hayes, President Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health
Robust SupportFamily
Opening of The Family Resource Center Robust family support, both practical and emotional, is the concept driving the Family Resource Center, a new space unveiled this year at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health. The new Family Resource Center, a project funded in part by a donation made by the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, is open to all patients and families who receive medical services at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and OU Health Physicians clinics.
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Jon Hayes, president, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, said, “I am always amazed at the generosity of our community partners who possess the vision to promote and enhance our efforts to deliver exceptional care. The Family Resource Center is a manifestation of our steadfast commitment to patient- and family centered-care, made possible by the Rapp Foundation. This warm and welcoming environment is a place to breathe and relax, as well as tend to practical matters that don’t stop just because someone you love is in the hospital. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the Rapp Foundation and what the Family Resource Center will mean for our patients, families and staff Namedmembers.”for independent Oklahoma City oilman Robert Glenn Rapp, the foundation was established in 1953 for the primary purpose of charitable giving, with emphasis on higher education and medical research. Anne Clouse, chief development officer for OU Health, cited the Rapp Foundation’s historic support of the University of Oklahoma, encompassing areas of education and medical research, athletic and music programs as well as healthcare-related services.
While the program will continue to grow, the Family Resource Center opens with a considerable array of helpful tools, personal services and hospitality offerings to enhance comfort:
Clouse said bridging basic gaps in resources is an often-overlooked but critically important way to significantly ease the burden a hospital stay places on a patient’s family members. Additionally, there are benefits to frontline caregivers who are better able to keep a narrowed focus on their primary roles in direct patient care.
• Assistance in researching medical needs, diagnoses within literacy levels and language preferences
Clouse said. “The generous donation by the Rapp Foundation ensures that families and loved ones of our most vulnerable patients will be served far beyond bare necessities.”
• Free coffee, bottled water and snacks
- Morris Gessouroun, M.D., Chair, Department of Pediatrics University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
“Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is home to the most advanced technologies that ensure the highest level of pediatric care in every specialty,” said Morris Gessouroun, M.D., chair, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and section chief, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. “Our intent in creating the Family Resource Center is to extend red-carpet hospitality for families who are far more than visitors. They are people who have become part of the hospital environment of necessity. We want to support them by making valuable resources and comforts easily accessible. These needs are deeply felt when facing challenging, even uncertain health situations with a child.”
• “Comfort Menu” items including toiletries and hygiene items, among other necessities
“Our intent in creating the Family Resource Center is to extend red-carpet hospitality for families who are far more than visitors. They are people who have become part of the hospital environment of necessity. We want to support them by making valuable resources and comforts easily accessible.”
• Information about resources available at community, state and federal levels, and assistance with online access to these resources
• Appointment and referral navigation
• Information about local hotel accommodations and dining options
• Complimentary notary services
• Business center with access to computer, printing, copying and fax
• Coordination of in-house services such as financial counseling and social services
• Conference room space for private meetings
The Family Resource Center staff members look forward to offering an even more expansive range of amenities and services in the near future. The Family Advisory Council will have an active role in the continued development of other planned additions. These will include customized concierge services; food insecurity solutions; education/ training opportunities and support groups; car seat installation referrals; story time with local authors; special family-focused events and celebrations; and a variety of wellness and self-care resources.
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Transformative Impact Presti Clubhouse Grand Opening
generosity also has created a nurturing space in the east lobby of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, transforming both indoor and outdoor areas for patients and families to enjoy the Presti Clubhouse and Play Area. These amenities foster creativity and promote healing for patients during their stay. An engaged part of the community and supporter of the mission of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, the Prestis approached hospital leaders in fall 2018 to explore ways the Presti family might make a positive difference for patients and families.
In June 2019, Sam Presti, executive vice president and general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and his wife, Shannon, presented a generous gift that has had a transformative impact on Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health. The donation of $600,000 funded an array of renovations and technology upgrades, all serving to further advance patient care provided at the nationally recognized children’s facility on the OU Health Sciences Center Thankscampus.to the family’s gift, two procedure rooms have been renovated. The advanced technology made possible by the gift elevates services provided at the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. OU Health Physicians pediatric cancer and blood disorder specialists at the Jimmy Everest Center are highly specialized and the only physicians caring for pediatric cancer patients in the
Jon Hayes, president of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, said, “Sam’s resolute sense of gratitude to the community was obvious early on. It was clear that he and Shannon wanted to reciprocate in a way that would benefit all Oklahomans irrespective of location, socioeconomic status or any other barrier. The Prestis have a vision for a strong children’s hospital that endures well into the future and understand that premier pediatric care has an essential aspect for all citizens of the state. We are so grateful for their Interiorgenerosity.”amenities include an expanded east lobby with family-friendly seating areas and interactive playscapes. Incorporating natural elements with play structures, these areas are highly appealing to children and families. New and improved outdoor seating areas accommodate patients and families, and also offer respite spaces for staff members. Outdoor areas include playscapes that tie with the indoor space, a wagon trail and the official Presti Clubhouse and Play Area. Built just for children, this space fosters imaginative play, and provides immediate opportunities for fun and fresh air. Future plans will capitalize on the versatility of the space as an additional venue for events and activities outside the Family Resource Center.
Hayes said the most exceptional level of patientand family-centered care is the highest priority for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, and outcomes that improve the lives of children reach across the state and beyond. “The Presti family’s gift helps us make every patient and family’s hospital stay as comfortable as possible. It will contribute toward improved recovery and support the healing process in tangible ways.”
Grand Opening of the Quincy Le Norman Nutrition Center
Elevating Patient Care
Funded by a $1.5 million gift presented last year by Cory and David Le Norman of Oklahoma City, the Quincy Le Norman Nutrition Center opened January 27, 2021, at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.
The comprehensive nutrition center further elevates the care provided at the nationally recognized hospital, adding state-of-the art technologies that promote best practices in nutritional science.
“The generous gift presented a year ago by the Le Norman family made it possible for hospital and physician leaders to realize a long-held, shared vision to provide top-notch services vital to health and healing of the children we care for at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital,” said Jon Hayes. Quincy Le Norman, the center’s namesake, was born at Children’s only 24 weeks into pregnancy and weighing less than two pounds. Cory Le Norman said the pregnancy seemed routine in every respect with no hint of trouble until two days before delivery. According to neonatology experts, a 38- to 40-week gestation period is optimal. Earlier deliveries often place extreme demands on every system in a newborn’s body. Extraordinary levels of care are imperative and “The opening of the Quincy Le Norman Nutrition Center marks the culmination of dreams and visions, inspired by the family’s personal experience and their passion to help others facing critical situations with their newborns.“
- Jon Hayes, President Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health nutrition is a critical element for survival as development continues. Now 18, Quincy shows no signs of an early struggle for life. Quincy said knowing the new center will bear her name feels a little surreal.
“The reason Quincy is here today is because of the great support we received — skilled and dedicated nurses, doctors and other personnel, and a facility that was equipped to provide the best possible care,” said Cory Le Norman. Nearly three months after her birth, Quincy was discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. But the Le Normans never forgot the labor of love that gave Quincy a chance at life. In years that followed, Cory and David began to consider how to give back in ways that matched their keen interest and addressed identified needs at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. At the same time, NICU personnel and hospital leaders envisioned better ways to meet their patients’ diverse nutritional demands. Laying the groundwork that brought the project to fruition, leaders toured several NICU centers in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, observing best practices in neonatal nutrition handling, touring thoughtfully planned facilities, and identifying a model
“All my life I’ve heard all the stories about being born here, the time I spent here — that I was so small, I could be held in one hand. To this day, I still feel really connected to many of the nurses. It really was my first home.” - Quincy Le Norman
One of the significant features that sets apart the new nutrition center is implementation of a new software system, Timeless, which uses unique barcode identifiers to ensure not only a correct match for every feeding, but that the feeding unit has not expired. This system is able to track and trace breast milk, donor milk, formula and other additives, while interfacing with the patient’s electronic health record. A human milk analyzer determines how and to what extent milk must be fortified to meet specific nutritional needs.
The Le Normans said they’re grateful for the opportunity they have to touch so many lives in such a meaningful way. “We always had every confidence in the quality of care Quincy received – it was without a doubt the very best. It’s amazing to think what the new center can do to minimize the stress that other families may face under similar circumstances.”60-75
Trent Tipple, M.D., Neonatology Specialist and Chief of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, said, “Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is where the state’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients come for the level of care their complex conditions require. The Quincy Le Norman Nutrition Center represents another major step forward in neonatal nutrition. Thanks to this generous gift, we now have greater capacity to deliver life-saving technologies and redefine excellence in neonatal care.”
Jamie Kilpatrick, M.S., R.N., CENP, Associate Chief Nursing Director at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, has a rare connection with the family that is both professional and personal, having been one of the specialized NICU nurses who cared for Quincy throughout her hospitalization 18 years ago. “It is a unique and special experience to see first-hand the long-term impact of lifesaving efforts performed every day at Children’s. Now a young adult, Quincy’s life and the generosity of her family have made it possible for us to drive innovation that will improve lives for years to come,” Kilpatrick said. She explained more benefits of the new nutrition center.
The advantages and obvious value of centralized preparation were recognized, and this larger workspace was outgrown rapidly.
to emulate at Children’s. A collaboration with Children’s Medical Center Dallas resulted in the development of the first milk lab at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.
The new nutrition center supports not only babies receiving care as NICU patients, but other infants and pediatric patients who face a range of complex feeding needs. These special needs may be related to specific treatment, care or rehab related to surgery, or due to other unique nutritional deficits or sensitivities.
Patients fed per day 27,000-30,000 Patient Orders Prepared Per Year 200,000 Approximate Feedings Per Year
“Previously, formula and human milk preparation for neonates was done in a small human milk lab we outgrew long ago. While exceptionally skilled hospital team members provided outstanding services, following best practices to meet high-reliability nutrition demands, a more seamless operation now benefits our patients as well as staff members.” Kilpatrick said the more centralized location, expanded for improved efficiency, supports greater capacity to supply the best nutritional services possible on a broader scale.
The center, located in the University of Oklahoma Research Park on the OU Health Sciences Center campus, represents an expansive collaboration among physicians and scientists working for improved health outcomes for mothers and their babies.
AmongCollaborationColleages
The center is co-directed by Peter Vitiello, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and Director of Laboratory Research for the OU College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine; and Dean Myers, Ph.D., Professor and Vice Chair for Basic Research, OU College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Associate Vice President for Health Sciences Research. Myers also holds the John W. Records Chair in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and is Director of Research of the OU College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship program.
Rodney Edwards, M.D., M.S., Professor and Chief of the Section of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Obstetrician in Chief, said the collaborative endeavor is remarkable in its scope, encompassing OU Health Sciences Center entities as well as Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house marked the official opening of the new OU Health Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Health (CPNH) this year.
“We believe that CPNH will not only increase
This new effort harnesses the resources of more than 60 physician-scientists, basic scientists, clinical and laboratory research staff and trainees, representing an extensive collaboration among OU College of Medicine faculty members in the Departments of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery and Internal Medicine, as well as Harold Hamm Diabetes Center and Oklahoma Nathan Shock Aging Center.
Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Health Established
collaboration among basic scientists in our various disciplines but also between basic, translational and clinical scientists. Doing so will facilitate not only discovery but translation of discoveries into improvements in clinical care.”
- Dean Myers, Ph.D.
“Foresight, vision, and opportunity have brought us to the right time and place for this new initiative. With a solid foundation of world-class resources and depth of expertise in multiple fields, the Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Health creates myriad opportunities for success that will improve lives for generations to come.”
Professor and Vice Chair for Basic Research
• Metabolomics core to quantify molecular content from biological samples
OU College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Associate Vice President Health Sciences Research
• Human milk analyzer in the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, part of the Quincy Le Norman Nutrition Center, to track nutritional content
Vitiello said ongoing work by CPNH faculty members will explore specific medical complications of pregnancy and prematurity. “Our work will strongly focus on two critical areas — the origin and progression of respiratory, intestinal, retinal and cardiac diseases in premature babies, and the impact of maternal and perinatal nutrition on newborn growth development. These factors greatly influence the course of health outcomes.”
The primary CPNH laboratory site at 800 Research Parkway boasts 5,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory and office space. Research is further supported by ready access to other new technologically advanced resources, including:
• Biorepository where clinical samples from infants born prematurely can be collected, processed, stored, and accessed for ongoing and future studies
Trent Tipple, M.D., FAAP, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health Chief of Neonatology, and Reba McEntire Endowed Chair in Neonatology, said greater understanding of these factors will create new pathways to improve health outcomes with multi-generational impact. “As these fields of expertise overlap, we can accelerate development of therapeutic options and focus on disease prevention in the earliest stages of life. Our mission is to ensure healthy early development; this is the best way to promote optimal health as infants grow through childhood and adolescence to become healthy adults who can achieve their best, life-long potential.”
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health held a ribbon-cutting for a newly updated space that creates options for patients hospitalized while undergoing cancer
“WhatHospital.our son was able to do to impact the lives of others was nothing short of amazing, and we want to make sure amazing things continue to happen for other children and the people who love them and care for them,” said Luke Barrόn. “I'm not that selfless, and to see how this one little boy was able to bring love, care and compassion to other people is quite remarkable.”
“To mitigate the emotional and social impact of isolation that can occur with severe illness, events must come to the child who cannot participate in group activities, typically held in the Children’s Atrium or The Zone. An alternate space is an opportunity to keep children connected and engaged. Keaton’s Clubhouse helps us make that happen,” said Sara Jacobson, director, Volunteers and Philanthropy.
- Luke Keaton’sBarrόnDad
Beyond funding renovations for Keaton’s Clubhouse, the foundation hosts Break Out parties in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and offers monthly Lego parties for children with cancer. Additionally, the foundation supports a variety of hospital initiatives that improve the experiences of families.
The foundation honors the life of the namesake who began his journey as a cancer patient as a 2-year-old.
Jon Hayes, president, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, said, “I’m deeply grateful for what Keaton’s Clubhouse contributes to the environment of hope and healing we strive to create here and the generous gift that has made it possible. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, its providers and staff members celebrate the life of every child and the families that accompany them when hospitalization becomes necessary. Keaton’s lasting legacy will benefit countless individuals, ensuring a more comforting, nurturing environment for patients and families who are facing possibly the most difficult chapter of their lives.”
“What our son was able to do to impact the lives of others was nothing short of amaz ing, and we want to make sure amazing things continue to happen for other children and the people who love them and care for them.”
Keaton’s Clubhouse Grand Opening
To keep Keaton’s determined spirit of kindness alive in tangible ways, Keaton’s Kindness Foundation was established with a simple mission: “To be kind to others, be courageous, compassionate and caring.”
The renovated space has been the only space where children, whose immune systems are vulnerable as a result of treatment, could gather to participate in group activities designed to provide emotional support and social connection, as well as normal, child-like fun. In pre-pandemic times, the space was often the venue for a family meal or birthday party. It also offers a place to interact and connect with other children and family members coping with the chal lenges of critical, often life-threatening illnesses.
An Environment of Healing & Hope
Last year, the Barrón family was selected as “America's Kindest Family” by Parent Magazine. This comes as no surprise to us, and we are fortunate to be on the receiving end of many acts of kindness from this family.
Thetreatment.ribbon-cutting incorporated both virtual and socially distanced elements to reveal renovations to the space, located on the hospital’s 10th floor, which has been named Keaton’s Clubhouse, based on the life of a young courageous patient named Keaton Barrόn, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 8. Much-needed upgrades for the well-used space were accomplished through a $75,000 gift from Keaton’s Kindness Foundation.
Keaton’s parents, Holly and Luke Barrόn, are grateful for the skilled and compassionate care their son received as an inpatient at Oklahoma Children’s
PartnershipsLasting
Merritt Family
Thanks to a 2021 gift from the Merritt family, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital added a new fiber optic video laryngoscope to our array of leading-edge technology, enhancing our patient care and aiding in clinician training. The family chose to give back to the hospital after their twins, Kacki and Klein, received care in the neonatal intensive care unit. We appreciate the Merritt family’s generosity and support! Spirit of Halloween
Domino C-Stores
Domino C-Stores donated $10,000 from their giving pump contributions during September. Across their 20 Oklahoma stores, they were able to donate 1 cent from each gallon of gas purchased to give back to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.
Philanthropy is transformative to our community, especially for the more than 100,000 children and families our hospital serves each year. Whether through individual gifts, corporate partnerships or members of our Kids Club, our donors inspire us and make a real difference in the lives of Oklahoma children.
We are honored to partner with Spirit of Halloween’s Oklahoma stores for the past 11 years. In 2021, these stores raised $255,005 through direct donations from their customers — bringing their overall giving total to more than $700,000. This gift will continue to make a tremendous impact on our patients and the Child Life and Therapeutic Programs team. In addition to their monetary donations, the local stores donate Halloween costumes to our patients so they don’t miss out on dressing up for the holiday We want to thank the Oklahoma community and Spirit of Halloween for the generosity and continuous support to programs that make being in the hospital less “scary” for kids.
our
dog,
Dunkin’ in Childhood addition to the foundation’s support of facility Litta, they are generous supporters of music and art therapy, which allows kids to express themselves creatively and build coping skills.
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Monica Kraft, MSN, R.N., NE-BC, CPHON, Director of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, said the renovation and expansion have immense significance for the broader scope of pediatric care available in the state. According to Kraft, the data is impressive, but doesn’t reveal the bigger picture.
Jon Hayes, President of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, said the CICU expansion represents strategically planned growth that makes the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Heart Center the best choice for superior cardiac intensive care.
Morris Gessouroun, M.D., OU Health Pediatrician in Chief, said the CICU expansion sets in motion a positive domino effect, as it will allow fuller and more efficient utilization of all the hospital’s intensive care services — pediatric, pediatric cardiac and “Withneonatal.atotalof 59 pediatric ICU beds, in addition to 96 licensed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds, we are better positioned to provide the most appropriate level of care for serious and life-threatening heart conditions. Children’s Heart Center offers the most sophisticated treatment options for this special population,” he said.
“We can make statistical projections, but the numbers don’t capture the most meaningful part of the story. Over the first five years, we expect CICU admits on average to increase by at least 80 patients annually. That creates more capacity in our PICU for children recovering from surgeries, long-term illness or trauma,” she said. “Because we can move NICU heart babies to CICU, we have the ability to care for 50 more neonates each year –critically ill newborns who need this level of support for a chance at life. We have the capacity to perform
- Harold Burkhart, M.D. Chief of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
“Previously, PICU beds were often occupied by patients whose needs were more aligned with CICU care. The availability of 25 CICU beds will not only ensure more focused, comprehensive care, but will decrease the occurrences that require us to divert patients to facilities not as well-equipped to provide the robust measures these patients require.”
“Now as never before, treatment available at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Heart Center offers greater promise for normal and active lives – what we all want for our kids. From pre-op to discharge, every specialist, care team and staff member at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital goes above and beyond to coordinate and implement the most innovative treatments for heart and vascular Haroldconditions.”Burkhart, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, and former CEO for OU Health, said new and expanded services will impact children well beyond the borders of Oklahoma.
Greater Promise for Better Lives Grand Opening of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
“We share another proud moment with this CICU expansion, which was envisioned even as we opened the renovated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) two years ago, with plans for a dedicated unit for cardiac intensive care,” he explained. “Our commitment to excellence compels us to make world-class care possible and accessible to every child, and cardiac-specific treatment and care are benchmarks of this mission.”
“Now as never before, treatment available at Children’s Heart Center offers greater promise for normal and active lives –what we all want for our kids. From pre-op to discharge, every specialist, care team and staff member at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital goes above and beyond to coordinate and implement the most innovative treatments for heart and vascular conditions.”
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has announced the completion and opening of its new pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). The 25-bed unit is the only pediatric CICU of its kind in the state, dedicated solely to the care of children with a range of heart conditions. One of the unit’s distinctive elements is comprehensive care for children who are heart transplant patients.
“In the best case, children and families wouldn’t face crises that require intensive care. But we’ve never been better prepared to walk alongside, supporting them with the most compassionate care and advanced measures to restore health and promote healing.”
Type Of
Index Case Survival Operation
While family-centered patient care is foremost at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, other advantages follow the expansion. The state-of-the-art unit also creates additional employment opportunities; Oklahoma Children’s Hospital expects to hire more than 50 healthcare professionals with extensive training and expertise in pediatric cardiac intensive Hayescare. said, “Oklahoma Children’s Hospital received the 2021 Mended Hearts International Regional, Divisional, and National Hospital of the Year. Our enhancements for pediatric intensive care, especially related to cardiology services, support this designation as we continue to deliver unsurpassed care that encompasses patients and their families. I can’t adequately convey my deep gratitude for the collaborative effort that has made this vision a reality.
more than 300 open heart surgeries annually, and are now developing pediatric heart transplant and VAD (ventricular assist device) programs. These are remarkable advances in capability and care. As a result, hundreds of children with a range of congenital heart conditions will experience better outcomes. They grow up to live healthy and fulfilling lives with families who cherish them. The multigenerational impact is vast.”
OperationsTotal OCH STS July 2016-June 2020 National Survival (STS) July 2016 – June 2020 Arterial Switch Repair 32 97% 97.8% Atrioventricular Canal Defect Repair 46 98% 97.9% Glenn / Hemi-Fontan 73 100% 98.1% Fontan Procedure 57 100% 99.0% Norwood Procedure 39 95% 86.4% Tetralogy Of Fallot Repair 45 100% 98.9% Truncus 7 100% 91.8% Ventricular Septal Defect Repair 81 100% 99.5% Off Bypass Coarctation Of The Aorta 26 100% 98.8%
Virtual Pediatric Urgent Care
“Part of our commitment to children’s health means being able to care for our patients and patient families when and where they need us,” said Brown. “As a parent, it is difficult to see your child in any kind of discomfort. These new options make it easier to see a provider and help kids get well Brownfaster.” said that while the best care happens in an established relationship with a primary care pediatrician, urgent situations may demand immediate attention. Unique and distinctive to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, virtual visits are conducted by the same local, highly skilled OU Health Physicians experts who take care of children in OU Health hospitals and clinics.
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has launched new virtual urgent care services to complement existing urgent and emergency care services provided by OU Health pediatric experts. Virtual urgent care, available at oklahomachildrens. org/virtualcare, is a convenient way for children to receive quick care for common conditions, such as fever, cough, skin rashes and pink eye. These services are provided to new as well as current patients of the OU Health system.
Ryan Brown, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine specialist, said these new services are a valuable addition to existing urgent and emergency care services provided by Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.
When NeedWhere&YouUs
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital operates two afterhours, urgent care locations in the metro area, located at 12516 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City and in Edmond at 2820 N. Kelly Ave., Suite 100. These clinics also offer most emergency services, and are staffed by board-certified or board-eligible OU Health Physicians pediatricians. Call (405) 751-5437 to reach either clinic. Clinics are open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Inweekends.addition to these urgent care locations, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital has Oklahoma City’s only dedicated 24/7 pediatric emergency department. A Child Life specialist is part of its staff, in addition to the full range of customary emergency services and providers who specialize in pediatric trauma care.
Acceptable forms of payment include credit card or health savings account. For online questionnaire visits, a video connection is not required; therefore, a strong bandwidth is not necessary. This allows OU Health to reach patients needing urgent care, no matter where they are in Oklahoma. Currently, providers are available virtually from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with 24/7 access to arrange a visit.
Most virtual visits take just 15 minutes. We guarantee your visit will be completed within 1 hour during business hours. Online visits are $25 or less. Insurance is not required. All care is provided by trusted pediatricians with the emergency department at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital – which means you are seeing a local physician who is connected to the state’s largest and most comprehensive pediatric Ourpractice.providers do their best to treat your child online, and if additional care is needed, they can help make recommendations for follow-up in-person care or emergent care.
We Expect the Unexpected When a “Good Idea” really isn’t, we have virtual and in-person pediatric urgent care when and where you need it. With the most comprehensive range of care available from skilled pediatricians with years of experience, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital has new services for the fastest response to children’s specific healthcare needs.
“Our providers do their best to treat your child online, and if additional care is needed, they make recommendations for follow-up, in-person care or emergent care,” said Brown.
“As the state’s foremost resource for care devoted to children, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital seeks to be truly comprehensive,” said Brown. “Parents can rely on the most trusted pediatric specialists in the state to provide top-notch care for their children.”
Visit oklahomachildrens.org/urgentcare to learn more about all urgent and emergency care options offered at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health. Begin your pediatric virtual urgent care visit by going to OklahomaChildrens.org/UrgentCare 24/7 EmergencyPediatricRoomPediatric Virtual Urgent Care Two In-Person Urgent Care Locations 122nd Street & May Avenue Covell Road & Kelly Avenue
“Part of our commitment to children’s health means being able to care for our patients and patient families when and where they need us. As a parent, it is difficult to see your child in any kind of discomfort. These new options make it easier to see a provider and help kids get well faster.”
- Ryan Brown, M.D. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health
24/7 Pediatric ER Department Virtual Visits Two Locations Parents can access care online in the way they prefer, including online questionnaires or video visits. No appointment is necessary. Most visits are complete in as little as 15 minutes but no more than an hour during regular business hours, and fees are $25 or less. However, insurance is not required.
Virtual Pediatric Urgent Care
Access To Care The program has greatly expanded access through additional clinic locations, expanded hours and virtual care. • Satellite Clinics: Tulsa, Edmond & Norman • Virtual Care Visits Available • Same Day/Next Day Neurosurgical Appointments • Virtual Neurosurgical Consultations Available On Saturday Mornings Case Volumes • Shunt Surgery (132) • Spinal Doysraphism Repair (51) • Chiari Malformation Decompression (31) • Craniosynostosis Surgery (40) • Brain Tumor Surgery (26) • Spinal Instrumentation (By Pediatric Neurosurgery) (56) • Epilepsy Surgery (18) - Vagus Nerve Stimulator Placement/Revision (2) • Neuroendoscopic Procedure (26) • Spasticity Surgery (Baclofen Pump Placement) (20) • Vascular (Including Endovascular Procedures) (10) • Brachial Plexus/Peripheral Nerve Surgery (9) 2021 Case Highlights Epilepsy Our surgical epilepsy team performs minimally invasive, robot-assisted brain surgery to maximize care for children suffering from epilepsy. Stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and laser ablation have all been performed at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital for the first time in the state of Oklahoma as part of our transformed pediatric surgical epilepsy program.
Tethered Cord Syndrome Spinal column shortening for tethered cord syndrome is one of the many new and innovative ways we are impacting the lives of our pediatric patients.
Pediatric Neurosciences
The Pediatric Neurosciences team at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health in Oklahoma City has undergone a transformation in access, experience, technology and patientcenteredness. Under the leadership of Andrew Jea, M.D., pediatric neurosurgeon and Deepti Chrusciel, M.D., child neurologist, the program has become a major referral center for complex care.
"This has never been done in Oklahoma before. We didn't invent this procedure, but we certainly have advocated for it and are starting to … popularize it."
- Andrew Jea, MD Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health
Programmatic Highlight
Quality Improvements in 2021 Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is deeply committed to continual improvements within our pediatric hospital. We empower nurses, physicians and other health professions to work together on unit and system-driven initiatives. Because of the hard work of our team, we saw a 51 percent reduction in hospitalacquired pressure injuries and a 20 percent in our CLABSI standard infection rate. 100120806040200 2020 2021 Number of Pressure Injuries by Year Reduction51% Measures CY 2020 CY 2021 Percent Change HAPU Rate 1.22 0.6 -0.51 0.50.60.70.40.30.20.10 CY 2020 CY 2021 CLABSI Standard Infection Ratio Reduction20% CY 2020 CY 2021 CLABSI SIR 0.63 0.51 Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI) Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries decreased by 50% year over year in 2021. Some of the interventions that contributed to the reduction include peripheral IV padding and including nursing residents in quarterly prevalence days as well as providing education on pressure injury prevention and hands on assessment opportunities.
Central Line Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) As COVID-19 continued in 2021, most facilities had an increase or stabilization in their rate of central line blood stream infections (CLABSI). At OCH, we had a 20% decrease in our CLABSI infection rate. We continued to re-enforce our care bundle and drilled-down on all occurrences. The clinical nurse specialists and educators made sure all new nursing residents were taught proper technique. In addition, we had more physician engagement to assess line necessity and prompted a more timely removal.
0.050.250.350.30.20.150.10 08/202009/202010/202011/202012/202001/202102/202103/202104/202105/202106/202107/202108/202109/202110/202111/202112/2021 Percent of Patients Not Treated Within One Hour Good Severe Range Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women Severe range blood pressure is defined as two blood pressures 15 minutes apart with a systolic BP ≥ 160 or diastolic BP ≥ 110. Delay in treatment or unrecognized severe high blood pressure, especially with women with a history of chronic high blood pressure, occurred 38% of the time. We achieved a decrease in missed treatment from 38% of the time to a monthly average of 20% of the time, with a low of 10%. 99% of the time the approved medications were used to treat this severe range blood pressure. Month 2020Aug. 2020Sept. 2020Oct. 2020Nov. 2020Dec. 2021Jan. 2021Feb. March2021 2021April 2021May June2021 2021July 2021Aug. Sept.2021 2021Oct. 2021Nov. 2021Dec. % TreatedNot 18% 31% 18% 13% 14% 33% 26% 18% 29% 205 18% 15% 10% 23% 15% 11% 9%
• Paid maternity and paternity leave for all new parents up to 12 weeks
• Workforce of the Future program in which eligible employees can work some or all of the time from home
• Pay increases for select positions
• Childcare enhancements, including 24/7 emergency back-up childcare and virtual tutoring
“As Oklahoma’s only comprehensive, integrated academic healthcare system, it is important that OU Health invest in our workforce and provide benefits that attract and retain the most talented physicians, nurses and other types of healthcare providers and staff. Our people are our biggest asset. Every day, they come to work committed to serving the patients who seek our care,” said Harold Burkhart, M.D., Acting CEO for OU Health.
• Increase in paid time off (PTO) accruals over three years to bring OU Health into the 75th percentile of academic medical centers
Since merging its hospitals and clinics into a single entity on July 1, OU Health has invested $50 million in its workforce.
• Retention bonuses for direct-care registered nurses, respiratory therapists, licensed practical nurses, patient service representatives, medical assistants and scrub technicians
• OU Health Weekend Program, which pays nurses for 72 hours when they commit to working four 12-hour weekend shifts in each two-week pay period
“The investments we are making at OU Health are critical both for the short and long term. Our aim is to grow, strengthen and enhance our healthcare system. It is our goal to ensure all members of the healthcare team are prepared and empowered to help drive the OU Health System to its best future.”
• Bonuses of up to $10,000 for OU Health employees who refer candidates hired into eligible positions
- Julie Hoff, Ph.D., MPH, RN Interim Chief Nursing Executive, OU Health
• $15 minimum rate of pay across the health system
Investing in workforce capacity is also critical during the time of COVID-19, which has taken a toll on healthcare providers and prompted many to leave the field. OU Health, like healthcare systems across the nation, faces a significant shortage of nurses. To strengthen the workforce, OU Health has provided retention bonuses, pay increases, and launched several initiatives that focus on well-being.
• Tuition reimbursement and scholarships for OU Health nurses seeking to continue their education at the Ziegler College of Nursing at the OU Health Sciences Center
• Career ladder opportunities for respiratory therapists, imaging technicians and surgical technicians
• Creation of a Mental Health Helpline for employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Investing in Our Future
Investments include the following:
• $20,000 lifetime benefit for infertility diagnosis and treatment
• OU Health Travel at Home, giving current nurses the option of receiving a higher hourly rate in lieu of a benefits package
• 100% short-term disability benefit for all employees
“We are so excited to be selected as a NORD Center of Excellence. I have been involved with rare diseases for over 30 years, and I truly feel that it will take a village to advance of our knowledge and making meaningful impacts on rare disease studies and management.
In addition, the OU College of Medicine offers robust education and training opportunities, including a master of science degree in genetic counseling, a medical genetics residency program, and clinical genetics laboratory training.
Therefore, having this designation and being able to work with other centers is extremely important.”
- Anne Tsai, M.D. Medical Director of Clinical Genetics Services for OU Health Professor in the OU College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
The NORD Rare Disease Centers of Excellence program is formulated to achieve better outcomes for all members of the rare disease community. This collaborative partnership strives to push the rare disease field forward by establishing and implementing new standards of care and innovating around new treatments, therapies and research.
People living with rare diseases frequently face challenges in finding a diagnosis and quality clinical care. In establishing the Centers of Excellence program, NORD has designated clinical centers across the United States that provide exceptional rare disease care and have demonstrated a deep commitment to serving patients and their families using a holistic, state-of-the-art approach. NORD selected each center in a competitive application process requiring evidence of staffing with experts across multiple specialties to meet the needs of patients, as well as significant contributions to rare disease patient education, physician training and Anyresearch.disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States is considered rare, according to the National Institutes of Health. There are over 7,000 rare diseases and 25 million to 30 million Americans estimated to be living with rare diseases. More than 90% of rare diseases lack a treatment that has been approved by the Food and Drug
An NationalInnovativeNetwork
OklahomaAdministration.Children’s Hospital OU Health offers testing, treatment and education for a wide variety of rare diseases. Because genetic diseases make up a large portion of rare diseases, our genetics team, working with colleagues in internal medicine, nephrology, urology, neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and pediatrics, offers consultation in person or via telemedicine for birth defects, genetic conditions and metabolic conditions, as well as newborn screening.
“We are so excited to be selected as a NORD Center of Excellence. I have been involved with rare diseases for over 30 years, and I truly feel that it will take a village to advance of our knowledge and making meaningful impacts on rare disease studies and management. Therefore, having this designation and being able to work with other centers is extremely important. I also believe Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has a unique position to offer to this community,” said
Anne Tsai, M.D., medical director of Clinical Genetics Services for OU Health and a professor in the OU College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.
NORD Designation Rare Disease Center of Excellence, joining an innovative national network of 31 medical centers dedicated to expanding access and advancing care and research for patients diagnosed with rare Thediseases.program is led by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), with a goal to foster the sharing of knowledge between experts across the country, connect patients to appropriate specialists regardless of disease or geography, and to improve the pace of progress in rare disease diagnosis, treatment and research.
Researchers from multiple disciplines at the OU Health Sciences Center, the academic partner of OU Health, conduct studies into various aspects of rare diseases.
“Right now, far too many rare diseases are without an established standard of care. The Centers for Excellence program will help set that standard — for patients, clinicians and medical centers alike,” said Ed Neilan, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of NORD. “We are proud to announce OU Health as a NORD Rare Disease Center of Excellence and look forward to their many further contributions as we collectively seek to improve health equity, care and research to support all individuals with rare diseases.”
The national association selects partners based on demonstrated commitment to the care of spina bifida patients and pursuit of continuous improvements in care. As a designated Clinical Care Partner, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is listed as such on the national Spina Bifida Association Thewebsite.application process began more than a year ago, spearheaded by Jennifer Cooper, MSN, APRN, Valari Cathey, APRN, CNP, and Dominic Frimberger, M.D., pediatric urologist. The application must demonstrate the applicant’s adherence to 10 best practices known to contribute to the best outcomes for people with spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect, not uncommon in the United States, occurring in one per 2,000 live births. A type of neural tube defect, it is complex and affects no two individuals in the same way. The condition develops in early-stage pregnancy, the result of incomplete closure of the spine, which leaves areas of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed. In its most severe form, the level of exposure makes an infant prone to life-threatening infections, and has the potential to cause paralysis and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Spina bifida is the most common birth defect affecting the central nervous system. While its causes are not entirely understood, it is believed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
“Becoming an SBA Clinical Care Partner is an honor for this clinic, and we’re excited for the benefits our patients will realize,” Cooper said. “As part of our partnership, we have established a new Spina Bifida Clinic at The Children’s Center in Bethany, which facilitates our ability to deliver the kind of sophisticated services and care for optimal Catheyoutcomes.”explained that the participation of The Children’s Center supports coordinated specialty care in a single setting. Spina bifida patients may require a broad range of care encompassing urology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, orthotics, physiatry, nutrition, therapy and social services.
“Often, the care of patients with spina bifida is a lifelong partnership that involves the patient’s entire family. It’s important that parents feel confident, not only in the level of care their child receives, but also that they feel supported by the highly skilled professionals who provide that care as needs evolve and change over time. Our pediatric urology clinic and Oklahoma Children’s Hospital stand alone in offering such breadth of multidisciplinary, pediatricspecific resources so essential to the care of this patient population.”
of best practices required by the Spina Bifida Association have been standard at the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Pediatric Urology Clinic for years. The clinic’s active involvement with the Oklahoma Adaptive Sports Association (OKASA) is part of a longstanding tradition. With the exception of pandemic-related circumstances, the clinic has coordinated and aggressively promoted the annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, which pairs physician, executive and administrative teams competing in wheelchairs, against the athletes who make up OKASA teams.
“It is important to consider the impact on families – parents who miss workdays to keep medical appointments, and also bear responsibility for other children in the home, as well as the patient who misses school for multiple doctor visits.
The clinic also has a well-established transition program that strategically maps the course of care as patients become adults with different care needs.
Prestigious Spina Bifida Clinical Care Partner Designation
REACH Clinic incorporates four levels of transition, which begin at age 16. Its purpose is to provide urological care that meets the needs of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with chronic childhood conditions, including but not limited to spina bifida, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, bladder exstrophy, and other genetic, neurological or congenital conditions. The goal is to prevent urgent urological healthcare issues and creates a bridge that helps
patients transition smoothly from pediatric to adult healthcare services. In this way, this vulnerable patient population finds support throughout the Inlifespan.keeping with the Spina Bifida Association standards of care and best practices, the OU Health Physicians pediatric urology clinic launched a Patient Advisory Committee, currently comprised of eight families. The group held its first meeting in April and will meet regularly with the support of the clinic to offer feedback based on patient/ family experiences and highlight opportunities for improvement. The PAC strives to represent ethnic diversity, geographic distribution and treatment “Wemodalities.areso excited for this opportunity to offer much sought-after care, delivered by an exceptional healthcare team. Our patients with spina bifida and their families in our state are thrilled for what it means for them,” Cooper said.
- Dominic Frimberger, M.D. Chief of Pediatric Urology, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital
A PartnershipLifelong
The comprehensive team approach eases these burdens. Parents have the option to select the most convenient location for their child’s care,” said ACathey.number
Working closely together, care teams address complex needs more effectively as the child grows.
Max Beasley, Spina Bifida Patient
“We’re honored to be part of the group and we bring a lot of interest and passion for helping babies and preventing NEC,” said OU Health neonatologist Hala Chaaban, M.D., who will lead the effort. “We hope that we can make a difference and eventually never have to see this disease again.”
Researching Necrotizing Enterocolitis
By joining the group, the NICU at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital will partner with six other approved hospitals and academic medical centers around the nation in gathering samples from preterm infants and conducting research primarily aimed at preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
NEC is the most common intestinal emergency and a heart-wrenching disease that primarily affects infants born prematurely. In about 30% of cases, the infant dies, often hours or days after diagnosis.
“Another reason that it’s important to have a multicenter, standardized approach is that we are trying to understand not only the disease process, but what happens before the disease is detected clinically,” said Jeffrey Eckert, Ph.D., who oversees biorepository efforts for the NICU at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. “We will conduct research that aims to find biomarkers or something else that can help predict when a child is at risk for NEC so that we can intervene early. It takes an incredible amount of samples to do that, and each individual institution doesn’t necessarily have enough.”
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has joined the Necrotizing Enterocolitis Society Biorepository, which allows member organizations across the nation to collaborate on research into a devastating intestinal disease that affects premature babies.
For preterm babies who are born weighing 2 pounds or less, the risk of death with NEC is as high as 50%, Chaaban said. The condition occurs not when premature babies are at their most fragile, but a week or two later after they have stabilized. It occurs suddenly and progresses rapidly when the baby’s small intestines have an excessive reaction to naturally changing bacteria. Because of the inflammation that occurs, large sections of the baby’s intestines become necrotic and die, and very little can be done to stop the cascade of events.
Because Oklahoma Children’s Hospital provides the state’s highest level of care for newborns, its NICU treats most babies from across the state who have been diagnosed with NEC, and researchers on campus are studying the condition. However, there is great potential in a multicenter collaboration that can conduct research using a large repository of human samples.
As part of the NEC Society Biorepository, the NICU at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital will collect a variety of samples, including urine, blood and stools, from preterm infants shortly after birth, with their parents’ consent. The collection is non-invasive and uses samples that will be analyzed for other reasons and that would otherwise be discarded after analysis.
In addition to premature babies being at risk for NEC, the use of formula instead of human breast milk is another risk factor, Chaaban said. As part of the biorepository process, the NICU will be collecting breast milk for analysis. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, through the Oklahoma Mothers Milk Bank, provides breast milk exclusively for babies in the NICU who weigh less than 3 pounds. However, NEC still occurs in babies who have received breast milk, so researchers will be looking for possible differences in the milk.
NICU Joins National Group
The babies who survive severe NEC almost always do so because a surgeon has removed their intestines. However, at least one-fourth of survivors will face problems with growth, nutrition, walking and cognitive development, as well as an increased risk of cerebral palsy. Although clinicians and researchers know some of the risk factors for NEC, there is still no way to predict when or how the condition occurs.
If any of those babies develop NEC, samples will be collected from the intestines (if removed) in collaboration with Oklahoma Children’s Hospital pediatric surgeon and NEC expert Catherine Hunter, M.D. All samples are de-identified and can be used for research at individual institutions in the NEC Biorepository, as well as for multicenter projects with numerous collaborating researchers.
At some point, we may be able to test the breast milk the baby is receiving and, if it’s deficient in something, we might be able to add it to prevent NEC. That’s far in the future, but it is what we are envisioning the future will be – a personalized approach.”
“I am delighted to support Oklahoma Children’s Hospital’s valuable participation in the NEC Biorepository,” said Tipple, who holds the Reba McEntire Endowed Chair in Neonatology. “Oklahoma Children’s Hospital will play a critical role in improving the outcomes of babies with NEC in the Sooner state and around the world.”
“There may be some protective factors in milk that are produced by some mothers but not others,” Chaaban said. “We’ll be looking at the bioactive factors in human milk and the variability between mothers, as well as the variability over time. That could answer some questions as to why some babies develop NEC when receiving breast milk.
The NEC Biorepository is directed by Misty Good, M.D., a neonatologist at Washington University, with support from Troy Markel, M.D., a pediatric surgeon at Indiana University, and Jennifer Canvasser, founder and director of the NEC Society.
Several other NICU specialists at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital will take part in the biorepository efforts, including neonatologists Birju Shah, M.D., Marjorie Makoni, M.D., Erynn Bergner, M.D., Abhrajit Ganguly, M.D., and others. Funding comes from the Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics at the OU College of Medicine, led by Section Chief Trent Tipple, M.D.
During the summer of 2021 and amidst another COVID surge, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital hosted a rally on the OU Health campus to share with community and school leaders on the impacts of vaccines and masking in order to keep our children safe while in school. Experts discussed the upcoming school year and current hospital situation in our state, what things have changed since last school year, and even how parents can talk to your children about navigating the changes and uncertainty in this evolving environment.
Thanks to the creative brainstorming of the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Child Life and Therapeutic Programs team, patient Jazmin Medina was able to attend her high school graduation – virtually – and cross the stage alongside her classmates. From the OU Health campus, Jazmin was able to drive a robot across the stage to receive her diploma. Our team of Certified Child Life specialists use technology like this robot for therapeutic coping and normalizing experiences, made possible through partners like with Teammates for Kids. We’re thrilled for Jazmin’s next adventure, and we’re constantly amazed by our Child Life and Therapeutics Programs team that continues to find innovative ways for our patients to participate in important milestones.
Rising to New Heights with our Community
Child Life’s Technology Helps Teen Graduate High School Virtually
Mended Little Hearts Award
Protecting COVID Rally
In 2021, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health was the recipient of the Mended Little Hearts National Organization’s International Hospital of the Year Award. Our Heart Center team went above and beyond this past year working with Mended Little Hearts of Oklahoma to provide education, support and resources to all of our pediatric heart surgery patients. During the pandemic, the team adapted to COVID-19 restrictions to ensure the same level of support was provided to each family. This award reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers and physicians to our patients and families.
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital’s cardiology team includes experienced pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons using advanced surgical technologies and minimally invasive techniques and clinical trials.
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in the state. From advanced surgical services to general pediatrics, oncology care and more, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital patients have access to cutting-edge research and treatments through hospital-based and outpatient services.
elite,” said Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, OU Health CEO and president. “This acknowledgment from U.S. News & World Report reflects the dedication of our highly skilled care teams, who put the patient first in everything they do.”
“In my more than 40 years in healthcare, I have had the opportunity to work with several nationally recognized programs,” Lofgren said. “I am not surprised to see us achieve these rankings and I fully expect to see additional programs at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital added to the list in years to come.”
Top 50 in the Nation
“These physician leaders have built incredible programs at our hospital,” said Cameron Mantor, M.D., OU Health Chief Physician Executive, Children’s Division. “They are each nationally respected in their fields, which has allowed them to recruit the best teams in the nation.”
The gastroenterology program offers one of only a few Transnasal Awake endoscopy and GI Motility disorders centers in the nation and is the founding member center of Improve Care Now, an International IBD Collaborative Quality Improvement network.
“As the leader in pediatric care for Oklahoma and the region, we are incredibly proud that these two specialties are recognized as the nation’s most
The leaders of these programs include: Harold Burkhart, M.D., cardiothoracic surgery; Arshid Mir, M.D., pediatric cardiology; Muhammad Altaf, M.D., pediatric gastroenterology; and Catherine Hunter, M.D., pediatric surgery.
Late Breaking News
The cardiac surgery team performs more than 500 surgeries each year, and the number of children who survive open-heart surgery — 98.8% — stands above the national average, regardless of the surgery’s complexity.
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has earned U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of Top 50 Best Children’s Hospitals in the nation for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. This marks the first year these programs have been included in the Top 50 Thelist.publication’s annual ranking system, now in its 16th year, is designed to assist families and their physicians in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions. The rankings are measured by key areas including surgical outcomes, quality, patient experience and peer reputation.
The gastroenterology team at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital conducts more than 12,000 clinic visits and 1,800 procedures a year and participates in multiple research studies and multi-center clinical drug trials, making it the largest referral center in the state.
Specialized gastroenterology programs include Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Liver Transplant, Intestinal Rehabilitation, Aerodigestive Disorders, Gastrointestinal Motility, Fatty Liver and Cystic Fibrosis.
The comprehensive pediatric cardiology program at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital cares for all children and adults with pediatric and acquired heart disease in the state. The team conducts more than 10,000 clinic visits a year for patients referred to the programs throughout Oklahoma. Services include a nationally-accredited imaging program with echocardiography and fetal echocardiography services, advanced MRI and CT imaging systems, a hybrid cath lab for interventional programs and more.
Colin Fuller, MD Pediatric ENT Nicholas Dreger, MD Pediatric Cardiology Virendra Desai, MD Pediatric Neurosurgeon The New Faces at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health Brittany Poinson, MD Pediatric Neurology Omar Abu Anza, MD Pediatric Cardiology Yuki Nakamura, MD Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon R. Erik Edens, MD Pediatric Cardiology Ikuyo Yamaguchi, MD Pediatric Nephrology
Leadership Team at Oklahoma Children's Hospital OU Health Stephanie Beavers, DNP, RN Chief Nursing Officer Kendal Pinkston Chief Operating Officer Cameron Mantor, M.D. Chief Physician Executive Erin Walker Assistant Vice President of Operations Jon Hayes President Mike Milligan Chief Finance Officer Rod Edwards, MD Obstetrician in Chief Mo Gessouroun, MD Pediatrician in Chief Harold Burkhart, MD Pediatric Surgeon in Chief Stephanie DeLeon, MD Inpatient Medical Director Amy Middleman, MD Outpatient Medical Director Sara Parcell Executive Director of Philanthropy
Carolyn Kloek, MD Senior Vice President, Clinical Strategy & Integration
Executive Team at OU Health
Ian Dunn, MD Chief Physician Executive Jim Watson Chief Financial Officer Shawnae Robey Acting Chief Legal Officer Anne Clouse, CFRE Chief Development Officer Maria Russo Chief Information Officer Richard Lofgren President & CEO Julie Hoff, RN Interim Chief ExecutiveNursing Kandis Smith Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Schultz Senior Vice President of Marketing and External Relations Jonathan Curtright Chief Operations Officer
