Inspired - Rex Healthcare Foundation - Summer 2017

Summer 2017

News from Rex Healthcare Foundation

Visitors tour the new North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital during the VIP ribbon cutting and celebration event.

Award-Winning Physicians Page 4 Innovations in Behavioral Health Page 7

Pillar: a firm, upright support for a superstructure.

People

Five pillars support the UNC Health Care

timeliness, ease of use and excellent service.

superstructure, each representing a priority.

This pillar links directly to our culture.

As we continue to grow, our main priority is

Quality & Service

Growth

Value

Innovation

that we are unified in direction and purpose.

Growth. The Growth pillar

innovation through research, clinical

We want these pillars to serve as a unifying

focuses on increasing our market share and

trials and new care models. We focus on

framework. The UNC Health Care pillars

expanding our reach. Market share and

improvement and best practices. Strategic

symbolize our culture, values, mission and

reach keep us stable and help us provide

partnerships, LEAN efforts and telemedicine

vision, which is why they are so important.

excellent care across North Carolina.

are just a few ways we use innovation.

People. The People pillar is all-

Partnerships with affiliates and ACO-like models are great examples of how Growth

encompassing. It includes not only medical

is achieved. Access to care also falls under

staff, co-workers and volunteers, but also

this pillar.

patients, families and visitors. It extends to

These pillars are vital because they represent who we are and what makes us unique.

They unite us symbolically and practically.

They guide our thinking from high-level

the communities we serve as well. Good

Value. Value in health care is about

examples of the Patient pillar are training

providing excellent care in an efficient

to the individual work plan. The pillars are

and development, culture, and co-worker

manner. It’s more than just measuring

an extension of UNC Health Care.

and physician satisfaction.

the cost. It’s service and dedication to

Quality & Service.

the people of North Carolina. Some good

planning and organizing all the way down

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

examples of Value are cost/quality, finance/

The pillars have helped guide the format

Patient satisfaction is an important part of

economics, community, integration efforts,

of this newsletter to provide more in-depth

this pillar. Quality & Service focuses on what

Epic@UNC and productivity.

coverage of UNC REX and the ways that

we do and how we do it. Core measures and outcomes are included, as well as

Innovation. Innovation is critical

your support of the Foundation impacts the hospital, patients and our community.

to success. UNC Health Care harnesses

Save the Date í Saturday, October 21 í Raleigh Convention Center

A fundraiser benefitting behavioral health initiatives at UNC REX Healthcare Honoring Margie and Earl Johnson

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF THE REX GALA!

(919) 784-4424 rex.foundation@unchealth.unc.edu

Patient satisfaction is an important part of the pillar of Quality & Service. The Grateful Patients & Families

Program at UNC REX Healthcare provides a way for patients to express their satisfaction and appreciation for the excellent care they’ve received.

Patients can recognize any UNC REX co-worker—nurses, doctors, technicians,

members of housekeeping and food service and volunteers—for their outstanding customer service, quality patient care or random acts of kindness.

Vicky expressed her appreciation to a long line of co-workers at UNC REX for

caring for her father. She is very familiar with the top-notch care given here. “As a 10-year employee of UNC REX, I am well versed in our mission and our culture of excellent patient care,” she said. Vicky’s father was treated initially at the Emergency Department, admitted as an inpatient and then released back home after surgery. Throughout the entire process, “every single person we came into contact with was excellence in action, and their jobs were completed with skill, efficacy and compassion,” Vicky raved.

Vicky’s father witnessed firsthand what Vicky sees every day at work. “Through the excruciating pain he

was experiencing, my father recognized that our co-workers are cut from a different cloth and that he’d never met a nicer group of people before,” she said.

To all the caregivers who crossed their paths those few days, Vicky and her father can’t say thank you

enough. “I will be eternally grateful for each of those individuals because they gave me the gift of more time, however fleeting it may be, with the most important person in my life—my father.”

Myron also wished to show his appreciation to the team of nurses who cared for

him when he was hospitalized for atrial fibrillation. He said they all “went beyond the call of duty and served me so wonderfully.” He commended them for the high level of care he received. “All in all,” he said, “the service provided by all the staff people was outstanding, and I am truly grateful for my treatment.”

The Grateful Patients & Families Program offers a way to say thank you to caregivers or honor or memorialize someone they know who received care at UNC REX. No matter how large or small the donation, it will make a difference. Honored staff members are recognized with a special memento, the acorn pin, celebrating the difference they have made in the life of a patient. 100% of the donation goes directly to sustaining life-saving work by supporting patient care, from purchasing the latest treatments and technologies to funding continuing education for caregivers.

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QUALITY & SERVICE

Rex Healthcare Foundation Grateful Patients & Families Program Pays It Forward

Meet the Award-Winning Physicians The Rex Healthcare Foundation started a new tradition of honoring physicians in three categories—The Pillar of Excellence Award, The Rising Star Award and The Visionary Award. These awards were presented by Linda Butler, UNC REX vice president of medical affairs/chief medical officer/chief medical information officer, and Sylvia Hackett, vice president of the Rex Healthcare Foundation, at the annual Rex Gala.

Pillar of Excellence

The Pillar of

to Dr. Ronald Schwarz.

“Ron exemplifies all that this award stands for. He is a brilliant with a tireless work ethic,” said Butler.

“He possesses great

Dr. Ronald Schwarz • Wake Endoscopy Center • MD, Cornell University • Board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology

integrity and is widely respected in the Triangle area as a leader not only in gastroenterology but in medicine in general.

The patient is at the center of every

decision he makes,” she continued. “He has served our outpatients and UNC REX inpatients for the last 35 years with a dedication and excellence rarely seen in private practice.

He is respectful of colleagues and

exhibits a measured compassion, the just right amount of empathy, realism and support. He is collaborative and a purposeful communicator who values a coordinated team-based approach to patient care,” she said in closing.

Rising Star

physician who is accomplished and is doing noticeable work.

were Dr. Seth Weinreb and Dr. Willis Wu (a tie this year).

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Dr. Seth Weinreb • REX Surgical Specialists • MD, Harvard University • Board certified in general surgery

player, and his colleagues love him,” she said.

Visionary Award

the EPIC leaders to implement changes to

improve workflow. “If he had not been such an

innovation, leading-edge technology and

engaged end user, listener and advocate, I know

positioning UNC REX in the spotlight nationally

that we would not be where we are today in

and internationally. The Visionary Award went to

our EPIC journey,” Butler said.

Dr. Jim Zidar.

She called Dr. Weinreb “an outstanding

The Visionary Award recognizes research,

Dr. Zidar

surgeon that is well respected by his physician

worked with UNC

colleagues, APPs, nurses, other health care

REX leadership in

professionals, patients and families. He is

establishing the

professional, caring and participative. He works

original Rex Heart &

closely with nursing both in the OR and on the

Vascular practice and

units to evaluate and improve processes such as

then led the way with

communication and patient care,” she said.

the expansion of the

UNC REX Cardiology

Dr. Wu also

Dr. Jim Zidar • North Carolina Heart & Vascular • MD, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine • Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology

received the Rising

service line with the

Star Award. His

merger of Rex Heart

peers had many

& Vascular with Wake

compliments for

Heart & Vascular

him. Butler said they

to the form current North Carolina Heart &

thought he was “intelligent, diligent, compassionate about his patients

an outstanding work

a new or younger

the youngest on the team! He is a great team

and suggestions on our campus and then with

co-workers. Dr. Wu has

Award is given to

Rising Star Award

with its EPIC implementation. He met with

and pleasant to his

The Rising Star

The recipients of the

Dr. Weinreb was a beacon for UNC REX

physicians and providers to discuss concerns

Excellence Award went

and gifted clinician

Vascular practice.

Dr. Willis Wu • North Carolina Heart & Vascular • MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine • Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology

He has been the physician lead in the

design of the new Heart & Vascular Hospital, focused on integration, innovation and continued growth. He has also helped ensure that UNC REX has the best resources in place to develop the largest cardiology research

ethic, and he goes

department in the system by identifying

over and beyond for his patients. His patient

and empowering the right physician and

satisfaction scores are excellent,” they said. “He

organizational leaders for this program.

has helped our structural heart program be a

top-notch program locally, and he has brought

a wonderful person. “Dr. Zidar is one of the

procedures in this area to UNC REX that have

most personable and humble people I have ever

never been done before here. He has been the

had the pleasure to know and work with,” said

key person in helping that program grow,”

Butler.

they said. Butler added, “and he happens to be

Dr. Zidar is not only an innovator but also

Susan Sandberg

Andrew Zukowski

Susan Sandberg joined UNC REX Healthcare as its

Last August,

chief operating officer last February. Her professional

Andrew Zukowski

background is in nursing. Once she moved into nursing

became the new chief

leadership, she broadened her clinical skills by working in

financial officer at

obstetrics, cardiac diagnostics, critical care and medical

UNC REX. He holds

imaging. After earning her MBA from DePaul University

a BS in business

in Chicago, she progressed into more senior health care

administration

administrative roles,

from the University

leading strategic

of Toledo and an

planning and

MBA from Eastern

program growth,

Michigan University. He has previously collaborated with

quality improvement

other leaders at a large academic medical center, physician

initiatives and

networks and smaller community hospital partners.

operational

effectiveness.

vibrant area with a small-town feel. He was also attracted

Sandberg was very

to UNC REX’s “strong history, organizational values, culture

excited about her new

and outstanding reputation in the community. Once on site,

role at UNC REX. “I

I felt an amazing sense of community and fit with all of the

Zukowski was drawn to Raleigh—in his opinion, a

was drawn to the organization’s vision,” she said. Now

co-workers I had an opportunity to meet,” he said.

that she’s been on the job for a while, she is impressed.

“UNC REX has a unique and special culture. You feel it

goals and priorities in his new role and wanted to achieve

from the moment you walk through our front doors,” she

them as soon as possible. “I am honored to join a high-

said. “UNC REX co-workers, physicians and volunteers have

performing team and organization with a strong history of

been welcoming and a privilege to work with.”

success. With that in mind, I plan on listening, developing

relationships, rounding and learning the organization’s

Raleigh has also been a pleasant surprise for

As the new chief financial officer, Zukowski had

Sandberg. “I’m a lifelong Midwesterner–the mild winter

culture to be in a position to contribute to team efforts that

here is a huge plus, and Raleigh is certainly a great place to

sustain and improve upon a strong foundation of success,”

live,” she said. She also loves the fact that you don’t have

he said.

to choose between the mountains and the beach. “Wake

County is the perfect location between both!”

enjoys outdoor activities and traveling. He also loves to

kayak and compete in triathlons. He dabbles in art and

Sandberg is very active in community outreach efforts,

serving on numerous boards of directors. She and her

PEOPLE

Meet the New UNC REX Executives

Married with two children, aged 9 and 12, Zukowski

piano and enjoys watching his kids’ sporting events.

husband have two college-age children. They are outdoor enthusiasts and huge basketball and hockey fans.

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GROWTH

North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital Now Open

2017 ushered in record physical growth for UNC

REX Healthcare. The North Carolina Heart & Vascular

its goal of raising $10M for the hospital. Of the $10

Hospital, the largest building project in UNC REX’s

million in local support, $300,000 purchased a unique

history, officially opened its doors on March 5.

collection of artwork featured in the new facility.

Stunning glasswork, pottery and photography “will

On March 2, UNC REX hosted a VIP event, complete

with ribbon-cutting ceremony. Steve Burriss, president

change the way you feel when you walk through the

of UNC REX, officiated. “[It] was a momentous occasion

hospital,” said Chad Lefteris, vice president of operations

for UNC REX,” he said. He welcomed co-workers,

at UNC REX.

volunteers, retirees and their families to tour the hospital

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The new hospital is not only physically impressive

the next day. A public open house was

but also technologically advanced.

hosted on March 4.

“One of the things we’re really trying

to do with this hospital is to not just

The design of the hospital, based

on research, best practices and input

make it a structure, but also what we

from patients, physicians, clinicians

like to call a wired hospital…for the

and caregivers, is focused on the

future,” said UNC REX cardiologist,

care and comfort of patients and

Dr. Ravish Sachar. The facility has two

their visitors. Patients have access to

hybrid labs set up for open surgeries,

telemetry, cardiovascular intensive

such as bypasses, and endovascular

care and acuity adaptable beds.

surgeries, such as stents placed in

Diagnostic and treatment procedure space also includes

blood vessels. The hybrid labs allow cardiologists to treat

catheterization, vascular and interventional radiology and

patients, even after they leave the hospital, with sensors

electrophysiology labs. Hybrid procedure rooms, post-

and wearable technology.

acute care unit beds and procedure prep and recovery

beds are also included. Patients and visitors can also

for expansion, planning for continued growth. “As it

enjoy other services such as a café, conference center, gift

relates to cardiovascular care, we have set up this whole

shop, resource library, demonstration kitchen, pharmacy

campus in this new building as a plan that we could

and sacred space.

grow,” said Lefteris. The future of the North Carolina

Heart & Vascular Hospital is limitless.

Funding for the hospital included a combination

of existing operating reserves, debt financing and

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philanthropy. The Rex Healthcare Foundation exceeded

The 306,000-square-foot, 114-bed facility has room

Imagine experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

The space formerly used for heart and vascular treatment,

Now imagine waiting for treatment in a busy emergency

now empty because of the opening of the North Carolina

department. That scenario could be very overwhelming.

Heart & Vascular Hospital, will be converted into the

Behavioral Health Unit. Designed to improve the entire

UNC REX Healthcare has an innovative solution,

creating a new area specifically for patients experiencing

patient experience and the safety of visitors and staff

behavioral health issues. The construction began in April

members, the behavioral health zone will include eight

and will finish by the end of the year. This is all thanks to

private rooms and a bright, open common area.

an anonymous donation of $2.5 million, the largest single

donation ever received by UNC REX.

patients, commended UNC REX for devoting their space

and resources. “We applaud UNC Health Care’s efforts to

“This generous gift will allow us to expedite

INNOVATION

An Innovative Approach to Behavioral Health

Ann Akland, an advocate for behavioral health

construction of a calm, secure and healing environment to

enhance behavioral health services in Wake County with

hold patients who really belong in a licensed behavioral

this project, the recent expansion at UNC WakeBrook

health facility,” said UNC REX president Steve Burriss.

campus and other initiatives,” she said.

Additional Beds at WakeBrook Campus

In Wake County, more than 65,000 people suffer from a

serious mental illness. “There continues to be a serious gap in care for this population, often leading them to emergency rooms where physicians can’t provide the necessary level of care,” said Dr. Jack Naftel, vice chairman of the UNC Department of Psychiatry. “UNC WakeBrook is working to

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close that gap and provide a continuum of services catering to this underserved population.”

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wB ern A ven ue

One goal at WakeBrook is to help ease the strain on hospital emergency departments, which aren’t the most appropriate places for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

UNC Health Care recently opened 12 additional inpatient beds at Wake County’s

patients who need it the most—those with behavioral health and substance abuse

WakeBrook Campus

disorders. “Having UNC open 12 additional beds on the UNC WakeBrook campus is a dream come true for people living with mental illness and their families in Wake County,”

Exit 14

Sunnybrook Road

WakeBrook campus. The facility is nearly always full, so this addition will help

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said Ann Akland, an advocate for behavioral health patients. “The beds will reduce the long wait times for more people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, and they

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will mean fewer people will be restrained and transported outside the county for mental health care.”

The new beds at WakeBrook will ensure that more people experiencing the most severe mental illnesses will have

access to excellent, compassionate care. WakeBrook offers a wide range of patient services, including primary care, crisis and assessment services, inpatient services, facility-based crisis services and alcohol and drug detoxification.

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Non-Profit Org. US Postage

PAID Raleigh, NC 27607 Permit No. 1234

4420 Lake Boone Trail Raleigh, North Carolina 27607

Gifts to UNC REX Healthcare are made through the Rex Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3).

The Rex Healthcare Foundation can be reached at (919) 784-4424 or rex.foundation@unchealth.unc.edu.

The Path to the PGA TOUR

2017 REX Hospital Open winner Conrad Shindler and Steve Burriss, President of UNC REX Healthcare

Conrad Shindler won this year’s REX Hospital Open, the annual charity golf tournament that brought more than 150 professional golfers from around the world to Raleigh. Over the past three decades, the REX Hospital Open has raised more than $9 million for patients in need. Funds raised this year will support cardiovascular education and prevention at the new North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital.

The Web.com Tour is the path to the PGA TOUR – the top 25 earners on the Web.com Tour money list are automatically granted a PGA YOUR card the following season. This year, 21 of the top 25 played at the REX Hospital Open.

Left: Conrad Shindler is congratulated by the chairmen of the 2017 Open, Smedes York and George York of York Properties.