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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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
Ne
Bus 64
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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ad
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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.