Foundation S U M M E R
2 0 1 3
IN FOCUS
Hope. Help. Access.
Guardian Angel Edition Dr. Joe Bond: Pioneering cancer services in Rolla
Story on Page 8
Phelps Regional Health Care
Foundation Hope. Help. Access.
Phelps County Regional Medical Center
1000 West 10th Street, Rolla, Missouri 65401 573-458-7946 •giving.pcrmc.com
3rd Annual
Hospice Poker Run Phelps Regional Homecare recently hosted the third annual Hospice Poker Run to benefit the Phelps Regional Health Care FoundationHospice Fund. This year’s event raised $4,500. We want to thank our riders, volunteers, and sponsors for their help in making this event another great success. For more information on our Hospice program, please contact Jody St. Pierre at 573-458-3807. Or to make a donation, please visit our website at giving.pcrmc.com or contact Lori Moss at 573-458-7647.
$250 Level Sponsors
Aflac, Citizen’s Bank of Newburg, Denny-Ford, HospiScript, McDonalds, Phelps County Bank, Sinks Pharmacy, Therapy Support
$100 Level Sponsors
Anytime Fitness, Bank of Crocker, Bank of Iberia, Barbara’s Babies Dog Obedience School, Community Bank of Dixon, Enterprise, Extreme Accessories, Fidelity, Ft. Wood Hotels, Huffman’s Flowers, Murphy’s Hair Studio, Walmart- St. Robert
contents
Features
Thoughts 4 Opening PCRMC CEO, John Denbo,
shares his thoughts on the new healthcare reform act.
5 15th Annual Golf Tournament
A day of sun and fun raises more than $97,000 for the Delbert Day Cancer Institute.
11 Guardian Angels
Showcasing the Guardian Angels that you nominated.
Donations at Work 13 Your Thanks to your donations, state-ofthe-art technology is now available for our patients.
30 Memorial Giving
A tribute to those remembered by a loved one.
31 Mark Your Calendars
Take note so you don’t miss out on the upcoming events and support groups at PCRMC.
25 A Story of Healing
In search of relief, Debbie Robb found more than excellent medical care at PCRMC - she found her angels.
Special Feature
A Medical Pioneer
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Phelps County Regional Medical Center Medical Oncologist, Joseph Bond, DO, shares his story about bringing world-class oncology services to Rolla.
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2013
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opening thoughts
A
word from PCRMC CEO, John Denbo
By Amy Wilson Health care finance may not be the easiest concept to understand, but it doesn’t take much experience to realize that if almost 60 percent of a hospital’s revenue comes from the federal government, any reductions to that revenue stream will likely have an impact. When CEO John Denbo was asked how he would deliver a “state of the union address” regarding Phelps County Regional Medical Center, he noted while the hospital is in a strong financial position, a decrease in payments from the federal government is pushing the hospital into uncharted territory. “We are really trying hard to absorb those cuts by becoming more efficient and effective while maintaining and improving the quality and safety of the care we provide, but the cuts are coming so fast,” he noted. “There doesn’t seem to be an end point to the cuts.”
Why now? The funding issue has hit a boiling point as a result of efforts to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.” The focus is now on finding a way to reduce the number of uninsured Americans. The federal government appropriated funds at that time to be used for the purpose of setting up insurance exchanges where people who can’t currently buy health insurance would be able to purchase it. “It was recognized that there would still be a gray area of people who might try to buy through those exchanges, but wouldn’t be able to afford it,” Denbo said. To address that issue, the law proposed an expansion of the Medicaid program, and pledged to fund 100 percent of the costs for three years beginning in 2014 and 90 percent through 2020, with the states picking up the remaining amount. At the same time, the Affordable Care Act also included immediate reductions in Medicare payments to hospitals which began in 2010 and will continue through 2020. The monies saved by these reductions were to be recycled and sent to the states to assist them in setting up
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Foundation IN FOCUS
MISSION STATEMENT
To serve as the philanthropic organization that facilitates charitable donations to support and assist the mission of PCRMC in providing for the health care needs of the communities it serves.
VISION STATEMENT
Be the best hospital foundation dedicated to sustaining and advancing PCRMC in providing world-class healthcare for the continued benefit of our service community. Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ted Day, R.Ph., President Candace Connell, Vice-President Deborah Schuetz, Treasurer John Denbo, Ph.D., Ex-Officio Virginia Lomax, Ex-Officio Cindy Beger Mary Graham, MD Ollie Jackson Patricia Leaders Dwight Look, MD Kathy Nickason Mark Riefer
Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation
STAFF
Lorrie Hartley, CFRE Executive Director Donia Camarena Major & Planned Giving Specialist Lori Moss Annual Giving Coordinator Ashley Brooks Fundraising Coordinator Robyn Owens Administrative Assistant
PRODUCTION TEAM
Lori Moss Editor Amy Wilson Staff Writer, Copy Editor Ashley Brooks Graphic Designer
golf
The G2N 15th Annual
PHELPS REGIONAL HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION BENEFIT
tournament
Perfect form by Chad Barnes of First Community National Bank
The Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation held its 15th annual golf tournament June 3 at Oak Meadow Country Club in Rolla. This year, the tournament, benefitting the Delbert Day Cancer Institute at Phelps County Regional Medical Center, celebrated its best year ever, raising more than $97,000. That brings the total amount raised in the history of the tournament to $819,000. Throughout the years of this tournament, all of the proceeds have been used to provide quality, outstanding healthcare to the patients who reside in the communities served by PCRMC. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the results this year. The planning committee set some lofty goals and we hit each one of them. We couldn’t have this kind of success without the support of so many local and
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regional companies and individuals,” said Lori Moss, golf tournament coordinator. “Because we want this to be a great time for our players and participants, it takes a lot of time, effort, and energy from everyone involved.” The tournament, which now features a morning and afternoon tee time, had a record turnout with 52 teams. This Master Sponsor G2N: Glenn Kraft, Shawn Hodges, Kathy Hughes, and Ed Clayton year’s tournament also featured a championship flight for competitive teams with no mulligans or tossigans allowed. It also featured some local long-ball hitters, Chad Saladin and Jason Corey, who drove the ball for participating teams to get them closer to the hole. Prizes ranging from GPS systems to gift cards were awarded to the top team in each flight as well as the high scorers. The Delbert Day Cancer Institute is providing coordinated cancer care for our patients from screening to diagnosis to treatment and survivorship. The goal of the cancer care team is to be with the patient every step of the way with the latest possible techniques and technology. This includes providing a seamless transition between services, whether is it radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy. We are looking forward to next year already, so mark June 2 on your calendars and make plans to join us! This tournament couldn’t be as successful without the support of the following groups and individuals and we want to thank them for their generosity and support.
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Championship Flight Winners Mid America Bank - Ken Daugherty, Greg Luehmann, Jeff Parker, and Chad Saladin
The G2N 15th Annual Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament Sponsors MASTERS G2N, Inc. ACE BTS Group Esterly Schneider Mo-Sci Corporation Murphy Company EAGLE BSA LifeStructures FormFast McCarthy Building Tim & Susie Rupp/ Edward Jones BIRDIE Alberici Healthcare Commerce Bank First Community National Bank Fidelity Communications Guarantee Electrical Co. Lewis, Rice, & Fingersh Mainline Fire Protection RehabCare US Bank USI Midwest Wells Fargo Advisors PAR Acoustical Ceilings BKD CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Cochran Engineering Colton's Steak House Country Mart of Rolla Legends Bank Level Paths Investment Advisers Mid America Bank and Trust MLS, Inc. MSCB Ozarks Coca-Cola Professional Abatement & Remediation Technologies
Pepsi Cola Bottling Company Phelps County Bank Philips and Company RehabCare Results Radio Ricoh Healthcare Schindler Elevator Sinks Pharmacy STL Communications Sun Life Financial Town and Country Bank Wood Jones and Associates INDIVIDUALS Adam Lotz Dan Lenauer/John Henry Foster Co. Janet Shirrell/Feeler Scheer John Moylan/Mainline Information Systems Matt Stroot Phil Peterson/Peterson Group Ryan Tucker/Wolters Kluwer HOLE IN ONE Air Masters Corporation Progressive Healthcare Schumacher Group TKH, Inc. 19TH HOLE Lathrop and Gage Liberty Mutual
Mobil on the Run/Wallis Oil Company Owens-Minor Phelps County Bank Peterson Group Ricoh Rolla Federal Credit Union Thomas, Birdsong, Mills, McBride SPECIAL THANKS Blossom Basket/Rolla Celebrations Catering Mead O'Brien Incorporated Oak Meadow Country Club Public House Brewing Company Scott's Printing/Rolla Vernon Productions VOLUNTEERS Amanda Pogue Amy Stark Angela Christesen Carolyn Peplow Carrie Snider Cindy Butler Donia Camarena Donna Wilson
Faith Hartley Frank Lazzaro Janet Killian Jason Sharp Jessica Roy Karen Davis Lindsey Dunstedter Lorrie Hartley Maria Hartley Mary Lewis Pat Leaders Rob Mattingly Robyn Owens Ron Christensen Sarah Wilson Somer Overshon Tania Lambert Tina Thomas GOLF COMMITTEE Bill Leaders David Dawdy Ed Clayton Kent Davis Ellis Hawkins Kreig Moore Ron Smith Shawn Hodges Ted Day
BEVERAGE CART Berlin-Wheeler, Inc. Guaranteed Green CO -SPONSORED HOLE Cintas Fishnet Security FMH Hi-Tech Roofing Madison Investment Advisors Mainline Information Systems
Our own Bill Leaders and Ron Smith enjoying the day.
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Joseph Bond, DO Pioneer to Cancer Services
By Amy Wilson Every Thursday at 7 a.m., a team gathers in the meeting room, with file folders stacked on the table. They’ve been meeting for over a decade, and while some of the faces around the table have changed, one thing is certain. The number of folders, which contain files of patients diagnosed with cancer, continues to grow. Medical oncologist Joseph Bond, DO, emphasizes the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach when treating cancer. “The Tumor Board offers another room full of second opinions,” he notes. Making sure there are specialists in those seats has been one of his goals since he established the oncology program in 1981. Joe and Cathy Bond in the beginning. A native of Cape Girardeau, he and his wife, Cathy, who is herself a family oncologist before, which meant Bond had to explain practitioner, were looking for a good community suitable “what” he was before he could get to the “who.” Medical for family living. They wanted to make sure that their oncology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of choice would be able to support both medical practices. cancer and is a rapidly changing field of medicine. Many Thirty-two years later, Bond can look back and reflect new treatments including intravenous, oral medications on their decision to select Rolla. Fresh from a fellowship and targeted therapies (non-chemotherapy drugs that in hematology oncology at Saint Louis University, he was are designed to treat very specific tumor types) are now ready to launch his career. available in addition to traditional chemotherapy. “The idea of starting an oncology program was a “I had to have the whole institution on board,” Bond huge concept,” he says. “One of my professors said I was says. making a huge mistake because I wouldn’t have anyone to Since then, Bond has built a team including talk to.” pathologists, medical oncologists and radiologists to The Rolla community had never had a medical ensure that the best treatments are being provided to
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aggressively fight cancer. “If you are diagnosed with cancer, the question isn’t why should you stay here; it is why shouldn’t you,” Bond says. “Most cancer treatment can be done here.” That wasn’t the case when he first started practicing. The hospital didn’t even have a CT scanner. “I said we needed to move the project forward, and I was sort of a catalyst to get the state-of-the-art equipment needed,” he says. “We have come a long way.” He also saw the need to develop radiation oncology services, which meant finding a top-notch provider and equipment for providing broad spectrum radiation therapy. “That was the next big step,” Bond says. PCRMC was designated as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center in 2006. “This program really came from nothing to high quality care,” Bond says. “That’s a good feeling.” •••
with a cancer diagnosis. “At the end of our discussion, the only dumb question is one you don’t ask,” Bond explains. “If you find the treatment intolerable, you can quit. I will still be your doctor and we will try something else. I am here to serve you.” As part of that dedication to service, Bond understands the value of communication. “I have a greater appreciation now for what I have learned over the years through feedback from my patients,” Bond says. “You have to be able to make people feel comfortable. It is all about communication, particularly when it is a new diagnosis of cancer. The patient is scared and may be half listening.” The addition of a clinical navigator, someone who can walk with the patient through every step of treatment, was the result of feedback he received from a patient. “Joy Heavin was a patient of mine, and she had this
“If you are diagnosed with cancer, the question isn’t why should you stay here; it is why shouldn’t you. Most cancer treatment can be done here.” Medical school may teach the base of knowledge, but treating patients involves a set of skills that goes beyond the classroom setting. In the past 32 years, Bond has watched families grow. He’s been there for his patients, in good diagnoses…and not-so-good. “There is a certain amount of emotional stress,” he notes. “When you are taking care of friends and people you know, if they want you to be their doctor, you have to step up and do the job.” This can be especially challenging when treating other medical professionals because there are no assumptions made. “I am the doctor and you are the patient,” Bond says. “I am going to tell you everything you need to know.” He describes cancer treatment as a “day-by-day process.” It’s important for patients to be knowledgeable enough to sift through the all the information connected
idea that when someone has cancer, there is no one there who says that you’re going to need a wig,” Bond says. “There needed to be someone who could take the patient by the hand and walk them through it. As doctors, we don’t have time to manage this ourselves. I went to the board (at the Bond Clinic) and recommended that we hire one of our patients who has cancer for this position – and we can’t charge her for her services. “Doing the right thing has been our mantra, and we hired Joy,” he says. “When Joy came up with this idea, it was not about medical oncology. It was about listening to people.” Although she later died following her battle with breast cancer, Heavin’s legacy lives on through the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation’s Joy of Caring Cancer Fund. The fund provides financial assistance for cancer patients who may have difficulty managing their daily
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activities and capital needs related to cancer services. “You will hear all kinds of horror stories (about cancer drugs), but it is important not to let the side effects inhibit you,” Bond explains. “The tragedy is that you never hear many of the good stories. You have to believe what I am telling you as your doctor.” In developing a care plan, the patient plays an active role. “As a patient you have to be willing to do the best you can do, and if that becomes difficult, I have to look at what I can do to change the process,” Bond says. “Some of the outcome is about patient will; some call it spiritual. I am always careful to tell my patients to do their best and we will take care of them. The will to live is incredible.” As a dedicated sports fan, Bond uses a sports metaphor to describe his practice. “You can’t hit a home run every time, but you can get the batting average up,” he says. “You have to take the initiative to find out what is the right thing to do.” The first step, though, according to Bond, is to understand that his patients aren’t cancer cases. “You are a person who has cancer, and treatment is not just about giving the right drug,” he explains. “The goal is to try to minimize suffering. This is a whole program to improve the quality of life.” In determining a treatment plan, Bond and his team examine the standard of care guidelines set by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. “There are several different protocols,” he says. “What has changed so much is the prevention of nausea. There are better drugs to battle the cancer and strengthen the immune system. The research for developing new drugs is moving at a rapid pace.” With the advent of clinical research studies at PCRMC, experimental treatments are now available. “I ask are you willing to try it (a new treatment) and people appreciate that,” Bond says. Bond’s professional network is simply a mouse click away, with experts from around the nation at his fingertips. He also credits an efficient staff in helping to provide the best patient experience possible. “The technology is on our desks, and you have access regardless of where you are,” he says. “There is more to know, and we are seeing better outcomes. I have a patient
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who has survived four cancers. People are living longer and we are able to detect the cancer faster.” While he is not quite ready to end his season as a medical oncologist, Bond emphasizes the key to providing world class healthcare is to be flexible and willing to learn new techniques. “When you think you’ve learned enough, you had better go home,” he says. ••• Referring again to a sports metaphor, Bond says that “every day is like the world series.” “There is no boredom,” he says. “Cathy and I share a love for intellectual stimulation. There is more to know than ever before. I enjoy interacting with people, and I often see them at their worst. This has been a journey of enlightenment for me.” He appreciates the feedback he receives from patients whether in the form of a verbal thanks or a thank you card, but his reaction is one of humility. “I am supposed to stand up and do the best job I can every day,” he says. “If something goes wrong, we are dealing with life-threatening drugs that are dangerous. You have to do it right…even better. Tomorrow is another day.”
Joy Heavin and Joe Bond at the Cancer Gala.
Guardian Angels The following were recognized by their patients or co-workers for the excellent and compassionate care they provided.
Tanvira Alam, DO
Joyce Bailey
Steven Ballard, MD
Jimmy Bell, FNP
Vicki Allen
Chris Baldwin, MD
James Bass, MD
Joannie Blakely
Gladys Pankey
Robert and Jane Knight
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Don and Paula Sanders
Donald and Ardilla Johnson
Jeanette Hudson Elva Schafer
John* and Helen Allen C. Glen and Dorothy Lawson
Daniel and Jane Haskell
*deceased Foundation In Focus | Spring 2013
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Angels Rosie Bland Debra Van Kirk
Joe Bond, DO
Elizabeth Hall Elmer and Marjorie Keeney Bob and Gwen Lloyd Ben and Doris McWilliams Maria Means Maryanna Spurr Harold and Carol Strotheide Diane Ziegler
Brenda Breckenridge Lori Brown William and Edith McMillan
John* and Helen Allen
Kevin Brewer, DO
Mary Bruns, DO
Elaine Briggs
Edward Bruns, DO
“A simple ‘Thank you’ doesnt adequately express how much we appreciate the additional time you have given my wife and I to be together. God Bless you and yours. “ - Buford and Wilma Urban
Cathy Bond, DO Daniel and Jane Haskell Verna Herin
Nancy Bumler
Anonymous
Who has touched your life today? Angie Bowers Blanche Burrus
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Danny Brower
Patrick and Reva Swaringim Monte Farris
Patricia Butler Hiram Perkins
Sean Cartwright
Albert and Barbara Hobart
William Cottingham, DO
Jill Deleshmit Judy Woods
Herbert Pumfrey
Luella Call
Pecos Coble, DO
Sally Davis
David Earl
Donia Camarena
Debbie Cook
Kevin Dearlove
Sherry Edwards
Monte Farris Patrick and Reva Swaringim
Don and Paula Sanders
Tom and Jan Colvin Ralph and Heidi Norris
Joe and Candace Stanley
William Hoertel
Carla Puller
Barry and Carol White
Emma Jones
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Angels Terrill Emmett Birchard Holden
Ashley Gray Nancy Bumler
Jeffrey Holen, MD Ruby Hufstedler
Dixie Fox, DPM
Sharon Hamilton
Syed Huq, MD
Keith Frederick, DO
Shawn Hodges
Anthony Kaczmarek, MD
Frank Woodcock
Leah Pagel
You are a very special caregiver. -Ray and Sudie York
William Hoertel
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Richard and Ursula Davis Sally Davis Ruth Hengartner Donald and Ardilla Johnson Shirley Kuntz Cliff and Mickie Nichols Omega Parker John and Audrey Pritchett Doyle Turner “To Dr. Don James: for helping out our family and treating my husband with much kindness and understanding.� -Mark and Erika Boyle
Shirley Waters
Robert D. Yenzer
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Don James, DO
Steven Kaster JoAnn Brand-Hoertel
Pandee Goodson Sigrid Talbert
Michelle Koons Edna Rolufs
Bohdan Lebedowicz, MD
Mignon Makos, MD
Bonnie Wiles
Terry Boyce Virginia Rogers
Mary Graham, MD Diane Crider Peggy Davis Melvin and Arome Ellinger Patsy Hildreth Tony Keller Catherine Leimkuehler Bob and Gwen Lloyd Avella McGuirk Ralph and Heidi Norris Judith Piatt Vivian Prentice Karolina Seibold Harold and Carol Strotheide Leasle and Lucille Tallant Charles Thomas Wei-Wen and Yuehhsin Yu
“We all love you and your staff very much. “ -Eldon L. Gravett and family
Judyann Krenning, MD
George Karr James L. and Mary L. Lewis
Jung Kwon Betty Sachs
“Your face was the first I saw when I woke up. Thank you! Everyone was really special.” -Nina Steelman
Lucille Mannering Jeff and Sandra Kerr
Helen Litz
Jack and Marcia Ridley
Mary Madrano Cherry West
Tim Martin, MD
Bonnie Enke Larry and Sandy Roper John and Susan Wiemann
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Angels Reba Mason William Hoertel
Cody McKeever Anonymous
Allison Modglin Anne Graves
Bart Nelson
John and Barbara Keller “Keep up the good work of caring for others. I think on your words so often and apply them to my well-being. “ -Nancy Collins
Larry Mazzeo, AuD Anonymous
Don McMullin, DO Eugene and Janice Zanders
Lem Moore Barbara Fudge
Ruth Ann Nevils, MD
Rebecca McClain William Hoertel
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Linde Merrow Anonymous
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Chana Moreland William Hoertel
“Dr. Nevils was so kind, thoughtful, and caring when taking care of my mom. She always took time to answer all our questions/concerns and explain in detail. For instance: My mom consistently had low sodium count. I will never forget the appointment when Dr. Nevils came in the room and handed my mom a bag of potato chips! Mom figured out real quick that her sodium must be low - again. Mom found humor in the ‘potato chip’ appointment, as she called it. -William and Sherry Cook
Samra Norris
Don Pingleton
Catherine Rice
Shari Riley
Diana Pantaleo
Kenneth Ragan
Matthew Rieth, MD
Becky Sackman
Sherry Phippen, MD
Bonnie Ranney, MD
Todd Riggs, DO
Dan Schleuter
Hiram Perkins
Hiram Perkins
Dolores Gaub Shirley Waters
JoAnn Brand-Hoertel
Doris Brown
Charles and Louise Redburn Betty Sachs Paula Vann
Carol Brinson
Winifred Armistead
Gene and Susan Bendix
Albert and Barbara Hobart
William Hoertel
JoAnn Brand-Hoertel
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Angels Hugh Schuetz, DO Helga Byrd John and Susan Wiemann
Laura Slagel Verlan Breuer
Miriam Stricklan Nancy Bumler
Dana Voight, MD
Anonymous Dorothy Daniels Avella McGuirk Harold and Carol Strotheide Robert D. Yenzer Diane Ziegler “There are no words to describe the way you treated me and my ongoing cancer case! You taught me a lot about my disease and surgeons in general. You rest assured you are truly one of a kind.� -David Givens
Salim Shackour, MD
Ruth Soppe
Dawn Shelton
William Stoecker, MD Dee Dee Vandivort
Jim Gardner
Mary Jones
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Jack and Jessie Roach
Kathy Knudsen
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Helen Thomure Mark Premont
Phyllis Moeller
Julia Warren
John* and Helen Allen
ASU Team Laurie Wheeler Gisela Rust
Syed Zahoor Ul-Mueen, MD
Phyllis Moeller Betty Sachs
“For his dedication to his patients and excellent provider care.” -Janice Thompson
The PCRMC Bond Clinic Staff Richard and Emma Mann Alvin Snelson
Amy Whitaker, FNP “I feel that you saved my life when I had pneumonia and whooping cough! But you always give me great care!” -Robin Wisdom
Christiane Zoghbi, MD Ruth Ann Nevils
Bond Clinic Infusion Team William and Sherry Cook Virginia Govier Ben and Doris McWilliams
Terri Woodley Denise Abernathy
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Angels Environmental Services Department Charles and Brenda Scheetz
Joseph Bond, DO, Staff Ben and Doris McWilliams Maryanna Spurr Buford and Wilma Urban
Food Services Department Charles and Brenda Scheetz
Emergency Department Staff Gene and Susan Bendix Albert and Barbara Hobart Gloria Riefer
Dixie Fox, DPM, Staff Frank Woodcock
Employee Pharmacy Staff Anita Scott
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The Guardian Angel Program is an opportunity for you to make a donation in honor of the caregiver(s) who made a difference in your care at Phelps County Regional Medical Center.
Hospice Team Doris Watters
Medical Oncology Staff Anonymous Verlan Breuer Ronald Catron Brenda Sheetz
ICU Team Cynthia Butler
MRI Team Jerry Wofford
Don McMullin, DO Office Team Eugene and Janice Zanders
Obstetrics Department Channelle Sharpley
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Angels Outpatient Physical Therapy Staff Diana Ahmad
Radiation Oncology Team Diane Crider Peggy Davis Melvin and Arome Ellinger Eldon Gravett Patsy Hildreth Tony Keller Catherine Leimkuehler Vivian Prentice Virginia Rogers Tom and Lana Van Doren
ASU Pain Management Clinic Staff James Garver Jesse and Dagmar Pogue
Respiratory Therapy Department Robert Graber
Rehab Care Staff
Waldemar and Laura Dressel Jesse and Dagmar Pogue
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Nominate your own guardian angel by filling out the envelope insert.
Individuals not pictured Robin Carmen
James and Jeanette Garver
Lisa Collins
John and Regina Garrabrant
Steve Gray Blanche Gray
Laurence Hutchinson Carol Brinson
PCRMC Staff Betty Dirkson Dave Stephens
Patricia Jackson Michiko Youmans
Susan Morris
William and Peggy John
E.D. Scott
Richard Graves
Julie Terry
Surgical Services Staff Anonymous
“Your caring voice and attitude helped me make it through a long night; sharing your faith “He’s not done with you yet” really influenced my weak breaking spirit. Thank you, bless you and family. God placed you with me for a short time but your influence will last a lifetime. God loves you and so do I.” -Ervin and Nancy Kadlec
Dave Unger Blanche Gray
Groups not pictured Cancer Staff of PCRMC and Bond Clinic Nellie Montgomery
Patient Transportation Department Ruth Ann Nevils
Transitional Care Facility Staff Robert Graber Austin and Lena Vogeler
Plant Operations Department John Ortlip
Surgery Staff If you find an error in the spelling of any of the names listed in the previous pages, or if your name has been left off in error, please contact the Foundation office at (573) 458-7648.
Ulrike Martin Betty Safarik
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A word from Denbo continued from page 1 insurance exchanges and expanding Medicaid at the state level. “We have already experienced a 10 percent decrease in Medicare payments since ‘Obamacare’ passed,” Denbo said. However, he explained that with the expansion of the Medicaid program, hospitals would at least receive some of the funding that had already been promised. However, the Missouri legislature was unable to agree on the expansion issue during the 2012 legislative session, meaning that the state will not expand Medicaid. As a result, the state will not receive the federal funds. There is also concern about expanding a program that already has problems. “Maybe it is not the best, but it is not the worst,” Denbo said. “My frustration is all of that may very well be true, but hospitals are desperately in need of that money. Not getting the money is going to hurt the quality of care, and some hospitals will have to cut services and staff. Patient care will suffer and some hospitals may even close.”
What happens next? Hospital officials will continue to meet with state legislators to provide them with information about the economic impact. “We want the state legislature to examine this issue, no matter how they feel about ‘Obamacare.’ Whether you are Democrat or Republican, we urge them to work together to get the healthcare providers the resources they need.” Because PCRMC is a “safety net” provider, the hospital does not turn anyone away. Not only does the hospital provide the only in-patient psychiatric unit within a 100-mile radius, but the hospital also provides ambulance services to the community without tax support. Even though PCRMC is a county hospital and could receive a tax levy, it has not received any tax monies for over 30 years. “Over the last four years, our uncompensated care has gone from $10 million to $33 million,” Denbo said. “People are coming in needing services and we are providing them. Those without health insurance would at least be able to get on Medicaid if the state would accept the federal money. The state doesn’t
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have to raise any taxes. This is money we have already forfeited to the federal government.” If the goal of the Affordable Care Act is to provide access to health care, the state’s decision to not expand Medicaid complicates that process. He explained that instead of a basic office visit where you are told that your sniffles are a result of a cold, a trip to the emergency room is likely to get you a chem screen and a chest x-ray because the emergency room doctors can’t be wrong or they get sued. “Is that optimal care? That is over care with no preventative focus. It’s problem specific,” he said. “You will get your complaint explored and we will have over expended resources. Appropriate care is what people with insurance get if they have a medical home. Turning people away is not the answer. How can we not be there to meet that need?” Denbo encourages area residents to be aware of the healthcare funding issues and participate in the discussion and make their opinions known to our legislators. For current and potential donors, there is a secondary message. “One of the obvious conclusions is that money gifted to us is more important than ever before,” Denbo said. “There has never been a greater need. I could see where people would question the need with an $8 million to $10 million bottom line, but that is no longer the case. More than ever before, we are going to need to depend on the generosity of our donors to provide us funding so that we can continue to provide citizens in our service area with the high quality services which they need and deserve.”
Woman’s search for wound care ends at PCRMC By Amy Wilson When Debbie Robb walked in the doors at the Wound Clinic at Phelps County Regional Medical Center, her goal was to get some relief from a leg wound that simply wouldn’t heal and had dominated her every waking moment for almost a year. She walked away 12 weeks later with a healed leg and a renewed appreciation for life. She also took away treasured memories of new friendships created by a common bond during her thrice weekly visits to the clinic. “It took going to Rolla to fix my leg,” Robb says. “Peggy Taylor said to come back if anything else happened. I know that if I cut my leg tomorrow, I would just get in the car and drive two hours to see Peggy. I owe my life to them.” That’s right. Two hours. A St. Louis resident, Robb spent almost a year making her way through the medical community, and rather than the healing she was seeking, she found herself in more pain. Her sister, Donna Witsberger, lives in Rolla. It was at her suggestion that Robb decided to visit PCRMC’s clinic. “She said I was going to be septic if I didn’t try to get some help,” Robb says. “If I kept going on, it would be awful and get to the point where the infection would get into the blood and escalate. I could lose my leg.” ••• Looking back, Robb still can’t believe how her nightmare began. She remembers getting into the passenger seat of her Ford Escape, and when she moved her left leg into the seat, she hit it on the dashboard. It was a hard enough hit that her skin was scraped, just about between her knee and ankle. “I wasn’t really concerned because it was just a scrape,” she says. When she got home, she smeared some Neosporin on it and applied an adhesive bandage. Prior to the incident, she had been receiving medical care for her leg as a result of redness and swelling
that was later diagnosed as cellulitis, which is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Her foot doctor recommended that she consult a dermatologist about the scrape because it would scab over, but never fully heal. “He did a culture on the small wound and found that it had some staph infection in it,” Robb says. She was told to put Vaseline on it. “I was never really that concerned about it,” she
Debbie with her husband, Rick Foundation In Focus | Summer 2013
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notes. “I was still able to cover it with a Band-Aid.” For the next few months, Robb used different prescription creams in an effort to heal the wound. “When they had me put Vaseline on it, they told me they didn’t want it to scab,” she says. “We messed around with it for a while and it got to a point that it was really hurting.” A trip to her family doctor netted her the sage advice to just go swimming in order to get all the germs out. “Even though it was my own pool, I didn’t think that would be a good idea,” she says. “I finally decided to call a wound care center in St. Louis.” Her first visit was March 8, 2012, two days before her son’s wedding. She had planned to wait until after his wedding to seek additional treatment, but her sister urged her to go. At this point, she was having excessive drainage and the scrape had turned into a much larger open wound. “My leg was wrapped up in this thing called an Unna Boot,” Robb says. “I was in tears, though, because I couldn’t get my shoes on and there was no way I could wear this to the wedding.” An Unna Boot is a compression dressing, usually made of cotton, that has a zinc oxide paste applied uniformly to the entire bandage. The zinc oxide paste in the Unna Boot helps ease skin irritation and keeps the area moist. The zinc promotes healing within wound sites, making it useful for burns and ulcers. She ended up taking off the dressing for the wedding and returned the following Monday to the
Debbie with her sister, Donna Witsberger.
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wound center to be rewrapped. The goal was to have it tight enough to keep the swelling down. For the next eight months, her wound continued to get worse and her pain escalated. Her entire life began revolving around this swollen, dripping appendage. “I didn’t feel really comfortable with the doctors at the wound clinic because I was always told that my lack of progress was my fault for not elevating my leg enough or not using the compression machine,” Robb says. “I was non-compliant according to the doctor.” This assessment didn’t set well for Robb, especially after she was stuck for two or three hours in the waiting room prior to each visit. “I was always asking how long it would take for the wound to heal, and I was told it would be a year,” she says. “I was told that I would need a skin graft in order for the wound to heal. With my leg so swollen, there was no way the wound could heal.” Her home had turned into a first aid station, and her husband, Rick, became skilled in cleansing and wrapping her leg. Robb underwent a painful surgical debridement, saw an infectious disease doctor and even had visits from a home health nurse. Nothing was working. When her sister told her about research that was being done in Rolla using fibrous glass material to heal hard-to-treat diabetic wounds, Robb decided to visit and see if she could get help for a non-diabetic wound. “What I remember is that I drove in from St. Louis and didn’t have to wait,” she says. “I met with Peggy Taylor on Dec. 11.” At that point, her leg was severely swollen, with rampant cellulitis. “I could barely touch it,” she said. “The ladies at the Wound Clinic cleaned it up for me, and we went back to the Unna Boot treatment.” But this time, there was a significant difference. Not only did Taylor give her a goal of 12 weeks, but it was the first time that Robb felt a sense of hope. “I would never have thought in a million years I would end up like that,” she says. “The attitude was whatever it takes to fix this, we would do it. There was always another avenue we could take.” Robb moved into her sister’s house because she would need to make visits to the wound clinic three times a week. By this time, she was on pain medication every four hours. “The key was that I didn’t take off the wrap myself,” she says. “The main objective was the swelling, and we had to get it to go down in order for the wound to heal.”
Debbie’s Angels Peggy Taylor, Candy Sadler and Rebecca Perkins
“I never gave anyone treating me in St. Louis a hug. I never wanted to.” Robb remembers the second time she went to the clinic, Candy Sadler applied the wrap. “They told me later that they thought for sure I would call them and say it was too tight, but I made it through until the next visit,” Robb says. “The tight wrapping was the key because it reduced the swelling. I always joked on future visits on who would be doing the wraps because I knew Candy would make it tighter.” Within a week, Robb says she knew they were making progress because the pain became more manageable, followed by a gradual reduction in swelling. She spent most of her time lying down at her sister’s
house. “Rick had to stay in St. Louis and take care of the house,” she says. “He would come down to Rolla every other weekend. We were living separate lives.” When a spouse gets sick, the impact is felt by the entire household. “It was bad for my health, too,” Rick says. “My blood pressure was up, and it was because of stress. All the St. Louis doctors could do is blame her. If it took going to Rolla to get her better, then we would do it.” About a month into the treatment, Robb says she felt like she wanted to be more active and remembers going outside, walking around and feeling hope that she was actually about to walk without pain. By the time she completed her last visit on March 15, the wound had shrunk to about the size of her thumb. She now uses a small bandage to protect the new skin and is able to wear compression stockings to keep the swelling under control. “I withdrew from so many things in my life because of my wound,” she says. “Now, I have had people in church come up to me and tell me I am a different person. “It took going to Rolla to fix my leg,” she says. “I was very impressed with the very bubbly, positive attitude shown by the wound care nurses. They were all very compassionate. They cared that I was uncomfortable and they wanted to make it better.” That last visit marked a milestone for Robb because she was finally confident that she would be able to resume her former activities and return home to St. Louis. “We were all crying in the office,” she says. “The nurses know people by their wounds. It is such a personal experience. If they treat everyone the way they did me, and I am sure they do, the wound clinic at PCRMC is going to go far.” Now, when the 56-year-old looks back over her experience, the tears that stream down her face aren’t because of remembered pain. They are signs of gratitude for the three ladies who brought her hope and healing. The same ladies who received big hugs on her last visit – Peggy Taylor, Candy Sadler and Rebecca Perkins. “I never gave anyone treating me in St. Louis a hug,” Robb says. “I never wanted to.”
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Your Donations at Work Fund
ENHANCING NURSING EXCELLENCE This fund provides our nurses with the tools (equipment, education, and technology) needed to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for our patients.
Donation Amount Used: $48,000 Sue LaPlante, Staff Development Specialist and Colleen Welty, LPN, show off the Good-to-Go technology.
“When preparing to go home, Mother’s focus isn’t always on what we are saying about her or her baby’s everyday care, signs to watch for, reasons to call the doctor. Good-to-Go gives us the opportunity to have this information available for them at their convenience, making it easier to settle into a routine when they get home.” -Colleen Welty, LPN
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Enhancing the Patient Experience By Amy Wilson Communication plays an important role in healthcare, which is why Phelps County Regional Medical Center is taking steps to ensure that patients have information, both during and after a hospital stay. Over the next few months, patients admitted to the hospital will notice that the small traditional dry erase boards in the rooms have been upgraded to poster size. Not only will the new sized boards be easier for patients to see, but they will contain more information. “These boards will enable us to have a standardized method for communicating during a hospital stay, and will have information showing the patients what is happening with their care,” says Keri Heavin, chief nursing officer. Not only will the board have the names of the caregivers, but it will provide details about the next medication dosage, any tests that are planned and treatment goals. The boards will be integrated throughout all hospital rooms, excluding psychiatrics. Through a program called “Good to Go” from Vocera, PCRMC is also implementing a new system to provide discharge education instructions. “We have found that patients are so busy getting ready to be discharged, that they may not listen and fully comprehend the discharge instructions given orally by the nurse,” Heavin says. “With the new system, we are able to record the discharge instructions and patients can call and listen to them as many times as they want. Patients can also use a computer or smart phone to get the information.” Patients are able to share their personal “Good to Go” login information with family members and other caregivers. “We will be loading videos and teaching sheets,” Heavin says. Surgery patients will find instructions on how to change a dressing. New mothers will view videos on
how to bathe a baby and how to breastfeed. These are only two examples of the information provided through the program. “The whole target of the program is to prevent readmissions,” Heavin explains. “The more informed the patients are about after care, the better.” From the hospital’s standpoint, the program will also serve as a way to ensure that care instructions are handled consistently throughout the organization. “We can also track who accesses the information, and who doesn’t so we can follow up,” Heavin says. Nurses will use iPads, purchased by the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation, to develop the care plans. While there is content available that is standard based on diagnosis, the nurses are able to personalize the instructions for each patient. Patients with congestive heart failure, pneumonia, COPD and other lung conditions are among those who will benefit from the new program. “We want to make sure that our patients understand their discharge instructions so they are less likely to be readmitted or have to visit the emergency department,” Heavin emphasizes. The “Good to Go” program is being phased in throughout the hospital and will soon be standard operating procedure in all the nursing units. PCRMC is currently the only hospital in the state of Missouri to have this technology.
Keri Heavin, MHA, BSN, RN-CNML
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March 2013 - May 2013
Memorial Giving The following loved ones were remembered by family and friends...
Carol Adams
Calvin and Sue Adams
Sally L. Graber Robert Graber
Diane Hancock
Jerry and Miriam Hancock Mona Hawks
Irene Hancock
Wilbert and Linda Falke Katy Langston SSM Homecare
Barbara Heckathorn
George and Rachelle Beasley Barbara Furkin Kevin and Jeri Hand Bonnie Hochstetler Daniel and Lisa Kim Steve and Pam Seda Steven and Shirley Weber Carolyn Weber
Virginia McGrath
Doug and Karen Hackman Salvatore and Mary Losapio Cliff and Virginia McGrath Joseph and Shawna Pope
Jessie Nations
Randolph and Ginger Robinson
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Foundation in Focus | Summer 2013
Rena Rodgers
Ann Brown Carolyn Cizek John and Iris Grimsley Carolyn Martin Jean Platt Dottie Reno Zelma Rodgers Janice Spurgeon Jayne Stites Cecil and Velma Williams
Lillian Walters Carlson Family
Elaine Westerveld
William and Sharon Frazee Richard and Kay Guilford Margaret Heithold Nancy Kautz Stan and Rene Trussell David Trussell
Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group
Support group provides vital links to other caregivers and an opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and ways to cope.
Location: Pulaski Room Time: 1:30-2:30 pm Date: First Thursday of month Contact: 573-364-6414 Breast Cancer Support Group Location: Conference Room in Breast Center at Medical Office Building Time: 2-3 pm Date: Second Wednesday of the month Contact: 573-426-3108
Breastfeeding Support Group
Support group provides opportunity for breastfeeding moms to meet and share information
Location: The Centre Time: Noon-1:30 pm Dates: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month
Contact: 573-458-7353 Cancer Support Group
Separate groups providing support for cancer patients and the families and caregiver.
Mark Your Calendars July
JULYJUN 14 14th - 19 • Cupcakes for Cancer
Email heavin@fidnet.com for more information.
October
Location: Radiation Oncology
Diabetes Support Group
Support group forms a bridge between formal health care and self-management. By gathering people with common concerns, goals and interests, members feel less isolated.
Location: Private Dining Rooms 1 & 2 Class time: 10 am-noon Date: First Saturday of month Contact: 573-458-7697 Grief Recovery Program
A seven week program to help move beyond death, divorce and other losses.
Location: Pulaski Room Class time: 5:30-7:30 pm Date: Begins Tuesday, August 6 Contact: 573-458-7935 For a complete list of Support Groups, please visit www.pcrmc.com
Contact Lori Moss at lmoss@pcrmc.com or (573) 458-7647.
• Pink Bagels at Panera
reception room
Time: 5-7 pm Date: Every Wednesday Contact: 573-458-7500
• Pink Bag Sales
OCTOBER 17 • Comedy Uncorked
Leach Theatre
OCTOBER 21 • Cardio for a Cure @ The Centre - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Contact Karen Richards at 341-2386 for more info.
December
Supporting cardiac services
DECEMBER 6 • Annual Heart-2-Heart Luncheon
In our next issue... The Delbert Day Cancer Institute feature If you would prefer not to receive future communication to raise funds for Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation, please call us at 573-458-8990 and leave a message or email us at optout@pcrmc.com or write to us at PO Box 261, Rolla, MO 65402. Provide your name and mailing address to insure we have the correct information. Please allow four (4) weeks for us to honor your request.
Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation a subsidiary of Phelps County Regional Medical Center
1000 West Tenth Street • Rolla, Missouri 65401
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 85
Change Someone’s Life
Every day patients at PCRMC receive the benefits of special programs and equipment that simply would not be available without the help of the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of people just like you, lives are being saved, futures look brighter and hope is restored. For information on making a donation, log on to giving.pcrmc.com or call 573-458-7946.
Change someone’s life - it just might change your own 573-458-7946 • g i v i n g . p c r m c . c o m