WCCH Healthwise Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

A PUBLICATION FOR

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IN THIS ISSUE • Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk Returns • New Cath Lab Brings More Precision • A Variety of Services are Offered at the Community Health Center of WCCH

A LETTER FROM THE CEO

l While summer has arrived, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) isn’t taking a vacation from your health. Our team is committed to providing exceptional healthcare to our community – and I’m pleased to share with you some exciting updates that highlights that commitment in action.

Construction continues on our Carlyss Primary Care Clinic. The new Primary Care Clinic will be located next to Iberia Bank on the corner of LA 27 and Walker Road. The over 4,700 square-foot clinic will be equipped with eight patient rooms, laboratory draw capabilities and a minor procedure area. Construction is slated to be completed by the end of summer.

WCCH continues to invest in our facility and medical equipment capability so that we can offer our community access to the latest technology here at home. I’m excited to share that WCCH will soon introduce a new catheterization lab that helps physicians diagnose with confidence with less invasive treatment methods. More information is included in this issue.

Over the past few months, we have had many reasons to celebrate: • On March 30, WCCH celebrated our physicians on National Doctors’ Day. Our physicians are at the heart of the care provided by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. They, along with our dedicated team of clinicians and professionals, allow us to provide exceptional care to our community. We appreciate each member of our medical staff for their commitment, expertise and compassion.

• In April, WCCH announced that we were officially designated as a Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative National Gold Certified Safe Sleep Champion. The Cribs for Kids® National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification program awards recognition to hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to reducing infant, sleep-related deaths by promoting and educating on best safe sleep practices. WCCH is proud to hold this new title!

• On April 14, WCCH held a dedication ceremony to honor the life and legacy of Ethel Precht by naming WCCH’s mammography suite in her memory. Additionally, we announced the return of the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk this fall. Details are included in this issue of Healthwise.

• Last month, we celebrated National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week which gives us a chance to thank our employees for their commitment and dedication to our patients and our community.

We continually strive to provide the best patient care and experience possible. Thank you, as always, for your continued support! Your Need. Our Commitment.

Sincerely,

Janie D. Frugé

CONTINUING THE MISSION

Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk Returns One dream. One mission. Ethel Precht’s legacy lives on, impacting thousands of residents in Southwest Louisiana. Last fall, the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation dissolved and assets were donated to the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) Foundation. The WCCH Foundation is continuing the mission of the Ethel Precht Foundation, including the return of the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk this October.

Ethel’s vision was to create a local walk event that would provide 100% of proceeds directly back to individuals from Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes who are undergoing breast cancer treatment.

“As a healthcare facility, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation has made in the lives of breast cancer patients and survivors here in Southwest Louisiana,” says Janie Frugé, CEO of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. “We understand how much the walk serves as a beacon of hope and as a breast cancer awareness channel but also a chance to celebrate survivors and remember those that fought a courageous fight, and we’re honored to continue Ethel’s legacy,” says Frugé.

Funds raised will provide financial assistance to patients for such things as wigs, prosthesis, payment of medical bills, and expenses related to cancer treatments.

The Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Walk of WCCH will take place on Saturday, October 22 at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheater. Walk registration will open in July. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information about the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk of WCCH or to donate, please call 337-527-4144 or visit www.ethelbreastcancerwalk.org.

NEW CATH LAB BRINGS MORE PRECISION for Better Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Disease

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital will soon implement new catheterization technology. We will be the first hospital in the state and one of only 20 in the country to have the GE Allia™ IGS 5 advanced digital x-ray imaging, giving extremely detailed, real-time images of patient’s cardiac anatomy during procedures requiring exacting precision.

“It is critical for us to see the anatomy very clearly while guiding catheters, stents and other medical devices to areas needing treatment,” says Christopher Thompson, MD, interventional cardiologist with WCCH. “Because the IGS 530 produces high quality images, our staff can perform delicate procedures such as balloon angioplasty and blood vessel interventions with accuracy and confidence.”

The Allia™ IGS 530 system will help physicians with WCCH treat a variety of medical disorders including diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attacks and cardiac valve abnormalities.

“We are very excited about adding this technology,” says Janie Fruge´, CEO of WCCH. “By putting this advanced system in the hands of our medical experts, it helps us make significant improvements in patient care for the communities we serve.”

A Variety of Services are Offered at the COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER OF WCCH

Over 6,500 patients have been seen by physicians and providers since the opening of the Community Health Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in July of 2021.

“It has truly been a needed service in our community,” says Beth Corbello, APRN, FNP-C, nurse practitioner with Community Health Center of WCCH. “To have the resources of the hospital means we’re able to offer a wide variety of health services.”

THE SERVICES INCLUDE: • Walk-in (for accidents, injuries, or illnesses that are not emergencies, as well as COVID vaccines) • Primary care • Gynecology • General surgery • Wound care The health center is located on the hospital campus, to the west of the main entrance off Stelly Lane. All patients are welcome, and a variety of insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid as well as patients without insurance.

“The goal of the Community Health Center of WCCH is to provide access to convenient, quality healthcare for the residents of our community, whether it’s preventive or in response to a non-emergent health need,” explains Robbin Odom, chief nursing officer of WCCH. Corbello, a nurse practitioner, has been with WCCH for 11 years in a variety of departments and is now a member of the CHC gynecology patient care team. “Within our department, we provide annual exams, STD testing, birth control and contraceptive management. We frequently receive comments that the patients are glad we’re offering this clinic because it’s so convenient,” she says.

The physicians associated with the CHC include Dr. Oler, Dr. Bergstedt, Dr. Ledet, Dr. Castleberry, Dr. Ayo, Dr. Seale, Dr. Davies, Dr. Hall and Dr. Lannan. The nurse practitioners include Corbello, Charlotte Toney, APRN and Kari Yeager, DNP, APRN. The hours of the CHC are: Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, please call (337) 310-0395.

A CULTURE OF CARING Nursing involves many skills including communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

One of the most beneficial skills is compassion.

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital fosters a culture of caring that many nurses feel is unique.

“WCCH is more like a family than simply coworkers,” explains Jennifer McWilliams, PACU, RN with WCCH. “It’s like the old TV show ‘Cheers’ where everyone knows your name as you walk down the halls. That sense of community is comforting, especially when it comes to knowing you can count on everyone to pitch in and help when needed. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.” She has been a nurse at WCCH for 10 years.

Rhonda Canales, a nurse at WCCH for four years and in the nursing profession for 20 years, says it’s easy to spot a great nurse. “They’re the ones who can take on a heavy patient load but somehow still deliver timely care. They’re the ones who know when they need to drop everything and be there for a patient during a rough moment. They’re the ones that patients request to have and I’m fortunate to work with some of those great nurses here at WCCH. They are like family and that’s the WCCH difference.”

McWilliams was a patient at WCCH several years ago. “Being on the other side of things really pointed out how amazing our staff is here,” she explains. “From ER, to Xray, to the patient floor and physical therapy, everyone worked together to make me as comfortable as possible. It was a humbling experience and really made me appreciate where I work and my fellow teammates,” she says.

The support and value of nurses is evident at WCCH. “This hospital values its nurses, and they understand the importance of training the next generation of nurses in a supportive environment,” Canales says.

To join our team, and for more information about job openings, visit wcch.com/career-opportunities.

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital Meeting the Gold Standard The WCCH Laboratory earned the Gold Seal of Approval® by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with laboratory standards spanning several areas including bacteriology, blood transfusion services, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, coagulation, immunology, molecular testing, parasitology, virology, blood gases and information management.

“The Joint Commission standards were incorporated into our day-to-day work, and all staff were educated on the standards and on the ways our organization meets the standards. A mock survey with multiple tracers was performed to ensure our employees and organization were prepared and comfortable with the Joint Commission process for accreditation,” says Tiffany Martin, clinical laboratory director for West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

The WCCH Lab is under the medical direction of Robert L. Rumsey, MD, of The Pathology Laboratory. Outpatient laboratory testing is also available at the WCCH Outpatient Lab Draw Station and The Pathology Laboratory located at 1327 Stelly Lane, Suite 1, in Sulphur.

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion for our commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®, the only national infant safe sleep organization. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Cribs for kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related deaths due to accidental suffocation. As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, WCCH is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and providing training programs for healthcare team members,

and family caregivers.

“West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is dedicated to the health and safety of our youngest patients. As a Safe Sleep Hospital, we are committed to reducing infant, sleep-related deaths by promoting and educating parents and the community on best safe sleep practices,” says Janie Frugé CEO of WCCH. “Safe Sleep is a very important topic to cover with new parents and their family members, and I’m glad WCCH made this a priority. I am very proud of the entire WCCH Nursey patient care team who have worked so hard to implement this program and achieve this designation,” says Dr. Albert W. Richert Jr., pediatrician at The Pediatric Center of Southwest Louisiana.

The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created in partnership with leading infant health and safety organizations such as All Baby & Child, The National Center for the Review & Prevention of Child Deaths, Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs, Kids in Danger, Children’s Safety Network, American SIDS Institute, Charlie’s Kids, CJ Foundation for SIDS, and numerous state American Academy of Pediatric chapters and health departments.

According to Judith A. Bannon, Executive Director and Founder for Cribs for Kids®, “The certification program launched in 2015 in Pittsburgh, PA, home of the Cribs for Kids® national headquarters. Hundreds of hospitals across the US are certified.

We welcome WCCH to this expanding group of committed hospitals. This will have a profound effect on saving babies’ lives.”

To learn more about WCCH’s Safe Sleep program, visit wcch.com or call 337-527-4361.

SUPPORT GROUPS RETURN

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is pleased to announce that our community support groups and classes are resuming. These helpful group discussions had to be paused during COVID and we are delighted to host them once again.

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Each group is open to the public for anyone experiencing the topic as well as their family members, friends and caregivers. “Our community outreach and support group programming is one of the ways we fulfill our mission and commitment to our community,” says Matthew Welsh, director of marketing and communications for WCCH. “Whether someone needs assistance managing a health condition, preparing for the birth of a child, or seeking support from others who are facing similar circumstances, WCCH provides a safe place for people to heal and grow together.”

For questions about any of the information in this publication, call the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital marketing department at (337) 528-4735.

Healthwise is published by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician.

Diabetes Support Group

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2nd Tuesday of each month 11:30 a.m.

WCCH Cafeteria Conference Room For more information, call (337) 527-4282.

Healthy Meals Cooking Demonstration

Pink Crusade Breast Cancer Support Group

Preparing for Delivery and Breastfeeding

July 19 and October 18 11 a.m.

WCCH Cafeteria Conference Room For more information, call (337) 527-4261.

2nd Thursday of each month 6 p.m.

WCCH Board Room For more information, call (337) 528-7320.

Upcoming meeting dates: June 28, July 26 and August 30 Cost: $10 6 p.m.

North Admin Conference Room For more information, call (337) 527-4361.

A full listing of all WCCH events can be found at wcch.com.

HANDLING THE HEAT

With temperatures and humidity high, be on guard for heat-related issues. Perspiration and a slight increase in heart rate are to be expected, but when exposed to high temperatures for an extended amount of time, more severe symptoms could indicate a heatrelated illness.

Heat exhaustion can occur after excessive perspiration, intense exercise or inadequate fluid intake.

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION INCLUDE:

SYMPTOMS OF A HEAT STROKE INCLUDE:

• • • • •

• • • •

Feeling faint or dizzy Nausea Rapid, weak heartbeat Low blood pressure Headache

TO TREAT HEAT EXHAUSTION: • • • •

Rest in a cooler location Remove any tight or heavy clothing Drink cool water Apply water to the skin to reduce temperature

The most severe of the heat-related issues is heat stroke. The body’s natural reaction to heat is to perspire, but during a heat stroke, that cooling mechanism is gone. Young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable, as well as those with heart disease. Certain medications can also decrease a person’s tolerance to heat because they affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat.

Cessation of perspiration Irritability or confusion Rapid and shallow breathing Fainting

TO TREAT HEAT STROKE: • Move the person to a shady or cooler location • Call 911 • Place cool cloths on them to reduce body temperature • If the person is conscious, have them drink cool water Heat-related illnesses are serious and require immediate attention. Because the weather in Southwest Louisiana can reach dangerous temperatures, it is important for everyone to be familiar with symptoms and treatments. With these in mind, we can enjoy the warm weather safely.