Ascension Providence Keeping our Community Healthy

by Philip Patterson, President, Ascension Providence

Health and safety amidst a global pandemic

While we continue to navigate through unprecedented times, this new year brings much hope as the COVID-19 vaccines deliver a long-awaited milestone to end this pandemic. The emergence of the novel coronavirus presented the world with an unprecedented challenge. Not since the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 have we faced such a daunting public health crisis. By late February 2020, it was clear our healthcare system, government and every American citizen would need to work together to conquer this invisible enemy. And now, as the vaccines continue to arrive in our local communities, there is hope for a brighter future.

Throughout this pandemic, Ascension Providence leadership has found inspiration in witnessing the incredible and selfless work of caregivers at the front lines of our health system and across the country. The doctors, nurses, facility management teams and other support teams in our hospitals and clinics are giving everything they have to meet the needs of our Central Texas communities. These heroes are the embodiment of our mission to serve.

Ascension Providence has remained focused on providing care for both COVID and non-COVID patients over the past 12 months. In February 2020, our clinical teams and support staff at the hospital and in our clinics operationalized quickly to address an unprecedented challenge. Now, a year later, it’s incredible to reflect on the

momentous efforts that have occurred and that continue to keep our local communities healthy and safe. From the start of the pandemic, a joint leadership team formed as the McLennan County Leadership Response Team, a local response team dedicated to COVID-19 preparedness. This response team coordinated the collaboration of all COVID-19 efforts between healthcare systems, public health, elected officials and community leaders with a focus on operations, preparedness, public health messaging, and community needs.

During the early months of the pandemic, Ascension Providence set up a drive-through COVID-19 testing center in Waco. The site was designed so that community members would never have to leave their vehicle to be tested, which helped ensure both their safety and the safety of our associates. As part of a national healthcare system, Ascension Providence was able to secure and maintain the needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep our associates, patients and visitors safe. Over the past 12 months, Ascension Providence has offered a number of treatments for COVID-19 patients, including plasma therapy, in conjunction with Carter BloodCare, as part of an investigational treatment for very sick hospitalized patients battling COVID-19. Ascension Providence also engaged a team to develop a safe and efficient process to provide bamlanivimab to our community through an outpatient infusion clinic when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the antibody therapy.

Ascension Providence distributes the COVID-19 vaccination.

Photo provided by Ascension Providence

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid and broadscaled growth of telehealth offerings to meet consumer needs and keep patients safe and at home. In mid-March, Ascension Medical Group (AMG) quickly deployed virtual care offerings to all of our outpatient clinics across the Ascension Texas network which represents more than 700 physicians and advanced practitioners throughout Central Texas within both Ascension Seton and Ascension Providence. These offerings allow patients with previously scheduled in-person appointments and others to access safe and convenient care using simple two-way video applications on their own devices like smartphones or laptops. AMG telehealth is available across primary care, specialty care, adult care and pediatric services - understanding how critical access and continuity are for patients, especially during times of crisis. The rapid uptick in the adoption of virtual care has led Ascension to permanently advance the offerings and platforms to reach patients in ways that are safe, convenient and affordable. AMG has committed to maintain expanded virtual access for patients, during the COVID crisis and beyond.

Over the past few months, Ascension Providence has been grateful to receive COVID-19 vaccines and for the hope this brings to our local communities. Our overarching goals for vaccine distribution remain to strengthen and protect the healthcare workforce, support those persons with highest risk of exposure and assist those individuals with vulnerable conditions. Ascension Providence quickly implemented a comprehensive vaccine administration plan consistent with federal and state guidance. Among the first group eligible to receive the vaccines were frontline caregivers – particularly those serving in emergency departments, COVID-19 units and intensive care units. At Ascension Providence, this team includes frontline emergency department staff who accept and treat COVID patients, ICU doctors and nurses, certified nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, housekeeping and facilities management staff, to name a few - all whose roles place them in the forefront of the battle against COVID. Ascension Providence took extra steps to ensure these frontline staff had access to the vaccine, and worked to eliminate social and economic barriers to ensure that our staff who are most at risk could receive the vaccine as a prioritized group. Ascension Providence encourages our own associates to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help ensure the continued safety and well-being of them, their families and all those we are privileged to serve, and for the general public to do so once it becomes available. Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. In addition to these efforts, Ascension Providence continues working with the City of Waco, the McLennan County Health Department, regional healthcare providers and other community partners to deliver vaccines to Waco and our surrounding communities.

Ascension Providence has been grateful for the opportunity to provide financial assistance through various programs for associate hardships throughout the pandemic. Ascension Providence has also been encouraged by the community support provided by local businesses and donors. The Waco community has truly rallied behind our doctors, nurses and support staff throughout the pandemic, and the overwhelming support comes in various forms, from letters of encouragement from children to donations of meals for staff, along with many other acts of kindness from a caring community - including more than 5,400 meals and 20,000 snacks provided to our associates, and significant funds raised for COVID-19 hardship.

Throughout the pandemic, Ascension Providence has appreciated the efforts of local businesses, institutions and schools that worked together to develop and implement mitigation strategies, including mask guidelines and social distancing for their employees, customers and community members. Our community has witnessed many organized efforts come together over the past year to ensure frontline workers and our most vulnerable community members have access to masks and other protective equipment.

The Ascension Providence staff joined in celebration when patient David Guel was discharged after a battle with COVID-19.

Photo provided by Ascension Providence

Staff with thank you note from the community.

Photo provided by Ascension Providence

Providing comprehensive healthcare, close to home

Even amidst the pandemic, Ascension Providence has remained focused on an aggressive growth strategy to meet the rapidly growing needs of individuals in Waco and surrounding communities, balanced with the need to continue caring for COVID-19 patients. For more than 115 years, Providence Healthcare Network has been deeply committed to improving the health and wellness of the Waco community. As the first hospital in Waco, Ascension Providence continues to demonstrate strong roots through our mission to serve all with special attention to the poor and most vulnerable. By offering a comprehensive continuum of care to the Greater Waco community, and as one of the largest employers in Waco, Ascension Providence is committed to bringing excellent healthcare services to Waco and the surrounding area.

At Ascension Providence, taking care of our patients, associates, family and friends is our top priority. Every day, more than 1,800 people trust their care to Ascension Providence and we continue to make strides as a community healthcare network dedicated to providing exceptional, coordinated care for everyone at one of our many Ascension Providence locations. Our full continuum of care includes Ascension Providence, DePaul Center, Ascension Living Providence Village, Ascension Providence Home Care, Ascension Providence Hospice and Providence Health Alliance which includes 23 clinic locations offering access to care through Express Care, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and specialty care clinics.

Expanding innovative healthcare services

Ascension Providence has a long tradition of firsts in the Waco community, including the first open-heart surgery, first cardiac stent procedure, opening of the first comprehensive stroke center, first psychiatric clinic, performing the first robotic surgery and providing 3D mammography technology to our region, just to name a few. Today, new developments in cardiac care, women’s and children’s services, and more, are paving the way for the future of healthcare in Waco.

Cardiovascular Care

Ascension Providence has been committed to improving the heart health of Central Texans for many years, and generations of patients have entrusted their heart health to our superior team of professionals who truly take the health of their patients to heart.

Ascension Providence has remained focused on developing a comprehensive structural heart program since 2011, when Ascension Providence was the first hospital in Waco to offer PFO/ASD Closures and Balloon Aortic Valvulopathy.

In 2019, Ascension Providence launched the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program as the only TAVR program in Waco in partnership with Waco Cardiology. Later that year, Ascension Providence expanded the Structural Heart Program to offer WATCHMAN, a device for patients with atrial fibrillation who require blood thinning medications to reduce their risk of stroke. Additionally, Ascension Providence recently invested in a new, fifth cardiac catheterization lab and upgrades of existing technology, providing state-of-the-art technology and procedure rooms. The new cath lab significantly increases capacity for complex heart care and procedures at Ascension Providence, and the new technology offers lower radiation, increasing safety for patients and providers, and increases visualization for better imaging and better outcomes.

In November, Ascension Providence became the first hospital in the state to offer WATCHMAN FLX to reduce the risk of stroke for patients with heart conditions - the next-generation technology offers safer and more effective outcomes. Ascension Providence has been recognized by The American College of Cardiology (ACC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures. Ascension Providence was awarded the Transcatheter Valve Certification in December 2020 based on evaluation of its staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance.

Additionally, Ascension Providence recently received a $3.5 million charitable donation from Margaret and Weldon Ratliff, dedicated to supporting capital, programs or research for the advancement of Ascension Providence’s Comprehensive Structural Heart Program. The generous gift will help continue to fund innovative programs and expand heart care at Ascension Providence, ensuring the highest quality of cardiovascular care is available to the Waco community and beyond.

Minimally invasive surgery

In 2013, Ascension Providence began offering robotic surgery, a minimally invasive surgery in which a computercontrolled robot assists the surgeon during highly complex procedures. Skilled surgeons use advanced tools and sophisticated devices to help perform complex procedures, often through a single, tiny incision. The robot provides an increased level of dexterity, and it allows surgeons to operate in small spaces inside the body that would otherwise require surgery through open wounds.

Ascension Providence utilizes two robots in two dedicated operating rooms. A team of specialized physician assistants, nurses, and surgical technicians support our surgeons during every procedure. Specially trained surgeons perform robotic surgery in multiple specialty areas including, gynecologic surgery, urologic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and general surgery.

In 2019, Ascension Providence announced the expansion of its robotics program for more complex cases with the addition of a da Vinci XI robot for minimally invasive surgery. The robot is used for general surgery cases, including colon and complex hernia, and thoracic cases. Ascension Providence also offers minimally invasive robotic surgery for gallbladder, gynecology and urology. Benefits of minimally invasive surgery include less pain, less recovery time, and less risk of infection.

Within the past year, Ascension Providence became the first hospital in the region to offer procedures through a new robotic-assisted technology called Ion that can help doctors diagnose and treat lung cancer earlier than previously possible. The new technology can help improve accuracy and precision of the biopsy of a potentially cancerous nodule. Robot-assisted bronchoscopy is one of many tools used by the dedicated, multidisciplinary lung cancer team at Ascension Providence, the only multidisciplinary team of its kind in Waco. The team, called the Lung Cancer Tumor Conference, consists of nurse navigators, pulmonologists, surgeons, radiologists, case managers and physical and occupational therapists, which has allowed for expedited diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer patients at Ascension Providence.

Photo provided by Ascension Providence

Ascension Providence is grateful to be part of a generous community and proud of the incredible work being done by our caregivers and support teams.

Photo provided by Ascension Providence

Breast health services

Ascension Providence has an experienced clinical team that leads the Ascension Providence Breast Health Center with a focus on patient experience and quality. Ascension Providence recently expanded its breast health program, including updated technology, hiring additional experienced physicians and staff, and facility renovations. Serving the community for more than 10 years, the Ascension Providence Breast Health Center saw an increase in demand for breast health services in Waco. The center performed almost 19,000 exams last fiscal year and diagnoses over 100 breast cancers annually.

The expanded breast health program at Ascension Providence Breast Health Center is the first in Waco to offer 3D mammograms, an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. The high risk breast program at the Ascension Providence Breast Health Center was established by Dr. Erin Prince who helped implement special software to help calculate lifetime risk of breast cancer.

In addition to advancements in technology and increased focus on quality, facility renovations at the Ascension Breast Health Center include expanded waiting rooms for additional patient and employee capacity, lobby updates to create a spa-like atmosphere, and an additional ultrasound unit to help reduce wait times.

Women’s services and newborn unit

Ascension Providence welcomes doulas to be present in labor and for the immediate postpartum period. While Ascension Providence has limited visitors during the pandemic, the hospital staff heard from expecting mothers of their wish to have a doula present, in addition to the one support person that was allowed. Ascension Providence leadership worked quickly to standardize this practice across our market to provide a better patient experience for expectant mothers who desired to have a doula present.

In 2019, Ascension Providence opened the Waco Center for Women’s Health – Midwifery Clinic, providing the only in-hospital midwife care in the region offering freedom and flexibility of midwifery care with the safety and security of the hospital. The Midwifery Clinic offers comprehensive Women’s Health services, including annual exams, family care planning, gynecologic exams, and breast exams. It provides the safest environment while delivering the natural and personalized birthing experience that many families desire. This facility at Ascension Providence has a home-like environment including four exam rooms and two comfortable OB rooms equipped with sofas for a familycentered approach to routine OB care. The Ascension Providence midwifery team offers and encourages the use of hydrotherapy, massage, aromatherapy, birthing balls, and partner or doula support during labor and childbirth, among other options. In addition, the midwifery team works with expecting families to develop birthing plans to create their own personalized experience, with a goal of supporting women during pregnancy and labor within a safe and caring environment.

Primary and specialty care

Ascension Medical Group Providence provides personalized, compassionate healthcare to the Greater Waco community through 12 primary and 14 specialty care clinics across Central Texas. In addition, three express care clinics offer walk-in care with extended evening and weekend hours, so patients don’t have to wait to get the care they need. Ascension Medical Group Providence offers a different kind of relationship between patients and their care team. Our providers start by getting to know their patient, so they can deliver a personalized plan. Whether a patient’s needs are simple or complex, Ascension Providence providers connect the dots for care, including to the right specialist who provides leading-edge treatment every step of the way. Specialty care includes women’s health, pediatrics, orthopedics and sports medicine, general surgery, cardiovascular care, endocrinology and more. Virtual and in-person visits are available. Ascension Providence has implemented strict COVID-19 precautions for patient safety.

The newest location, Ascension Medical Group Providence Hewitt, which opened in July 2020, offers express care and family medicine healthcare services close to home. Ascension Medical Group Providence Hewitt offers preventative care, including annual physicals, wellchild visits, and health screenings for newborns, infants, adolescents, adults, men’s and women’s health, and geriatrics; help with managing a wide range of chronic medical conditions, including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes; diagnosis and treatment of acute medical conditions, including illness and injuries; and guidance on nutrition, health, and fitness.

Photo provided by Ascension Providence

Fostering ongoing community partnerships

Ascension Providence remains committed to fostering community partnerships as a way to care for individuals in our local communities outside the walls of our hospital and clinics. In November, Ascension Providence worked with Caritas of Waco by hosting a one-day drive that resulted in monetary donations and more than 6,100 pounds of donated food to the organization. In December, Ascension Providence supported the Mission Waco Christmas Toy Store with monetary donations, toys, coats, mittens, and 30 volunteers for their annual event.

Ascension Providence continues to host blood drives with Carter Blood Care. This past year, Ascension Providence hosted five blood drives that resulted in the donation of 323 units of whole blood and 22 units of double reds which equates to helping more than 1,000 people.

In November 2020, Ascension Providence launched a partnership with Waco Independent School District to provide sports medicine services for the district’s student athletes. In addition to providing physician coverage for high school football games, Ascension Providence performs athletic physicals and concussion baseline testing, leads clinics on sports medicine topics, and provides access to the Ascension Texas Sports Performance program as part of the collaboration with Waco ISD athletics.

Ascension Providence recently collaborated with Cameron Park Zoo to offer nursing pods with three private rooms for mothers onsite at the zoo. The Ascension Providence nursing pods offers an intimate and private space for mothers to nurse or use a breast pump while visiting the zoo. Each room is furnished with a rocker and a table and provides moms with a private secure space to take care of her nursing needs.

These partnerships, among others, provide healthcare services in our community, when and where individuals need it most. Ascension Providence will continue to expand its presence in the Waco community and beyond through future community partnerships.

Planning for the future

While we know the pandemic is not behind us yet and it will take time to vaccinate all members of our community, we are hopeful the COVID-19 vaccine will bring a brighter future for all of us. And while we do not know what the future holds, what I can say for certain is that the pandemic has shown us the incredible courage and fortitude from all of our dedicated workers on the frontlines at Ascension Providence and the willingness of our local community to provide support when our healthcare workers need it most.

Ascension Providence will continue to provide compassionate, personalized care to all individuals, and we look forward to serving families now and in the future.