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The time is now When Whidbey General opened in 1970, the most popular TV show was “Marcus Welby, MD.” While the fictional Dr. Welby might have felt right at home in our inpatient wing, hospital care has made great strides in safety, quality, technology, infection control and privacy since 1970. Whidbey General continues to provide quality inpatient care, but time is not on our side. The physical plant that supports this care is getting older. The infrastructure was not designed to accommodate current medical technology. Many hospital systems are at the end of their serviceable lives. It is unsustainable to delay an upgrade indefinitely. A new wing is crucial to the hospital’s long-term viability. An outdated infrastructure is a primary reason your public hospital district has proposed a $50 million bond to build a state-of-the-art replacement to our inpatient wing and to upgrade surgical services.
Tom Tomasino, CEO
In a few days Whidbey Island registered voters will receive their ballots for the November general election, which will include the proposed hospital bond. The following letter from our chief nursing officer will introduce you to some of the important issues regarding the bond.
Tom Tomasino
Tom Tomasino, Whidbey General Hospital CEO
Dear friends, neighbors and colleagues, It is my honor and privilege to serve the Whidbey community along with the nearly 700 nurses, technicians and staff who provide care at your hospital and clinics. We are proud to provide care that equals or exceeds other hospitals in the region, but we do so by overcoming the substantial disadvantages of an outdated, cramped and inefficient physical plant.
Linda Gipson, PhD, RN
Whether you come here to have a baby, recover from a heart attack or receive a hip replacement, you will meet skilled and compassionate professionals dedicated to your healing and your health. You will also quickly realize that the rooms and the environment that were state-of-the-art in 1970 no longer meet the requirements of 21st century healthcare. We cannot continue to attract and retain exceptional doctors and nurses if we don’t maintain an exceptional facility.
Our staff and our community require and deserve a hospital structure that supports the complex, life saving work that is done there. A new wing will deliver high tech, high touch care, close to home. Soon you will have the opportunity to vote for a bond to replace the inpatient wing at Whidbey General. Please consider the information on these pages as you weigh the costs and benefits of a new wing. If you have questions about the bond, I welcome your phone call or email. Thank you for your continued support and your consideration.
Linda Gipson Chief Nursing Officer, Whidbey General Hospital
360.678.7656 ext 2230 • 360.321.7656 ext 2230 gipsol@whidbeygen.org
To watch a video on the proposed hospital bond visit www.whidbeygen.org or scan the QR code with your phone.
A P u b l i cat i on o f W h i d b e y G eneral H o s p i tal f or the W h i d b e y I s land C o m m u n i t y
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FALL Volume 20, No 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome .................................................. 2 BOND FACTS Times Have Changed . ............................ 3 Patients Have Changed........................... 3 Why A New Wing?................................... 4 How Do We Compare?............................ 4 The Bond and You................................... 5 New Wing Will Improve Care................ 5 “Smart Rooms”......................................... 5 What Patients Say.................................... 6 Prominent Research................................ 6 HOSPITAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES Surgery Infection Risks with Diabetes........ 7 Diabetes Health Group........................... 7 A Mother’s Worst Nightmare................ 8 Lifestyle Changes Make a Difference.......... 9 WGH Cares for Environment...............10 A Safe Ride Home WI............................11 Holiday Gift Market...............................11 MEDICAL Sinusitis Treatment...............................12 Pet Partners............................................12 Lions Comfort Kids................................13 New Medical Staff`.................................13 PHILANTHROPIC Wheels Make a Difference...................14 Gifts from Our Community............14, 15 Power of Giving.....................................15 Breast MRI Fundraising.........................16 Volunteers Key to Success...................16 Working Together.................................17 Legacy of Music......................................17 EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES NEW! Understanding Mental Illness...18 Health Ed Classes.............................18, 19 The Pulse is published three times per year as a public service to our Whidbey Island Community by
Public Relations Whidbey General Hospital 101 N Main Street Coupeville, WA 98239 Whidbey General Hospital is a public district hospital, owned and operated by the residents of Whidbey Island. Telephone 360.678.5151 • 360.321.5151 Fax 360.678.0945 Email and Web myhospital@whidbeygen.org www.whidbeygen.org Administrator Tom Tomasino Publisher Trish Rose Editors Claudia Fuller and Keith Mack Graphic Design Carol Moliter of Big Rock Designs Cover Photograph jim carroll - jshuimages.com
times Have changed It’s not optional anymore — Whidbey General must modernize its inpatient facility. The hospital was designed in the 1960s and opened in 1970. In the last 45 years, hospital care has made enormous strides in treatments, quality, technology, equipment, infection control, safety and privacy. Chances are you have upgraded from the car or phone you used in 1970. Similarly, we have updated equipment and technology over the decades. However, current federal guidelines—impacting areas such as privacy, safe patient handling and infection control—require a replacement of the inpatient wing itself.
Patients Have Changed Hospitalization isn’t as common as it once was, thanks to prevention efforts and quality outpatient care. When patients are hospitalized, however, they tend to be older and sicker. Today, care often requires the use of sophisticated equipment that is difficult to fit into our current rooms. Often nurses must move a patient out of one room in order to move equipment into that room to take care of another patient. Such moves are stressful, uncomfortable and time-consuming. When nurses move or lift patients, both nurse and patient can be injured. For the safety of both, we need specialized lifting devices that the infrastructure in our current rooms can’t handle. Planners expect Whidbey Island to experience a 41% population increase between 2000 and 2025. The number of residents aged 65 and older – those who use the most healthcare – is expected to increase 176%, with a 228% increase expected in those older than 80. “Close to home” is a mantra in medicine today because of the therapeutic benefits of receiving care near family, friends and support networks. Hospitalization is stressful enough without leaving your community. As we age, the demand for hospital services increases, as does the cost and social burden to patients and family members who must leave the island for care. www.Whidbeygen.org
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Why a New Wing? Three separate but related considerations make it imperative that we build a new wing: n Safety • Infection control is superior in single patient rooms. • Our infrastructure can’t handle certain important safety technologies. • Rooms crowded with equipment, caregivers, two patients and visitors present falling and other safety hazards. • We don’t meet current seismic code. • Heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems are outdated. • Replacement parts are no longer produced for many important systems.
n Privacy
Care should be provided in a manner that ensures privacy and dignity, and our current double occupancy room design cannot ensure that.
n Improved Patient and Family Experience Taking better care of our patients and families requires improvements to the environment proposed in our plan.
If the bond is approved, the area in red will be a new wing with 39 state-of-the art single patient rooms for medical/surgical care, observation patients, family birth center and critical care. The current location of our critical care unit and birth center (blue area) will become home to enhanced surgical services. For more than 3,000 surgical procedures per year, patients would experience greater privacy, safety and comfort both before and after surgery. And while it’s not feasible to remodel our existing wing for inpatient rooms, it can be converted to additional clinical space (green area). We can then provide more services and make patient care even more convenient.
How do we compare? A new inpatient wing at Whidbey General will support our delivery of state-of-the-art inpatient care, now and into the future. But state-of-the art improvements require investment. As the chart shows, Whidbey General is currently the lowest supported public hospital district in Washington state. Even after a successful bond passage, Whidbey General would still be in the bottom 25% of comparable hospitals in terms of taxes collected on the basis of cents per thousand of assessed property value. EMS levy is not included for Whidbey General Hospital or for any other hospital districts in graph. The EMS levy pays for emergency medical and related services and is not used for general hospital operations or construction. Data in chart used with permission and provided by Moss Adams LLP, the 11th largest public accounting firm in the United States.
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the bond and YOu Property owners will pay 32.2 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for the bond, in addition to 9 cents per $1,000 for an ongoing M&O (Maintenance & Operations) levy. The owner of a taxassessed $250,000 property will pay about $81 per year for the bond and about $23 per year for the M&O levy.
Assessed property value in dollars
Estimated additional annual tax in dollars
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“Smart Rooms” Our proposed expansion has a single focus—to create a superior healing environment. The new wing will include 39 “smart rooms” that use advanced technology to provide safer, higher quality care. This environment will provide better infection control; increased privacy, so that a patient can talk to doctors and nurses without another patient close by; and more room for family members and high-tech medical equipment. It is a major benefit that patients will experience greater quiet - better sleep is known to promote healing.
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Single rooms are not a luxury. They are a necessity, which is why they are the standard in hospital care today, the way multiple safety systems on new cars are now standard. In fact, construction guidelines require all new hospital facilities to be single-patient rooms, except in relatively rare medical circumstances.
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Aren’t single rooms more expensive?
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No, care does not cost more because it is provided in a single room. Compared to double rooms, care in a single room facility is actually more cost-effective for the hospital. Double rooms have many limitations. You can’t mix genders, and a patient with an infection automatically takes two beds out of commission. These factors limit occupancy in our current wing.
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Single rooms can be adjusted to meet changing needs and allow the hospital to increase occupancy. In other words, we will be able to deliver better care to more patients - thus fewer of our neighbors will need to travel off island to get their care.
new wing will improve care n Quieter, more healing environment n Faster recovery times
n Enough space for patient, family and
visitors
n Rooms designed for high-tech medical
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n Better ventilation and infection control n Improved privacy and confidentiality n Increased patient control over room
environment
n Safer patient handling
n Reduced staff injuries Guidelines for new hospital construction require more space for one patient than Whidbey General currently provides for two patients. www.Whidbeygen.org
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What Patients Say To improve the safety and quality of our care, we continually ask patients to provide feedback on their experience at Whidbey General. Here’s a sampling of what former inpatients had to say about sharing a hospital room. n “I could not sleep after surgery during the day because of roommate
noise. Excellent care but not restful.” n “Privacy is a total failure with nothing but a curtain between patients. All discussions are heard and some are of a pretty personal nature.” n “There was nowhere for my husband to stay or sleep, so he went home.” n “Roommate too sick, made me feel “Roommate had several sick too…” visitors at 10 and 11 p.m. n “Roommate had VERY bad cough.” Nurse finally able to get them n “Lack of privacy - separate rooms is to leave. I was VERY ill and a must.” needed to use bathroom. This n “Spent all but one day with loud is very poor. May be the only disagreeable roommate.” remaining hospital in area n “Roommate had TV with sound on 24 hours a day for 3 days.” sometimes forced to put two n “Had really loud roommate - maybe hearing problems had to be moved - she kept shouting.” patients in a room. Still I am n “Noisy at night - patient in a room kept “singing” any time of day or night, grateful for this hospital and disturbing others.” by and large their care n “A person in a great deal of pain was put in my room & kept me & every one else up ALL is excellent.” night! Bad!”
Research supports bond proposal Lower Infection Rates Patients’ length of stay in hospitals and cost is increased due to nosocomial infection (Zhan & Miller, 2003; Press Ganey Associates, 2003; Pittet, Tarara & Wenzel, 1994).
Ongoing research is demonstrating that nosocomial infection rates are low in private rooms with proper design and ventilation systems (The Center for Health Design, 2003). Previous research suggested single-patient rooms allow for improved patient flow between units (e.g., intensive care, post-surgery), and decrease the need for transfers. Reasons for patient transfers may include a change in patients’ acuity, end-oflife care, and the need for isolation due to infectious disease or intensive care. Patient transfers may result in complications (e.g., missed treatments, psychological stress, medication errors) and tax already scarce resources (e.g., staff, space). 6
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Fewer Errors
Infections Slowed
In comparison to multioccupancy rooms, medication errors are reduced in single occupancy rooms, resulting in reduced costs (Anonymous, 2000; Bilchik,
Infected patients or patients highly susceptible to infections need to be isolated in private rooms with proper ventilation systems and barrier protections in order to stop infection from spreading or to reduce the possibility of development of new infections. (Anderson et al.,
2002; Bobrow & Thomas, 2000; Hill-Rom, 2002; Morrissey, 1994).
Design hospitals with features that consider ease of access for staff (e.g., wireless nurses’ workstations, accessible and easily organized supply rooms) to increase efficiency of clinical care.
1985; Muto et al. 2000; O’Connell & Humphreys, 2000; Sehulster & Chinn, 2003).
Single-patient rooms were easier to clean and disinfect than multi-bed rooms, and when combined with other infection control measures, decreased infection rates.
(Bacon, 1920; Ulrich, Zimring, & Choudhary, 2004).
Privacy Supports Healing Without adequate privacy, patients may be unwilling to share medical history (Barlas,
Sama, Ward, & Lesser, 2001).
Private rooms allow greater family support (e.g., easier to visit and communicate openly), and reduce exposure to noise levels which were shown to be a cause for stress and negative health effects (e.g., increased blood pressure and heart rate; Ulrich et al., 2008). Reduced noise levels were shown to have positive effects (e.g., improved sleep and mood, better pain tolerance; Janssen et al., 2000).
Initial Costs Offset A negative factor associated with single-patient rooms is that they may result in higher construction costs, but added costs are expected to be recoverable due to efficiency gains (Ulrich, 2006). Shared rooms may hinder efficient allocation of patients and reduce over-all capacity due to respect for gender privacy needs (e.g., men and women may not occupy the same room).
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Surgery infection risks increase with diabetes
By Line Goulet, RN, BScN, MEd Certified Diabetes Educator
Patients want to know that when they have surgery, they will be safe from infection. Surgical site infections are the third most frequently reported health care-associated infection with significant morbidity and mortality. This is especially true for the patient with diabetes or for any patient who Your Diabetes Team: Erin Simms, Don Miller experiences a sudden rise in blood sugar levels in response to the stress of and Line Goulet surgery. The body’s response to surgery and the changes that are inevitable in eating and activity patterns during recovery alter blood sugar levels increasing the risk of infection and poor wound healing. Whidbey General For more information has been very successful at preventing surgical and bloodstream infections with rates well below the national and regional levels. One way we have Line Goulet been able to prevent infections has been by adopting the recommendations Certified Diabetes Educator of experts from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the Rural Health 678.7656 ext 2650 Quality Network and the Washington Hospital Association’s Partnership for 321.7656 ext 2650 Patients. The science is clear that frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels before, during and after surgery is critical and that treatment must be aimed at maintaining these levels below 180 mg/dl while in the hospital. You can assure the best outcome from surgery by preparing yourself well and discussing the management of your blood sugar in advance with your surgeon.
What to expect during your hospital stay: n If you use an insulin pump, bring your supplies with you
to the hospital on the day of surgery so we can continue to utilize and adjust it in the hospital
n Frequent blood sugar checks before, during, and after
surgery based on your individual needs and recovery time
n Possible use of intravenous insulin and glucose or
insulin injections to keep your blood sugar levels stable and at goal; this may be needed even if you are not diabetic or are diabetic and have not required insulin in the past; you will likely receive insulin at mealtime and additional insulin as needed
n Because standardized processes are needed to quickly
and carefully manage blood sugar levels, the staff at Whidbey General utilizes evidenced based protocols geared to the individual patient’s needs
n Bedtime snacks are usually provided to maintain
blood sugar levels in the desired range throughout the night. Research shows that giving insulin during the perioperative period has a significant impact on reducing post-operative infections and complications
n You may usually resume oral medications once you
get home
You will likely be counseled in the following areas in order to reduce your risk of postoperative infection: n Keep your blood sugar well controlled at least 4 weeks
prior to surgery; your A1C should be below 7%. An A1C above 8.5% is considered poorly controlled diabetes. If the surgery is elective in nature, the surgeon may recommend waiting until your blood sugar is under good control
n Discuss with your surgeon or primary care provider any
medication adjustments that may be necessary. You may need to temporarily add insulin to your treatment to reach your recommended blood sugar goal
n Stop smoking. Discuss with your provider the support
programs or medications that may help you quit. (such as the Whidbey General Smoking Cessation Program)
n Make healthy food choices n Discuss with your surgeon how your blood sugar will be
managed during and after surgery so you will understand what you can expect. Not all patients who experience alterations in blood glucose levels are diabetic. Studies done in Washington demonstrate, 30 percent of patients with glucose greater than 180 mg/dl were non-diabetic
Planning ahead and working with your health care team can make a big difference in assuring that you have a great outcome from your surgical procedure. Good blood sugar control in the patient having surgery saves lives and reduces complications. www.Whidbeygen.org
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A Mother’s worst nightmare
By Claudia Fuller
It started out as a mother’s worst nightmare but had a happy ending, thanks to staff at Whidbey General Hospital. Camilla Wolfe was born at Whidbey General on Dec 25, 2010. Her mother, Molly McPherson, had been scheduled for an induced labor on Dec 27, but Camilla decided she wanted to be a Christmas baby. Camilla was full term, but tiny, only 6 pounds 2 ounces at birth. A month later Camilla was dealing with what Molly thought was a nasty cold. She was stuffed up and experiencing a very bad cough. Molly drove Camilla to her pediatrician, Dr. Sidney Sparks, in Oak Harbor. While in the office Camilla’s heart began racing and At various times, Camilla’s Grandpa, Jack McPherson, her vital signs were not normal. Dr. Sparks told Molly Molly McPherson and Camilla have all been patients at Whidbey General that Camilla needed an ambulance to get to Whidbey General. In a phone call from Seattle Molly’s husband, Derek Wolfe, asked Dr. Sparks why “they were wasting time taking Camilla to Whidbey General when they should just get her to Children’s Hospital.” Dr. Sparks assured him that taking Camilla to the Emergency Department (ED) at Whidbey General was the best choice, that they were more than capable of stabilizing her and then she could be airlifted to Children’s. In the ED Molly was holding Camilla in her arms when the babe’s vital signs just stopped. Fortunately, Dr. Nicholas Perera went into action. Holding back tears, Molly stated, “He saved her life – if it hadn’t been for Whidbey General my daughter would be dead.” The baby was so small they couldn’t find a vein for an IV and had “Why wouldn’t you support to resort to it into the hospital? You never know putting her shinbone.
when you might need it.”
ED staff had contacted Children’s and requested a helicopter. The helicopter arrived with the staff and equipment necessary to care for an infant. In Seattle Camilla received the care she needed and returned home to her family that includes older brother and sister, Hawthorne and Melanie. Two weeks later Camilla was back at WGH, again experiencing breathing problems. She went by ambulance to Children’s that time.
NIGHTMARE continued next page
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Camilla’s progression from critical towards healthy and going home.
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Lifestyle changes DO make a difference
By Claudia Fuller
As a greeter at the Oak Harbor Senior Center meals program, Willa Roberts meets everyone with a wide smile and a welcoming hug. She has lived on Whidbey Island since 2003 and has been a patient at Whidbey General Hospital several times. In 2012 she experienced back pain that she thought might be a kidney stone. When it continued for too long, coupled with other symptoms, she called 911. Says Willa, “the paramedics were wonderful as was the staff in the Emergency Department. It really meant a lot to me when the paramedic kept telling me where we were along the route.”
Willa Roberts, Volunteer
Once home, Willa enrolled in the Cardiac Wellness and Diabetes programs through the hospital’s Life Center. She credits staff in both courses for laying the foundation for her to change her habits. She said, “They explain everything at a layperson’s level and answer questions when necessary. I have found these classes to be so worthwhile. In fact, in January when I saw my cardiologist, he announced to his staff, ‘This is a prime example of what a difference lifestyle changes can make.’ ” NIGHTMARE continued
A month later Camilla was back at WGH once again and was, again, airlifted to Children’s. In the end it was determined that Camilla either had pneumonia, the rhino virus or RSV. Of her times at WGH Molly stated, “the staff was so supportive of our entire family, letting us be with Camilla, letting us use our cell phones and being so attentive to Camilla’s needs. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.” Today Camilla is completely healthy and, says her mom with a smile, “ She even beats up her older sister.” Molly and Derek are strong supporters of WGH, all three of their children having been born there. They say, “We have such confidence in Dr. Sparks. It was comforting and reassuring to know that she had total confidence in the ED at Whidbey General.” Molly adds, “We can use more doctors like Dr. Perera. By supporting the bond for WGH we can have an improved facility – one that attracts top of the line medical staff.” She concluded, “Why wouldn’t you support the hospital? You never know when you might need it.”
Willa was hospitalized at Whidbey General Hospital twice in 2013. Of her experiences, the first thing she declared was, “They serve the best cardio diet, ever.” Of having a roommate while an inpatient she said, “The healing process is better when you are by yourself.” She continued, with a bright smile, “As much as I like people, and I do, not everyone thinks to be quiet. And sometimes you might need to use the bathroom and it’s occupied. Single patient rooms are just better, all around.”
“I’ve seen how a better
Willa lived in facility encourages better Pascagoula, Mississippi for 30 staff and helps retain the years. She watched good doctors.” that community’s Singing River Hospital grow over the years due to much community support. She said, “I’ve seen how a better facility encourages better staff and helps retain the good doctors.” She concluded, “I will do anything I can to help Whidbey General Hospital pass the bond measure.” www.Whidbeygen.org
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WGH Cares for You and Our Environment
By Lori Taylor, RD Green Team Leader
WGH works very hard to be a good steward of our community’s trust: not only your health care needs, but also the public’s financial resources and the care of our island home. To that end, our Green Team has been busy this year on a number of projects to reduce our environmental impact, save money and improve the health of our Whidbey Island community.
Waste Reduction Our north and south community clinics have been recycling containers and paper for many months. Now, thanks to the Town of Coupeville’s curbside recycling program, and a generous grant from the WGH Foundation, the hospital campus and local clinics in Coupeville have joined them with the addition of 40 new recycling stations. The hospital has always carefully managed its industrial and medical waste, but recycling on site was a logistical challenge until this year. A waste audit from Washington State University Waste Watchers in 2011 showed that 9% of our waste was recyclable, and with curbside recycling, we plan to take that number down to zero, and reduce our landfill waste.
Energy Reduction WGH is participating in the Community Energy Challenge, a grant-funded initiative of Sustainable Connections in Bellingham. We are currently undergoing an energy audit, which will provide us measurable steps to take to reduce our energy consumption. WGH will also receive a significant number of free LED bulbs for the facility. We’re really looking forward to implementing changes so that we can use only the energy we need, which should provide substantial budget savings.
Recognition and Partnering Because of its efforts over the past three years, the Green Team was recently honored as a Community Health Hero by the Community Health Advisory Board (CHAB) of Island County. WGH also earned the Sustainable Whidbey Coalition’s Green Seal for another year, reflecting sustainable practices in energy efficiency, transportation, water conservation, waste reduction, community and local categories. In 2013, WGH has also partnered with Practice Greenhealth, a coalition of healthcare organizations sharing best practices regarding sustainability. We also recently joined the Healthy Hospital Initiative, an organization providing 10
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Green Team recyclers with Emrie McCauslin and Lori Taylor
sustainability support and roadmaps. WGH is well on its way to earning the Engaged Leadership and Less Waste For more information challenges. Lori Taylor, RD We are always open to our community’s input on 678.7656 ext 3202 sustainability issues. If you 321.7656 ext 3202 have questions, concerns, or greenteam@whidbeygen.org suggestions, contact us.
Whidbey island Public Hospital District Board of Commissioners District 1 Grethe Cammermeyer, RN, PhD - 221.5882 District 2 Georgia Gardner - 678.4704 District 3 Ron Wallin - 675.6674 District 4 Nancy Fey - 240.8822 District 5 Anne Tarrant - 679.9466
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A SAFE RIDE HOME The Mission of Safe Ride Home Whidbey Island (SRHWI) is to provide safe transportation home for
members of our community when they find themselves in an unsafe situation, regardless of ability to pay.
SRHWI is a grassroots organization that blossomed out of the passion and motivation of a handful of Whidbey Island residents who wanted to improve the safety of our roads for all drivers and passengers, regardless of their ages. SRHWI is involved with many community partners and with local taxi companies. All Island Express Taxi covers rides south of Greenbank and Ault Field Taxi covers rides north of Greenbank to Deception Pass Bridge.
The Concept is Simple If you find yourself in any situation where you feel threatened or unsafe getting in a car as a driver OR a passenger for any of the following reasons: n Alcohol you or your driver has had too much to drink and driving would be unsafe n Drugs you or your driver has been impaired by drug use n Pressure people trying to get you to do things you don’t
want to do like sex or crime
n Domestic violence you’re at a friend’s house and the
situation gets bad
n Too tired to drive and need a ride sometimes you just
can’t drive because of sleepiness, like after a surgical procedure
You call SAFE RIDE HOME! North End 360.682.6920 or South End 360.341.8294 • It’s SAFE • It’s CONFIDENTIAL • It’s FREE • It’s a GREAT decision! SRHWI is funded 100% by donations so the best way to say “thank you” is to pay for your ride when you take it or provide payment the next day. The less money SRHWI has to pay the cab companies, the more people we can get home safely!
For more information Richard Roberson 731.733.8455 360.321.5111 ext 7940 info@saferidehome whidbeyisland.com www.whidbeygen.org
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Sinusitis Treatment
Now Available on Whidbey Island
Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic health problems in the U.S., affecting 37 million Americans each year. Patients suffer facial pain and pressure, headaches, congestion, nasal discharge, fatigue and other symptoms. Sinusitis has a significant effect on these patients’ physical, functional, and emotional quality of life.
Step 1: Using the Balloon Sinuplasty system, the physician gently places a sinus guide catheter and a flexible sinus guidewire through the nostrils to access the target sinus. Then a sinus balloon catheter is advanced over the sinus guidewire. Step 2: The sinus balloon catheter is positioned across the
blocked sinus opening and gently inflated. Historically, sinusitis patients were limited to two treatment options: medical therapy, Step 3: The Balloon Sinuplasty system is removed, leaving an open sinus passageway and restoring normal sinus including antibiotics and topical nasal drainage and function. Ronald Krueger steroids or conventional sinus surgery such MD, FAACS as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). In 2007, I started working with a revolutionary technology called Balloon Sinuplasty. This procedure utilizes a small, flexible balloon catheter that is placed through a nostril into the blocked sinus passageway. The balloon is then inflated to gently restructure and open the sinus passageway, restoring normal sinus drainage and function.
During the past six years, I have performed over 200 Balloon Sinuplasty cases in the operating room. My patients experience faster recovery than traditional sinus surgery. In the last year I have started performing these procedures in the office for select patients. This has really helped recovery! Now patients do not require general anesthetic and most of them are back to work the next day.
For more Information Dr. Ronald Krueger 425.341.4305
Ronald A. Krueger, MD, F.A.A.C.S. was the first physician in Washington State to offer this in-office procedure and is one of the nation’s most experienced physicians with the Balloon Sinuplasty technique. Dr. Krueger now has an office on Whidbey Island in Freeland and is able to offer island residents this simple, office procedure.
www.DoctorKrueger.com
Pet Partners Patricia Szypula spends time with her furry friend Zoe during treatment in our Medical Ambulatory Care clinic. Zoe, a valued member of the Pet Partners program, is owned by Marsha Morgan (background). Pet Partners is a nationally recognized organization that trains volunteers and their pets to visit patients in healthcare settings. Regular visits by Pet Partners bring smiles to our patients and caregivers alike. 12
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Whidbey General welcomes new general surgeon, Manuel L. Lozano MD, PhD. Dr. Lozano joins Dr. Leah Oman at Whidbey General Hospital Surgical Services in Coupeville. Dr. Lozano attended Medical School at University of Iowa College of Medicine and performed his internship and residency at Michigan State University. Dr. Lozano is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.
new medical staff Mark R. Duncan, MD joined our medical staff in 2013 and is practicing at South Island Medical in Freeland. Dr. Duncan enlisted in the Navy in 1984 where he spent 6 years serving as a Navy Hospital Corpsman. He attended West Virginia University School of Medicine, and completed residency training in Family Medicine at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. After providing a full spectrum of care to military families throughout the world, he retired from the Navy in October 2012. Dr. Duncan looks forward to providing high quality, compassionate care in a relaxed atmosphere to the fine people of Whidbey Island. Christina S. Klemme, MD has joined the practice of Whidbey Community Physicians in Oak Harbor, an affiliated clinic of Whidbey General. Dr. Klemme attended the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston and performed her Internship & Residency at John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Klemme is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Whidbey General would like to welcome Ophthalmologist Beth R. Repp, MD. Dr. Repp has joined Dr. Cichowski’s practice at Whidbey Eye Center in Coupeville. Dr. Repp attended the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 2005 and performed her internship and residency at the Mayo Medical School. Dr. Repp is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Whidbey General welcomes Gaila Palo, MSN, RN to their new Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role. Gaila attended the master’s program at the University of Washington and has extensive clinical experience in the management of complex patient care. The CNS provides clinical expertise and assists our staff in the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care. In addition to clinical practice, the CNS serves as consultant, educator, researcher and change agent as a champion for clinically focused process improvement.
Lions Comfort KIDS A trip to the doctor got easier for hundreds of Whidbey Island children, thanks to the Lions Clubs of South Whidbey, Central Whidbey, Coupeville, Oak Harbor and North Whidbey. This summer, the clubs raised money to buy hundreds of stuffed toy lions to be given to children visiting the hospital Emergency Department and the North and South Whidbey Community Clinics. “A stuffed toy is a welcomed distraction for a child in a stressful situation,” says Nancy Bailey, manager of Volunteer Services at Whidbey General. Bailey credits hospital volunteer and Lions member Sharon Ryan with coming up with the idea to create and distribute the toys. Ryan promoted the project islandwide to the various Lions’ chapters. Just like “real” Lions, the toy lions wear a purple T-shirt. An inscription reads, “For a brave little Lion.”
Local Lions delivered dozens of toys to Whidbey General in late July. Thank you, Lions! www.Whidbeygen.org
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Gifts from our Community April 2013 – August 2013
Endowment/Major Gift Estate of Wilma Patrick Edwin & Emily Upton Trust
Wheels make a difference
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Foundation donors made a dramatic difference in the everyday lives of the nursing and therapy staff of the Home Health Care & Hospice Services department this year with the simple gift of specialized medical bags on wheels. These hardworking professionals can travel 1,200 miles a week to visit their patients. For each of the 100 or so visits they make each week, they have been carrying into the home a variety of bags, boxes or other containers to ensure they had the equipment and supplies they needed for each home visit. Then they carried it all back to their vehicle at the end of the visit. The load became heavier this spring when the hospital implemented the new electronic health record. Now, a heavy duty laptop was added to their essential supplies. This is when Foundation donors stepped in, funding the purchase of specialized medical bags with collapsing handles and wheels. The staff recently presented an oversized thank you note to the Foundation Board of Directors, filled with personal notes of appreciation.
I love my new bag and my patients compliment it too! Carol Bishop, RN
The bags works so well for our new laptops, their rollers are great, they are so professional looking and identify us as being from WGH. Your gift is so appreciated. Nancy Nielsen, RN A dream come true! We have wanted standardized bags for such a long time. Kathleen Flanagan, RN
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Anne & R.W. Tarrant Jay & Sue Thomas Blake Thomson Grace Valrosa Sharon Ann Uluwehi Vaughn Virginia & Wylie Vracin, MD Joyce & David Williams Bob & Pat Wolfe John Wood Judith Yeakel
Lucinda Abrams Dolores & John Andrews Linnane Armstrong Edith Babbitt Leo Baldwin Christina Barker REMEMBRANCES Carolyn & Tony Bartley, MD Gene & Diane Barner Midge Billig In memory of Laura Blankenship Annie Lee Russell Barner E. A. Brookes Eric & Kathleen Ottum Diane Camp To celebrate L.F. Chase Dave Bieniek & Ervin Knezek Clare Christiansen Patricia Christianson Lynn & Jeffrey Stiern Mark Cichowski, MD In memory of Pastor Ed Boer Leslie & Jan Claesson Lorraine Davis Grethe Cammermeyer Patricia & Donald DeBode Georgia Gardner Karen Epifano Anne Tarrant Renee Faber Tom Tomasino Lynn & Wayne Flaaten Ron Wallin Sally & Haigh Fox, MD To celebrate Roger Case, MD Robert & Sally Garratt Richard Goldstein, MD Nancy Fey & Helen Kinsella, MD To celebrate Pam Costner Stephen & Elizabeth Guss Ralph Edwards Robert Hawkins, MD In memory of Robin & Harold Hertlein Edna M. Edwards, RN Tom & Gerri Hiestand Val Hillers Michelle Suggs Carole & Brian Holmes To celebrate Betsy Eidsmoe Mary Horn Katrina Hude Kenneth Gunther Ken & Terri Hulett To celebrate Karen Johnson Maria Teresa Gunther Carla Jolley Nan & Ken Leaman Margarethe Cammermeyer & Lyla & Archie Lillis Diane Divelbess Maria & Philip Litrenta In memory of Andrew Hawken Pamela & Albert Luhn Georgia Gardner Sally & Dennis Maylor In memory of Beryl Jefferds Jane Mays, MD & Byron Skubi, MD Bonnie Abney Bev McQuary To celebrate Connie MacLean Laura Medbury Marilyn & Paul Messner Rex Rhoades James Moore & To celebrate Donna Merryfield Sue Symons Kay Moore Dean Weldon Linda Morris In memory of Rudolph & Coleen Dr. Laurie Mosolino Parhaniemi Lynn & Jeffrey Stiern Kay Parsons In memory of Dorothy Nelson Patty Picco Ed & Carolyn Plitt Rhonda Beers Bruce Porter, MD To celebrate Lisa Parker Lucie Riederer, MD Candice Rodriques Barbara & James Wihlborg Lee Roof, MD In memory of Wilma Patrick Jerry Saia Janis Saunders Carol Byng Judye Scheidt In memory of Judge Richard Pitt Vonnie Secketa Sharon A.U. Vaughn Phyllis & Al Sherman To honor Dr. Bruce A. Porter Sharon Shoemaker Susan Sibbald Helen Bates Marcia & Peter Sill In memory of Tammi Sloan Rose Temm Quiroz, RN Bert & Mary Ann Speir Beth Stout Karen & Barrie Hutchinson Lynn & Bob Sullivan In honor of Joyce Rich Betsy Summers
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Gifts from our Community April 2013 - August 2013
Brittani, Carl & Aspyn Morgan To celebrate Melva Robison Charles Schwantes In memory of Margaret A. (Jerri) Schwantes Julie Engstrom To celebrate Sharon Simpler Gene & Diane Barner In memory of Arthur G. Simpson Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor To celebrate the contributions of Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor to Whidbey General Hospital Babette & John Thompson In memory of Laurie Dinnerstein Thompson Carol Byng To thank WGH EMTs & ED Nurses Barbara & James Wihlborg In memory of Margot Wiess Sharon Shoemaker In honor of Alice Young
IN__-KIND GIFTS Home Depot
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Music Therapy Benefit Concert Useless Bay Ladies’ Rally for the Cure Tournament Visual Voices Art Show WGH Employee Craft Fair
Grants
Island Thrift Swinomish Tribal Community Washington State Traffic Safety Commission
BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION PHILANTHROPY
Coldwell Banker Tara Properties Coupeville Inn Island Disposal Island Thrift Kelly & Harvey Law Offices Puget Sound Energy Radia Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor Soroptimist International of South Whidbey Island Whidbey Coffee Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary
TOUR de WHIDBEY
Sponsors Audit & Adjustment Company Cardinal Health Coordinated Care Group Health Cooperative Medline Foundation Moss Adams Northwest Healthcare Linen Northwest Pathology PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center Piper Jaffray Radia Fund
Relay Health Retail Lockbox Siemens Industry Team Health Northwest Washington Casualty Company
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The Power of Giving
Pam Hawley Linda Hegburg Contributions to the Foundation have made it possible Megan Hill for the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation Board Troy Holmes of Directors to fund grants April 2013 - August 2013 Betty Hunter totaling $50,014 (year-to-date $60,436) for equipment Mary Hunter and programs at the Hospital: and $3,000 (year-to-date Alana Hutchinson In-Kind $12,000) for community health initiatives. Erin Jackson Ace Hardware Linda Jacobson Big Rock Designs April 2013 - August 2013 Barbara Johnson Biofreeze Janie Keilwitz Ciao! Restaurant Platelet rotator (incubator/agitator) for Laboratory Services’ • Arlene King Clif Bars Blood Bank Colleen Klamm Family Dermatology Patsy Kolesar-Hynson Home Depot • WiFi hotspot technology Linda Krueger Northwest Navy Life for six Emergency Medical Oak Bowl Joyce Kubalsky Services ambulances Oak Harbor Cinemas Cheryl Kubisty, MD Sodexo Rolling medical bags • Janet LaCaille Webb’s Department Store for Home Health Care Patricia Lamont Whidberry Frozen Yogurt & Hospice community Tara Law Whidbey Coffee nursing staff Nomi Lev whidbeylocal.com Sharon Lyson • Funding support for 2013 Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle Heather Maddox Nurse Appreciation Week Megan Manker activities WORKPLACE GIVING Robert May Rebekah Allred Carolyn Mengel • Replenish Vial of Life Roxanne Alves supplies for Emergency Patricia Meyers Joyce Amatuzzo Medical Services Don Miller Karen Backman community outreach Frank Mueller Christina Barker program Molly Nagel Michelle Beesley Trish Nilsen Ann Bell • Funding support for John Oakland, MD Christopher Bibby, MD Summer Intern Program Mary Leah Oman, MD Laura Black which placed four students Deborah Page Laura Blankenship in paid, six week staff Gwen Parrick Lauren Bock position in Whidbey Family June Peteroli Birthplace, Medical-Surgical Caren Bohardt Gary Piazzon inpatient nursing unit, Sue Bottorff Mario Porras Rehabilitation Services – Emily Brink Lead Blood Bank Richard Ralston North & Life Center for Technologist Tom Loughead Jacqueline Bruns Michele Renninger shows off new platelet Essential Wellness Melinda Buchholz Maria Reyes rotator Kelly Bullington • Community education Suzanne Reynolds Katherine Carr supplies for Emergency Trish Rose Colleen Childs Medical Services’ Child Injury Prevention Program Jules Sacerio, PA-C Titia Chilton Misty Sellgren Cheri Christensen • New uniform jackets for volunteers serving the Hospital David Serle Erin Christensen through Volunteer Services Curtis Shumate Whitney Christiansen Laurie Sirotkin Elizabeth Coursey • Sound systems for patient rooms and other musical supplies Monica Smiley Kathryn Cox for Music Therapy David Stob Linda Cross Beth Stout • Funding support for Whidbey Family Birthplace family/ Laurie Davenport education room Kathryn Sutherland Vera Demers Alan Tainatongo Tonya DeYoung • Contribution to Care Management patient transportation Barbara Thelen Wayne Donaldson home fund Sam Thierstein Kimberly Ferguson, PA-C Tom Tomasino Claudia Fuller • Funding support for WGH Green Team Recycling program Lisa Toomey Teresa Fulton Chris Tumblin Emily Gabelein • Amy Ayers Scholarship award to a WGH employee seeking Susan Walker Yvonne Garner advanced nursing accreditation Danhua Wallace, ARNP Janet Gaston Jennifer Wesley Dee Giordan • Funding support for Small Miracles, community medical Connie Wheeler support fund for Central Whidbey Linda Gipson Debbi Williams Line Goulet • Scholarships for Heart of a Woman screenings at the Shannon Wolfe Diana Graham Life Center for Essential Wellness Elizabeth Wright Virginia Green Renee Yanke Lisa Grentz • Mammography service vouchers for women with limited Julie Guilbert resources Other Workplaces Hank Hanigan AIG Matching Grants Karen Harder • Prescriptions for Tobacco Cessation class participants Program Rebecca Harless Combined Federal • Prescription drug vouchers for low income patients discharging Kellie Harris Campaign of Island County from emergency, community clinics, medical-ambulatory care/ Porter Blue Haught United Way of Island oncology and inpatient medical-surgical units Belinda Hawkins County www.Whidbeygen.org
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Breast MRI fundraising goals reached The Foundation began the year with the goal of raising funds to purchase a Breast MRI Scan System to complement the Hospital’s new MRI machine. At the request of the Hospital’s radiology team, the equipment to enable the Hospital to provide MRI-guided biopsy was added to the campaign. In May, the Foundation Board of Directors announced the scan system goal had been reached with a $20,000 gift from Island Thrift. We are now delighted to report that Island Thrift has capped the biopsy system campaign with a second $20,000 gift. “We were gratified that we could make a significant contribution to assist in the early detection of breast cancer,” stated Gary Berner, president of the Island Thrift Board of Directors. “We know it will help save lives.” The Foundation is humbled by the outpouring of community support for our fundraising effort. We wish to thank ALL those who helped us reach our goals. Bonnie Abney Lucinda Abrams Joan & Murray Aston Lynette Bankowski Christina Barker Diane & Gene Barner Carolyn & Dr. Tony Bartley Helen Bates Kathleen Baxley Midge Billig Laura Blankenship Carol & Ham Byng Rene & Daniel Callies Grethe Cammermeyer & Diane Divelbess Diane Camp Clare Christiansen Patricia Christianson Leslie & Jan Claesson Patty Cohen Coldwell Banker Tara Properties Michelle Cook Margaret DeBerger Trust Julie Engstrom Renee Farber Nancy Fey Janice Fischer
Lynn & Wayne Flaaten Patricia & Donald Debode Karen Eason Sally & Dr. Haigh Fox Teresa Fulton Georgia Gardner Sally & Robert Garratt Maria Teresa & Kenneth Gunther Shirlee & Bob Hagan Kathy & Steve Harada Dr. Robert Hawkins Jan Hayes Robin & Harold Hertlein Val & Joe Hillers Carole & Brian Holmes Mary Horn Arlene & Allen House Terri & Ken Hulett Karen & Barrie Hutchinson Island Disposal Sally & Willis Jacobs Karen Johnson Carla Jolley Kelly & Harvey Law Offices Maria Litrenta Pamela & Albert Luhn Sally & Dennis Maylor
Drs. Jane Mays & Byron Skubi Carmen & Jack McFadyen Laura Medbury Marilyn & Paul Messner Carolyn & Mike Milat Laura Moore Ann Kennedy Sarah & James Konopik Donna Moniz Kay Moore Linda Morris Brittani, Aspyn & Carl Morgan Colleen & Rudolph Parhaniemi Estate of Wilma Patrick Muriel Pickard Sharon & Dr. Bruce Porter Puget Sound Energy Radia Candice & Donald Rodriques Dr. Lee Roof Trish Rose Barbara Saugen Vonnie Secketa Phyllis & Al Sherman Sharon Shoemaker Susan Sibbald Marcia & Peter Sill
Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor Mary Ann & Bert Speir Lynn & Jeff Stiern Beth Stout & Lisa Toomey Robert & June Sebo Endowment Michelle & Chuck Suggs Lynn & Bob Sullivan Betsy Summers Sue Symons & James Moore Anne & RW Tarrant Sue & Jay Thomas Babette & John Thompson Island Thrift Tour de Whidbey Useless Bay Golf & Country Club Rally for the Cure Grace Valrosa WGH Auxiliary Virginia & Wylie Vracin Gayle & Ron Wallin Dean Weldon Whidbey Coffee Whidbey Telecom Peggy & Dr. Mac Whitford Barbara & James Wihlborg Joyce & David Williams Judith Yeakel
Whidbey General has placed the orders for both the scan and biopsy equipment. Required certification processes are underway. It is expected that Breast MRI services will be serving Whidbey Island women by the end of the year.
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Volunteers key to success The Tour de Whidbey took place September 21st. A huge factor in attracting riders to the roads of Whidbey Island for the Tour de Whidbey is word-of-mouth. Riders tell other riders how beautiful it is here and what a great ride they will get. But the single most consistent compliment these riders share is how fantastic our volunteers are. The Foundation and the Hospital are deeply grateful for our volunteers’ generous contribution of their time, their hard work and their enthusiasm. You make the Tour de Whidbey a success, rain or shine. Thank you.
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Legacy of Music working together One of the busiest outpatient departments at Whidbey General is the Life Center for Essential Wellness. Their cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are well known and respected among patients and medical providers throughout the region. A critical tool used in all their programs is the cardio-exercise treadmill. These rehabilitation workhorses get hundreds of hours of service each month by patients recovering from a heart attack, working to manage their breathing or implementing a wellness program. The Life Center has six heavy duty cardio treadmills. When one is down for repairs or fails completely, patients are directly affected. The Foundation and the WGH Auxiliary joined together this year to avert either situation. Each organization purchased a new, state-ofthe-art Cardiac Science treadmill for the Life Center. Both of these machines are now hard at work For more serving patients. information The Life Center also provides programs for tobacco cessation, post-partum exercise and congestive heart failure, and Heartwise, a risk factor screening. Clinicians deliver these comprehensive services on site at the Hospital, as well as traveling to all areas of the island to promote healthy lifestyle changes.
This spring the hospital’s music therapist Barbara Dunn retired after 11 years of service to Whidbey General. Barbara worked tirelessly to ensure that patients in the hospital, and those being cared for in their homes through Home Health Care & Hospice, received the healing gift of music. The program she developed over the years has numerous volunteers who regularly play the piano in the hospital lobby, a choral group and individual musicians who visit patients in the hospital. As a final legacy, she shared her vision for mobile carts to carry sound systems into patient rooms with an old friend of the Music Therapy program, volunteer Barry Rix. He designed and built four compact, rolling wood carts and installed ‘boom boxes’ on each. These clever units began serving patients in early September. Thank you Barbara! Thank you Barry!
Life Center for Essential Wellness Programs including Heart Screening Exam 360.678.7656 ext 2130 360.321.7656 ext 2130
Life Center treadmill with Karla Vier, RN and Kim Arends, RN
Barry Rix delivering mobile sound systems to Foundation director Laura Blankenship www.Whidbeygen.org
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Newest Offerings! UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESS Caregiver Basics
Although progress has been made in lessening the stigma of mental illness, the shame and confusions persists. Loved ones want very much to give love and support, but are often so overwhelmed ABOUT JEROME: they lose their focus and miss I have over thirty years of experience as a child, couple and the all-important family therapist. This has given me job of giving care an opportunity to serve diverse and attention to people with a wide range of issues. I themselves. have coached family members who were struggling with the mental This workshop illness of their loved ones. I have provides caregivers been filled with gratitude to have been a part of their experience. an understanding My thirty plus years of meditation of mental illness and yoga practice have deeply and how they informed my own life view and is may provide a strong basis for my coaching and support. There will counseling. I value the importance of finding a point of balance and be discussion of living in harmony with my higher the major mental self. This is how I support my clients illnesses and in their work. their treatment including medications and the factors that contribute to stabilizing the illness. There will also be a section covering schizophrenia and the challenges it presents to caregivers. Special attention will be given to the self care of the caregiver and in particular how to manage stress. Tips on how to begin, as a caregiver will be covered. Resources will be given to further your education and understanding. INSTRUCTOR: Jerome Rosen, MEd, LMFT LOCATION: WGH Conference Room A DATE: Fri Oct 18 TIME: 1:30-3pm FEE: Free UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESS REVIEW
The second class will be a review of your experience as a caregiver. What worked and what was less successful? What do you need to continue? What resources helped you? What are some of the challenges? INSTRUCTOR: Jerome Rosen, MEd, LMFT LOCATION: WGH Board Room DATE: Wed Dec 11 TIME: 6-7:30pm FEE: Free 18
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This powerful class teaches abdominal deep breathing and relaxation techniques which help to relieve tension, stress and lower blood pressure. Stress influences everyone and this technique instantly counteracts the harmful effects of stress. Blood pressure/heart rate are taken before and after breathing exercises. Handouts and time for questions are included in this free class. No special clothing or mat is required. To register call 678.7656 ext 2130 or 321.7656 ext 2130. INSTRUCTOR: Janie Keilwitz, RN, MN, Heartwise Coordinator LOCATION: WGH Life Center Classroom DATE: 1st Wed ea month TIME: 3:30-4:30pm FEE: Free CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
This one-day class will discuss labor, delivery, going home with your baby as well as breastfeeding during the early days. Taught by a certified childbirth instructor and lactation consultant, the format includes practice time for coping strategies that may be used during labor. Information about medication and epidurals is included. To register email or call Loretta Bezold at bezoll@whidbeygen.org or 360.679.0902 INSTRUCTOR: Loretta Bezold LOCATION: WGH Conference Rooms A & B DATE: 1st Sat of each month TIME: 9am-3pm (includes half hour break for lunch) FEE: $80 (DSHS medical coupon accepted) INTRO TO TRADITIONAL TAI CHI & MEDICAL QIGONG
Tai Chi is an ancient skill to improve health and emotional stability. It is a discipline of slow, flowing movements that require concentration to execute. The effects of Tai Chi are felt within the first week. For many, the practice is life changing. Tai Chi improves posture, balance, lung function, builds strength, flexibility and reduces depression. The goal is to invigorate the body’s energy by increasing oxygen to the brain and organs. By keeping the muscles active, but relaxed, and the mind alert, but calm, one is left with a sense of well-being. To register call 675.1464 or email mjreed@whidbey.net INSTRUCTOR: Jill Vulcano-Reed, Certified Sifu, 6th dan, 43 years experience LOCATION: WGH Conference Rooms A & B DATE: Sat Oct 26 TIME: 1–3pm FEE: Free n LIVING WITH LOSS n MEN AND GRIEF
These seminars are designed to help you work through the normal and needed process of grief that follows the death of a loved one. Using videos and group discussion, we explore ways of coping with life’s changes, ways to remember our loved one, and ways that lead us toward growth and healing. Fall class is six weeks, spring class, five weeks. To register for these classes please call 678.7656 ext 8245 or 321.7656 ext 8245. INSTRUCTOR: David Bieniek, BCC, Bereavement Coordinator for Home Health Care and Hospice LOCATION: WGH Conference Room Living with Loss DATE: Tue Oct 15-Nov 19 TIME: 6:30–8:30pm FEE: Free Men and Grief DATE: Tue Mar 4-Apr 1 TIME: 6:30–8:30pm FEE: Free
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For those joining Medicare either because they have turned 65 or due to a disability. Medicare Parts A and B, the Medigap/supplemental plans and the Medicare Advantage plans will be explained. If you need help finding a drug plan, bring a detailed list of your medications including the dosage. SHIBA stands for Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisers, volunteers who work under the guidance of the State Insurance Commissioner’s Office. No registration required. INSTRUCTOR: Annette Barca, SHIBA LOCATION: WGH Conference Room A & B DATE: Sat Oct 19 TIME: 9:30am FEE: Free DATE: Tues Nov 12 TIME: 6:30pm FEE: Free
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Diabetes Health Group
Sponsored by the Whidbey General Whidbey General offers free Diabetes Program which is an accredited information/support sessions for provider of diabetes education by both quitting tobacco for good. These Medicare and private insurances. You one-hour sessions will help you may want to consider a referral from learn about health issues related your physician for either comprehensive to tobacco, the many tools that are now available for helping you quit, classes or individual appointments which address a diverse range of diabetes needs. and how to find resources to serve Facilitator: Don Miller, RN, Certified you. Whether you use cigarettes Diabetes Educator or smokeless tobacco, if you’ve tried to quit before or not, there are MONDAY, Oct 28 many resources to help you. Get Artificial Pancreas for Type 1 Diabetes, inspired to “Quit for Good.” Those How Close are We? A review of artificial pancreas research who have recently quit and are looking for support are also invited. trials for type 1 diabetes and prospects Medicare Drop-In Assistance Refreshments will be provided. For for the future management of type 1 For those already on Medicare who wish to diabetes. questions please call 678.7656 ext review the supplemental and/or Medicare 2130 or 321.7656, ext 2130. Prior MONDAY, Nov 25 Advantage plans available in our area. We will registration not required. Update Blood Glucose Meters also help individuals find the best drug plan for INSTRUCTOR: Katherine Riddle, See what new features are available in their use. There are no appointments, it is first RRT, CTTS blood glucose meters, using iPhones come, first served. If you would like help finding for monitoring glucose, best values a drug plan, please bring an accurate list of your LOCATION: WGH Conference Rm when paying cash for testing supplies, DATE: Wed Nov 20 or Dec 18 medications and the dosage(s) you take. and process for requesting increased TIME: 6:30-7:30pm FEE: Free No registration is required. coverage for testing supplies. INSTRUCTOR: Annette Barca, SHIBA What you should know MONDAY, Jan 27 LOCATION: WGH Conference Room A about HEART FAILURE Diabetes and Kidney Function DATE: Sat Nov 16 TIME: 10am-3pm FEE: Free America’s silent epidemic! Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading LOCATION: WGH Board Room Are you or someone you know DATE: Thu Nov 21 TIME: 4-8pm FEE: Free suffering from high blood pressure, cause of kidney failure. Learn about the prevention strategies, important SHIBA appointments are available at WGH high cholesterol, diabetes or lab values, and interventions to protect Wednesdays from Oct 15 through Dec 4. Call obesity? Have you had a heart kidney function. 678.5151 or 321.5151 to make an appointment. attack or damage to your heart LOCATION: WGH Board Room valves? You could be one of PREVENTING DIABETES TIME: 6:30-8pm FEE: Free Learn how to lower your risk for diabetes including the five million people suffering from heart failure - a frighteningly lifestyle changes. This interactive class will cover common but under recognized condition in which the heart muscles weaken risk factors, blood glucose and cholesterol targets, and gradually lose ability to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs. the American Diabetes Association guidelines, To find out more about heart failure, the only major cardiovascular disease on glucose meters, and ideas for healthier eating. For the rise, and to register call 360.678.7656 ext 2130 or 360.321.7656 ext 2130 adults. Preregistration required. Contact Line INSTRUCTOR: Kim Arends, RN LOCATION: Life Center for Essential Wellness Goulet, 360.678.7656 ext 2661, 360.321.5173, DATE: Every Tue TIME: 2-3pm FEE: Free or email: goulel@whidbeygen.org INSTRUCTOR: Line Goulet, RN, BScN, MEd Cert. WHIDBEY WELLNESS Diabetes Educator There is a new look for Whidbey Wellness as we approach the 10 year LOCATION: WGH Conference Room A anniversary of this program. Moving forward, the only criteria for the program DATE: Oct 12, Nov 9 or Jan 18 is to have the desire to learn realistic and useful strategies to improve your life. TIME: 10am-Noon FEE: Free Each class will consist of 12 Sessions (twice a week for six weeks) with each session including: 45 minutes of education and 45 minutes of exercise. To TOBACCO CESSATION schedule the interview, contact Mary Waters at Whidbey General Life Center Topics include the dynamics of tobacco cessation, at 678.7656 ext 2130 or 321.7656 ext 2130 or you can e-mail her at waterm@ quitting skills, and skills to maintain tobacco whidbeygen.org reduction/cessation status. Participants must LOCATION: WGH Conference Room attend all sessions. Free NicoDerm patch prescription. Register for this four week class by DATE: Tue & Thu, Sep 24-Nov14 TIME: 5-6:30pm (Interview prior to Sep 16) calling 678.7656 ext 2130 or 321.7656 ext 2130 DATE: Tue & Thu, Jan 14-Feb 20 TIME: 4-5:30pm (Interview prior to Jan 3) DATE: Tue & Thu, Mar4-Apr 11 TIME: 5-6:30pm (Interview prior to Feb 21) INSTRUCTOR: Katherine Riddle, RRT, CTTS DATE: Tue & Thu, May 6-Jun 12 TIME: 4-5:30pm (Interview prior to Apr 25) LOCATION: WGH Life Center FEE: $160 for Hospital Employees or Hospital Volunteers DATE: Wed Oct 9-Oct 30 $250 for non-employees TIME: 6:30-8pm FEE: Free www.whidbeygen.org
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