http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/C6/ en danville.regional@gmail.com Copyright 2011 2011-11-18T15:43:00+00:00 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/p6Q7gWLzikI/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/why_was_drmc_featured_in_a_recent_usa_today_story_on_health_outcome_measure/#When:15:25:00Z Every hospital that admits Medicare and Medicaid patients is included in the CMS Hospital Compare website. In Danville, we are faced with many serious public health issues that develop long before patients are admitted to our hospital. Recently, the Danville Regional Foundation released the results of a study that shows our region has a much higher incidence of many diseases and medical conditions than the state and national averages. This study confirmed that we have a higher rate of deaths from heart diseases in Danville than both the national and state rates.  Ask DRMC 2008-08-20T15:25:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/why_was_drmc_featured_in_a_recent_usa_today_story_on_health_outcome_measure/#When:15:25:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/6N91boaOSw4/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_are_the_factors_that_led_to_this_ranking_by_the_centers_for_medicare_a/#When:15:24:00Z There are many factors - unrelated to care received at our hospital - that contribute to DRMC’s mortality rates 30 days after admission. Included are deaths that may not be related to heart disease. Some are the result of patients not seeking early treatment because of financial conerns and become sicker BEFORE treatment begins or not making good lifestyle choices related to diet, exercise, smoking cessation and others AFTER hospitalization. Nevertheless, the situation is unacceptable to us, and we are working every day at getting better, just like we want our patients to get better.  Ask DRMC 2008-08-20T15:24:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_are_the_factors_that_led_to_this_ranking_by_the_centers_for_medicare_a/#When:15:24:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/LltDYSoM-wc/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_is_drmc_doing_to_change_these_numbers/#When:15:23:00Z Because of improvement efforts underway, we expect our mortality rates to continue to improve. For example, since the last reporting period a year ago, our AMI mortality rates have already improved by 30% and are now comparable with other hospitals in the state and nation and are “no different than U.S. national rate” according to the CMS research. We continue to work with our medical staff, to undertake quality improvement measures to make sure we are providing the best possible care to all patients. We also need increased public awareness and education in our community about the importance of healthy lifestyles and seeking treatment early. We are committed to working with public health officials and the Danville Regional Foundation to take proactive measures to improve the health status of our community.  Ask DRMC 2008-08-20T15:23:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_is_drmc_doing_to_change_these_numbers/#When:15:23:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/ymI8J0SbrM4/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/is_drmc_closing_its_laboratory/#When:23:12:01Z DRMC is not closing its lab. It is a requisite for Joint Commission accreditation and state licensure that all hospitals maintain a laboratory for its patients. To clarify, there are several separate components to the hospital’s laboratory program. DRMC currently operates a main laboratory that services in-patients, out-patients and reference testing for physician office collected specimens and employment related testing for businesses. The reference lab portion of the lab is the most competitive and has experienced declining volumes in recent years. The ultimate goal is to maintain the in-house DRMC laboratory that is providing all of the needed services for the hospital’s in-patients, as well as out-patients. At the same time we want to assure the continued provision of reference laboratory services for physician offices in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible. DRMC is currently going through a review process involving physicians and administrators. The hospital is constantly looking at all aspects of services it provides and will continue to do so. We are a quality health care provider first and foremost; however, we also have a fiscal responsibility to provide quality health care in the most cost effective manner for the patients who expect that.  Ask DRMC 2008-01-18T23:12:01+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/is_drmc_closing_its_laboratory/#When:23:12:01Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/9b6gHN69V20/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_is_a_hospitalist_how_many_do_you_have/#When:18:49:00Z Hospitalists are fully-trained doctors who have completed medical school and residency training and graduate with degrees in Internal Medicine or Family Practice.  Most, but not all, are university-trained doctors who have recently completed and are very familiar with hospital-based care.  Others are doctors who have been in traditional-based medical practices who decide to change to hospital-based care exclusively.  Hospitalists do not perform surgery, and the presence of hospitalists has in fact contributed to reduced backlogs in the Emergency Department by getting admitted patients to the nursing units, freeing up space in the Emergency Department.  This has helped reduce the total treatment time in the ED by about 30 percent over the last year. The program, which was initially recommended by physicians in 2004 and actually began in 2006, currently has 4 full-time and 8 part-time physicians who supply 24/7 coverage.  The goal is to have 7-8 full-time hospitalists and less part-time workers.  Dr. Fran DeChurch has been hired to start working at DRMC as the director of the program, and she begins Oct. 30.  She is a nationally-known and respected hospitalist leader with more than 15 years of hospitalist experience and 8 years of experience as a hospitalist program director. Ask DRMC 2007-10-18T18:49:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_is_a_hospitalist_how_many_do_you_have/#When:18:49:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/dUAiag3hiBY/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/where_can_i_find_information_about_career_opportunities_at_danville_regiona/#When:20:15:00Z You can find information about career opportunities at Danville Regional Medical Center by visiting http://www.danvilleregional.org/careers.html, or simply clicking on “Careers” in the top right-hand corner at http://www.danvilleregional.org/.  Ask DRMC 2007-10-16T20:15:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/where_can_i_find_information_about_career_opportunities_at_danville_regiona/#When:20:15:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/blU5fKgZLaA/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/new_ceo_jerel_humphrey_answers_questions/#When:18:27:00Z How did DRMC find you? What made you want to leave where you are and take on this role? How did DRMC find you? I had been working with an executive search firm, and several years ago, my oldest son was looking at colleges. He’s studying to be an engineer and we toured Virginia Tech and my wife and I fell in love with that part of the country. We said that if the right opportunity came about, and it took several years for that right opportunity as my son is a junior at Texas Tech, we would love to locate to this part of the country. We love Virginia. What made you want to leave where you are and take on this role? I have been in a big city for a long time. I am looking forward to living in a city like Danville, where I can be a part of the community; where I don’t have to spend so much time on the road commuting and where the hospital plays a central role in the community. What is the first issue you will be dealing with? I plan to do a lot of listening to all I come in contact with - the physicians, associates, volunteers, chaplains, board members and the community. I want to hear what they have to say about their roles, their interests and how they view the hospital. What appeals to you about this job? The thing that most appeals to me about this job is the fact that I will be able to help the loyal and committed team members at DRMC continue to build on their strengths and the strengths of this hospital and to provide greater services to the community. What are the responsibilitites of your job? I view my primary responsibility as providing strong communications to all of the critical audiences at DRMC - communicating with physicians, associates, volunteers and chaplains the plans and priorities for the hospital. It also requires providing leadership within the community and with the board of trustees. You can’t over communicate with either the internal or external audiences. Another responsibility will be to uphold standards, policies and procedures within the hospital. What is the nursing staff situation at the hospital? I am looking forward to workng with new CNO Becky Logan and all of the nursing staff at DRMC. We will work together to continue delivering high quality patient care. Additionally, I am very impressed with DRMC’s School of Nursing. That is a great assett that very few hospitals in the country have. How did you get into health care administration? I actually got involved as a junior in college by working in a local hospital as an orderly. I would assist nurses in various funtions throughout the hospital. I had actual bedside experience with patients. My appreciation and interest in hospitals evolved from there. What do you think about all of the problems of the past CEOs at DRMC? I can’t speak to the past, since I wasn’t here and wasn’t a part of that. However, what I can tell you is that I am committed to communicating and being available to all of the key constituencies at DRMC, the associates, physicians, volunteers and chaplains as well as the community leaders in the Dan River region. I’m planning on doing a lot of listening to learn more about DRMC and how we can continue to provide great services and continue to improve our service to our communities. What from your past experiences will help you at DRMC? I’ve worked at a variety of sizes of hospitals from a 600-bed facility to a 72-bed facility. I’ve been in the healthcare field for 28 years, and I think all of my experiences have helped me grow and provide the leadership qualities I believe I possess. The previous CEO said he was bringing his family and decided not to. What if your family doesn’t want to relocate? I am starting at DRMC on October 29 and looking forward to beginning my job. My family plans to join me during the Christmas holidays. I have a daughter who is a junior in high school. It will be easier for her to leave at that point in the semester. What do you think are your biggest strengths? I believe in the concept of building strong teams. I will provide leadership, the ability to listen and help solve problems, but at the end of the day, it’s teamwork that is needed at a hospital and any organization to be successful. My mission is to help our associates, physicians, volunteers and chaplains feel good about what they do on a daily basis and help empower them to be the best ambassadors for the hospital. Ask DRMC 2007-10-04T18:27:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/new_ceo_jerel_humphrey_answers_questions/#When:18:27:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/I8nN0yTrfAo/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_is_the_status_of_the_seniors_advantage_plus_program/#When:16:28:00Z Advantage Plus continues to be an active program for the seniors in the Dan River area.  The program provides a monthly newsletter as well as monthly educational programs for the group free of charge.  Members also receive other benefits such as Discounts at the DRMC Pharmacy, Cafeteria and Gift Shop; Free Annual Health Screenings via LabCare; Group Day Trips; Free Visitor Meal Tickets upon member DRMC admission.  If you’d like more information about this program, please contact Darlene Hankins in Community relations - 799-2399.  Ask DRMC 2007-09-17T16:28:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/what_is_the_status_of_the_seniors_advantage_plus_program/#When:16:28:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/ueBknFJVRLM/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/is_it_true_that_drmc_wont_be_getting_the_carevue_system/#When:11:48:00Z The contract for the CareVue system has been signed and the system has been ordered.  The decision to acquire this system was based on the input of a committee comprised of DRMC physicians and ICU nurses.  Ask DRMC 2007-08-22T11:48:00+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/is_it_true_that_drmc_wont_be_getting_the_carevue_system/#When:11:48:00Z http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AskDrmc/~3/AcgR6wcQisU/ http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/i_hear_some_joint_commission_people_were_in_the_hospital_wednesday_whats_up/#When:04:08:02Z The Joint Commission surveyors completed the validation survey at Danville Regional Medical Center on Wednesday. The official ruling is not available at this time, as the surveyors must take their results back to the Joint Commission office and present their findings to Joint Commission leadership. The purpose of this survey was a follow-up visit to review the information that supported the clarification of standards compliance, from the Joint Commission survey completed in February 2007.  Today’s survey went very well, and the surveyors were grateful for the hospitality extended by our associates, as well as complimentary of the obvious commitment to quality patient care.  In addition, the documents reviewed, and interviews conducted were positive and encouraging.  Thanks to all for the hard work and dedication demonstrated on a daily basis and for the collaborative efforts to support the visit by the Joint Commission.  We will share the final results as soon as they are available.  This information, as well as a thank you for the efforts, was communicated to all of the hospital’s associates in an email from the CEO.  Ask DRMC 2007-08-17T04:08:02+00:00 http://danvillenewsandviews.com/index.php/ask_drmc/i_hear_some_joint_commission_people_were_in_the_hospital_wednesday_whats_up/#When:04:08:02Z