inTouch with ProMedica Memorial Hospital

From my family - to our hometown hospice

ProMedica Memorial Hospital — Wed, 21 May 2014 12:38:00 GMT

Circumstances in our lives often create change. For 20 years I helped people in our community through my work as an ER Nurse at ProMedica Memorial Hospital. It was through my work as an RN that I was drawn to the one-on-one care of patients with terminal illnesses.

Through the past few years, I had gone through heartbreak with losing my parents and a sister due to terminal illnesses. It was through caring for my family that I realized I had a new purpose in life…helping people through the end-of-life process. It was our hometown hospice that led me to this career change. Even though I was an experienced nurse I needed help. Hospice was able to help me through a phone call or a visit that took minutes, not hours; because they were based in Sandusky County.

It was their care and compassion that drove my desire to “pay it forward” and become a member of the incredible Hospice of Memorial Hospital team. The transition from ER to hospice was so amazing because I was able to connect with people and families that I met previously through my work.

Since joining Hospice of Memorial Hospital, I take deep pride in hearing my patients and their family members remark that they are happy to see a familiar face in their time of need. Every one of my team members expresses just how rewarding our work is as we meet the needs of the patients and their families. I am proud to be a part of this hometown team!

Hospice of Memorial Hospital is committed to enhancing quality of life by supporting patients and families physically, emotionally and spiritually in this community. The hospice team creates an individual holistic plan of care for every hospice patient – specific to their needs and desires. Hospice care is based on the belief that people have the right to live out their lives pain free and with dignity. For more information about Hospice of Memorial Hospital, including bereavement support and other veteran related programming, contact hospice at 419.547.6419, or visit memorialhcs.org/hospice.

About the author: Patty Culbert (RN,BSN) is a graduate of The University of Toledo - earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Upon graduation she worked as an emergency nurse at the Medical College of Ohio (now The UT Medical Center) for eight years before joining the emergency department staff at ProMedica Memorial Hospital, where she worked for twenty (20) years. Patty has worked as a nurse for Hospice of Memorial Hospital for the past two years.

Patty was born and raised in Fremont. She and her husband live in Fremont. They enjoy family and are blessed with four children and a grandson.

Great news for heart health!

ProMedica Memorial Hospital — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 13:43:00 GMT

Exciting news was recently announced regarding cardiac rehab for patients with heart failure. Medicare has now expanded cardiac rehabilitation benefits to its consumers. This expanded coverage includes services that are provided at ProMedica Memorial Hospital, and could greatly benefit our patients.

Medicare now covers cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure if the following conditions are met:

Stable chronic heart failure;
Left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less;
New York Heart Association class II-IV symptoms despite being on optimal heart failure treatment for at least 6 weeks;
Stable patients defined as patients who have not had recent (≤ 6 weeks) or planned (≤ 6 months) major cardiovascular hospitalizations or procedures.

If you have are a physician or patient who thinks this benefit may apply to you (or your patients) and have any questions contact me at 419-334-6615 or beth.kreh@memorialhcs.org.

What is Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac Rehab is a program that provides cardiac patients a place to exercise while being supervised by staff trained in cardiac care. The program also provides education regarding heart disease, prevention measures, dietary habits, and other conditions that may increase the risk of heart issues. The program also offers emotional support both on a 1:1 basis and as a group. The patients in a class usually bond, share stories, and support each other.

Why do patients need Cardiac Rehab?
Cardiac Rehab promotes sustained lifestyle changes to include regular exercise, medication management, and good dietary habits which provide many benefits. According to the NIH (National Institute of Health) website benefits of Cardiac Rehab include reducing the risk of a future heart attack, reducing cardiac pain, and improving quality of life.

Who provides Cardiac Rehabe at ProMedica Memorial Hospital?
RNs, Certified Exercise Specialists and a Cardiac Services Technician lead Cardiac Rehab at ProMedica Memorial Hospital in Fremont Ohio. We currently have classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

About the author:Beth Kreh-Stanley is a nurse in the cardiac rehabilitation department at ProMedica Memorial Hospital; she serves as the cardiac services lead at Memorial. Beth lives in her hometown of Clyde, Ohio with her husband and 2 sons. Beth received her Associate degree in nursing from Owens Community College in 2000, and an Associate of applied science from Firelands College in Respiratory Therapy in 1992. Prior to Cardiac Services she worked 8 years in Intensive Care and 8 years in Respiratory Therapy at Memorial Hospital. In her spare time Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Honoring hospice volunteers

ProMedica Memorial Hospital — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 07:11:00 GMT

Forty years ago, President Richard Nixon declared the first National Volunteer Week to recognize Americans who give of their time and talents to benefit others. This was the same year, 1974, that the Connecticut Hospice – one of the first hospices in the country – opened its doors changing the way dying persons were cared for in the U.S.

During National Volunteer Week, April 6 – 12, Hospice of Memorial Hospital is honoring its dedicated volunteers who provide support, companionship and dignity to members of the community facing serious and life-limiting illness.

Hospice care began as a grassroots volunteer-driven movement in this country 40 years ago and without volunteers, we could not do the work we have been doing at Hospice of Memorial Hospital since 1984.

More than 131 volunteers provide over 6,597 hours per year to help Hospice of Memorial Hospital care for patients and families in the community.

Hospice volunteers often serve patients and families at the bedside but they also assist in the office, help raise awareness, contribute to educational programs, and provide fundraising support and more.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that there are an estimated 400,000 trained hospice volunteers providing more than 19 million hours of service to hospice programs each year. An estimated 1.6 million patients in the U.S. are cared for by hospice every year.

Hospice volunteers help the people they serve live every moment of life to the fullest and enable the organizations they work with to achieve their mission in the community. Most hospice volunteers choose to give their time helping others because of their own experience with the compassionate care hospice provided to a dying loved one.

It is federally mandated under Medicare that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers reflecting the vital role that volunteers play in the provision of care.

For those interested in learning more about hospice or volunteer opportunities, please visit memorialhcs.org/hospice.

About the Author:
Vicki Meade RN, Director of Hospice of Memorial Hospital, is a graduate of Providence Hospital School of Nursing. She has worked with hospice for 20 years, being the director the last 1 1/2 years.

Vicki was born and raised in Clyde and has spent most of her life in this community. She presently lives in Clyde with her husband Ron and has 2 children in college. Vicki’s passion is to continue to care for the people in this community as hospice has for the past 25 years. In her spare time Vicki enjoys spending time with family and friends, spending time outdoors and relieving her stress at Boot camp class.

Hey mom, it's (not) time to cut the cord... yet.

MHCS Marketing Team — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:38:00 GMT

There is an old saying that there is nothing new under the sun. That is especially true in the labor room. After all, women have been having babies for millennium without the aid of modern obstetrics. How different can it really be? So when I say new trends, I really mean we are rediscovering old truths and applying them in new ways – and surprise, surprise, we are finding out they actually work. One of these new trends is delayed cord clamping.

For whatever reason, doctors felt compelled to cut the cord without delay. We quickly cut the umbilical cord immediately after childbirth and pass the baby to the nurses, who would “resuscitate” the newborn. Many new moms complained about not being the first person to hold or even see their newborns. While immediate and aggressive resuscitation efforts of newborns may be needed in rare cases of true fetal distress (less than 1% time according to Neonatal Resuscitation Protocols), most babies don’t need to be removed from the mother right away.

Giving the baby time to transition from fetal circulation (the way the blood gets oxygen and glucose is through the placenta) to adult circulation (the blood going through the lungs to get oxygen) by delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord will reduce the need for not only most resuscitation but even oxygen supplementation. This transition process is not immediate; rather it takes a period of time which is not specific- minutes to hours. So, by not clamping the cord until the placenta has separated, the baby is still getting some oxygen as well as extra hemoglobin which helps with preventing anemia. The baby can be dried down, suctioned if necessary, and placed directly on mother’s skin for the warmest environment right on the belly, all before clamping the cord. The neat thing is that delayed clamping has actually been shown in studies to help with preterm infants. Even a 30 second delay can improve outcomes.

While studies for term babies have not shown that much measurable benefit, they definitely have shown that delayed cord clamping doesn’t do any harm. Clamping the cord immediately does not lead to “better” outcomes in terms of measurements except less anemia noted. The time delay in these studies was 3 minutes. The delayed clamping can be done at the time of a cesarean section as well, whether the baby is preterm or term.

Interestingly, I started to wait to clamp the umbilical cord after a midwife (at a hospital I worked at previously) delivered a baby who showed no signs of fetal distress during labor. The baby did well initially, but started to have problems with oxygenation after the cord was clamped, which was about 20 minutes after delivery. At first we considered the delay in cord clamping as cause of the distress, but it turned out to be that the baby had a cardiac malformation. The malformation prevented the blood to be oxygenated properly through the lungs so that when the circulation finally did occur, the baby turned blue. Instead of the cause, the delayed clamping actually allowed the baby more time to transition and perhaps do better than it would have had the cord been clamped immediately.

Another example of a benefit of delayed cord clamping occurred one evening when I was demonstrating the process to a resident. I explained the story from above, with the parents of the child right there. During the demonstration, the newborn was doing well with good color and good breathing effort, until we clamped and the cut the cord. The child started to turn blue around the mouth and started to take more effort breathing. This condition did not improve and the baby eventually had to be transferred to a higher level of care where a Tetralogy of Fallot was eventually diagnosed. This is a condition where the major blood vessels coming into and out of the heart are switched. It wouldn’t have mattered when the cord was clamped with this condition; however, in delaying the clamping, the parents got to spend a little time bonding with their new baby before he had to be transferred, and we also gave the baby a little bit more time to get oxygen and transition before putting stress on the heart.

Delayed cord clamping has many benefits to the preterm and babies with problems. It allows normal term babies a chance to transition from the life in the womb to life outside. It also gives mothers (and fathers) a special time to get to know the new addition to their family.

About the Author:
Marjorie DeMund, M.D. has joined the Memorial Hospital medical staff. Dr. DeMund has 24 years experience as an OB/GYN physician; she is board certified by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ABOG). Dr. DeMund comes to Fremont from the Akron area, where she has spent most of her career.

Dr. DeMund provides comprehensive women’s health care, including obstetrics, prenatal care, gynecological care, menopause management; well-women checkups; and much more. She also has experience with pelvic floor surgery and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery. Dr. DeMund is also a certified menopause practitioner. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. DeMund, call 567.201.2255.

Hey kids, GO out and get healthy!

MHCS Marketing Team — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 18:04:00 GMT

Recently, I began participating in Sandusky County GO, which is a collaborative effort between local business agencies, county parks, hospitals, the health department, schools and recreation centers to create a healthier Sandusky County.

What is GO?

GO is a county wide wellness initiative. Local business agencies, county parks, hospitals, the health department, schools and recreation centers have come together to create a movement for movement. Participate in any activity where you see the GO sign and receive a punch- the more punches you receive the more chances you have to win great prizes throughout the county.

Who can participate in GO?

Anyone and everyone! Children, Families, Adults and Seniors. Work together or make it a competition between friends, family, co-workers or neighbors. From Fremont to Bellevue the list of participating agencies is robust. Get out and see what’s available throughout the county!

How do I get started?

Cards were sent home with children at area schools. You can also pick up a card at any participating location. From there, participate and receive a punch anywhere you see the GO logo.

Prizes?

We have over 50 prizes to give away just for participating! Be sure to place your name and phone number on the card and drop it at a drop box location listed on your card, before May 9th, 2014 for a chance to win! Drawings will be done the week of May 19th, you will be notified by a phone call if you are one of the lucky winners!

If I have more questions, who do I contact?

Any participating agency or Molly Bauman at the Fremont Community Recreation Center (419) 334-5906/mbauman@fremontohio.org. You can also visit www.alwayschoosehealth.com for more information.

Who are the participating agencies?

Bellevue Community Center- GO to a fitness class, receive a tour- any and all visits count for a punch! http://bellevuerecclub.com/

The Bellevue Hospital- From Feel Good programs at the hospital to the “Redmen on the Move” exercise program- the options are endless. GO attend a health screening, blood pressure check, choose a healthy meal or attend a yoga class to receive a punch! http://www.bellevuehospital.com/

Community Health Services- GO check out what’s new in the month of April!

Family and Children First Council- “For Knowledge, For Change” GO to the Health Assessment Review- April 7th 10:00am-1:00pm Terra State Community College.

Fremont Batting Range- GO take lessons, play basketball or dodgeball, hit in the cages with family or friends, participate in our leagues and clinics! http://fremontbattingrange.com/

Fremont Cycle and Fitness- GO for an organized ride-schedule listed online, get fitted for a bike, or just stop in! http://fremontcycleandfitness.com/

Fremont Community Recreation Center- GO for a walk, workout, GO play (basketball, volleyball, tag with your friends), take a class or sign up for a program! Any and all visits count for a punch!

Jazzercise Fremont Fitness Center- GO in for a tour or take a class (40 offered each week!) www.jazzercise.com

ProMedica Memorial Hospital- GO! to http://www.memorialhcs.org/ and see what’s happening! There are lots of Great events at Memorial. Check out the Hospice of Memorial Hospital Easter Egg Hunt on April 8.

Sandusky County Health Department- Passport to health-Mondays in April (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th) from 4:30-6:00pm. GO hear speakers on nutrition and health- pedometers and prizes handed out weekly. http://www.alwayschoosehealth.com/

Sandusky County Park District- GO on a bald eagle tour, GO for a hike, GO help clean up on Earth day.. http://www.lovemyparks.com/

Sandusky County YMCA- GO to a fitness class, receive a tour any and all visits count for a punch! http://atthey.org/

Procedures for those participating:

1. Receive your tracking card at school or any of the listed participating location.

2. Complete as many health and wellness events as possible throughout the month of April- don’t forget to get your punch when you have completed the activity! Fill up a card with 10 punches to be entered to win one of many prizes. Need another card? Just ask a participating location. Ideas listed on the next page.

3. Turn your card in by May 9th at any drop box location (listed on the back of the cards)

4. Continue to participate in health and wellness activities throughout the summer!

About the Author:
Nancy Brown, R.D. is Memorial Hospital's Clinical Dietician. She is a registered dietician who performs nutrition assessments for the hospital’s patients, assists individuals with meal plans, and provides educational sessions on health topics related to healthy diet and general nutrition. Nancy's favorite aspect of her job is helping people achieve their personal wellness goals. Nancy stays healthy with the produce from her herb and vegetable garden, and hopes that you’ll follow her blog on a path to wellness.

Teamwork All Over Town: Taking pride in our emergency response

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:35:00 GMT

On Wednesday, March 12 in near blizzard conditions there was a devastating accident on the Ohio Turnpike. The event resulted in multiple fatalities and critical injuries. Because ProMedica Memorial Hospital was the most accessible hospital to the crash, emergency responders brought many of the injured individuals to us for treatment. Although this was a tragic event, our community can be very proud of the emergency response of local EMS services, fire and rescue agencies and ProMedica Memorial Hospital.

In collaboration with local emergency responders, Memorial’s emergency team brought in and cared for 14 individuals from the crash site in a span of just over three hours. During this rapid influx of trauma patients, Memorial’s team performed calmly and professionally, treating critical adult and pediatric patients. Some of the patients treated that day required stabilization and quick transport to our partner level-one trauma hospital. With the assistance of local emergency management agencies and the ProMedica Transportation Network, transportation to Toledo was efficiently arranged, allowing for the rapid patient transfers that were necessary.

I have no doubt that, thanks to the ability of our staff and its collaborative efforts with local emergency response agencies, lives were saved that day.

Patient care, however, did not end in Fremont with a hospital discharge or patient transfer. Many of the people we treated at Memorial were released from hospital care, but did not have a place to stay or the means to travel. In response to this, our staff worked with the local Red Cross and Sandusky County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to secure overnight lodging and transportation for the patients in need. This teamwork helped provide several individuals with a comfortable, safe place to sleep and regroup after enduring a, by most accounts, traumatic day.

I would like to emphasize the pride I felt witnessing firsthand the outstanding response of hospital staff to this large-scale emergency. The actions of the physicians, nurses, paramedics and other emergency responders that day reinforced the strength of our community’s partnerships, and were a demonstration of our ability to provide excellent patient care in any situation.

About the Author:
Pam Jensen has many years of health care leadership experience. Before coming to Memorial, Pam served as senior vice president for operations at ProMedica Flower Hospital and executive director for the ProMedica Cancer Institute. Pam is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

While at ProMedica Flower Hospital, Pam was part of the team that wrote The Partnership for Excellence (TPE) application which won (the hospital) platinum level recognition for performance excellence, innovation and visionary leadership in health care. Flower Hospital was the only hospital in Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, which is where this honor is awarded, to earn the platinum-level recognition.

Pam was born at Memorial Hospital; she has lived most of her life in the Port Clinton/Oak Harbor Area. Pam started her career in health care at the age of 17 as a nursing assistant at a long-term care facility.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

MHCS Marketing Team — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:46:00 GMT

According to the CDC, Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, about 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from it.

FACTS:

Colorectal Cancer is PREVENTABLE, TREATABLE, and BEATABLE
Colorectal Cancer is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp (a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum).
Colorectal Cancer can be prevented with regular testing.
Men and Women over the age of 50 should be screened for colorectal cancer even if they have no symptoms. Talk to your family doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer:

Change in bowel habits such as: constipation, diarrhea, or narrow stool that lasts more than a few days.
Feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that does not go away after a bowel movement
Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or blood in the stool
Abdominal pain or cramping
Tiredness / Weakness
Unexpected weight loss

Stay Healthly and Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer:

Stop using Tobacco products
Limit red and processed meats
Eat a well-balanced diet including lots of fruits and vegetables
Maintain a healthy weight (Body Mass Index < 25)
Limit alcohol intake

When Should You Begin to Get Screened?

You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then keep getting screened regularly until the age of 75. Ask your doctor if you should be screened if you're older than 75.

Some people are at a higher risk than others for developing colorectal cancer. Having any of these things may increase your risk—

Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis.
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

If you think you may be at high risk for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about when and how often to get tested.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/ColorectalAwareness/

http://www.cancer.org

About the author: Becky Edge is director of HealthLink. She has been with Memorial Hospital since 1998. Becky earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is a certified occupational health nurse. Prior to becoming an occupational health nurse, Becky worked as a critical care nurse.

It’s 3D… baby!

MHCS Marketing Team — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 17:42:00 GMT

Recently, ProMedica Memorial Hospital acquired two LOGIQ™ E9 ultrasound systems with XDclear transducer technology from GE Healthcare. These exceptional new ultrasound systems provide outstanding image quality for our patients.

Some of the exciting capabilities of the LOGIQ™ E9 ultrasound system include:

The ability to fuse together live ultrasound with previous CT, MR or PET studies so clinicians have the benefit of viewing multiple modality images simultaneously;
GE’s new XDclear transducer technology generates a high quality transducer signal to provide impressive penetration and high definition resolution throughout the image;
GE’s Agile Acoustic Architecture produces excellent image quality and helps improve our ability to successfully scan even heavy patients;
B-Flow™ Imaging for direct visualization of blood flow;
Breast and Thyroid Productivity packages to help improve efficiency and standardization of lesion and nodule reporting;
Breast Measure Assistant which enhances the speed and confidence of lesion characterization;
Compare Assistant which helps expedite exam preparation and standardize imaging protocols to earlier studies.

Check out this cool video featuring our radiology director Dr. Nathan Egbert and the new ultrasound system.

Post by Memorial Hospital.

We encourage you to arrange a time to stop by to see the LOGIQ E9 with XDclear in action. We are enthused about the impact it will have on both your practice and the excellent patient care we are all committed to delivering to our community. I am also pleased to inform you that Memorial Hospital has some evening and weekend appointments available for our ultrasound service. If you have any questions, or would like to set up a time to check out Memorial’s new ultrasound systems, feel free to call me at 419.334.6458, or visit memorialhcs.org/ultrasound.

(Pictured above is an actual 3D image produced by Memorial Hospital's ultrasound system.)

About the author: Nate has been with ProMedica Memorial Hospital since 2010. He oversees radiology and cardiac services at the hospital. Nate earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Findlay in Imaging Sciences and is a graduate of the Nuclear Medicine Institute of the University of Findlay. He is a registered nuclear medicine technologist through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Previous to joining Memorial, Nate served as the Assistant Director of Radiology at Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky. Nate lives in Tiffin with his wife Jeni and daughter Adriana.

Healing hearts with cardiac rehab

MHCS Marketing Team — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 16:34:00 GMT

Cardiac Rehabilitation week was February 9-15. The Cardiac Rehab staff would like to share information about our program, which can be a life saver for patients who have experienced a cardiac event or cardiac surgery.

Primary prevention is the key to avoiding heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation is considered secondary prevention, meaning it is meant to prevent a recurrence of the disease.

Cardiac Rehab is a program that provides cardiac patients a place to exercise while being supervised by staff trained in cardiac care. The program also provides education regarding heart disease, prevention measures, dietary habits, and other conditions that may increase the risk of heart issues. The program also offers emotional support both on a 1:1 basis and as a group. The patients in a class usually bond, share stories, and support each other.

Cardiac Rehab promotes sustained lifestyle changes to include regular exercise, medication management, and good dietary habits which provide many benefits. According to the NIH (National Institute of Health) website benefits of Cardiac Rehab include reducing the risk of a future heart attack, reducing cardiac pain, and improving quality of life.

We are staffed by RNs, a Certified Exercise Specialist, and a Cardiac Services Technician. We currently have classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In 2013, the Cardiac Rehab saw 86 patients with a total of 2,085 scheduled visits!

(Pictured above is my colleague Michele Glaser helping a patient through his cardiac rehab session.)

About the author:Beth Kreh-Stanley is a nurse in the cardiac rehabilitation department at Memorial Hospital. Beth lives in her hometown of Clyde, Ohio with her husband and 2 sons. Beth received her Associate degree in nursing from Owens Community College in 2000, and an Associate of applied science from Firelands College in Respiratory Therapy in 1992. Prior to Cardiac Services she worked 8 years in Intensive Care and 8 years in Respiratory Therapy at Memorial Hospital. In her spare time Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Be kind ... just like momma said

MHCS Marketing Team — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 22:41:00 GMT

There are two phrases that my mother used to tell my sisters and I quite frequently that still ring in my head: “make good choices” and “treat others as you would want to be treated.” Of course then it just meant share my toys, no name calling and be nice to everyone. Now, it's a little different, although the concept remains the same.

Being kind is so important in the healthcare profession, but what exactly does it mean? To me being kind extends to more than the relationships we have with our patients, it also includes their families, our coworkers and, perhaps just as importantly, ourselves. Being kind is an attitude, a state of mind even.

Thanks for the flowers Lisa!

Kindness to our patients is extremely important in our profession.I try to remember that patients in the hospital are having some of the worst days of their lives possibly, except OB patients, but they still are experiencing quite a bit of pain. I know that when I am having a bad day, a small act of kindness or generosity can drastically improve it. I can still see my mother standing there with her hands on her hips wearing her southern charm, telling me "now Jenni, is that how you would want to be treated?" I want to ensure that my patients’ needs and wants are met, within reason of course, with compassion and consideration.

At Memorial, we often use the expression “every patient, every day, every encounter,” or “every, every, every,” meaning that we can’t have bad days, we need every day to be a good day. This is a good philosophy I think. I know that I want to make every patient feel like I would want to feel if I were the one laying there. I do, however, appreciate it when that kindness is returned. It makes the care go so much smoother when patients are kind and we are able to form a great relationship. When communication is improved, so much more can be accomplished.

Our relationship with our coworkers is also important in the healthcare environment. Just because I am having a smooth shift, it doesn't mean my fellow nurses are. Be kind, assist with a medication pass or procedure so they have time to run to the restroom or grab a quick bite to eat. When I am swamped and another nurse asks, "what can I do for you,” I instantly feel a little better. Also, I have to remind myself nursing is an all day, everyday profession. Be kind if there is something the nurse from the previous shift didn't complete or can't remember off the top of their head. We have all had shifts from you know where and sometimes everything is just not a possibility.

It's no secret that a busy 12-hour shift can mean no bathroom breaks and very little if any time to scarf down a meal. I always tell myself to treat my body like I educate my patients. Adequate hydration, healthy eating - even if it comes in bites at a time - and resting is extremely important. Long hours can really take a toll on our bodies and minds; we must try to be kind to ourselves so that we do not pay for it later.

I am not an expert, but what I do know is that I work in one of the most rewarding fields. It is very exciting to be a part of helping others. Kindness only makes my profession even more rewarding.Take the time practice self care, treat everyone with kindness, and encourage those around you. You never know how it just might change your day!

About the author: Jenni Wigglesworth is an OB nurse at Memorial Hospital in Fremont, Ohio. Originally from Florida, Jenni recently relocated to the Fremont area with her husband and two dogs. In addition to OB nursing, she also has several years of experience as a pediatrics nurse. Jenni is a registered nurse (RN); she earned her bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) from The University of Central Florida. When Jenni is not busy delivering babies at Memorial, she enjoys running, fishing, travelling and Florida State football.

A pain intervention

MHCS Marketing Team — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 13:56:00 GMT

Did you know that Memorial Hospital’s Pain Management Center is an interventional pain center? Interventional pain management is a special type of care that utilizes invasive techniques to manage and treat patients who have chronic pain conditions. With the use of different types of procedures, the pain management care team can give a person up to two years of pain relief, or improvement in their current pain level.

People come to us for a variety of reasons, such as:

Neck, back and joint pain;
Work related injury;
Pain and headaches from whiplash;
Persistent pain after surgery;
Muscle spasm pain;
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (also known as RSD);
Arthritis pain;
Nerve damage pain;
Chronic pelvic pain, including Interstital Cystitis;
Shingles pain;
Fibromyalgia;
and much more.

When patients come to see us, our physician assesses their situation and determines an appropriate plan of action. Care plans for our patients can vary greatly from one person to the next, and are always based on individuals’ specific needs.

Using an interdisciplinary plan of care, the physician may order an interventional procedure, medications, as well as physical and aquatic therapy. The goal of this interdisciplinary plan is to lessen or eliminate pain during day-to-day life.

Some of the procedures we perform at Memorial Hospital include:

Nerve blocks;
Epidurals;
Radiofrequency Ablation;<
Simple Joint Injections;
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant;
and much more.

Many of our patients tell us that the procedures we perform have changed their lives. What a positive impact these interventional procedures can give to a person that may only be getting two or three hours of relief from their pain pills. If you suffer from chronic pain, talk to your family physician to see if interventional pain management may be right for you.

Pictured: Barbara Martinez and Sue Baker, LPN, working it in the Memorial Hospital Pain Management Center.

About the author: Amy Breidenbach, R.N. leads the Memorial Hospital Pain Management Center. Amy has been a nurse for 17 years; she has worked at Memorial Hospital for 14 of those years. Amy has been with pain management at Memorial since 2008 – serving as clinical coordinator from 2011 – 2013. In addition to pain management nursing experience, Amy has worked in intensive care, cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation and HealthLink. Amy lives near Tiffin with her husband and three children.

Family effects of Autism

MHCS Marketing Team — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 22:01:00 GMT

Autistic Disorders affect more than just the individuals who carry the diagnosis; they can also present many day-to-day challenges for those who spend significant time with the diagnosed person. The challenges can include emotional distress, physical exhaustion and social isolation. From parents and caregivers to siblings and friends, Autism Disorders affect many of those who love and care for the diagnosed individual.

It is not uncommon for siblings, especially if they are close in age to the diagnosed person, to act out as result of feelings related to their Autistic brother or sister. Siblings may get frustrated with the amount of attention their brother or sister with Autism may require. Because caring for a child with special needs can be quite time consuming, jealousy is not an uncommon feeling among siblings. The jealousy may present in multiple ways - from aggression and throwing fits to acting younger than their age or feigning helplessness to get more attention.

Parents are certainly not immune to the effects of autism. Moms and dads may get frustrated because they feel like they cannot reach or “get through” to their child. It is also common for the parent to feel like their child is not attached or connected to them like they should be. Often this is a result of the social difficulties associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Difficulties with social cues such as poor eye contact or language issues such as difficulties with tone can often lead to these feelings. It is important for parents to avoid losing hope and not allow themselves to get too frustrated. It is important to have a good support system and a safe place to discuss frustrations and concerns.

There are a variety of support groups that can be quite helpful in serving this function. It is also important for parents to have hobbies outside of parenting. Often when caring for children with special needs, a parent may feel as though they cannot put their energy into anything but parenting. This is a natural feeling to have, but is not always ideal for the parent-child relationship. It is important that the parents continue to take care of themselves so they can better take care of their child. Exercising, eating right and regular medical care are all important aspects of caring for yourself so you can care for your child.

About the Author: Dr. Joseph Rieman is a board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist who sees patients full time at the Memorial Hospital Center for Mental Health & Well-Being in Fremont. Dr. Rieman specializes in caring for children and adolescents. Dr. Rieman completed his medical training at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine; he completed his medical residency at Michigan State University (MSU); he served as chief resident from 2010 - 2011. Dr. Rieman also received his fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at MSU. Dr. Rieman is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

The person behind the scrubs

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 21:34:00 GMT

Since this is my first blog, I thought it would be nice to give y’all a little back-story on what really drives me to be a nurse. Patients see nurses a on a daily basis, but they may not always know why we do what we do.

This is a pic of my colleague Shannon Howell and me
in the Memorial Hospital birthing center.

Behind these oh so flattering scrubs, is someone who wants to do well, and care for the well being of others. As cliché as it may sound, helping others has really always been a passion of mine, and I believe this holds true to many other nurses. I picked healthcare because even though there can be rough times, the good days always outweigh the bad, especially working as an OB nurse. It is so fulfilling to be a part of such a happy time in others’ lives.

The woman behind these scrubs is so much more than just a person in a uniform. When I put my scrubs on each day, it means I am becoming a good listener, an advocate for what is right, a great resource and, most importantly, a shoulder to lean on whenever needed. It is so important to me that I am more than just a face you see for 12 hours, who then just disappears. No matter where I am working, whether in Florida or Ohio, the nurses around me always want the same thing - to be a bright spot in your day, the person that helped you get over the hump or pushed you to do better.

Being a nurse is extremely rewarding; what drives me goes beyond personal values and beliefs, but can instead be answered with the simple question - what if the shoe were on the other foot? Everyday I get to help make people feel better and I love it. Nursing is not a career path for everyone, but it most certainly is the right path for me.

What is palliative care?

MHCS Marketing Team — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:23:00 GMT

Every year, more than 1.65 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice and palliative care providers in this country. These highly-trained professionals don’t only provide quality medical care. They work to make sure patients and families find dignity, respect, and love during life’s most difficult journey.

Palliative care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness—whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.

Hospice is more than traditional healthcare. Hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and spiritual care to patients and their families when a cure is not possible. Hospice and palliative care combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing the end of life.

Hospice of Memorial Hospital is your Hometown Hospice and has been serving Sandusky and Ottawa Counties and the surrounding areas for over 28 years.

Parts of this blog were taken from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Web site.

Additional information about hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning is available from Hospice of Memorial Hospital at 419.547.6419 or www.memorialhcs.org/hospice.

More Blogs by Vicki Meade >>

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Signs, symptoms and treatment

MHCS Marketing Team — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:04:00 GMT

Autism affects up to 9 out of every 1000 children born in the United States. It affects males 4x more often than females, but can occur in both. The average age that children are diagnosed with autism is 4 ½ years, but parents often suspect something is wrong by the age of 2 years.

Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder have social difficulties. This can include problems with eye contact, facial expressions and posture. They often lack the ability to understand and share in the emotions of others as well.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders may struggle with communication. This can range from complete inability to speak to little or no problems with communication.

Children with an Autism diagnosis may also have behavior that some would consider repetitive. This can include hand flapping, finger tapping, twirling, etc.

Finally, children with Autism Spectrum Disorders often struggle with changes in routine. Changes in structure or routine may be met with anxiety, sadness or even behavioral outbursts.

It is not difficult to see how the symptoms of an Autistic Disorder can cause problems at home, school, and in social situations.

Children with Autistic Disorders often require treatment, but the types of treatments and intensity of care varies depending on severity. Behavioral Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and occasionally medications can be helpful. There are also a variety of support networks including The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Autism Support Network.

Children and instructors at this year's Sounds of Summer Program,
which can help some autistic children.

In Fremont, there are several resources available for autistic children. The Memorial Hospital Physical Medicine Department offers services throughout the year that can assist autistic children. There is also a unique program called Riders Unlimited, that can provide some therapeutic relief for children with special needs. Call the physical medicine department at 419.334.6630 for information about their services. Visit http://www.ridersunlimited.org/ for information about Riders Unlimited.

If you suspect that your child may have Autism, contact your primary care physician.

Questions about sports injuries? Ask the experts!

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:13:00 GMT

On Wednesday November 13 I hosted a coach’s clinic/pupil activity at Memorial Hospital’s Clyde Physical Medicine Center. We had 20 people turn out for this seminar. Individuals who attended included coaches, parents and student athletes.

Teacher Allyson in action.

During the seminar, attendees learned about common sports related injuries, immediate care of these injuries and follow-up recommendations.

The injuries I covered at the clinic included:

Concussions;
Heat cramps;
Heat exhaustion;
Ankle sprains;
Knee ligament injuries;
Shoulder injuries;
Injuries to the face and neck.

Overall, I was very pleased with the event. The information I presented is critical for any adult or child who is involved in sports to understand.

Sports medicine questions answered.

Attendees left the event with a broader knowledge of how to successfully help their student athletes in the case of an injury. Injury prevention and injury management are very important to anyone who plays a sport and these coaches are making great lengths to be prepared for any event that may arise.

We held this free public event as part of the Clyde Physical Medicine “Ask the Expert” series. I think the “Ask the Expert” series of events is of great benefit to the city of Clyde and its surrounding communities. During this monthly series, our department is hosting expert speakers on topics such as nutrition, autism, fitness, speech disorders and more.

If you have questions about sports medicine, or sports related injuries, please feel free to contact me in the Memorial Hospital Physical Medicine Department at 419.334.6630.

Keep an eye on Memorial Hospital’s Facebook page and Web site for upcoming “Ask the Expert” events. The next event is December 11. At this event, PTA Krista Hernandez is hosting “What’s in your cart.” She will help people learn how to make healthy decisions while at the grocery.

About the Author:
Allyson Hoops, ACT, MAT is a Certified Athletic Trainer in the Memorial Hospital Physical Medicine Department. Allyson has been with Memorial Hospital Physical Medicine since 2009. She spends much of her time covering high school sporting events. Allyson also heads a portion of Memorial’s Wellness Program and is a certified SPORTSMETRICS trainer. A graduate of the University of Findlay, Allyson has a bachelor’s degree in strength and conditioning and a master’s degree in athletic training. One of Allyson’s primary personal and professional goals is to help female high school athletes avoid the ACL injury epidemic.

More Blogs by Allyson Hoops >>

Pain managment: Every patient, every day, every encounter

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 13:54:00 GMT

We want all of our patients to have the best experience possible here at Memorial Hospital. That is not an easy task to accomplish, considering most people come to the hospital because they don’t feel well. One initiative that we have been working on recently is making sure that every patient’s pain is appropriatley controlled for the duration of their stay. Pain managment is an essential component of our every pateint, every day, every encounter patient care philosophy.

To help with this initiative, all of our nurses recently attended a training class on pain management led by Hospice of Memorial Hospital nurse Bev Hart (pictured at right).

Managing someone’s pain is very difficult because it is such an individualized feeling. A pain medication that works for one patient may not work for the next patient and two patients who have the same procedure can experience completely different levels of pain afterwards.

During the presentation, Bev emphasized the importance of making sure that Memorial’s patients are comfortable so they have the best experience possible. She referenced the new PAIN acronym that nurses should follow when caring for patients.

Bev is a true expert in the area of pain management as she sees and treats varying degrees of pain levels with her patients daily. The education for our nurses covered the characteristics of pain, the principles of pain management and appropriate interventions. Our nurses learned different ways to assess their patient’s pain so that they can best individualize their patient’s pain treatment plan of care.

Bev also emphasized that sometimes there are many underlying life events that can escalate an individual’s pain level. Our nurses learned how to ask the right questions to get a holistic picture of what is going on in their patients life and other factors that could be contributing to their current pain level. From this training, our nurses will all be more skilled in managing our patients pain and ultimately our patient’s will have a more comfortable experience.

The pain management in-service was held in conjunction with Memorial Hospital's nursing competency days, which were held throughout October. Nursing competency day provided comprehensive, hands-on, nurse education regarding IV pump safety, central lines, mock codes, restraints, indwelling tubes and blood administration and more.

Pictured from L to R: Surgery nurses Cathy Kovaleski, Wanda Eberly, Marla Lang and Crystal Margraf (seated) from ambulatory care participating in nursing competency days.

Additionally, our nursing team receives educations throughout the year, including certification classes over a wide variety of topics, regular in-services, techonology training sessions and more.

About the Author:
After graduating from Fremont Ross High School, Marianna Snavely received a nursing degree from The Ohio State University. She did this in order to fulfill two personal goals: helping people and making a difference in the ever changing and challenging world of health care. Marianna’s first job out of college was at Memorial Hospital, where she learned the ins and outs of being a new graduate working the night shift as a nurse. Since then, she has earned her MBA from Tiffin University and returned to Memorial Hospital as the staff development coordinator.

The singing volunteers of the Hospice Threshold Choir

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 19:15:00 GMT

“Music, the greatest good that mortals know, and all of heaven we have below.” - Joseph Addison

With the music we make in the Hospice of Memorial Hospital Threshold Choir, we hope to bring comfort to hospice patients and their families during what are often very trying times. Our choir has been singing together since March of 2013. During that time, we have sung to many, many people. In fact, we have been called in to action sometimes five times a week.

The ladies and me rehearsing very seriously :-)

Our team is made up of volunteers who are passionate about hospice care, and dedicated to the Threshold Choir. Some of the choir members have expressed that that these experiences are some of the best of their lives.

Sue Timmons, Janet Provenzale, Judy Stiger,
Juanita Burr, Florence Forwalder.

What is a Threshold Choir?

Threshold Choirs honor the ancient tradition of singing at the bedsides of people who are struggling: some with living, some with dying. The voice, as the original human instrument, is a true and gracious vehicle for compassion and comfort.

When invited, small groups of 2 or 3 singers visit the bedsides of people who are sick, dying, or in a coma. Music is chosen to respond to each client’s musical taste, spiritual direction and physical capacity. Songs might include rounds, chants, lullabies, hymns, spirituals and classical choral music.

Threshold Choir is a network of a cappella choirs of primarily women's voices: A community whose mission is to sing for and with those at the thresholds of life.

What we do

Our goal is to bring ease and comfort to those at the thresholds of living and dying. A calm and focused presence at the bedside, with gentle voices and simple songs can be soothing and reassuring to clients, family, and caregivers alike.

A session typically lasts about 20 minutes; if there appears to be benefit, we might sing longer. Using soft, lullaby voices, we blend in harmony or sometimes in unison, if that provides the most comfort. We offer our singing as gentle blessings, not as entertainment.

We sing by invitation:

at bedsides;
in hospitals;
in skilled nursing facilities;
in assisted living facilities;
in private residences.

I’d like to end with one of my favorites quotes, “Music gives voice to that within us that has no language. Music has the power to offer the beauty of our sadness and joy, strength and weakness, captivity and freedom, love and loneliness on the altar of life in thanksgiving.” – Author unknown.

Halloween fun with Janet Provenzale, Sandi Nearhood,
Florence Forwalder, Juanita Burr, Judy Stiger and Kim Strudthoff

If you are interested in joining the Hospice Threshold Choir, call me at Hospice of Memorial Hospital at 419.547.6419 Ext. # 4121. The threshold choir is open to all women age 18 and over. We practice every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, and as I mentioned before, get called in to duty quite frequently.

About the Author:
Brenda Kuieck is the Hospice of Memorial Hospital Community Outreach Coordinator. Brenda works with community members and her hospice colleagues to create programs that increase awareness in regards to the many important services that hospice provides. She has been with Hospice of Memorial Hospital since 2012. Brenda is actively involved in the community with organizations such as Grace Community Church, Kiwanis, Sandusky County Cancer Coalition, Leadership Sandusky County, Alzheimer’s Association, Sandusky County Senior Coalition and many others. Brenda is a Fremont native and resident.

Kidney care keeps patients in Fremont

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 14:18:00 GMT

Did you know that Memorial Hospital provides kidney dialysis to inpatients? We provide this service in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This is significant because it means more patients can stay in Fremont for the duration of their care. If Memorial did not offer inpatient kidney dialysis, patients, especially trauma and seriously ill patients, would require transfer to an out-of-town facility. I’m glad that we can offer this service, because having to travel out-of-town to see a seriously ill loved one is less than ideal.

Inpatient dialysis is sometimes necessary for hospital patients who suffer from diabetes, hypertension, or are admitted into an intensive care unit with other serious and complicated conditions which can result in renal (kidney) failure. When renal (kidney) failure occurs, it is frequently necessary for a patient to undergo kidney dialysis. Kidney dialysis is also sometimes necessary after certain types of surgery.

Memorial Hospital has several nephrologists on staff. A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in treating renal conditions and is essential when ordering inpatient dialysis to be administered. Memorial Hospital has provided inpatient kidney dialysis since 2010.

For more information, visit memorialhcs.org/icu.

Pictured above: Some of the great members of our ICU team, from L to R: Pam Fraley, Janet Watruba, Missy Miller, Dr. John Yuhas and Nanette Ward.

About the Author:
Jodi Rucker is Memorial Hospital’s the director of Memorial Hospital’s medical/surgical and intensive care units. Jodi also leads ambulatory care and enterostomal therapy at the hospital. Jodi has more than ten years of acute care nursing experience. She has previously worked in critical care and emergency nursing. She is a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, Ohio Organization of Nurse Executives and the Emergency Nurses Association. Jodi lives in the Bellevue area with her husband and their children.

Radiation matters: Lower doses are better for patients

MHCS Marketing Team — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 14:01:00 GMT

Memorial Hospital recently had new CT and digital x-ray equipment installed. The hospital’s new GE Optima CT660 and digital x-ray are state-of-the art machines that expose patients to less radiation during procedures. I recently met with Memorial Hospital's medical director of diagnostic imaging, Nathan Egbert, M.D. to discuss why this is significant to patients.

Read further to see. Dr. Egbert’s explanations about radiation exposure during imaging procedures.

Why does imaging equipment use radiation?

X-ray equipment and CT scanners use radiation to produce the images necessary to view structures within the body.

How does radiation affect patients that undergo imaging procedures?

With substantial advances in x-ray and CT equipment, the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during standard procedures is very low. Because of this, for the vast majority of patients the benefits of having an x-ray or CT usually far outweigh the risks of being exposed to radiation.

How/why does the new equipment omit less radiation?

At Memorial, our new state-of-the-art GE CT scanner comes equipped with new software known as ASiR. This new software is able to take images acquired at a much lower radiation dose and reconstruct these images in such a way that image quality is preserved. In many instances, this allows for up to a 40 percent reduction in the radiation dose delivered to the patient. Our new digital x-ray equipment can also reduce radiation dose by up to 40 percent.

Why is less radiation significant to patients/how does it improve their experience?

Although imaging studies that use radiation are overwhelmingly safe for patients, the amount of radiation one is exposed to is cumulative throughout a lifetime. Therefore, it is imperative to use new techniques and optimize imaging protocols in order to limit the amount of radiation patients are exposed to, especially in young patients and in those patients who require repeated CT and/or x-ray studies.

Has the way a patient undergoes a scan/x-ray changed?

The new CT and digital x-ray equipment is able to obtain images at a much faster rate than the older versions, so patients may notice that the process doesn’t take as long as it did with the previous machines.

Does the reduced radiation in anyway affect the image produced during a procedure?

The advantage of the new technology that we are using is that not only does it decrease the radiation dose, but it also results in equal or many times better image quality.

Memorial Hospital's CT service is nationally accreditted by the American College of Radiology. For more information about radiology at Memorial Hospital, call 419.334.6605, or visit memorialhcs.org/diagnostic-imaging.

Pictured above: Dr.Nathan Egbert in the Memorial Hospital imaging department.

About the Author:
Andrew Smith has been with Memorial Hospital since 2009. Andrew has previously worked in marketing and development at The University of Toledo/Medical College of Ohio. He has also taught English at Terra Community College. Andrew is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio (go Hawks!) with a Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing.

He lives in Fremont with his wife Erinn and their daughters Riley and Harper.

REACHing out to local students

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 13:08:00 GMT

As Outreach Coordinator for Hospice of Memorial Hospital, I have the privilege of being a business partner consultant through Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce REACH program. This is a career education program that brings local business representatives into the classroom for one class period one day a month during the school year to introduce the students to the “world of work."

What a great group of kids.

My first presentation for this school year was on September 24 at Green Springs School Campus in Mrs. Wetten fourth grade class.

I created a “mystery bag” filled with items that reflect the kind of work I do as well as 2 other associates from HOSPICE of Memorial Health Care System. In the pictures you will see the students passing around some of the items from the “mystery bag”.

We discussed how education helped me prepare for my career as Outreach Coordinator for Hospice of Memorial Hospital, the many reasons people work and to have respect for all kinds of work.

Fun in class!

What an amazing and bright group of students in Mrs. Wetten fourth grade class! I can hardly wait until next month!
Students engaged!

Surgery Success: Quality scores to celebrate

MHCS Marketing Team — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:50:00 GMT

Even as a Fremont native, I was never aware of the great surgery center we have here in our community. The Memorial Hospital Weitzel-Kern Surgery Center is awesome. It was built in 2002, and is truly a state-of-the-art facility. Did you know you could get total joint replacements right here in Fremont? Need a new knee, or a new shoulder? We’ve got you covered.

In addition to our services being comprehensive, you can also be certain to have a quality experience if you choose Memorial Hospital. I recently did some digging, so that I could support my opinions with solid data. See what I found out below:

Under the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), which is reported to both Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) and Joint Commission, as well as included as part of value based purchasing, Memorial Hospital is:

• 96.8% compliant for antibiotic administered within one hour of incision time;

• 100% compliant for antibiotic selection overall;

• 100% for beta blocker administered prior to admission and preoperatively.

Meeting and exceeding national standards
Additionally, Memorial Hospital’s surgical site infection rates are well within or below the norms established by the National Health Safety Network (NHSN) and are reported monthly to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through the NHSN program.

Nose to Toes
To improve surgical site infection rates even further, the department has initiated the “Nose to Toes” program. Through this program, surgery staff will offer patients a special pack of disinfectant (CHG) cloths to use the night before surgery, then preoperatively, surgery nurses will again administer the CHG cloths, as well as a special mouth rinse and nasal swab; thus, providing even more protection to patients from surgical site infections.

Check out all the great surgery services we provide locally:

• ACL/MCL Repair

• Endoscopy

• E.N.T.

• General Surgery

• Genito-Urinary

• Minimally-Invasive GYN procedures

• Opthamology

• Orthopedic Surgery

• Total Joint Replacements (hip, shoulder, knee & more)

• Podiatry

• Spine Surgery

• Non-invasive GERD procedures

Pictured above L to R: Alysia Runkle, Amy Koebel, Dr. John Bondra, Lia Martin and Sarah Barth in the Weitzel-Kern Surgery Center.

He lives in Fremont with his wife Erinn and their daughters Riley and Harper.

Our community, our hospital: A message from the president

MHCS Marketing Team — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:38:00 GMT

When I was 17, my career in healthcare began as a nursing assistant. This job helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a profession where I could make a difference in people’s lives. Working up through the ranks, I eventually moved into healthcare leadership – where I knew I could make a long-term impact on quality patient care. Currently, I serve as the President of Memorial Hospital, a position which I have held since January 2013.

I am proud to lead our community hospital. I truly believe Memorial Hospital is an outstanding choice for medical care. Our team of healthcare professionals is not only dedicated to providing excellent care to the patients they serve, but also committed to helping our community as a whole improve its health and well being.

At Memorial Hospital, we continue to make great strives to remain a quality healthcare destination:

100 percent of our heart attack patients received aspirin on arrival to the emergency department. This is important because taking aspirin as soon as symptoms appear may reduce the severity of the attack.
6 minutes or less is the average time it takes for chest pain patients to receive an EKG upon arrival to the emergency department.
27 minutes is the average length of wait time - for non emergent patients - from the time you enter the emergency department to the time you see a provider.
Collaboration has been established with local EMS to transmit EKGs electronically to the hospital and in-the-field protocols have been developed for all patients who may be having a stroke or a heart attack.
Only 4 percent of emergency department patients require transfer to a higher level of care.

In addition to this significant patient-safety data, during 2012 – 2013, we have invested nearly $10 million in technological and physical improvements at Memorial Hospital. Highlights of this investment include a new laboratory, new x-ray and CT equipment, renovated birthing center, as well as a brand new computing and network system.

I was born at Memorial Hospital, and consider myself a proud member of this community. Therefore, my commitment to ensure that our hospital always meets nationally accepted quality health care standards is both personal and professional. I hope that you will share with me the faith that I have in our community and its tremendous hospital.

Thank you for your time; I invite you to join Memorial Hospital on its journey to provide exceptional care to every patient, on every day, at every encounter.

Hurt So Good: The Dichotomy of a Pain-Free Existence

MHCS Marketing Team — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 17:28:00 GMT

Would you expect to run a marathon without getting tired? Do you expect to touch a cooking stove top and not get burnt? The answer to both of these questions is an emphatic no. Why then, as patients and health care providers, do many of us expect to be pain free during and after surgery, injury and illness? Also, and equally importantly, what are the consequences of this expectation to live a life completely absent of pain? To erase the pain of illness or injury, especially through use of prescription medication (opioids), can put at great risk patients’ good health and well-being.

Erasing pain can be detrimental to the healing process. Here is an example of this. If a patient is healing from a surgery but has little pain because of pain medication, he or she will not know to what extent to modify behaviors to ensure proper healing. The patient may go through everyday routines and feel great, but those same routines, without medication, could cause discomfort and pain. This discomfort alerts the body and mind when it is being pushed too far. Feeling pain in these types of situations actually protects the body. I believe instead of expecting no pain we should raise our pain threshold after these events, and expect some level of tolerable pain. I think this is the best way to decrease the use of painkillers, especially opioids.

But what happens around us is the opposite; our culture pushes for painlessness, and this is promoted at all levels. Many patients expect no pain after major surgeries, and many of us in healthcare support that. Hospitals send surveys to patients to learn about their hospital experience. A main component of these surveys is pain management. Often the first question a healthcare provider asks a patient is “what is your pain level.” We, both patients and providers, rush to define and manage pain; sometimes neglecting to help injuries or illnesses properly heal. We want to medicate, or be medicated, to erase the pain. Living, and especially healing, in the absence of pain can be dangerous.

Addiction is another very serious consequence of attempts to erase the pain. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), accidental drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the state, surpassing motor vehicle accidents in 2007. The ODH also released data that states that abused prescription pain medications (opioids) causes more accidental deaths than any other drug, including more than cocaine and heroin combined. Prescription opioids can play an important role in recovery in very particular circumstances, but there is a significant risk involved when utilizing them. The statistics are startling; prescription pain medications are more than addictive, they are deadly.

I’d like to close with a story, a story that demonstrates the negative impact painlessness can have on a patient’s care, recovery and quality of life.

A patient at the hospital was suffering from Sepsis. Sepsis is a dangerous and potentially fatal illness that one contracts as a result of the body fighting off an infection. We were having difficulty finding the location of the infection in this patient. After visiting with the patient, I discovered that this individual had experienced a serious burn as a child, and as a result had very little sensation in the legs. I examined the patient’s legs and found a large abscess under the skin, which to someone who felt pain would have been more easily detected (by the patient). This abscess was the source of the infection that was causing the Sepsis. If this patient had felt pain like most people, he would have likely detected the abscess sooner, which could have likely shortened, or even prevented the hospital stay.

This story, as well as the other example I have provided, shows that pain is often essential to proper healing. If we attempt to avoid pain at all costs, there can be negative consequences – from improper healing to opioid addiction. By not erasing the pain, we can help end opioid addiction and ensure that our bodies are healing properly.

About the Author:
Dr. Arevalo is Memorial Health Care Pediatrician who specializes in Pediatric Infectious Disease. She received her medical education from the Cayetano Heredia University of Lima, Peru. Her residency training in Pediatrics took place at Lincoln Medical Center, Cornell University of New York. Dr. Arevalo completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at University School of Medicine in New York.

More Blogs by Dr. Arevalo >>

photo credit: tedeytan

Are There More Yellow School Buses on the Roads Again?

MHCS Marketing Team — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 20:11:00 GMT

I have been seeing more yellow school buses on the roads recently, that means schools are up and running. The summer is coming to an end. It got me thinking that there is not much left to plan for this year…..Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas….and the Flu Season.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is the national public health institute of the United States, an excellent place to find useful information about planning for the upcoming flu season. I went to their website and came away with my planning for the 2013 Flu Season. I thought I would share it with you. Next up, plans for Labor Day!

FIVE STEP PLAN FOR THE 2013 FLU SEASON

(The information below is taken from the CDC’s Seasonal Flu Website)

STEP ONE: KNOW THE FACTS

In the USA, winter is flu season. The season can start as early as early as October; the flu usually peaks in January or later.
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
Who: Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season.
When: CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as flu season vaccine becomes available in their community. Influenza seasons are unpredictable, and can begin as early as October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.
Where: Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools.

STEP TWO: GET VACCINATED

Note: Who should NOT get vaccinated? There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)
People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome

STEP THREE: SAFE PREVENTIVE PRACTICES DURING THE FLU

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

STEP FOUR: IF YOU GET THE FLU

Flu Symptoms: The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

Fever* or feeling feverish/chills (Note – not everyone with flu will have a fever.)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

If you have symptoms:

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
If you are sick, you can spread the illness 1 day prior to having symptoms and up to 5-7 days after you have symptoms.

STEP FIVE: REREAD STEP TWO – GET VACCINATED

During the flu season, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way:

To reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu.
To reduce the chance that you will spread it to others.

So, when more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community……..GET VACCINATED.

REFERENCES:

1. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

2. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf

3. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm

About the Author:
Kevin Smith, M.D., M.P.H. is Chief Medical Officer of HealthLink, Memorial Hospital’s occupational health service. He is board certified in occupational medicine by the American Board of Preventative Medicine; Dr. Smith has more than 25 years of occupational health experience – working on both the public and private sides of the occupational health industry. Dr. Smith has also served in the U.S. Army Reserve – Medical Corp. as a preventative medicine officer since 1987; he is fluent in English and Spanish.