DECH at Head of the Pack” of Comparable Maine

Winter
2006
TM
DECH at
Health News Service from
“ Head of the Pack”
of Comparable Maine Hospitals in Documented
Discharges, Births, Operations and Lab Tests
Volume growth and control of operating expenses have kept Down East Community
Hospital in the enviable position of the lowest-cost hospital in the State.
DECH, for Second Year in a Row Received an “A for Excellence” on Citizens Report
Card for Consumer Accessibility. DECH is one of four out of 36 Maine hospitals surveyed
to receive this highest rating. An “A” represents the hospital’s willingness to make a “good faith
effort” to go above and beyond the price posting provision of the Dirigo health legislation.
Robin Popp Forges New Ground for
Down East Health System
New Executive Director for Down East Health Trust
Robin Popp is excited about the challenges ahead of her in organizing and developing fundraising strategy for the
Down East Health Trust Philanthropic Program, benefiting Down East Community Hospital and Sunrise Care
Facility in Jonesport under the aegis of Down East Health System. “My initial goal is to interact with the community
and let them know how very important they are and how much Down East Community Hospital needs their support. They
have a solid history of giving beginning in the late 50’s and early 60’s to create their Hospital. We need to renew that spirit
and commitment to sustain the programs required to continue and improve quality healthcare right here in Machias. I
already know that the community values their Hospital and wants to increase the services available here. A part of the
Hospital’s response to their desire was the acquisition of the very best digital mammogram technology available for the
Women’s Health Center,” Robin observed. “Eventually we will be looking at an all-out capital campaign. There is much
that needs to be done to the old DECH facility to bring it up to modern hospital standard. But first, the planned interfaith
Hospital Chapel represents a most appropriate first fundraising effort. The Chapel,
to be located in the new wing, would be available as a quiet or meditation
area at all times for patients and their family and friends.”
With a BA in Communications from Emerson College in Boston and
20 years in development, Robin has learned the importance of
building from the ground up. Her experience includes communications and fundraising for a small service agency, four years with
the New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra and another eight
years as director of development with the New Hampshire
Association for the Blind. She comes to Down East Health
Trust after spending over five years with the American
Cancer Society where she most recently served as vice
president for development in New Hampshire.
Robin Popp, Executive Director, Down East Health Trust
Down East Health Trust Launches First
Fundraising Appeal for Non-Denominational
Chapel at Down East Community Hospital
The Fund for Hope and Healing
A visit to the hospital can be a very emotional experience. There can be uncertainty, fear, pain, and at times, sadness. No matter how fast and intensely we administer medical care, there is always the dreaded wait as families anxiously anticipate the outcome of a major surgery, or to find out whether or not their loved one is going to be well. There are also times of celebration:
The birth of a new baby. A successful medical procedure. A life-saving event. The emotions a loved one’s family and friends feel
at that time can be intense. Patients and visitors need a peaceful haven where they can quietly reflect and emotionally heal; a place
to find comfort, inspiration and hope. Or a place to give thanks and celebrate the miracle of modern medicine or the birth of a
new life! The interfaith Chapel will provide a safe harbor where those facing difficult times can find comfort and hope.
“The Chapel, open to people of all faiths, is one of many exciting projects at Down East Health Trust, a non-profit organization established to raise funds toward quality, comprehensive medical care for our community,” states Executive Director Robin Popp. “The
vision of a wonderful new Chapel at Down East Community Hospital is starting to take focus,” Robin continued. “The generosity of
members of our community will touch many people in need and will help ensure that this Chapel comes to fruition. Please support the
Fund for Hope and Healing.”
Donations may be made to Down East Health Trust for the Chapel Fund and mailed to Down East Health Trust, RR 1 Box 11,
Machias, ME 04654. If you have questions or would like to discuss the project, please call Robin Popp at 207-255-0274.
Long Awaited Grand Opening of the Maine
Veterans’ Home in Machias
Governor Baldacci was assisted in cutting the blue satin ribbon
officially opening the Maine Veterans’ Home – Machias by Lois
Tenan, widow of the late Adfer Tenan, and former State
Representative Harry Vose. Looking on to the left are Maine
Veterans’ Home CEO Timothy Politis and Maine Veterans’ Home
Chair Major General Stephen E. Nichols. On the right are MVHMachias Administrator Jeff Herman (behind Harry Vose) and the
Reverend Betty Duzen of Cutler.
September 6, 2005, was a gloriously sunny late summer day.
A perfect day for the MVH-Machias Grand Opening/Open
House. It was a great day for Veterans and for the Hospital
and the community when approximately 350 people
throughout the State of Maine joined together in celebration. Governor John E. Baldacci, featured guest speaker,
congratulated Maine Veterans’ Homes and the MVH Board
of Trustees for this great contribution to the Downeast veteran population. He added that the facility is a “shining example to the rest of Maine and the country, of how Maine
takes care of our veterans.” Special recognition was also given to Harry Vose and and Lois Tenan, widow of the late
Adfer Tenan, who worked diligently to bring a Maine Veterans’ Home Downeast. In the words of Maine Veterans’
Home CEO Timothy Politis, the 30-bed, state-the-art-facility, costing approximately $9.5 million to construct, “…is
the realization of a dream and a promise.”
When the first MVH Home was constructed in Augusta some twenty years ago, the intent was to have a series of four
more homes built north, south, west and east of Augusta. Subsequent homes have sprung up in Scarborough, Caribou,
South Paris and Bangor. In 1995 then State Representative Harry Vose (DECH Corporator and former Board
Member) told then Senator John Baldacci that the Bangor facility was not “east enough,” and that they needed a sixth
home in Washington County. Vose, along with the late Adfer Tenan and the late Maynard Connors, with a cadre of
dedicated Washington County Veterans, worked tirelessly to get the bill passed by the State Legislature to bring a Maine
Veterans’ Home to the Machias area, with their preferred destination being the Down East Community Hospital campus.
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MVH-Machias Grand Opening photos Courtesy of Maine Veterans' Homes, Augusta
In a prayerful and patriotic ceremony filled with respect
and dignity for Maine veterans, the staff at MVHMachias led the audience in singing "God Bless
America."The "National Anthem" was sung by Sheri
Herman, wife of Jeff Herman, administrator at MVHMachias. The crowd which included MVH staff and
Board of Trustees, political dignitaries, administration
and employees at Down East Community Hospital,
members of the veteran organizations, family members and friends applauded as the U.S. Marine Corps,
A Company, 1-25 4th MARDIV, Topsham, ceremonial color guard, concluded the program by raising
the American flag, the State of Maine flag and the
POW/MIA flag for the first time on the Machias
campus. The three banners unfurled and rippled
gently in a light breeze. Following
the ceremony, the public was invited
to tour the Home, which has the feel
of a three-star hotel, with its hardwood floors in the common living
and dining areas and ambient lighting
and home-like furnishings throughout. An outdoor courtyard and garden
can be accessed in the center of the
facility.
Dignitaries present for the occasion
included Senator Kevin Raye,
Representative Howard McFadden,
Representative Ed Dugay, Major
General Stephen E. Nichols (Chairman
of the Board at Maine Veterans’ Homes),
and representatives from the offices of
Senators Snowe and Collins.
Admission of Maine veterans and their spouses, widows
and widowers of Maine veterans, and Maine Gold Star
Parents began on September 7.
Community members, led by the Maine Veterans’ Home
staff, sang a medley of service songs played
by the Machias Town Band.
The US Marine Corps A
Company l-25 4th
MARDIV Color Guard
from Topsham.
New DECH Reception Area
The Home is connected to Down East Community Hospital by
a 10,000 square-foot Hospital addition housing a new entrance
with reception and waiting area, Registration/Admitting, library
with computer Internet access for research by patients, their families and visitors, the Auxiliary Gift Shop and Skylight Café, as
well as the Materials Management Department. There is room
for future development including clinical offices, nuclear medicine, and an interfaith Chapel. This physical connection
between the two facilities provides easy and convenient access to
outpatient and inpatient services as needed for residents of the
Veterans’ Home.
3
Milbridge Medical Center Officially Opens Expanded Facility
Completion of the Milbridge Medical Center
addition containing six new exam rooms and two
new offices, as well as a Women’s Health Resource
Library took place in late 2005 with a Grand
Opening ceremony for the community. Planning is
under way for a distinctive Open House/Grand
Opening celebration for the Women’s Health
Resource Library to be held within the next several weeks.
MMC Clinical Site Supervisor Jesse Burns, RN, is
focusing on education for diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals with counseling and Diabetic
Support Group activities as required by the community. In addition, Jesse is assisting physicians
from Machias in scheduling appointments and
assuring clinical space is available. Specialists seeing
patients at MMC include Kara Dwight, DO, OBGYN; Ovayoza Adeleye, MD, Pediatrics; Ayoola
Ali, MD, General Surgery; and Aaron Tragos,
DO, Orthopedics. Specialty coverage will be provided on a rotating basis as needed. If you wish to
schedule an appointment, call the Milbridge
Medical Center at 546-2391.
Julie Howland of Beals Island measures for cedar
shakes as Milbridge Medical Center addition nears
completion. Photo courtesy Ellsworth American.
DECH has the Best, Most Advanced Technology Available for
Breast Cancer Detection
We are confident that the state-of-the-art digital mammography technology with integrated computer assisted detection available at the Down East Community Hospital
Women’s Center in Machias provides the best possible mammography screening for breast
cancer for most women. Digital mammography with computer aided detection is a recent
advance in technology that allows the computer to function as a second set of eyes for the
radiologist in the detection of breast cancer. This is the same advanced technology used at
Harvard Teaching Hospitals such as Mass General, Brigham and Women’s, and Beth Israel
Deaconess. Just to set the record straight for the community and help eliminate some confusion, “digitized mammograms” are standard mammogram films that are sent away and
digitized but do not offer the advanced technology provided by integrated Computer
Aided Detection. Down East Community Hospital and a hospital in Bangor are the only
hospitals in Maine to have GE2000D Digital Mammography Technology with Integrated
Computer Aided Detection.
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Nikki Phinney, RT(R)(M), Director of Clinical Services.
Congratulations Kara Dwight, DO
Dr. Kara Dwight, OB-GYN, has been appointed to the position of
Medical Director of Downeast Health Services Family Planning with
offices in Machias, Calais, and Ellsworth. “We are certainly pleased to have
a medical director for this program based in Washington County,” stated
Melissa Gray, DEHS Family Planning Director. Downeast Health
Services Family Planning provides women’s health exams, pap smears
and birth control on a sliding fee scale for women of all ages in
Washington and Hancock Counties. Downeast Health Services has been
serving the needs of families in the Downeast area for over thirty years.
They provide a wealth of information on their website www.downeasthealth.org.
The main focus of the Downeast Health Services Family Planning nurse
practitioners that Dr. Dwight will be working with is general gynecologic care for the community including preconception counseling and pregnancy testing. Christy Suvlu, WHNP, holds the clinic at 71 Court Street
in Machias on Thursdays. “I will be reviewing cases with the nurse practitioners (Christy, Emily Brown, WHNP, and Sally Johnson, FNP) on a reguKara Dwight, DO
lar basis based on their needs, and I’m available for consultation on any case,”
Dwight said. “I believe this association will be great for the patients and for coordinating gynecological and obstetrical care at Down East Community Hospital and all health care facilities in Washington and Hancock Counties,”
Dwight declared. “I believe this collaboration between nurse practitioners and physician will provide the best possible patient care. For patients needing more extensive care or hospitalization, we are blessed with five hospitals in
the service area: Calais Regional Hospital, Down East Community Hospital in Machias, Maine Coast Memorial
Hospital in Ellsworth, Blue Hill Hospital, and Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor. I am delighted that
we will be able to work well together to provide the best possible health care for the people in the Downeast area so
they may feel comfortable at their local hospital without traveling 50 or 100 miles for access to quality health care.”
Dr. Dwight opened her obstetrical/gynecological practice at the DECH Women’s Health Center last August,
working closely with OB-GYN Cynthia A. Gray and the Obstetrical Unit staff at Down East Community
Hospital. She also provides women’s health services at the Milbridge Medical Center one or more days a week
in association with Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Chris Kuhni, RNC.
To make an appointment, call 255-0400 or 546-2391.
Welcome Dr. Katherine Grover, Board
Certified in Family Practice, Treating
Patients Who are Teenagers and Adults
Katherine Grover, DO, Board
Certified in Family Practice
Dr. Grover graduated from the University of New England College of
Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, Maine. She completed her rotating
internship program at Long Beach Medical Center, Long Beach, New
York, and Family Residency from St. Johns Episcopal Hospital, Far
Rockaway, New York. Dr. Grover is a Maine native who was born in
Boothbay Harbor. She is a Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan
who enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, boating,
hiking and gardening. Dr. Grover’s medical practice is located at Machias
Medical Associates, Machias, Maine. For an appointment or more information, please call 255-4567.
5
Down East Hospice Volunteers
Down East Hospice is the only volunteer hospice in Washington County providing cost-free comfort and respite care for the terminally ill with support for
their care givers, friends and extended family. We have a bereavement follow-up
program. Within that program we provide books to bereaved children as a gift
from Down East Hospice. Down East Hospice also facilitates and sponsors
community workshops in Washington County. All of
this is made possible through thoughtful donations,
fund raising and grants. However, the heart of our
organization is our volunteers. For more information
about Down East Hospice services, contact the
Machias office at 255-3356 ext. 324, the Calais Office
at 454-7521 ext 126, or email:
[email protected].
Hospice Volunteers graduate from Fall 2005
Training Course. (Back L-R) Joy York,
Calais; Nori Hoffman, Whiting; Bonnie
Thompson, Addison; Linda Sisson, Eastport;
Kathy Stanwood, Addison. (Middle) Dorothy
Johnson, Baileyville. (Seated) Judy Pratt,
Lubec; and Nicky Deunkel, Lubec.
What Everyone Should Know About Recognizing a Stroke
A neurologist is quoted as saying that if he can get to a stroke victim within three hours he may reverse the effects of a
stroke. The hard part is getting the stroke recognized, diagnosed, and to a doctor within three hours.
This reportedly true story states that “Dan is recuperating at an incredible pace for someone with a massive stroke, all because
Sherry saw Dan stumble--that is the key that isn’t mentioned below. She asked Dan three simple questions. This literally saved
Dan’s life because Dan failed all three questions. So 911 was called. Even though he had normal blood pressure readings and
did not appear to be a stroke victim, and he could converse to some extent with the Paramedics, they took him to the hospital
right away.”
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify and the lack
of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage
when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now
doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking these three simple questions:
1. Ask the individual to SMILE. (Do both sides of
the mouth/face respond equally.)
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS with eyes
closed. (Are the arms lifted to a parallel level.)
3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE
(coherently, ie,“It is sunny out today.)
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911
immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness and speech problems, researchers
urged the general public to learn these three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke
Association’s annual meeting. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke
and prevent brain damage.
6
January is National Eye Care Month
According to a recent study, people who eat more fruit and whole grains have
a lower risk of developing cataracts. It was reported that people who adhered to
the Dietary Guidelines for Americans experienced reduced cataract risk. The
American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wearing sunglasses that
protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. UV light has been shown
in studies to contribute to the occurrence of macular degeneration and
cataracts.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist Lawrence Piazza, MD, regularly performs cataract surgery at DECH by phacoemulsification method. This
outpatient procedure generally has a rapid recovery period.
Numerous Clinics Held for Convenience of Patients
Cardiology and Pacemaker Monthly Clinic: Pacemaker, defibrillator, and ILRs that record events can be checked for patients
by a Northeast Cardiology Associates (NECA) Physician Assistant at a regular clinic held at DECH in Machias. Physician
follow up for cardiology patients may also be done at the Machias Cardiology Clinic. If you live in the Downeast area
and would like to participate, rather than travel to Bangor, you may call the NECA Scheduling Department at 2620108 to make an appointment.
X-ray Walk-In Clinic: The Imaging Department offers a Walk-In X-ray Clinic Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 3:30
p.m. Any plain film x-ray can be completed with a physician order during this time. This is not to take the place of
appointment times, but to make it more flexible for patients. Physicians can send orders to the Outpatient Scheduler at
255-0238 with “Walk-In Clinic” stated in the appointment time slot. The clinic is for x-rays only, not for other specialized modalities, such as CT scans, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or nuclear medicine.
Walk-In Phlebotomy Clinic in the DECH Lab: Blood drawings are available from 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday
without a prior appointment. A physician order should be faxed to 255-0296 in advance.
Weekly X-ray Services at Harrington Family Health Center Every Monday: Any diagnostic x-ray exam can be done at the clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 255-0474, the Outpatient Scheduler at Down East Community Hospital.
Free Blood Pressure Clinic is held the first Thursday each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hannaford Supermarket
in Machias.
Chronic Illness-Supportive Therapy: Heretofore known as the “Oncology Clinic,” the service provides a wide range of treatment for patients with chronic illness including administration of outpatient antibiotics, chronic illness infusion for
rheumatoid arthritis, iron deficiency anemia, metastatic bone disease, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and MS, therapies to manage renal insufficiency and certain types of anemia, blood and blood product transfusions for chronic anemia, supportive therapy for cancer and transfusions generally administered within 24 hours of physician determination
of need. Chemotherapy and adjunctive therapies include standard chemotherapy and therapies used to counteract the
side effects of chemotherapy. If you have questions about whether or not your treatment can be done at DECH, call Julie
Tuell, RN, OCN, at 255-0276.
Milbridge Medical Center has been offering Family Planning Services since 1995 in cooperation with the Down East Health
Service Family Planning Program in Ellsworth. This program includes free and low cost contraceptives and pap tests, as
well as yearly gynecological exams, and is conducted by women’s health nurse practitioner Chris Kuhni, RNC, WHNP.
Menopause Clinic at MMC consists of a questionnaire from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology which
the patient fills out at home and mails to Chris Kuhni, RNC, WHNP, who reviews the document and schedules an individual appointment for consultation at the patient’s convenience. The second visit involves a physical with lab work. To
participate, call 546-2391.
Gastric Bypass Support Group Meets Twice Monthly: Anyone who is considering, or has had, Gastric Bypass Surgery is invited to attend Support Group meetings held the first and third Monday of each month (holidays excluded) from 5 - 6 p.m.
in the MacBride Building on the DECH campus. Guest speakers are provided on a random basis relating to pertinent
issues as requested by those attending the meetings. These meetings are hosted by the Down East Community Hospital
Nutrition Department. For further information, please contact Janet Monaghan, Dietetic Technician, at 255-0485 or
email her at [email protected].
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Back Surgery Procedure a “First” at DECH
Clark Scoville of Roque Bluffs has
had back problems all his life, and
heavy lifting over the years took its
toll.
“Living with unrelenting pain is
exhausting,”
exclaimed
Clark.
“Thanks to Dr. Tragos at Down East
Community Hospital and the spinal
fusion he performed on June 23 last
year, I’m free from extreme pain! By
September I was able to climb on my
lawn tractor and mow the grass and to
make a daily trek into Machias for
morning coffee with the guys.”
“Soon after the operation,” Clark’s wife,
Maddie said, “it was possible for Clark
to remove his upper body cast, reduce his
dosage of pain medication, get in and
out of bed by himself, and sleep through
the night for the first time in months. It’s
wonderful to see him able to get around
Photo Courtesy Downeast Coastal Press:
CLARK SCOVILLE (left) works at strengthen- now after all these years of crippling
ing and stretching exercises under the
pain. He was even able to begin driving
watchful eye of DECH Physical Therapist
the car again.”
Ted Kajkowski.
“Two years ago I had to have a spinal
disc removed at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor,” Clark continued. “That’s a
long haul from Roque bluffs, especially with severe pain. I’m thrilled that I found Dr.
Tragos when I was having trouble with my knees. If Dr. Tragos hadn’t asked me about my
back, it wouldn’t have occurred to me to ask him if there was anything further that could
be done. I discovered that he’s a spinal specialist and there is a procedure he felt would make
a big improvement in my mobility and pain reduction. It had never been done before at
DECH, but he said with the addition of a piece of equipment and a practice run-through
with the OR staff, he was confident that he could help me. He told me it would be a
lengthy and painful recovery if I chose to go ahead,” Clark continued, “but I had suffered
for so long that a little more would be worth it if I could be restored to relative health and
mobility. Good, too, was the fact that I could have initial physical therapy right at home,
and then locally at the DECH Rehabilitation Center. Ted (Kajkowski) took me right up
to the UMM swimming pool for aquatic therapy. That got me started on the road to recovery, and it was very familiar to me since I worked for 20 years at the University of MaineMachias. Equally important, Ted encouraged me all the way. I still have some stiffness and
soreness, especially in the morning, but, in time, even that may go away.” Total healing
is expected to take from six months to a year.
“Maddie and I would like to take this opportunity to say ‘Thanks’ to Dr. Tragos, the OR
and Recovery Staff, Ted and the PT staff, and to everyone involved in making my surgery
and recovery possible. I can’t say enough about our little hospital in Machias. I don’t think
people realize the medical expertise and services available that you would normally think
you have to obtain at a larger hospital.” Maddie joined Clark in urging anyone who has
need for a medical procedure, test, or therapy to check to see if it can be done locally. “It could save you costly and uncomfortable trips to Bangor or Portland.”
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Back surgery never before done at
DECH gives relief to Clark
Scoville after decades of debilitating pain. Board Certified Surgeon
Aaron Tragos, DO, on the
Medical Staff since January 2005, is
a spinal specialist. He examined
Clark in the Spring for an unrelated problem with his knees and
asked him about his back. After xrays and study, Dr. Tragos told
Clark he could perform a spinal
fusion that could increase his
mobility and considerably decrease
his chronic back pain. And Clark
was surprised and thrilled when Dr.
Tragos said that with proper planning and preparation it could be
done right there at Down East
Community Hospital. No fatiguing trip to Bangor for this specialized operation.
The operation took 7 1⁄2 hours,
required an 8 1⁄2 inch incision and
transfusion of a pint of blood.
Since Clark’s surgery, Dr. Tragos
has performed two similar surgeries at DECH.
Good Medicine is published quarterly for Down East
Community Hospital. We welcome comments and suggestions
from readers. The information contained herein is intended to
educate the community about subjects pertinent to their health,
not as a substitute for consultation with a physician.
Wayne Dodwell, Chief Executive Officer
Mary Jo Gripp, Community Relations
Elin Bennett, Community Relations Assistant
Hook Design, Good Medicine Editor/Designer · 888-353-6348
Artwork, ©2006 Hook Design
For more information: call Down East Community Hospital at
207-255-3356, FAX 207-255-0427 or write RR1 Box 11,
Machias, Maine 04654, Attn: Mary Jo Gripp.
www.dech.org