Abrazo Health - Abrazo Community Health Network
Transcription
Abrazo Health - Abrazo Community Health Network
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CREATED BY REPUBLIC CUSTOM PUBLISHING SUMMER 2010 2 ER breaks wait-time barrier 3 Robotic surgery eases recovery time 5 Technology helps detect osteoporosis Phoenix Baptist Hospital uses cutting-edge technology to detect early signs of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them brittle. Discovery™ skeletal health imaging allows physicians to assess two of the most important factors associated with osteoporotic fracture risk: low bone mineral density and presence of vertebral fractures. If left unchecked, osteoporosis can lead to broken bones, especially in the hips, spine and wrists. Discovery technology provides exceptional accuracy, and it is the only FDA-approved DXA (bone density) system for detecting abdominal aortic calcification as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. For information about Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s Discovery DXA scan, contact 602-246-5812. Mammos encouraged for women over 40 The day after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released its recommendations last November against routine mammograms for women under 50, the Breast Health Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital saw four breast cancer patients all younger than 50. “Those women’s cancers would not have been detected in the earlier stages without mammograms,” Gail Morris-Breit, lead Be smart mammographer at the Breast Phoenix Baptist Health Center, Hospital recom- said. “If they mends annual had waited until mammography they reached 50 for women over to have been age 40. Call the Breast Center at screened, they all would have 602-246-5550. faced more advanced disease.” Morris-Breit and Victor Zannis, MD, a Phoenix breast surgeon who is president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS), both urge women to strongly consider routine mammograms in their 40s, despite the task force’s recommendations. “We believe there is sufficient data to support annual mammography screening for women age 40 and older,” Dr. Zannis wrote in a statement released by the ASBS after the task force’s report was issued. “We also believe the breast cancer survival rate of women between 40 and 50 will improve from the increased use of digital mammographic screening … Mammography is the optimal screening tool for the early diagnosis of breast cancer in terms of cost-effectiveness, practical use and accuracy. To restrict its use will mean that breast cancers will go undiagnosed for an unacceptable period of time.” —Debra Gelbart Recovering breast cancer patient Laura Blank meets with Victor Zannis, MD, a leading surgeon in breast cancer procedures. Advanced care L BY DEBRA GELBART aura Blank of Phoenix knows firsthand how the professionals at Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s Breast Health Center exemplify caring, compassion and clinical excellence. IN BRIEF CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Dr. Zannis’ patients. Dr. Zannis said about 75 percent of breast cancer patients at Phoenix Baptist Hospital undergo lumpectomies instead of mastectomies, compared with only half of all In November 2008, Blank underwent a lumpectomy on breast cancer patients nationwide. The patients who do her right breast after she was diagnosed with cancer. Her require mastectomies usually have reconstructive surgery surgeon, Victor Zannis, MD, made her feel comfortable. immediately, instead of waiting months to heal before “He told me, ‘We’re going to get rid of this and you’ll be just fine,’” she said. reconstruction can begin. “This is so much better for the patient, both physically Blank’s lumpectomy experience is typical of and psychologically,” he said. Teddy bears and roses This artist rendering shows the spacious, private rooms that will be available at the new Women’s Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. Hospital gives back to the community Phoenix Baptist Hospital supports local health organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Phoenix chapter of the American Heart Association (AHA). Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Abrazo Health Care have booths at events that provide educational information. Abrazo Health Care’s booths can be found at the annual Race for the Cure that takes place in Phoenix each October and draws more than 30,000 people. Staff members participate in the Race, as well as the AHA’s Start! Heart Walk and the Go Red for Women luncheon. Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s support goes beyond booths and volunteers — it donates space for the Phoenix Komen affiliate. “Phoenix Baptist Hospital has provided us with office space that allows us to capitalize on our work and mission in finding a cure,” said Kirsten Butzow, executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Breast Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital caters to women’s needs ABRAZO HEALTH CARE IN BRIEF RICK D’ELIA 5 Phoenix Baptist Hospital neurologist leads effort to treat brain injuries and disorders New Women’s Center offers innovative care BY DEBRA GELBART T he new Women’s Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital is an innovative concept that is new to the Valley. “There is no other hospital locally with a designated women’s center for surgical recovery,” said Ken Howell, CEO at the hospital. “This is a healing environment especially for women, with nurses who are trained and experienced in taking care of women’s needs.” All women’s services — labor and delivery, postpartum recovery and pre- and post-operative care for gynecological and breast surgery — are on the third floor. The only exception is the Midwifery Unit, where expect- ant mothers experience natural childbirth under the direction of a licensed midwife on the first floor of the hospital. That unit has its own outside entrance to make access easy for women about to deliver babies. “Patients still have access to any other hospital service they may need,” said Mani Tehranchi, MD, a gynecologist and obstetrician with Bella Women’s Care in Phoenix. WOMEN’S CENTER CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 The staff at the Breast Health Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital is especially sensitive and sympathetic to how scary and intense a cancer diagnosis can be. Since 2005, staff has given breast cancer patients teddy bears before surgery. “We tell our patients that this little bear offers you hugging arms that represent all of us here in the center wishing you the best in your recovery,” Gail Morris-Breit, the center’s lead mammographer, explained. Blank was surprised by how much her little bear, named “Whistles,” meant to her. “It made me feel so much better,” she said. “It was an incredibly sweet, thoughtful gesture.” Blank was so impressed with the care she received throughout her experience that she now brings her trained therapy dogs into the hospital to comfort other patients. Patients who have routine mammograms are each given a longstemmed red rose with a card attached to it that has a reminder for the patient’s next mammogram. The teddy bears and roses are all staff-generated ideas. “We really do want our patients to know that we care about their breast health,” Morris-Breit said. Supporting patients Patients are helped in other ways, too. A breast cancer support group meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. For women undergoing treatment, an American Cancer Society-sponsored “Look Good, Feel Better” session is held every three months, during which patients learn about skin care, makeup BREAST HEALTH CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 Decreased wait times, better care 2 V A L L E Y H E A LT H New process at Phoenix Baptist Hospital decreases time patients spend in the ER P hoenix Baptist Hospital’s entire patient flow process has been redesigned to facilitate patient flow throughout the Emergency Department. The new process, which went into effect in December of 2009, has resulted in no wait times and improved patient care. Prior to the change, the average time of a visit to the Emergency Department was under two hours from arrival to discharge. With the new process, patients see a provider in less than 30 minutes from their arrival time. Average national emergency The new process elimidepartment wait – One hour nates the traditional waitAverage anticipated waiting ing room and triage area. at Phoenix Baptist Hospital – Upon arrival, patients are under 30 minutes rapidly evaluated and sent to a zone to received immediAverage length of stay ate personalized care from a in a hospital emergency licensed Provider and a team department – of Registered Nurses. ApproFour to six hours priate tests and procedures are performed to diagnose Average length of stay in and treat patient’s medical Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s issue right away. Emergency Department – “Our process has signifi2 hours cantly improved our patient care by decreasing the time a Phoenix Baptist Hospital patient waits to see a providEmergency Department er,” said Scott Morey, Emertreatment rooms – gency Department director. 42 patient care areas “Our staff is better able to Professional ED efficiently provide patientstaff members – 55 focused care, which results in an overall decrease in the Number of patients that time a patient spends in our visit Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s Emergency Department.” ED – 55,000 per year Previously, some patients would leave prior to seeing a physician because of long wait times. After the process redesign, virtually no patients leave without being treated. “The redesigned process allows physicians and nurses to see patients more quickly and it also allows us to spend more time with each patient which results in better and more personal care,” said Tim Ryan, D.O., Emergency Physician Champion of the redesign project. General Manager Cami Kaiser Project Editor Noelle Bowman Managing Art Director Tracey Phalen Contributors Patricia Bathurst, Rick D’Elia, Debra Gelbart, Jake Poinier and Elise Riley Sales Executive Gabe Ramirez 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 • 602-444-8658 • [email protected] While the physicians mentioned in this advertisement are members of the medical staff of Abrazo Health Care hospitals, they are independent contractors who are self-employed. As a result, these physicians are neither employees nor agents of Abrazo Health Care or its hospitals, and Abrazo Health Care is not responsible for any actions that these physicians take in their medical practices. ABRAZO HEALTH CARE By the numbers Since implementing the rapid-response program in June 2009, the Emergency Department at Phoenix Baptist Hospital has met or exceeded the goal of the 90-minute door-to-balloon time 100 percent of the time. Hospital team always ready for patients with chest pain T hirty minutes — enough time to watch a sitcom. An hour — enough time to enjoy lunch at your favorite restaurant. At Phoenix Baptist Hospital, it’s enough time to save a life. According to the American Hospital Association, nearly 120 million Americans visit emergency departments every year, and according to a study by the CDC, most patients wait about an hour before they even see a physician. For patients presenting with chest pain, every minute counts. Phoenix Baptist Hospital has brought consistent response results to the ER by creating a team of nursing staff, physicians, emergency technologists, cardiologists, ICU and respiratory therapists. This accredited Chest Pain Center has succeeded 100 percent of the time since June of 2009 in breaking the 90-minute barrier from the time a patient presents with symptoms until he is on the cath-lab table. The hospital’s average is 40 minutes less than the national average. “The faster you open the artery, “The whole process has been a significant win for us.” Scott Morey, RN. Director of Emergency Department the faster you’re getting blood flow and oxygen to the heart,” said cath lab supervisor Sharon Macrina, RT (RCV), whose 12-person staff boasts a combined 150 years of experience at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “By doing so, you can save heart muscle and even prevent a heart attack.” “The whole process has been a significant win for us,” said Scott Morey, RN, director of the Emergency Department. “Our time improved dramatically just by assigning specific roles. We’re no longer working in silos, we’re working as a team to provide the best possible care.” Jake Poinier and Patricia Bathurst contributed to this story. Phoenix Baptist Hospital 2000 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix 85015 • 602-249-0212 Phoenix Baptist Hospital is an acute-care facility that has been serving the Phoenix area for more than 45 years. It is also a teaching hospital that is recognized for its accredited Chest Pain Center, women’s services, neurological services, radiology and 24-hour emergency services. Emergency care in 30 minutes or less. No one likes to wait... especially in a hospital. At Phoenix Baptist Hospital, we’ve streamlined all of our emergency room processes so you’ll be in and out faster than ever. Arrive at the Emergency Room and you will be seen within 30 minutes. That’s our commitment to you. Accredited Chest Pain Center Bilingual Staff 2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85015 602.246.5747 | PhoenixBaptistHospital.com Key facts: Established: 1963 Employees: 835 Affiliated physicians: 683 Volunteers: 67 Beds: 236 ER beds: 24 Critical care beds: 28 Affiliated physicians with specialties in: Cancer, including: • Hematology oncology • Gynecoloy oncology • Radiation oncology Cardiac services, including: • Cardiology • Cardiac surgery Emergency medicine Endovascular surgery Medical imaging Interventional radiology Neonatal care Neurology Obstetrics and gynecology Orthopedics Otolaryngology Pain management Pediatrics Surgery Urology news V A L L E Y H E A LT H 3 Abrazo Health Care encourages its staff to continue education and obtain certification in areas of specialization. ABRAZO HEALTH CARE SUMMER 2010 EXTRA EDITION By the numbers 177,137: Number of emergency room visits at Abrazo Health Care hospitals last year 968: Number of beds at Abrazo Health Care hospitals Abrazo Health Care seeks nurses, enriches careers BY ELISE RILEY C employees we have,” Hern said. “We take the needs of our employees very seriously.” armen Hern’s job is never done. As Abrazo Health Care’s manager for talent acquisition, Hern Career path is responsible for recruiting the largKay Brotman began working for est portion of Abrazo Health Care’s Abrazo Health Care as a nurse 23 workforce: nurses. years ago. “Our main focus is to hire talented, “Best move of my life,” she said of high-quality nurses with great skills, becoming one of the first nurses at Ar(and) the ability to work within a rowhead Hospital. Now a Manager of team,” Hern said. “Someone who can Clinical Informatics at Abrazo Health make a difference, Care, Brotman credsomeone who is “We take the needs its Abrazo’s support good with the public of her career as one of our employees and truly caring.” of the reasons for her Abrazo Health high job satisfaction. very seriously.” Care continues to “They supported Carmen Hern, grow in Arizona. me to get my bachmanager of talent acquisition In the last year, it elor’s degree,” for Abrazo Health Care added 100 nursing Brotman said. “They positions and three encourage you to get medical centers. It now employs more higher degrees.” than 1,300 nurses at its five acuteMinu Thomas, RN, is a clinical care hospitals, two health plans, coordinator in the ICU at Phoenix five imaging centers and 19 medical Baptist Hospital. She started in 2006. centers across the Valley. And with “Abrazo Health Care provided the a nationwide nursing shortage plus opportunity and paid for me to obtain the approaching retirement of a large my critical care RN certification and percentage of the nursing population, my BSN,” she said. She added that creating the right nursing staff continuing education is important for is central to maintaining a high level nurses because they often find themof patient care. selves in the role of teachers when “They’re the largest number of they work with patients. Thomas, who is seeking a master’s degree in nursing, said her team has created a supportive environment when it comes to continuing education. When she needs time off or extra help, her director and colleagues help. 4,545: Number of Abrazo Health Care employees 1,379: Number of nurses employed at Abrazo Health Care facilities Positive work environment Career training, opportunities for advancement and a mission to hire high-quality staff help maintain high job satisfaction at Abrazo Health Care facilities. Brotman said her appreciation for her job is based on more than a paycheck. “A lot of it comes from within,” Brotman said. “It’s not just what the company gives to me. I love nursing; I love taking care of patients. That’s the biggest reward you can get. When a patient comes back and you see that they’ve healed, that they’re walking, it fuels you.” Maryvale Hospital ICU nurse Charlie Compton gave up a 25-year career as an industrial electrician to return to school and become a nurse. He hasn’t regretted his decision. “This is the best job I’ve had all my life. It’s the most rewarding, and it’s still fun,” he said. “I stay because it’s a family. I have the ability to do what I want. I couldn’t want anything more.” 77: Number of Abrazo Medical Group physicians 19: Number of Abrazo Medical Group physician offices 5: Number of Abrazo hospitals For information, visit www.abrazohealth.com. Embrace Your Future with Abrazo Health Care Offering outstanding career opportunities at 5 hospitals throughout the exciting Phoenix metro area, Abrazo Health Care is the perfect place to explore your next Our excellent benefits and compensation packages include: career path. You’ll find Abrazo and its employees share your passion for your work. Competitive Salaries We’re truly a family committed to changing the face of health care in our community. Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 401(k) Plans Earned Time Off Tuition Reimbursement Professional Development Courses To find where our paths meet, visit our website and apply online today. AbrazoHealth.com ARROWHEAD HOSPITAL 18701 N 67th Ave Glendale, AZ 85308 MARYVALE HOSPITAL 5102 W Campbell Ave Phoenix, AZ 85031 PARADISE VALLEY HOSPITAL 3929 E Bell Rd Phoenix, AZ 85032 PHOENIX BAPTIST HOSPITAL 2000 W Bethany Home Rd Phoenix, AZ 85015 WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL 13677 W McDowell Rd Goodyear, AZ 85395 EOE 4 V A L L E Y H E A LT H RICK D’ELIA IN BRIEF Abrazo Health Care partners with ‘text4baby’ Expectant and new mothers will be able to receive free health information about prenatal and infant care on their cell phones through an innovative initiative called text4baby. The program, which is supported by Abrazo Health Care as part of a larger coalition of mobile phone service providers, health-care organizations and government agencies, uses this technology to promote prenatal and well baby care. Pregnant women and new mothers text BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for Spanish) to receive three free text messages each week specific to their due date or baby’s birthday. Topics include nutrition, flu prevention, mental health issues, oral health, risks of tobacco use, immunization information and safe sleep. The messages provide referral information for clinics and other support services for prenatal and infant care. To learn more about text4baby, visit www.text4baby.org. Learn about Abrazo Health Care, research diseases, get latest health news Learn about Abrazo Health Care’s five acute-care hospitals, 19 medical centers or health plans by visiting www.abrazohealth.com. Visitors can obtain patient services information, explore employment opportunities, learn about volunteer positions, research medical education, map out easy directions and register for classes and support groups. The site allows patients and visitors to gain quick and easy access to all of the Abrazo Health Care facilities through user-friendly navigation tools. Special features of the site include: a calendar of events so visitors can find health fairs; interactive e-health tools that allow users to research diseases and conditions; and translated pages for Spanish-speaking patients. Hospital employees reach out to Haiti ABRAZO HEALTH CARE Abrazo Health Care employees and physicians raised funds for Haiti after a catastrophic earthquake earlier this year. Donations totaled $28,000 to charitable organizations working on the front lines of the earthquake devastation. Perhaps most impressive, Abrazo’s generosity to help those in Haiti came at a time when they were already in the throes of fundraising for the American Heart Association Start! Heart Walk held in Tempe in February. Employees not only supported the Haitian relief efforts but also recruited a team of 332 employees, family and friends who raised more than $15,000 for heart disease education and treatment. Abrazo Health Care employees raised $28,000 for earthquake victims in Haiti and $15,000 for heart disease education and treatment. Abrazo Health Care to host free Diabetes Wellness Day All five Abrazo Health Care hospitals will take part in a free event on Thursday, June 17 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Paradise Valley Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital and West Valley Hospital’s Diabetes Wellness Day provides an opportunity for local communities to learn about the disease and make healthy lifestyle choices. This event includes free blood glucose and blood pressure screenings to assess the risk for diabetes. Visitors will have access to a variety of diabetes-related topics, including prevention, education and management; nutrition; bariatrics; cardiac services; wound care and hyperbaric medicine; and smoking cessation. Clinical staff will be on hand to answer questions. American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association and Southwest Ambulance will also be present. Event registration is recommended but not required. To register for the Diabetes Wellness Day or for more information, call 888-3Abrazo (322-7296). Abrazo School-Based Health Centers program Nurse Practitioner Lorraine Schieffer measures 9-year-old Bernardo Delgado’s height during a check up at Sevilla Elementary School in Phoenix. The program is treating more than 800 new children this year. Health care 101 School-Based Health Centers help Valley children stay healthy BY ELISE RILEY M ore than 2,000 Valley students have access to affordable and accessible health care and health education, thanks to the SchoolBased Health Centers (SBHC) operated by Abrazo Health Care. School-aged children who need medical assistance can visit one of 10 Valley SBHC clinics. For just a $50 per family administrative fee, these students receive complete medical and dental care, all coordinated from their schools. “This model is extremely helpful,” said James Washington, director of the centers. “It places the child first and eliminates the need to take the child out of school.” By enrolling in the program, students are getting not only on-the-spot diagnosis and treatment, but also health care education. From learning about the importance of exercise and nutrition to reinforcing healthy habits like hand-washing and teeth-brushing, students are given the tools they otherwise might not receive. “Approximately 97 percent of the children enrolled are uninsured and uninsurable,” Washington said. “When they’re in the program, they’re covered immediately.” Instead of visiting an emergency room or an urgent care clinic for a routine medical issue, the students instead visit a nurse practitioner at their school clinic. “We know the majority of emergency room visits can be prevented,” Washington said. “If we capture these issues early, they won’t be emergencies later on. And that helps us all.” School-Based Health Centers by the Numbers 2,342: Number of children who have used the medical and dental programs 800: Number of new children participating in the program this year 97: Percentage of children on the plan who are uninsured and uninsurable $50: Total annual cost per family to enroll in the program 10: Number of clinics available to students Abrazo schoolbased health center program Nurse Practitioner Lorraine Schieffer examines Julia Muñoz, 5, while her sister Nadia, 10, waits her turn during a check up at Sevilla Elementary School in Phoenix. RICK D’ELIA SERVING ARIZONA'S AHCCCS FAMILIES FOR OVER 25 YEARS Special deliveries. That’s Abrazo. Phoenix Health Plan has many years of experience in providing excellent services to individuals, families and children. Through every stage of your pregnancy, Abrazo Health Care is committed to providing the best care for you and your baby. For a tour at one of our hospitals, and to learn more about our comprehensive network of care call or visit us online. Phoenix Health Plan has a large network of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies for you to choose from in your area. AbrazoHealth.com 1.888.3ABRAZO Stay healthy and visit your doctor for regular wellness visits. Phoenix Health Plan (602) 824-3700 or 1-800-747-7997 www.phoenixhealthplan.com Arrowhead Hospital 67th Ave. & Union Hills Contract services are funded in part under contract with the State of Arizona. Material ID: YR09_104 Maryvale Hospital 51st Ave. & Campbell Phoenix Baptist Hospital 19th Ave. & Bethany Home Paradise Valley Hospital Bell Rd.East of Hwy 51 West Valley Hospital McDowell East of Litchfield Yes, it is brain surgery RICK D’ELIA V A L L E Y H E A LT H 5 Neuroscience program saves lives BY Jake Poinier F or the past 10 years, dealing with migraines has simply been a way of life for Carla Farmer, a 29-year-old surveillance technician instructor in the Air Force. In late February, things started to take a turn for the worse: When she suddenly lost the eyesight in her left eye and lost the feeling in her hands, she was rushed to the emergency room. “Normal pressure in the brain is between zero and 15 millimeters of mercury,” said Dan Lieberman, MD, a neurological surgeon at the Arizona Center for Neurosurgery with privileges at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “When Carla went to the ER the first time, her pressure was 44, nearly three times the upper limit.” She was eventually discharged and saw a neurologist, but ended up making another emergency visit with a pressure of 55 — which is potentially life-threatening — before being transferred to Phoenix Baptist Hospital for emergency care. Farmer was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which the body fails to circulate and reabsorb the fluid made by her brain. To correct the problem, Lieberman performed an emergency procedure inserting a shunt: a tube connected to a valve that goes from the brain down to the peritoneal cavity (the area of the belly outside the intestines), where the body can “We want people reabsorb the fluid. to feel comfortable The relief was instant. “When I came out of the that they can walk surgery, I felt better than into the nearest I have in 10 years,” said Farmer, who anticipated hospital and get the returning work within best care possible.” a few weeks of her procedure. Dan Lieberman, MD, a neurological surgeon at the Arizona Center for Farmer’s experience Neurosurgery with privileges was an example of the at Phoenix Baptist Hospital synergistic system Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Abrazo Health Care are developing to manage neurological disorders. “In addition to hydrocephalus, we’ve also focusing on care for stroke, hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain), epilepsy, and brain tumors,” said Lieberman, who noted that Phoenix Baptist Hospital is becoming a designated stroke center. “Timing is so critical, and it takes a coordinated system – with electronically linked notes, histories and studies – among the hospitals to get it done. We want people to feel comfortable that they can walk into the nearest hospital and get the Phoenix Baptist Hospital and Dan Lieberman, MD, have developed a cutting-edge neurology center. best care possible.” RICK D’ELIA Faster recovery for gynecology procedures Advanced technology lessens post-operative pain BY Debra Gelbart L ast November, Julie Suess of Phoenix underwent a minimally invasive, robotically assisted hysterectomy at Phoenix Baptist Hospital because she had been diagnosed with uterine cancer. The procedure was so successful that she was released from “It was so much the hospital the morning after easier than her surgery. I expected” “It was so much easier than I Julie Suess of Phoenix expected,” Suess said. “I had only minimal discomfort, and I was able to start recovering at home right away.” Fifty to 60 percent of uterine cancer patients who require Julie Suess resumed many of her daily activities, such as taking hysterectomies are eligible to brisk walks with her dog, Delta Mae, shortly after surgery. have robotically assisted sur- gery, explained Snehal Bhoola, MD, a gynecology oncologist who performed Suess’s at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. Surgeon’s direction is key With robotically assisted surgery, the surgeon sits at a console that is part of the da Vinci Surgical System® and directs a robot to make several tiny incisions that are difficult for a human hand. With traditional surgery, a larger incision is made by hand. The da Vinci system provides a three-dimensional view of the surgical field, which allows for far better visualization, greater precision and greater accuracy. Phoenix Baptist Hospital acquired the system in the fall of 2009. The unit at Phoenix Baptist Hospital is the newest generation of the da Vinci system. “The operation is easier with the robotic assistance,” Dr. Bhoola said, “both for the patient and the doctor. There is less pain, less bleeding, a quicker recovery and lower risk of infection. A quicker recovery means the patient can start her course of treatment sooner.” Robotically assisted hysterectomy is appropriate for patients with benign conditions of the uterus. “Cosmetically, this type of surgery is very appealing to patients because of how small the incisions are,” said Mani Tehranchi, MD, a Phoenix OB/ GYN. “And the vast majority of patients get to go home the day after their surgery.” Suess was so intrigued by the idea of robotic assistance that she wanted to see the da Vinci system firsthand. “It’s fascinating,” she said. “I’m so glad that I was able to have an easier surgery because of it.” IN BRIEF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Phoenix Baptist Hospital teaches doctors The Phoenix Baptist Family Medicine Residency Program is a premier site for full-spectrum family medicine education. Affiliated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine, it has been educating family physicians since 1978. Wendy Orm, MD, has overseen the residency program since 2005. “Being a teaching hospital allows Phoenix Baptist Hospital Wendy Orm, MD to be on the forefront of medical research and technology, which is a huge bonus for our patients,” Dr. Orm said. Since the start of the program, the mission has been to train well-rounded family physicians who have exposure to all areas of medicine, including the business side of practicing medicine. They learn to provide quality patient-centered, evidence-based care; become integral parts of their surrounding communities; and serve as active members of the medical staff. Phoenix Baptist Hospital emphasizes educating family physicians to have the skills to work anywhere, in any setting (especially rural and medically underserved areas) and run the business side of their practices. Residents can choose to further focus their training in specialized areas such as academics and research, geriatrics, sports medicine and obstetrics. Residents rotate through several surrounding urban and inner city hospitals, including rural and native health sites, which provides them with a diverse patient experience. The program is affiliated with 10 school-based health centers where 60 to 80 percent of children live below the poverty line. The residents also participate in programs for the community such as health fairs, screenings and health education, and a sports medicine program, which offers residents experience in caring for high school and professional athletes. Volunteers re-energize hospital’s program The volunteer program at Phoenix Baptist Hospital has created a “wow” experience for guests who come to the hospital either as a patient or visitor. Director of Service Excellence Shannon Arriola said the new volunteer program is a customer-centric model, where volunteers spend more time with patients, interact more with patients’ families and spend more time in patients’ rooms helping with small needs, such as bringing water and reading materials. As “ambassadors to health and first points of contact,” they escort guests to their destinations and assist with family updates in waiting rooms. Arriola said hospital volunteering is ideal for people who like to socialize, are active and enjoy being part of their communities. Benefits of volunteering include two free meal tickets, access to hospital education programs, free uniform and parking, and an annual volunteer recognition event. For information on volunteering, call 602-433-6654. Make gynecologic pain a thing of the past. With minimally invasive procedures, faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays, you can choose to start feeling great again. At Phoenix Baptist Hospital Womens Center, we’re changing the experience of gynecologic surgery. For more information, visit us online. 2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85015 602.246.5747 | PhoenixBaptistHospital.com Beautiful beginnings for moms and babies 6 V A L L E Y H E A LT H Midwifery services gain space, popularity Labor, delivery and recuperation suites complement new Women’s Center S Dr. Martin added that the birthing center and midwifery services balance workloads and provide additional levels of teamwork. “I believe the hospital has a genuinely caring management that listens to both physicians and nurses,” he said. “Moving all women’s services together will only increase our cohesion and teamwork.” PHOENIX BAPTIST HOSPITAL By Patricia Bathurst pacious. Modern. Comfortable. And full of light. Rafael A. Martin, MD, said his obstetrics and gynecology patients love the rooms at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. They’re up to date technologically, and they’re big, pleasant rooms with large windows. “In fact, they are so bright sometimes we don’t even Home-like birth need overhead lights,” Martin said. The new midwifery birthing Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s center will provide women Emily and Robert Summers welcome their first child, Samantha, at 10 labor and delivery rooms, Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “It was a wonderful experience,” Emily with low-risk pregnancies as well as the 15 postpartum said. “I could not have asked for better care.” an opportunity to have a suites for new mothers and home-like birth experience, babies, have been renovated with the safety of rapid High tech within the last five years. access to additional care if needed. It’s a distinctly familial atmosphere Susan Whiting, RN, the clinical It also affords new mothers the nurse manager for women and infant with a high-tech component that pro- possibility of returning home within motes the intimacy of the experience, hours of birth, although some new care shared that the rooms have Whiting explained. great views, flat-screen TVs and mothers appreciate a brief respite. All mothers and babies are moniextra-large showers with multiple New mother Ashley Toma, 27, for tored at every stage of labor. Docjets. Labor and delivery rooms have instance, beamed as she said, “This tors and nurses continuously evaluJacuzzi baths. has been a great experience.” ate both from a centralized station More importantly, the unit is paToma, who resides with husband equipped with dozens of screens. tient-centric, Whiting said, with the Michael in Peoria, sought a hospital Mothers may invite as many famunit’s 75 nurses and 25 other prothat offered midwifery services for ily members and/or friends to be fessionals garnering a 99 percentile Alexis’ birth. “All my babies were on hand for the baby’s birth as they ranking nationally in patient satisfacborn with midwives assisting,” wish, with no age restrictions. tion levels. Most nurses have been on she said. The openings of a new midwifery staff five years or more, and many are Toma emphasized that the hospibirthing center and a center for certified as labor and delivery nurses. tal’s couplet care policy was especialwomen’s services demonstrate “We work hard to focus entirely ly gratifying. “I’ve had her with me the hospital’s high commitment to on the patient, so she and her famthe whole time, and have been able premier women’s services, Whiting ily have the birthing experience they to really appreciate my time with pointed out. want,” Whiting said. her,” she said. Breast Health Women’s Center FROM PAGE 1 application and wig styling from licensed cosmetologists. Hallmarks of the center Latest technology In addition to the latest in digital mammography, ultrasound, minimally invasive biopsies and advanced surgical techniques, the Breast Health Center also offers the newest radiation therapies. External beam radiation therapy and partial breast brachytherapy (temporary radiation implants) are the two types of radiation therapy for breast cancer. Both are performed by a board-certified radiation oncologist, such as Paul Mitsuyama, MD, of Arizona Oncology, a private medical practice based at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “Phoenix Baptist Hospital has enabled physicians to provide clinically advanced therapies with upgraded technical machinery,” Dr. Mitsuyama said. The Breast Health Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital is continually advancing medicine. “We’re learning more and more about cancer at the molecular level,” Dr. Zannis said. “This allows us to provide precisely the right treatment.” A new test on the DNA of breast cancer cells tells doctors whether a specific therapy — chemotherapy, for example — is even needed, he added. Yet clinical advancements, Dr. Zannis said, are only part of what makes care at Phoenix Baptist Hospital’s Breast Health Center so superior. “Dignity and compassion are just as important,” he said. “Some of the nurses in the center have been there for decades. They have a true commitment to helping patients feel better physically and emotionally.” A lexis Toma is just one of a thousand babies whose births are assisted by midwives at Phoenix Baptist Hospital each year. “The hospital has a strong, longtime commitment to midwifery,” said midwife Lylaine Gavette, RN, “They are so receptive to natural births.” A certified midwife provides support during labor and delivery. She attends the childbirth and oversees the care of mothers and newborns during uncomplicated pregnancies. Midwifery is a professionally regulated field, meaning certified midwives have met health science education requirements, graduated from an accredited midwifery program and successfully completed a national certification exam. Demand for midwifery services has been increasing, Gavette reported, as more women become interested in choosing home births. “Birth (in the U.S.) has evolved into a sterile, medical procedure, and birth isn’t that, really,” Gavette said. “It’s not an illness, not a disease. The key is to be vigilant to protect birth as normal.” Gavette looks forward to the new midwifery birthing center, with very homelike suites. She added that women with healthy babies and normal births could return home as early as eight hours after birth. The new midwifery birthing center will open this summer with four birthing suites, each with a large tub for water birthing and birthing balls. For information about the Birthing Center at Phoenix Baptist Hospital, call 602-246-5732. — Debra Gelbart FROM PAGE 1 “The Midwifery Unit is a space that looks more like home but has the security of a hospital,” said Wayne Gillis, the chief nursing officer at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. Classy and calming The Women’s Center has been designed as an upscale calming, soothing space, with neutral colors, dark cherry trim, wood-grain finishes and ceramic tile surfaces. Even the sinks in the bathrooms look like decorative bowls. “The rooms — all of which are private — are intended to look like those found in a beautiful hotel,” said Richard Hartley, the director of facilities for Phoenix Baptist Hospital. “We’ve moved away from a traditional clinical look and toward a warm, welcoming setting.” Each room includes a 26-inch flat-screen TV and a sleepover bed for loved ones. “And because all of the nurses are trained in women’s recovery care, it will be easier for the nursing staff to focus on the type of care that these patients specifically need,” Gillis said. Focused on care and advanced treatment “Nurses in this center don’t need to be familiar with 30 types of surgeries like they might on a general floor of a hospital,” Tehranchi said. “Because the nurses are specially trained to take care of women’s needs, they’re more aware of subtle changes in a patient that may require immediate medical attention.” Howell said the Women’s Center is meant to be an all-inclusive facility, which incorporates health screenings, diagnostics and education. “We also offer advanced digital mammography, 64-slice CT scanning and minimally invasive, robotically assisted surgery,” he said. “These services are offered in an environment designed specifically for women.” W���� br��g ��r� ��d w�r��h �� �h� w�r�d. W�’d ��k� �� r��ur� �h� f�v�r. cr����d �x��u��v��y f�r w����, th� W����’� c����r �� Ph����x B�p���� H��p���� �� ���ff�d by �ur��� ��d phy������� wh� �p������z� �� w����’� h����h. 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