Client News: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare Names New Senior VP and Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital President

Source: Jewish Hospital & St Mary's HealthCare Press Release

Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare (JHSMH) has named Jim Parobek as senior vice president of clinical innovation and president of Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.

In these roles, Parobek is the senior officer responsible for the service line development and clinical integration across the Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare system, oversight of the operations of the Jewish Physician Group and all activities related to Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.

Parobek has more than 20 years experience in healthcare leadership. He most recently served as the president of the Saint Joseph Health System Physician Enterprise. In this role, he was responsible for the establishment and implementation of physician affiliation and integration. He also served as CEO of the former Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital in Louisville.

“Jim’s extensive background in hospital leadership makes him an ideal choice to lead Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital,” said David Laird, CEO, Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare. “I am confident he will further the healing mission of the hospital and guide the successful completion of improvements currently underway including the $16 million central utility plant project.”

Parobek earned his MBA from Webster University. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from Ohio University and a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Miami University. He and his wife, Susan, have two adult sons and live in Louisville.

Client News: ETMC EMS Names New Director of Operations

Source: ETMC News

ETMC EMS has named Neal Franklin as the new director of operations for the East Texas service area. Franklin previously served as EMS director of business development and came to ETMC in January after retiring as fire chief with the city of Tyler.

In this new position, Franklin will be responsible for more than 300 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, covering over 16,000 square miles in East Texas, responding to 110,000 requests for service and transportation of more than 77,000 patients each year.

Franklin is from Tyler and received his bachelor’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. While attending graduate school at the University of North Texas, he became a Dallas firefighter. In 1987, he moved back to Tyler and worked his way up through the ranks of the Tyler Fire Department and eventually served as chief for seven years.

Franklin has been married for 25 years to Valli and has three children.

Client News: York Hospital’s Trauma Center Receives 3-Year Accreditation

Source: WellSpan Health News



York Hospital’s Level I Trauma Center has received a three-year accreditation from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, effective Oct. 1. York Hospital’s Trauma Center was upgraded to Level I in October 2009.

It serves more than 650,000 people in York, Adams and Franklin counties, and is capable of handling any kind of trauma 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Keith Clancy, M.D., medical director of trauma services, said, “Many people contribute every day to the success of the trauma program.  It’s the hard work of these often unrecognized staff members that really makes our trauma program the success it is.”

Trauma services is a true multi-disciplinary function, involving numerous departments such as respiratory, imaging, care management, pastoral care, laboratory, nursing, dietary, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, volunteers, patient reps and many others.

Clancy added, “We provide high quality care to every patient, every day.  We have a trauma program in which we can all feel very proud.  The communities we serve can be confident that, should they need a trauma center, the care and quality they receive at York Hospital is of the highest quality and caliber."

York Hospital’s Level I Trauma Center patients arrive with a higher injury severity score than most of the nation.  Yet, the outcome survivability score continues to exceed nationwide averages and expectation, according to Amy Krichten, R.N., trauma program manager.

“We strive to incorporate the best practices for patient care every step of the way—from the time the 911 call is placed to when the patient is discharged,” stressed Krichten.  “We constantly review our protocols.”

“This accreditation is a great way to begin our 25th year as a regional trauma center,” said Raymond Rosen, vice president of operations at York Hospital.  “We have made a difference in the lives of countless residents over the years.

“Receiving accreditation at the highest level with no significant findings means that an impartial third-party (The Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation) believes we have a top-notch program.”

York Hospital’s Level I Trauma Center is one of only two in south central Pennsylvania, and one of 15 in the state.

Last year, the trauma center cared for 2,090 patients, the most ever.  The number of patients transferred from other area hospitals to the trauma center has doubled since gaining Level I status two years ago.

This fiscal year is shaping up to be the busiest ever.  In July, trauma services cared for a record 249 patients.  The previous monthly high was 230.

Client News: WellSpan Runs Top 25 Connected Streak to Six

Source: Around WellSpan Online

WellSpan has been named among the Top 25 Most Connected Healthcare Facilities by Health Imaging and IT magazine for the sixth consecutive year.

The magazine termed the 25 organizations “an illustrious group.” Editor Lisa Fratt wrote, “Health Imaging and IT’s Top Connected award recognizes true innovators in imaging and informatics.

“Winning organizations have clearly demonstrated their ability to leverage data to inform decisions and motivate clinical and administrative stakeholders to drive targeted improvements in patient care, quality and efficiency.

“It’s a model that healthcare enterprises across the United States need to embrace.”

R. Hal Baker, M.D., vice president and chief information officer, said, “Our sixth year of recognition is a strong validation that our collaboration across our entire organization is allowing WellSpan to achieve a connectedness that is not yet common across health care.

“Making sure everyone has access to the information they need, when they need it, remains the mission of our eCare efforts. This award should encourage us to continue to strive for innovation and excellence.”

WellSpan has a compelling story

Stephen French, program director of PACS, said, WellSpan has a compelling story to tell when it comes to data connectivity.

“Our philosophy on patient data is anywhere, anytime—fast, easy and secure.”

This past year, WellSpan expanded its Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) throughout the organization.

CPOE allows clinicians to directly enter medication orders, tests and procedures into a computer system, which then transmits the order to the pharmacy or appropriate department.

CPOE typically reduces errors by ensuring standardized, legible and complete orders. Physicians with the required licensure and privileges can log into any computer and complete their order entries.

With the goal of increasing the speed of connection and decreasing wait times, WellSpan upgraded its internet bandwidth from 50 to 150 megabytes. WellSpan also has provided many radiologists with full diagnostic work stations, allowing them to work from home.

WellSpan is one of four Pennsylvania organizations to make this year’s list. The others are Aria Health in Philadelphia, Main Line Health in Bryn Mawr and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

For a complete list of the Top 25 Most Connected Healthcare Facilities, go to http://www.healthimaging.com/.

Client News: Inova Fairfax Hospital's Prematurity Program Awarded Joint Commission Certification

Inova Fairfax Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s first ever Gold Seal of Approval™ for Prematurity (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety in premature birth care. The certification awarded Inova Fairfax Hospital, part of the world-class healthcare provider Inova Health System which had in excess of 20,000 birth’s in 2010, recognizes the hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

"This Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ validates that the care premature babies receive in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit not only consistently meets but exceeds the national standards leading to the best care possible," commented Reuven Pasternak, CEO of Inova Fairfax Hospital and SVP, Inova Health System.  "To be the first in the United States to achieve this certification is a tribute to the multidisciplinary team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable professionals who are truly dedicated to improving the health of the diverse community we are privileged to serve through excellence in patient care."

The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.  A team of Joint Commission expert reviewers evaluated Inova Fairfax Hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"This certification is a tribute to the care and commitment of our doctors, nurses and staff who, over many years, have developed a neonatal program offering a full spectrum of services available from the time of  delivery until discharge.  This includes advanced clinical procedures for treating premature babies as well as newborns suffering from birth defects, injury, illness or life-threatening conditions," according to John M. North, MD, Medical Director, NICU, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.  "We are proud to provide excellence in patient care, which ranks among the best in the nation."

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States as well as providing certification of more than 1,700 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services.

"In achieving this Joint Commission certification, Inova Fairfax Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its premature birth patients" observed Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. "Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Inova Fairfax Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

Client News: Mon Health System and Mon General Announce Board Changes

The Boards of Directors of Monongalia Health System and Monongalia General Hospital recently elected new board chairmen and added several new members.

Glenn Adrian is the new Chairman of the Monongalia Health System Board of Directors and Sarah Minear is the new Chairman of the Mon General Hospital Board of Directors. Monongalia Health System is the parent company of Mon General Hospital, Mon HealthCare Equipment and Supplies, Monongalia EMS and The Village at Heritage Point.

New members include Bobbie Hawkins on the Monongalia Health System Board of Directors and Helen Blevins, Terry L. Shaffer and Natalie Stone on the Mon General Board of Directors. The new members’ first board meeting was held on Aug. 2.

“It’s a privilege to serve as Chairman of the Mon Health System Board of Directors,” Adrian said. “I’m looking forward to leading the Board as we embark upon the continual evolution of healthcare delivery in our community.

“For a strong community hospital like Mon General to remain viable, it needs to be led by a strong volunteer leadership board,” Adrian said. “Mon Health System and Mon General have been fortunate throughout the years to have had a commitment from community members to serve on its boards and that tradition continues with our newest members.”

Adrian has been a member of the Mon Health System Board of Directors since 2006. He also served on The Foundation of Mon General Hospital Board of Directors from 1990-2011.

“Mon General Hospital has a great Board of Directors and I'm honored to be the new chairman,” Minear said.

“The hospital has long enjoyed a strong reputation for providing quality healthcare to the region,” Minear said. “We have very progressive goals to keep Mon General on the cutting edge of quality healthcare and my role as chairman will be to keep our focus on those goals to bring them to fruition.”

Minear joined the Mon General Board of Directors in 2007. She previously served three terms in the West Virginia State Senate, having been elected in 1994, 1998 and 2002, representing the 14th Senatorial District. In addition, she has been active on numerous area boards.

The Monongalia Health System Board of Directors welcomed one new member:

Bobbie Hawkins has been the Business Development Manager at Alpha Associates, Inc. since 2004, a position created to further develop the marketing strategy of the firm. Alpha Associates is a local architectural and engineering firm.

Prior to becoming the Business Development Manager, Hawkins was the Marketing Coordinator at Alpha Associates. She was also a loan officer and assistant branch manager at Bartlett Farmers Bank.

Hawkins serves as the Vice Chair of Membership for the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Co-Chair of the Citizens Review Board for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties and the Vice President of the Monongalia County 4-H Leaders Association. She is also involved with Leadership Monongalia, Leadership West Virginia, the Cheat Lake Sailors 4-H Club and is on the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown.

She received her Bachelors in Business Administration from Harding University and her Associates in Business from Ohio Valley College.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Mon Health System Board,” Hawkins said. “Morgantown and the surrounding areas are extremely blessed to have a comprehensive healthcare system to serve our healthcare needs. At a time in history when the healthcare industry is on unsteady ground, I will do my best to strengthen the Mon Health System through effective stewardship and service.”

The Mon General Board of Directors welcomed three new members:

Helen Blevins is the Manger of Clinical Occupational and Non-Occupational Healthcare at CONSOL Energy. She has extensive experience managing CONSOL’s substance abuse program and is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable authorities on the problem of substance abuse in the mining industry. Blevins has worked in the mining industry for over 31 years in various healthcare positions. She has a BS Degree in Nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and has also worked in clinical nursing at Mercy Hospital and Jefferson Hospital in Pittsburgh, as well as ALCOA.

Blevins has had frequent contact with Mon General, including physicians and the Emergency Department, through CONSOL workers utilizing the hospital for workers comp and short-term disability. In addition, she works with Mon General Community Wellness to offer annual health fairs for CONSOL employees and retirees.

“Mon General is an exceptional hospital,” Blevins said. “I have seen the care the hospital provides, not only to our (CONSOL) employees, but to our employees’ family members. Mon General is constantly working to meet the needs of the community. To me, that is so important.

“I’m very honored and happy to be part of the team of the Mon General Board of Directors,” she said. Blevins resides in Bridgeville, PA.

Terry L. Shaffer is a Morgantown native and a graduate of Morgantown High School. He received his BS degree in Business Administration from West Virginia University. He has been Market President at United Bank since 1996, and has worked as a commercial lender at Community Bank and Trust, was President of Mountaineer National Bank, was President of CB&T of Monongalia County and a commercial lender at Huntington National Bank. His community involvement includes Rotary and serving on the Mylan Park Board of Directors, the Mon General Hospital Finance Committee and the Morgantown Area Partnership Board of Directors.

“Being a native of and professional in Morgantown, I appreciate and want to help maintain the high quality of healthcare being provided by Mon General,” Shaffer said. “It is essential in finding and employing professionals in our market, as well as attracting new businesses to our community. I am joining the Mon General Board of Directors to aid in the continuation of quality service to this community, their patients and their employees.”

Natalie Stone is the Executive Director of the North Central Building and Construction Trades Council, an AFL-CIO affiliated organization representing more than 3,000 construction workers in the North Central and Eastern Panhandle regions of West Virginia. She is also a member of IBEW Local 596, a representative on the West Virginia State Building Trades Executive Board and has served on the auditing committee for the WV AFL-CIO at various conventions. She presently serves on the WV Attorney General’s Consumer Advocate Board and was recently selected to serve on the Mon General Auxiliary’s 2011 Ball of the Year Committee. Raised in Preston County, she now resides in Morgantown.

“My connection through the Building Trades and the 3,000 working families that I represent may enable me to better serve the community and the hospital with my service as a member of the Mon General Board,” Stone said. “My own family has experienced medical situations over the years and I have been impressed with the compassion shown to us by the hospital staff and administration.

“It’s an honor for me to now consider myself a member of the Mon General team and know that that same compassion will be shown to the families in North Central West Virginia,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to work closely with the leadership at Mon General and I feel confident in their ability to lead us in the healthcare challenges we face now, and in the future, and therefore I am extremely honored to be part of that team.”

The Monongalia Health System Board of Directors consists of Adrian, Chairman; Zack George, Ph.D., Vice Chairman; Mike DeProspero, Secretary/Treasurer; Susan Capelle, MD; Mon Health System President and CEO Darryl Duncan; Don Gallion; Hawkins; Alan Hess, MD; Patrick Martin, Immediate Past Chair; Robert Maust; Carol Rushford; George Snider, MD; Wade Stoughton, MD; and Ron Stovash. Billy Atkins and David Myerberg, MD, left the Board when their terms expired on June 30. There is one vacancy on the Board which will be filled at a later date.

The Mon General Board of Directors consists of Minear, Chairman; Roger King, MD, Vice Chairman; Sister Nancy White, Secretary/Treasurer and Immediate Past Chair; Adrian; Blevins; Duncan; Robin Garrett, DO, Mon General Chief of Medical Staff; Martin; Carol Rushford; Shaffer; Dr. Stoughton; and Stone. The new members replace Atkins, Joseph Kun and Mary Petropoulos whose terms expired on June 30.

Client News: Des Peres Hospital Awarded HFAP Accreditation

Source: Des Peres Hospital Press Release

Des Peres Hospital was recently awarded accreditation from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), an independent, recognized accreditation authority. It earned this distinction after HFAP conducted an extensive and objective review of the hospital’s quality and safety standards.

“Des Peres Hospital clearly demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care,” said Michael Zarski, CEO of HFAP. “We base our decision on federal standards, patient safety and treatment, quality improvement, and environmental safety. Des Peres Hospital met or exceeded standards in every case.”

“We’re proud to achieve this prestigious distinction,” said Michael Kendrick, chief operating officer. “By awarding us accreditation, the HFAP has recognized our commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community. In fact, quality is consistently the priority focus in our strategic plans and goals.”

The HFAP is one of only three national voluntary accreditation programs authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to survey all hospitals and other medical facilities for compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation.

The HFAP is a non-profit, nationally recognized accreditation organization. It has been accrediting healthcare facilities for more than 60 years and under Medicare since its inception. Its mission is to advance high quality patient care and safety through objective application of recognized standards. Its accreditation is recognized by the federal government, state governments, managed care organizations, and insurance companies. For more information, go to: http://www.hfap.org/.

Client News: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare Names VP of Finance

Souce: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare Press Release

Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare has named Christopher L. Roszman as Vice President of Finance. Roszman will be responsible for corporate finance, budget, finance and strategic planning, decision support, tax reporting, reimbursement, payroll and accounts payable.

“Christopher Roszman has a terrific history of managing the financial interests of a healthcare system like ours,” said Ron Farr, JHSMH Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. “We’re pleased to bring his expertise onto our team.”

Roszman has more than 20 years of progressive health care financial and operations experience. He has served as both a senior vice president of finance in a multi-hospital system and as a public practice CPA. Most recently, he served as partner with BKD, LLP Health Care Group, one of the country’s largest accounting and consulting firms. At BKD, he assisted health care providers with audit, consulting and revenue and performance management solutions.

Roszman is a certified public accountant, a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and a Six Sigma Green Belt. He earned his master’s degree in business administration from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky.

Client News: ETMC Names New Vice President for EMS

Source: ETMC Press Release

East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System has named Ron Schwartz as the new vice president/chief operating officer for ETMC EMS.  

Schwartz has been with ETMC for over 11 years serving as director of operations and general manager. In this position, he was responsible for more than 400 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, covering over 17,000 square miles, responding to 135,000 requests for service and transportation of more than 105,000 patients each year.

Schwartz helped ETMC add EMS services to several markets in Texas including Waco and Pasadena. Last year, ETMC EMS joined an elite group of emergency providers to receive a three year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services for quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system.

Schwartz will also serve as president of Paramedics Plus, an ambulance division of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System. Paramedics Plus currently provides emergency services to residents of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla., Pinellas County, Fla., Fort Wayne, Ind., and in November will begin providing services to Alameda, Calif.

Schwartz began his career as a paramedic in Michigan and then worked as a paramedic and a firefighter in Nevada. He later went into management for ambulance services in Reno, Nev., and Lincoln, Neb. Schwartz has a degree in EMS management from Davenport College in Michigan.

Schwartz replaces Tony Myers, who retired in June after 18 years with ETMC EMS and Paramedics Plus.

Client News: New Health Partnership Announces Board Of Trustees

 Source: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare News

Representing a wealth of knowledge, community leadership and dedication to Kentuckians, Jewish Hospital HealthCare Services, Catholic Health Initiatives, and the University of Louisville are pleased to announce their new system’s community board of trustees.

Bob Hewett, chair, said  “I’m excited to be working with such an outstanding group of community leaders to increase access, expand service, and get Kentucky ready for the future of health care.”

The new 18 community member board of trustees will serve in an advisory capacity until all regulatory and church approvals are complete.  They will then transition into a fiduciary role and oversee the new organization, establishing committee structures such as strategic planning, quality and patient satisfaction, audit and compliance, and finance, among others. 

At the foundation of this yet-to-be-named system is a common mission to provide the highest quality care to the most disadvantaged and underserved.  The partnership strengthens Louisville’s academic medical center and access to it by creating a system with more than 90 locations.   It aligns academic and community physicians into a medical staff of more than 3,000 physicians to serve Kentucky and beyond.

The board members are:

Michael Ades - Retired Attorney, Lexington, KY
LouAnn Atlas - Fifth Third Bank Executive, Louisville, KY
Jane Burks - Volunteers of America, Louisville, KY
Jane J. Chiles-  Meridian Chiles Advertising, Lexington, KY
David L. Dunn, MD, PhD - Executive VP for Health Affairs, UofL, Louisville, KY
Paul Edgett - Catholic Health Initiatives, Erlanger, KY
Robert Hewett-  Retired Utility and Banking Executive, Lexington, KY
Miller Hoffman- Hoffman Robertson Insurance, Mount Sterling, KY
Robert C. Hughes, MD -Senior Partner, Primary Care Medical Ctr., Murray, KY
Charlie Johnson CEO, -Immanuel Realty, LLC, Louisville, KY
Thomas Mechas, MD -London Women’s Care, London, KY
Robert W. Rounsavall, III -Owner, Dixie Real Properties, Louisville, KY
Michael Rowan -Catholic Health Initiatives, Englewood, CO
Adolfo Ruiz Sr. -Adhawks Advertising & Public Relations, Inc., Louisville, KY
Richard Schultz -Retired Advertising Executive, Louisville, KY
Gerald Temes, MD -Retired Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeon,  Louisville, KY
Elizabeth Wendeln, SCN -Consultant/Facilitator, Louisville, KY
Russell Williams, MD -Associates in General Surgery, PSC., Louisville, KY
 

Partner ProfilesJewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare (JHSMH) is a regional health network providing both primary and specialty medical care in more than 70 health care facilities with approximately 7,850 team members and 1,900 patient beds in Kentucky and southern Indiana. It has been nationally ranked in the top 25 percent of Medicare-certified agencies.

Saint Joseph Health System includes nine regional facilities (including Saint Joseph Hospital, Lexington’s first hospital, established 1877) across central and eastern Kentucky with 1,012 licensed beds, approximately 5,000 employees and 1,300 physicians on its medical staffs. Combined, the Saint Joseph facilities have been recognized 20 times as being among the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation by Thomson Reuters. 

The University of Louisville Hospital, established in 1817, is a 404-bed facility and the primary adult teaching hospital for the UofL School of Medicine. It operates the region’s only adult Level I trauma center and operates Kentucky’s first certified stroke center, first nationally accredited breast center and first hospital-based telemedicine network. Aligned with the hospital, The James Graham Brown Cancer Center offers the area’s most advanced cancer treatment with specialists working in multidisciplinary teams who have received national recognition for research and participation in clinical trials, as well as translating research into today’s medical practice. 
 

Sponsor ProfilesCatholic Health Initiatives is a national, nonprofit health organization with headquarters in Denver. The faith-based system operates in 19 states and includes 72 hospitals; and 40 long-term care, assisted- and residential-living facilities; and two community health services organizations. CHI is the nation's third-largest Catholic health care system.

Jewish Hospital HealthCare Services traces its history to 1903 when a group of prominent Jewish businessmen met and founded a hospital to provide health care for poor immigrant Jews and to create a non-sectarian institution that would treat both paying and non-paying members of the entire community and provide a setting where Jewish physicians could practice medicine, pursue research and treat patients. In the decades since its founding, Jewish Hospital HealthCare Services has grown into a nationally recognized organization that has contributed a number of medical firsts in the world, nation and region.

The University of Louisville is Kentucky's premier metropolitan research university. Boasting more than 170 fields of study in 12 colleges and schools, UofL offers its 22,000 students world-class opportunities in many nationally and internationally ranked undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Through its service mission, the university is addressing the needs of Louisville and other Kentucky metropolitan areas with hundreds of partnerships in education, business and economic development, and healthcare. One of America's fastest-growing research universities, UofL is focusing on translational research that can move quickly from the lab to the marketplace.

Client News: Des Peres Hospital Qualifies for AHA Mission: Lifeline Recognition for Heart Attack Care

Source: Des Peres Hospital News Release

Des Peres Hospital recently qualified for the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Bronze Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes Des Peres Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients that effectively improves the survival and care of STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) patients.

Every year, almost 250,000 people experience the STEMI type of heart attack. Unfortunately, a significant number don't receive prompt reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate STEMI patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline is focusing on improving the system of care for these patients and at the same time improving care for all heart attack patients.

Hospitals involved in Mission: Lifeline strive to improve care in both acute treatment measures and discharge measures. Systems of care are developed that close the gap of timely access to appropriate, life-saving treatments. Before they are discharged, appropriate patients are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in the hospital and receive smoking cessation counseling.

Hospitals that receive the Mission: Lifeline Bronze Performance Achievement Award have demonstrated for 90 consecutive days that at least 85 percent of eligible STEMI patients (without contraindications) are treated within specific time frames upon entering the hospital and discharged following the American Heart Association’s recommended treatment guidelines.

“Des Peres Hospital is dedicated to delivering cardiac care that is among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that by making it easier for our professionals to improve the outcomes of our cardiac patients,” said Steve Woods, clinical quality officer. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care.”

About Mission: Lifeline
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for STEMI patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit www.heart.org/missionlifeline and www.heart.org/quality.

Client News: Botsford Hospital Ranked Among National Leaders in Quality and Responsible Care

Source: Bostford Hospital News Release

Botsford Hospital has been ranked as one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation in terms of quality and value provided to the community according to a study of U.S. hospitals just released by a leading health care consulting firm.

Botsford was recognized as a top-ranked Community Value Provider in the State of the Hospital Industry –2011 Edition published by Cleverley +Associates based in Worthington, Ohio. The annual report assesses both financial strength and quality performance of hospitals and ranks the information through a Community Value Index using publicly available data including Medicare Cost Reports, Medicare Inpatient Claims, Medicare Outpatient Claims and 2009-2010 Hospital Compare data.

“We were honored that Botsford received both the Community Value 100 and Community Value Five-Star awards,” said Paul LaCasse, D.O., president and CEO of Botsford Health Care. “Our CVI scores tell us that our hard work in providing top quality and responsible care has paid off when our results are benchmarked against that of all other hospitals of similar size and teaching status.” The Community Value 100 award recognizes the top 100 hospitals while the Five Star Award is given to those scoring in the top 20 percent of their group; Botsford is ranked with other medium size teaching hospitals. 

The Community Value Index assesses hospital performance in four key areas: financial viability and reinvestment in the facility, reasonable cost and charge structures and hospital quality indicators. The 2011 awards are based on 2009 hospital data.

Botsford Hospital is a multi-specialty community hospital with 330 licensed beds located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The hospital was founded in 1965 with a vision of providing excellence and quality in the delivery of health care. Botsford Hospital each year cares for more than 17,000 inpatients and almost 60,000 emergency patients with a team of 2,400 employees, 400 volunteers and more than 600 physicians. A not-for-profit hospital, Botsford provided almost $27 million in community benefit during its 2008 fiscal year.

http://www.botsford.org/

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