First quadruplets born at Johnson City Medical Center Mountain
Transcription
First quadruplets born at Johnson City Medical Center Mountain
ews! Breaking N es SHA receiv M e Award c n e ll e c x E 2005 Page 7 2005 Annual Report What’s Inside JCMC brings new breast cancer treatment to region . . . . . . . . . . 2 Tasty food options excite diners at Mountain States Health Alliance facilities . . . . 3 Sycamore Shoals Hospital first in southern U.S. with new surgery for women . . 6 Fast emergency care at Indian Path Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Woodridge Hospital joins MSHA . . . . . . . 6 Year filled with awards and recognition . . . . . 7 Johnson County Home Health wins quality award . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Mountain States Health Alliance team members reach out with contributions - from hurricane relief to United Way Showing their caring goes well beyond hospital walls, the Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) team members reached deep into their pockets for monetary contributions this past year. During the past fiscal year, team members gave approximately $1 million to different charitable efforts, including hurricane relief, the Mountain States Foundation (MSF) capital campaign for building a new home for The Children’s Hospital and the United Way campaigns in the region. One event which surprised everyone involved was the First Annual Children’s Hospital Classic Softball Tournament, which was expected to raise a few thousand dollars but actually brought in $35,000 toward the construction of a new home for The Children’s Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) MSHA team members reacted emotionally and with energy in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina tragedy by Salvation Army Major Daphne Vick, left, MSHA President and CEO Dennis Vonderfecht, and American Red Cross official Shounde Sevenson with check from MSHA and its employees. The final total collected was $290,000. raising $290,000 while other team members traveled to the area to provide voluntary medical care. “These are incredible results and there is no doubt that team members’ generous donations are greatly appreciated by those in need,” said Ed Herbert, MSHA Vice President/Marketing and Communications. Herbert said the final MSHA total contribution to the United Way campaigns, at $215,681, represents outstanding performance by team members at all 10 facilities in the MSHA family. “All the agencies supported by the United Way were monetarily touched, thanks to the support from MSHA team members. Johnson City Medical Center, Indian Path Medical Center, and especially Johnson County Health Center, with 90 percent participation from its full-time team members, as well as Sycamore Shoals, Woodridge Hospital, MSHA Corporate, Home Health and Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital all hit their goals,” he added. In total, MSHA surpassed its goal, reaching a 113.2 percent level of giving. “I’m not surprised that our team members rallied in the spirit of giving to contribute to these worthy efforts,” said Dennis Vonderfecht, MSHA President and CEO. “It is our nature to follow the MSHA focus of bringing loving care to health care throughout our daily lives. MSHA team members are the first to give, the first to respond in many areas of the region.” The Team Member Campaign, which is an inhouse effort to raise money to support the Mountain States Foundation, brought in nearly $400,000. While much of that funding will be focused on the construction of the new Children’s Hospital home, other support goes toward programs such as Parish Nursing, breast care and other philanthropic efforts. First quadruplets born at Johnson City Medical Center October was a big month at the Wissert home in Kingsport. On Sept. 21, Laura Wissert gave birth to the first set of quadruplets born in our region in more than 25 years. In the following three weeks, Laura, her husband, Robert, and their 17-month-old son, George, welcomed home three of the quads: brothers, Emmett James and Michael Olmstead, along with their sister, Flora - Florence O’Bryan. The fourth quad, “Charlie-bug” Wissert - Charles Robert - was the holdout. With Charlie’s arrival home from his first home in the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC), the Wissert quadruplets are together again and snug in their new family of seven. The quadruplets’ birth was a first for JCMC’s Center for Women’s Health and the first multiple births in the immediate Trabue/Wissert families. The Wisserts were referred to JCMC Center for Women’s Health because of the risk factor of multiple births. “MSHA has perinatologists, which we needed due to high risk,” said Laura Wissert. From day one of her arrival at the hospital, her doctor and nurse teams became enamored with the Wissert family and their impending arrivals. “We’ve had such a tremendous response,” said Laura Wissert, the 37-yearold mom of five. “The generosity has been overwhelming,” she said. It’s been a love fest from the beginning for the family - from caregivers at JCMC, where Laura arrived on Aug. 4 for bed rest, until the See Quads Page 2 From left, Charlie, Emmett, Flora and Michael dressed up for Halloween www.msha.com A Message from President and CEO Dennis Vonderfecht Dennis Vonderfecht, President & CEO Mountain States Health Alliance Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) is the largest provider of healthcare and wellness services in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Formed in 1998, MSHA has grown to ten hospitals in 2005 with the addition of Woodridge Hospital. Our volumes of inpatients and outpatients in 2005 grew to record levels, far above any other healthcare system in the region. When one compares the number of lives touched by MSHA in 1997 and today, the results are incredible. One will find in this report that during our Fiscal Year 2005, MSHA generated just over $1.3-billion dollars of patient revenue, including $862 million of care for which we were not paid; more than 40,000 admissions and 788,000 outpatient visits; more than 142,000 visits to our Emergency Departments; and 421,286 calls through our Call Center (Ask-A-Nurse). Those numbers can be staggering to the mind; however, they do not reflect the heart and soul of our more than 5,400 team members at Mountain States Health Alliance. Our team members and dedicated physicians are committed to our Mission of Bringing Loving Care To Health Care. To make this a reality, the Patient-Centered Care philosophy guides Mountain States Health Alliance each day. MSHA is committed to bringing the best to your health care when you are a patient with us. Is it working? Our patients and their loved ones think so. We have seen patient satisfaction scores at MSHA facilities increase, and some actually are among the best in the nation. Johnson City Specialty Hospital is THE benchmark for high patient satisfaction scores for Serving the thousands of Children from our 24 county region since 1992! hospitals of its size. This past year, two other Mountain States Health Alliance facilities received national recognition for great patient satisfaction. The James H. and Cecile C. Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital and Indian Path Medical Center (IPMC) both were recognized nationally by Press Ganey with its Compass Award. IPMC actually received two national Compass Awards, one for its inpatient satisfaction and the second for its outpatient satisfaction scores. Our clinical quality is also being recognized nationally. Johnson City Medical Center was the first hospital in the region to receive the recognition as a Top 100 Heart Hospital, this past year. JCMC is the region’s Top Heart Hospital as more people trust their heart care to the tremendous team at JCMC. JCMC also became the first hospital in the State of Tennessee to be nationally recognized as a Magnet Hospital for nursing excellence. Then in the spring of 2005, an independent survey found that JCMC was the Consumer’s #1 Choice in our region, with the See CEO • Is our region’s only nationally accredited children’s hospital. • Cared for close to 20,000 children last year alone from Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport and other communities in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina and Southeastern Kentucky. • Is designated by the State as our region’s only perinatal center, offering the largest and most comprehensive neonatal intensive care unit with 32 beds. • Is home to one of only four St. Jude Children’s Affiliate Clinics in the United States so children can receive their cancer treatments close to home. • 50 pediatricians and 24 pediatric sub-specialists serving this 24 county region. With Tennessee’s approval of a Certificate of Need, construction on the new home for the Regional Children’s Hospital is expected to start in mid-2006. One of the first priorities in the project will be the creation of a Pediatric Emergency Department at JCMC, the first and only of its kind in the region. In it’s new home, The Children’s Hospital at JCMC will have larger rooms, a family-centered caring environment and the region’s first Pediatric Emergency Department. Help make this dream a reality. Call the Mountain States Foundation for more information at (423) 952-3110. Message Page 8 JCMC brings new breast cancer treatment to region For women suffering from breast cancer, a new treatment now being offered at Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) could offer a dramatic change in the amount of radiation patients must undergo while also easing side effects. “Traditionally, for women with breast cancer, there have only been two options: a mastectomy that removes the Dr. Kyle Colvett entire breast or a lumpectomy, which removes only the infected area but requires six weeks of radiation,” said Dr. Kyle Colvett, Medical Director of the Regional Cancer Center. “Now, recently approved technology can help change that by significantly lowering the number of radiation treatments a lumpectomy patient must undergo.” The procedure is called mammosite radiation therapy, and it lowers the number of radiation treatments from nearly 40 to just 10 by working from inside the breast. When a cancerous lump is removed, a pocket of fluid develops in the site area. Traditionally, doctors have moved straight to exterior radiation on this area after the surgery, but mammosite radiation therapy takes advantage of this pocket by using it as an entry point for interior treatment. The technique uses a balloon catheter which is placed at the site of the lumpectomy. The catheter is hooked up to a machine which injects a radioactive item through the catheter and into the balloon. Patients can complete their treatments in just one week as compared to the normal six weeks. “It gives radiation from the inside out rather than from the outside in,” said Colvett, adding this is a real advantage for patients living in more remote areas served by the Center or for professional women who are unable to undergo six weeks of treatment. “Each treatment only takes a few minutes. The patient is in and out of the office in just 10 or 15 minutes.” Laura Wissert with her husband, Robert, right, and the quadruplets, from left, Charlie, Emmett, Flora and Michael Quads Continued from Page babies’ birth when she was 31 weeks and four days pregnant, to the neighborhood welcome they received as the babies came home. The parents, both physical therapists at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, are clockwork in action. They have learned to carry two babies at once even while helping George put on a sweater. Feedings, diaper changings and entertaining an additional active toddler are becoming routine in the Wissert household - and, oh yes, Robert redesigned the kitchen out of necessity, said Laura with a laugh. Robert was busy at home with redesign work while Laura was resting in the hospital. No one is prouder of the Wissert quads’ birth than Lisa www.msha.com Smithgall, Vice President of Women’s and Children’s Services at JCMC. “It was a new experience for us, but we were up to the challenge. We prepared for the children’s arrival as we would for a single birth - but we added nurses and additional staff to the labor and delivery circle,” said Smithgall. In all, 27 members comprised the medical team that helped with details of the quadruplets’ delivery. “There were preparation meetings attended by all involved prior to the Sept. 21 event, as well as team members being on standby call for weeks so they could come in and help with these births, whenever they happened, day or night,” Smithgall added. As it was, the births occurred at 9:50, 9:52, 9:53 and 9:54 p.m. Charles Robert weighed 4 pounds; Emmett James weighed 4 pounds, 2 ounces; Florence O’Bryan weighed 3 pounds, 13 ounces; Michael Olmstead weighed 4 pounds, 4 ounces. Laura Wissert, beaming, said the journey through the pregnancy and delivery was one of faith and hope. In fact, Laura, her mother and her motherin-law wore bracelets engraved with “Expect Miracles,” bought by Laura’s mother when the pregnancy was announced to family members. After her new grandchildren were born, Mrs. Trabue passed her bracelet on to an expectant mom at JCMC. The children change daily now and they’re “so entertaining,” to say the least, their mom said. Laura Wissert said, “Just knowing that I carried them…just to think that they are here and healthy” is wonderful. Robert Wissert added, “We had faith that they’d be here and be healthy and just look,” as his smile spread over his children. Mountain States Health Alliance family fills year with anniversaries During the last year, many members of the Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) family celebrated milestones of service to the community. This past year, Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) celebrated its 25th anniversary, Indian Path Medical Center (IPMC) celebrated 20 years of childbirthing services, North Side Hospital (NSH) celebrated its 30th year, WINGS air rescue celebrated 10 years of service and MSHA President and CEO Dennis Vonderfecht celebrated 15 years of service in Johnson City to MSHA and its facilities. JCMC: Music-filled picnics, candle-lit dinners and conversations loaded with memories were a part of celebration of JCMC’s 25th anniversary. The flagship hospital for MSHA, the facility moved to its current site 25 years ago on Sept. 1, 1980. The old Memorial Hospital, located on Boone Street, had outgrown its quarters, but the site for the new hospital was deemed to be “way out there” by some civic and community leaders. Since its opening, JCMC has enjoyed constant growth, including the addition of two more levels, surrounding office buildings and a Same Day Surgery facility and the recent completion of a new Intensive Care Unit. IPMC: The Family Childbirth Center (FCBC) at IPMC brought a new level of care to families in Sullivan County while also celebrating 20 years of service to the region. “We have 14 labor and delivery rooms now. That’s four additional from what we had,” Clinical Leader Rosalie Robinson said of the $3.6 million expansion and renovation in the FCBC. Several of the nurses working at the newly renovated Center were also on hand when it first opened in 1985. Along with the renovations, the physician staff at the Center has increased and the FCBC is now seeing more than 1,000 births a month, which is more than any other Hospital in Sullivan County. NSH: North Side Hospital celebrated its 30th anniversary year in June with a celebration that resembled a 150-member family reunion rather than a simple gathering of current and former hospital team members. North Side opened in April 1975 with 40 beds and 105 team members. Currently, there are 119 beds. NSH went through various ownerships, including its opening through the joint efforts of 11 Johnson City physicians and a small Nashvillebased hospital company, General Care Corp. Today, NSH offers a skilled nursing facility, 24/7 emergency service and a wide array of convenient outpatient diagnostic and lab services. WINGS: Marking 10 years of service and more than 8,000 flights, WINGS Air Rescue celebrated with a party, hosting guests from its past, present and future. “When WINGS first went into service in March 1995, it was not only a great day for the hospital, it was a great day for the region,” said Vonderfecht. “We have continued to surpass our expectations and after 10 years, we have proven this service is needed and vital to the people who live in and around our region.” With scores of fans, supporters and crew members – both past and present – in attendance, a ribbon cutting was also held to officially open the new helicopter hangar at JCMC as part of the celebration. Housed in two bases, one in Johnson City and the other in Morristown, WINGS serves the four-state area of Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. Each base works in a 125-mile service area radius. One of the most active air rescue services in the country, approximately 40 percent of WINGS trips are scene calls with Emergency Medical Services and the remaining 60 percent are interfacility transfers. CEO: It was dark by the time Dennis Vonderfecht, a native of Kearney, Neb., and his older daughter, fourth-grader Jennifer, drove into Johnson City on Dec. 31, 1989. His wife Peggy and their younger daughter, Kristen, had flown in the previous day. “I still remember driving in and seeing the Medical Center at MSHA celebrated a variety of anniversaries, milestones and special birthdays this year. Such events as Johnson City Specialty Hospital welcoming its ,000th baby, above left or, at left, Johnson City Medical Center’s 25th anniversary, at which a cache of treasures was unveiled, as well as priceless momentos, such as the nurse’s cap held by Kathryn Wilhoit. Above, WINGS Air Rescue celebrated 0 years of service at JCMC and more than 8,000 flights. The crew was commended and recognized at a gala party held in the new hangar. night,” he recalled. Although not unfamiliar with Tennessee - Vonderfecht had held the position of Associate Administrator at Gibson General in Trenton, Tenn., from 197880 - this would be his first time as Chief Executive Officer of a healthcare facility, which started at JCMC on Jan. 8, 1990. That first year, Dr. Paul Stanton, then Dean of Quillen College of Medicine at ETSU, worked with JCMC on the transplant program; the next year, the Children’s Hospital was created. Fifteen years later, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) – and proud owner of a herd of miniature donkeys – he can’t imagine enjoying life more. Vonderfecht said, “I was so impressed by the beautiful country here – and I’m glad I was open to this grand opportunity. It brought with it a lot of cultural change. We call it home now.” Vonderfecht has also served as a state leader in health care, including his recent position as chairman of the Tennessee Hospital Association. He also serves on numerous other regional and state-affiliated boards. He holds membership in community and civic groups, as well, and has served as a board member for Hands On! Regional Museum, Rocky Mount Historical Museum, United Way of Johnson City, the Chamber of Commerce and others. He is a deacon at Central Church of Christ. Tasty food options excite diners at Mountain States Health Alliance facilities Changing the conception of hospital food, Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) has started providing more and better options with an emphasis on patient control. The Spice of Life cafeteria at Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) opened this year offering an unexpected level of dining inside the healthcare facility. “In its continuing journey to improve the experience for all at MSHA, we have initiated a monumental change in the patient meal delivery system and now have a premium dining venue for visitors and team members,” said Tom Tull, MSHA Senior Director of Guest Services. Spice of Life was created through a partnership with MSHA and Morrison Food Services, which is in charge of the hospital’s food service and its renovation. The Spice of Life program features an integrated retail theme with popular, contemporary recipes, menus and venues that reflect dining options in the finest cafes and restaurants. All staff members of the cafeteria learned new techniques, ways of preparing foods and new recipes for presentation to not only team members but visitors to JCMC. Each distinctive venue features traditionally popular items, new cuisine or a combination of both. Venues at JCMC include the Allspice, the Peppercorn, the Spice Event, Curry Out, the Wild Sage, the Caraway Deli and Basil’s Pizza & Pasta. At North Side Hospital (NSH), The Terracotta Café Spice of Life team members (above) Terracotta Café team members (left) recently opened to give patients and team members more options while at the healthcare facility. The café has daily offering for 1-800-888-5551 lunch and is stocked with items chosen by those working inside the hospital. “Families and friends are considered an essential part of the care team,” said NSH Assistant Administrator Melanie Stanton. “The Terracotta Café now provides a peaceful environment for them while visiting patients as well as a place for team members.” 3 Mou Mountain States Health Alliance Mission, Vision & Values Mission Mountain States Health Alliance is committed to Bringing Loving Care to Health Care. We exist to identify and respond to the healthcare needs of individuals and communities in our region and to assist them in attaining their highest possible level of health. Vision We passionately pursue healing of the mind, body and spirit as we create a world-class healthcare system. Values Integrity… honesty in everything we do Service… with caring and compassion Leadership… with creativity and innovation Excellence… always pursuing a higher standard • Dawn of Hope • Dollywood Imagination Library • Downtown Clinic • East Tennessee State University • ETSU Fit Kids • Funfest • Friends of Olde Downtowne (JC) • Fraternal Order of Police • Girls, Inc. • Hands On! Regional Children’s Museum • HOSA program in schools ������������ ������������ ����������� ����������� ����������� ����������� Contributions to Our Communities • Alzheimers Association • American Cancer Society • American Diabetes Association • American Heart Association • American Red Cross • Appalachian Regional Coalition • Boundless Playground • Boys and Girls Clubs • Boy Scouts • Centre at Millennium Park • Chambers of Commerce • Coalition for Kids • The Crumley House ������������ • Johnson City Fire Department • Johnson City Public Library • Johnson City Parks & Recreation • Johnson City Symphony • Junior Achievement • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation • Keystone Dental Clinic • Kingsport Tomorrow • March of Dimes • Med Tech Park • Milligan College (Nursing Program) • Northeast State Technical Community College • Northeast Tennessee Technology Council • Partners in Education Sponsor • Salvation Army • Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House • Washington Co. Dept. of Education • Washington Co./Johnson City EMS • YMCA (Bristol) ��������� �� ... And many more last year totaling more than $3,000,000 2005 Team Member Campaign by County Washington County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sullivan County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carter County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Johnson County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $133,864 $ 57,316 $ 17,190 $ 7,312 TOTAL FOR UNITED WAY $215,682 Financials: Patient Services Revenue........................$1,328,173,817 Less: Uncompensated Care........................$862,102,262 Net Patient Revenue..................................$466,071,555 Nonoperating Income ................................$34,388,055 & Other Revenue Total Revenue...........................................$500,459,610 Total Operating Expenses..........................$470,821,020 Health Knowledge Made Easy for You My Health News Statistics: Licensed Beds.........................................................1,199 A powerful, FREE and confidential online resource to find and deliver the health information you’re looking for. Only from Mountain States Health Alliance. Team Members.......................................................5,416 Admissions...........................................................40,150 Patient Days.......................................................208,822 Outpatient Visits . .............................................788,488 (includes Home Health and Hospice) To get started, visit www.msha.com today and click on My Health News. Surplus for Reinvestment............................$29,638,589 Emergency Department (ED) Visits...................142,520 MSHA Call Center Total Calls...........................421,286 (Ask-A-Nurse) www.msha.com untain States Health Alliance Distribution of Wages Indian Path Medical Center ������������ Licensed Beds............................................ 330 Patient Days of Service......................... 41,266 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 5.13 Inpatient Daily Census.............................. 113 Admissions............................................. 8,048 Babies Born............................................ 1,019 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members....... 765 Emergency Visits.................................. 34,365 Inpatient Surgeries................................. 1,175 Same Day Ambulatory........................... 2,385 Total Outpatient Visits....................... 167,411 North Side Hospital Licensed Beds............................................ 119 Patient Days of Service......................... 15,488 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 8.98 Inpatient Daily Census................................ 42 Admissions............................................. 1,725 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members....... 212 Emergency Visits.................................. 26,243 Inpatient Surgeries........................................ 0 Same Day Ambulatory.................................. 0 Total Outpatient Visits......................... 43,287 James H. & Cecile C. Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital * ����������� ����������� Johnson City Medical Center ��� ���������� Taxes Paid to Cities and Counties Licensed Beds............................................ 578 Patient Days of Service....................... 132,772 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 5.35 Inpatient Daily Census.............................. 365 Admissions........................................... 24,833 Babies Born............................................ 1,243 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members.... 2,423 Emergency Visits.................................. 48,874 Inpatient Surgeries................................. 7,549 Same Day Ambulatory........................... 6,268 Total Outpatient Visits....................... 220,713 Licensed Beds.............................................. 60 Patient Days of Service......................... 12,771 Average Length of Stay (days)................. 12.55 Inpatient Daily Census................................ 35 Admissions............................................. 1,021 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members......... 99 Total Outpatient Visits......................... 20,879 * Included in Johnson City Medical Center Sycamore Shoals Hospital The Children’s Hospital * Licensed Beds . ........................................... 62 Patient Days of Service ........................ 15,165 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 7.10 Inpatient Daily Census............................. 41.6 Admissions . .......................................... 2,015 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members......... 99 * Included in Johnson City Medical Center Johnson City Specialty Hospital Where Our Team Members Live ����� ����� ������ ������ ����� ������� ������ ���� �������� ������ ����� ���������� ������ ����� Licensed Beds.............................................. 49 Patient Days of Service........................... 3,426 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 2.21 Inpatient Daily Census............................. 9.00 Admissions............................................. 1,550 Babies Born............................................ 1,019 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members....... 125 Emergency Visits........................................... 0 Inpatient Surgeries.................................... 637 Same Day Ambulatory........................... 2,006 Total Outpatient Visits......................... 10,694 Licensed Beds............................................ 121 Patient Days of Service......................... 13,475 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 3.82 Inpatient Daily Census................................ 37 Admissions............................................. 3,525 Babies Born............................................... 461 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members....... 341 Emergency Visits.................................. 23,674 Inpatient Surgeries.................................... 847 Same Day Ambulatory........................... 1,477 Total Outpatient Visits......................... 68,681 Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital * Licensed Beds.............................................. 75 Patient Days of Service........................... 2,402 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 5.41 Inpatient Daily Census................................ 39 Admissions................................................ 444 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members....... 148 Blue Ridge Medical Management Corporation Full-Time Equivalent Team Members....... 253 Total Outpatient Visits....................... 155,114 Johnson County Health Center Licensed Beds................................................ 2 Patient Days of Service................................ 53 Average Length of Stay (days)................... 2.12 Inpatient Daily Census.................................. 0 Admissions.................................................. 25 Full-Time Equivalent Team Members......... 67 Emergency Visits.................................... 9,364 Same Day Ambulatory.................................. 0 Total Outpatient Visits......................... 40,197 1-800-888-5551 Fast emergency care at Indian Path Medical Center Working to provide the best possible medical care to patients in Sullivan County, Indian Path Medical Center (IPMC) announced in September 2005 the “15/30 Pledge” in the Emergency Department. “It is our goal at Indian Path Medical Center to have every patient who comes to our Emergency Department be seen by a nurse within 15 minutes of arrival and to be seen by a doctor or have their treatment started within 30 minutes after arrival,” said IPMC CEO Monty McLaurin. “Of course, the most severe cases coming into our hospital will receive immediate attention, but this endeavor will help us strive to make sure each person is able to be treated without a lengthy wait.” IPMC was the first hospital in the region to have made such a pledge to the community. While these time frames are goals, Emergency Department staff will still focus primarily on the quality of care and will not rush patients as part of this program. These times also reflect when treatments begin, not when a patient will be released. Depending on the nature of the illness or injury, the duration of visits will vary. “There may be times when we cannot meet this pledge due to unforeseen circumstances outside of our control,” McLaurin said. “We will keep those affected informed when this happens. We take our Pledge seriously at Indian Path Medical Center because our community deserves the best possible medical care and they deserve it in a timely manner.” IPMC provides the best possible medical care in a timely manner with the “15/30 Pledge.” Left, all MSHA Emergency Department wait times are available at the Web site www.msha.com. Sycamore Shoals Hospital first in southern U.S. with new surgery for women Changing how women can be treated for pelvic organ prolapse, Dr. Brent D. Laing of First Medical OB/GYN in Elizabethton has performed the first Prolift pelvic floor repair system surgery in the southern United States at Sycamore Shoals Hospital (SSH). “This is a dramatic change in treatment,” Laing said of the new surgery procedure approved in April by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Only a very limited number of surgeons in the nation have been given approval to perform this surgery. The surgery is performed From left, patient Devonna Coleman and Dr. Brent D. Laing on women who are suffering from a major weakening of the tissue floor of their pelvis. This can cause the bladder and other lower abdominal organs to prolapse from the body. Laing said such a condition creates a major issue for women both medically and functionally in their daily lives. “This is really a common problem for older women,” Laing said. The main cause of the condition is delivering a child. During childbirth, the tissue floor of the pelvis is stretched and often ripped. This creates a weakness that over time can lead to a complete failure of the tissue floor structure. Earlier surgical methods have focused on repairing the rips by sewing the tissue back together. Construction ongoing at new Wellness Center The new Wellness Center will feature an outdoor as well as indoor lap pool for swimmers and a wide assortment of new exercise equipment for almost all needs. Ground has been broken and construction is continuing on the region’s premier health and wellness center being built by Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA). “Wellness has been part of the Johnson City Medical Center and MSHA for more than 15 years,” said MSHA President and CEO Dennis Vonderfecht. “Part of the hospital’s mission of community health is not just treating illness, but preventing it.” Vonderfecht and other MSHA officials kicked off construction of the new facility with a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony. The new Wellness Center is expected 6 to be completed in 2006. The 41,500 square-foot fitness facility, overlooks State of Franklin Road, will feature a large cardiovascular and strength training area, two group exercise rooms, a basketball/volleyball court, a warm water therapy pool, both indoor and outdoor 4-lane 25-yard lap pools, a children’s play area, large upscale locker-rooms, massage therapy, Jacuzzi, sauna and continued towel service. In addition, the project will include a 30,000 squarefoot medical office building attached to the center which will incorporate rehabilitation services as well as other medical specialties. “The clinical component of helping patients is unique in this community. With our breadth of healthcare experience combined with this setting, we know that we will improve the health of many in our area,” said MSHA Assistant Vice President John Turner, who has administrative duties over MSHA’s rehabilitation and wellness programs. With more than 2,500 members in MSHA’s wellness system, the new $14-million facility will have the ability to handle new growth. “A unique component of our membership is that it will offer monthly memberships only,” he said. “This means we must earn your business each and every month.” By providing a fitness center offering clinical staff and specialized programs to help both in wellness and rehabilitation, the new center sets itself apart from other facilities. “It will be the only medically based health and fitness center in this area,” said Turner. “Our center will go beyond traditional fitness by helping you achieve an optimal state of mind, body and spirit.” www.msha.com The older traditional procedures had approximately a 40 percent failure rate as the repaired area would eventually tear again. The new procedure, which utilizes the Prolift Pelvic Mesh System, uses a strong mesh inserted inside the body to support the pelvic floor, thus resolving the problems of weakened tissue. “After the mesh is placed, it actually becomes part of the tissue,” Laing said, adding tests have shown this procedure to have approximately a 97 percent success rate. “The surgery is no more involved and the recovery rate is much faster.” Patients generally go home the day after this surgery, versus several days’ stay with the earlier procedure. Most patients are also able to return to work within days rather than weeks, as was also the case prior to the use of the mesh. Dr Laing was chosen by his peers to join a select handful of other pelvic reconstructive surgeons in Belgium earlier this year to study the mesh technique while working to become proficient in this new procedure. Woodridge Hospital joins MSHA Continuing to provide inpatient behavioral health services to all individuals regardless of age was at the forefront of the purchase of Woodridge Hospital by Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA). Without the sale, adults between the ages of 22 and 64 years old needing inpatient mental health assistance would have been excluded from coverage under changes to the Medicaid system. MSHA purchased the facility from Frontier Health. The changes to Medicaid prevented “freestanding” psychiatric facilities of 16 beds or more from receiving federal Medicaid payments for individuals between the ages of 22 and 64. By making Woodridge a part of MSHA, all individuals with Medicaid will continue to be served. Woodridge has been a safetynet, inpatient psychiatric facility for 20 years, including service to more than 3,500 individuals in Fiscal 2004. “We at MSHA are extremely pleased to have Woodridge joining our healthcare system,” said Dennis Vonderfecht. MSHA President and CEO. The answer to the following 4 questions can be found in this MSHA Annual Report. Answer the questions correctly for the chance to win $1,000. 1. How many counties does The Children’s Hospital serve? 2. What is the mission statement of MSHA? 3. How much money was contributed to the 2005 United Way campaign by MSHA team members? 4. What is the telephone number for Ask-A-Nurse? You may answer the questions online at www. msha.com, email your answers to reportquiz@msha.com or mail your answers on a 3x5 card to: MSHA Communications & Marketing 1021 West Oakland Ave. Suite 200 Johnson City, TN 37604 Entries must be received by January 15, 2006. Winning Entry will be drawn on January 31, 2006 In the event of a tie the winner will be determined by random drawing of all correct entries. Year filled with awards and recognition Breaking News! MSHA receives 2005 Excellence Award Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence granted Mountain States Health Alliance the prestigious Tennessee Excellence Award in December. This is the highest quality award granted by the state. “Our organization has always been committed to excellence,” Dennis Vonderfecht, President and CEO of MSHA said. “To put action behind this commitment, we adopted the Baldrige/TNCPE framework as our business model a few years ago. Participating in the TNCPE award process has given us the opportunity to conduct detailed self assessments, host site visits for teams of examiners, and benefit from their feedback. Recognition as an Excellence Award winner confirms that MSHA is progressing on its journey to excellence.” The Excellence Award is the highest level of recognition presented to organizations that have demonstrated management excellence through their practices and achievements. Winners at this advanced level are outstanding examples of high performance organizations, exhibiting world-class processes that serve as role models for others. The program uses the Criteria for Performance Excellence established by the Baldrige National Quality Program as the evaluation tool. Mountain States Health Alliance is the first Excellence Award winner since 2002. “Winners of the Tennessee Excellence Award not only reach the highest national and international performance standards in their industries year after year – they set them,” Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen said. “This year’s excellence winner – Mountain States Health Alliance – is a prime example of the best of Tennessee.” It has been a gold star year for Mountain States Health Alliance as it received numerous awards throughout its facilities for quality healthcare and dedication to patients’ well being. JCMC The Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) was recognized nationally for its cardiovascular services by being named both a Solucient Top 100 Heart Hospital and being placed on the Data Advantage list of the Top 100 Heart Hospitals in the nation for highest volumes with low cost. For 18 different cardiac procedures, JCMC was ranked among the lowest cost hospitals in the nation. “The Top 100 Heart Hospital status was bestowed upon us and we are grateful that national recognition has been given to JCMC,” said MSHA President and CEO Dennis Vonderfecht. He added, “We have worked closely with our medical staff in Washington County over the past several years to develop a quality heart program and this recognition demonstrates that we have met this goal.” JCMC also earned international acclaim by being named a Magnet Hospital, which is given to hospitals which provide elite nursing care. JCMC is the only hospital in Tennessee to have earned this prestigious Magnet award, given through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), an arm of the American Nurses Association. A Magnet Hospital is the gold standard in patient care and the highest honor of excellence. IPMC In Sullivan County, Indian Path Medical Center (IPMC) received two Compass Awards from an independent agency which tracks quality measurements at healthcare facilities. Press Ganey Associates Inc. presented the Compass Services at a facility with 300499 Beds and for Outpatient Services for a facility with 75,000 or more procedures a year. “The receipt of these two awards this year from such a nationally-recognized organization as Press Ganey is confirmation of the focus Indian Path Medical Center team members have had on making patient satisfaction a top priority with our hospital,” McLaurin said. “Specifically, these awards are given to healthcare facilities that have demonstrated Nurses celebrate the announcement of the Magnet award for JCMC Awards recently to recognize facilities that have shown the most dramatic improvement in their overall satisfaction scores from approximately 1,600 facilities measured by the organization. IPMC, which won two of the 45 Compass Awards presented, was the only multi award winner. IPMC received Compass Awards for Inpatient sustained improvement in patient satisfaction scores over a two-year period. We are proud to be one of only three other hospitals in the inpatient and outpatient categories nationally to achieve this distinction and the only hospital to receive two awards at the recent Press Ganey national conference.” IPMC and all of the facilities in Mountain See Awards Page 8 Johnson County Home Health wins quality award Mountain States Health Alliance team members as caregivers create relationships, environments and service delivery centered on the patient through a holistic approach to healing that ministers to the mind, body and spirit. MSHA caregivers believe that healing can exist without curing, but healing cannot exist without caring. Contact our recruiters, Kellee (423) 431-1011 Hollie (423) 431-1624 Rachel (423) 431-1004 For a full listing of our current positions please visit us on the web at: www.msha.com Benefits include: • 21 days of paid time off • 8 days of major medical leave accrued annually as a new team member • tuition reimbursement • vision plan • employee referral bonus • life insurance equal to 1 x annual salary paid 100 percent by MSHA • short term disability and long term disability insurance • retirement planning ( 401k and 403b) • on-site child care • three medical dental and prescription plans • additional life insurance, spouse and dependent life insurance available at discounted rates • employee assistance counseling at no cost • defined contribution pension plan a 4 percent of base annual wages • discounted movie tickets and Biltmore Estate tickets available • many reward and recognition programs • classes and programs through our “MSHA University” • ask about our Varsity and Newcomers Clubs Implementing quality improvement practices has been a long-time focus of Johnson County Home Health. Earlier this year, the organization’s skills Johnson County Home Health team members were recognized with a Certificate of improvement leadership and Improvement. teamwork in developing quality The agency’s Outcome-Based improvement methods for the Quality Improvement award care of home health patients. was presented in Nashville Quality improvement efforts are during the Remaking Tennessee part of the Centers for Medicare Healthcare conference. The & Medicaid Services (CMS), an conference was conducted by agency of the U.S. Department QSource, the Medicare quality of Health and Human Services improvement organization for (DHHS), public reporting Tennessee. initiative in which quality of QSource honored Johnson care information is posted online County Home Health at www.medicare.gov or may be for demonstrating quality obtained by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Johnson County Home Health received this recognition based upon its willingness to embrace continuous quality improvement as a proven healthcare improvement tool, leadership buy-in, empowerment of the agency’s quality improvement team and a willingness to share its successes and lessons learned with others. Got a health question? Ask A Nurse. More that ,000,000 people have called for health information, current emergency room wait times or a free physician referral. You can talk to a registered nurse 7 days a week. Get an expert opinion. Call Ask-A-Nurse®. 1-800-888-1 1-800-888-5551 Answering more than two million calls since 1992 7 Awards Continued from Page 7 FIRST What is a Magnet Hospital? Did you know there is an international award for hospitals that have raised the bar for healthcare delivery and excellence in nursing? It’s called a Magnet award. Less than 150 hospitals in the entire United States have earned this honor. That’s out of more than 6,000 hospitals in the country! Tennessee’s FIRST Magnet hospital is right here - Johnson City Medical Center. When it comes to quality patient care, we’re proud to say that our nurses and JCMC team members are part of this respected, elite group. To a nurse, Magnet means visible recognition of work that nurses do every day. Magnet status is tough to attain and we’ve done it because our patients deserve only the best. To all of the nurses and team members who made this honor possible at Johnson City Medical Center, Mountain States Health Alliance says Thank You! Thank you for being Magnet nurses, compassionate caregivers to our patients and creating a culture of nursing excellence at Johnson City Medical Center. Mountain States Health Alliance has now applied for Magnet status at all of our hospitals. We believe that all of our nurses and caregivers meet the high standards each and every day throughout MSHA! JOIN US! Join Tennessee’s FIRST Magnet Hospital, JOHNSON CITY MEDICAL CENTER, or any of our other hospitals within Mountain States Health Alliance from 2 beds to 500 beds in size. Whatever your calling, MSHA has a facility in beautiful southern Appalachia to meet your needs. Call Hollie Vaughan, RN at 423-431-1624 or visit msha.com for more information. CEO Message Continued from Page 2 best doctors, best nurses and best overall quality. Thank you for your vote of confidence. Patient-Centered Care is a continuous journey; however, we are much farther along on that journey than we were just a few years ago. The entire MSHA Family is committed to living our Mission each day. Our Vision at MSHA is to passionately pursue healing of the mind, body and spirit as we create a world-class healthcare system for our region. That is one reason we are building a new home for our region’s only Children’s Hospital that serves 24 counties in a four-state area. The Children’s Hospital at JCMC cared for more than 20,000 children alone last year, and most of the children came from outside Johnson City and Washington County. Many came from Kingsport, Bristol or other parts of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina or Southeastern Kentucky. This is a true regional children’s hospital that needs a larger home to better serve the region’s pediatric patients and their families. We recently received the approval from the State of Tennessee to construct a new world- 8 class home for The Children’s Hospital as it continues to serve all children from our region. I would like to thank the more than 5,400 team members, as well as the many physicians and volunteers who helped make 2005 so successful for MSHA. Because of their compassion, their commitment and their skills, hundreds of thousands of people in our region discovered loving care when they experienced healthcare services at Mountain States Health Alliance. Lastly, I would like to thank you, our friends and neighbors in this beautiful region of our country, for allowing Mountain States Health Alliance and its team members the privilege of “Bringing Loving Care to your Health Care.” As we live our mission and vision at Mountain States Health Alliance, we pledge to you that we will continue to pursue excellence in patient care, because each and every one of our patients deserves nothing less. Sincerely, States Health Alliance (MSHA) use Press Ganey to keep track of patient satisfaction in various areas of service. QRH The James H. and Cecile C. Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital (QRH) in Johnson City was also an earlier recipient of a Press Ganey Compass Award. Only three inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the country received this recognition. Quillen was the only recipient in Tennessee. “The results from these surveys show both patients and families coming to these facilities feel they are cared for and cared about,” said Tom Tull, MSHA Senior Director of Guest Services. Tull said patient care procedures have been changed to allow these facilities and its team members to become more sensitive to patient needs and wants. “We have made incredible gains in our patients’ perceptions. We are proud of the external validation from this organization and of the strides made in improving the overall patient care experience. It supports the Patient-Centered Care philosophy of Mountain States Health Alliance.” Quillen also received the nation’s highest level of accreditation this year by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Inpatient Rehabilitation Adult and Inpatient Rehabilitation Children and Adolescents programs. This is the fifth consecutive three-year accreditation that the international accrediting commission has awarded to Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital, which is the only facility in Northeast Tennessee to receive this designation. “Achieving a three-year accreditation by CARF shows our commitment to continuous quality improvement, continually evaluating our business practices, our rehab programs and how we serve our patients,” said John Turner, MSHA Assistant Vice President over QRH. “This award demonstrates excellence in the way we do business and the care we provide to the persons we serve.” Community Leadership Fiscal Year 2005 Executive Team Dennis Vonderfecht President and CEO Marvin Eichorn Senior Vice President/CFO Ken Marshall, M.D. Senior Vice President/ Chief Medical Officer John Melton Senior Vice President/CEO, Washington County Operations Ed Herbert Vice President Judy Ingala, R.N. Vice President/CNO, Washington County Operations Steve Kilgore Vice President/ Senior Vice President, BRMMC/CEO, JCHC Monty McLaurin Vice President/CEO Indian Path Medical Center June Pieschel Vice President Cindy Salyer, R.N. Vice President Lisa Smithgall, R.N. Vice President Dwayne Taylor Vice President/CEO, Sycamore Shoals Hospital Kerry Vermillion Vice President/CFO, Washington County Operations Larry Warkoczeski Vice President/ President Mountain States Foundation Jeff Whitton Vice President Kathryn W. Wilhoit, R.N. Vice President/CNE Tim Belisle Assistant Vice President Tony Benton Assistant Vice President Richard Eshbach Assistant Vice President Mark Serago Assistant Vice President John Turner Assistant Vice President Chris York Assistant Vice President Dennis Vonderfecht President and Chief Executive Officer 1-800-888-5551 www.msha.com 2005 MSHA Board of Directors Don Jeanes Chairperson Joanne Gilmer Vice Chairperson Maureen MacIver Secretary Robert Feathers Treasurer Clem Wilkes Jr. Past Chairperson Thomas “Tommy” Burleson Jeff Farrow, M.D. W. E. Hawkins Jr. Rodney Irvin Stephen May, M.D. Cameron Perry William Walker, M.D. Dennis Vonderfecht Washington County Board Sandra Brooks, M.D. Chairperson John Campbell Vice Chairperson Ruth Robinson Secretary Linda Garceau Treasurer Ed Allen, M.D. Paul E. Brown, M.D. Ron Franks, M.D. James R. Hunter Ralph Lindsey Angela May, M.D. Clark Phipps Newt Raff Kel Smalley Pat Wolfe John Melton Dennis Vonderfecht Sullivan County Board Rick Stapleton Chair Jane Crawford Vice Chair William Locke, Ed.D. Secretary Jeff Bedford Etta Clark Michael Dew, M.D. Marvin Eichorn Mark Emery, M.D. Peter Frizzell, M.D. Ray Griffin Peg Kuhbander Robert Lee, M.D. Joesph Ley, M.D. Monty McLaurin Ed Moore Robert Reiff, M.D. Rick Russell Carter County Board Jennie Hornsby Chairperson Joellen Edwards, Ph.D. Secretary Greg Bowers Marvin Eichorn Shobha Hiremagalur, M.D. David May, M.D. Daniel Paul, M.D. Robert Reedy Brent Seals Duncan Street Norma Tetrick Robert Walter, M.D. Ken Wandell Dwayne Taylor Johnson County Board Jim Vincill Chairperson Howard Carlton Vice Chairperson Emily Millsaps Secretary Harvey Burniston Paul Brown Jeffrey Fenyves, M.D. Chris Gillespie, M.D. Kevin Parsons Donald Tarr, M.D. Curtis Sluder Minnie Miller Steve Kilgore Blue Ridge Medical Management Corp. Board Craig Denison Chairman James W. Gibson, M.D. Vice Chairman Steve Goodson Secretary Marvin Eichorn Treasurer Barbara Allen Michael T. Christian Craig Denison Don Kilday, Pharm.D. Richard A. Manahan, Ed.D. Steve Kilgore Dennis Vonderfecht