Issue 5 of Hospital News Now Online
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 29, 2012 in Latest Issue | 0 comments
Our latest issue is now online! Be sure to check it out and forward it onto your friends and colleagues. Download it now.
If you have any bylined articles or news to share with our readers in the next issue, please email me at hdkart@aol.com.
These are the focus areas for June: Eldercare, Healthcare Real Estate, Design and Construction, Health IT, Healthcare and the Government, Safety & Security, Energy Reduction, Emerging Medical Devices, Recruitment and Retention
Walking Reduces Anxiety in Older Women
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 25, 2012 in Eldercare | 0 comments
A recent study says a brisk walk can reduce a variety of psychological symptoms such as anxiety, stress and depression. “With the aging population, physical activity represents one way for women to stay mentally healthy,” said Temple University public health researcher Deborah Nelson, Ph.D, the study’s lead author. “Physical activity can help throughout the menopausal transition and afterwards.”
The study followed 380 Philadelphia women for more than eight years. The women reported their physical activity level and menopausal symptoms, which included stress, anxiety, depression and hot flashes.
When it came to stress, researchers found that high levels of physical activity were the most beneficial to postmenopausal women. They reported lower levels of perceived stress than those who did not exercise.
“In the urban setting, these women walked outside on city blocks or in shopping malls. Groups could organize to take walks after dinner. It didn’t require going to the gym,” Nelson said. “You don’t have to run 20 miles a week to reap the benefits of exercise. If you stick to a moderate-paced walking schedule, it can keep your body-mass index down and lower the risk of stress, anxiety and depression,” she added.
Another way to help is companionship. Daily human contact can improve your stress level. Someone with whom you can enjoy activities and who will support you in your quest to remain independent often will improve your mental outlook, too.
Exercise has a double benefit for senior women, including lessening menopausal symptoms and sustaining better overall health. Walking with a companion – a friend, family member or CAREGiverSM — is an even better way to relieve stress and build a healthier outlook.
CAREGivers from Home Instead Senior Care can make a difference in the lives of older adults and their families by providing support with activities of daily living to help keep them independent for as long as possible. For more information visit www.homeinstead.com/greaterpittsburgh or call 1-866-996-1087.
*Source: Temple University. “Walk Away Menopausal Anxiety, Stress And Depression.” http://www.temple.edu/newsroom/2007_2008/01/stories/menopause.htm
An Evening in Camelot Proves Enchanting for Monongahela Valley Hospital
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 22, 2012 in Events | 0 comments
Honored with the 2012 Dimensions in Performance Awards were from left: Charles F. “Chuck” Muia, Aldo Bartolotta (seated); President of MVH Medical Staff R.G. Krishnan, accepting for the entire Medical Staff; Durga Malepati, M.D., and Vasu N. Malepati, M.D.
On May 19, it was just another Saturday night in Western Pennsylvania, but for the 600 guests who attended Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Twenty-Fourth Annual Gala, “An Evening in Camelot,” it was truly an enchanting evening. The ballroom of the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh was transformed into a medieval festival complete with a castle, knights and jesters.
The event, which was sponsored by the Mon-Vale Health Resources Fund Development Committee and MVH’s Office of Fund Development, recognized four exemplary individuals and the MVH Medical Staff for their commitment to excellence with Dimensions In Performance Awards.
Charles F. Muia was the recipient of the 2012 Rose Award for Dimensions in Philanthropy. For nearly 50 years, this long-time Donora resident and businessman has been involved with community, civic, industrial and economic development organizations throughout the Monongahela Valley.
“Chuck has always looked out for the community,” said Louis J. Panza Jr., president and CEO of MVH. “Whenever there is a need, he asks us what he can do to help.”
MVH ICU Nurse Named 2012 Cameos of Care® Awardee
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 22, 2012 in Nursing | 0 comments
Dana Doctorick
Nine years ago when Dana Doctorick, RN, of Belle Vernon, was a high school senior and named the recipient of Monongahela Valley Hospital’s Nursing Scholarship, she never dreamed that she would one day be named the hospital’s Cameos of Caring® honoree. That is exactly what occurred during MVH’s annual Nurses Day Breakfast on May 10. Ms. Doctorick, who works in MVH’s Intensive Care Unit, was named the 2012 awardee among the 10 other nominees.
“Any one of our distinguished nurses could represent Monongahela Valley Hospital as our Cameos of Caring awardee,” said Mary Lou Murt, senior vice president of Nursing. “There were many recurring words on the nomination forms such as ‘professionalism, ease of caring, top priority and lots of hugs.’ Dana is a respected nurse who always has time for others. She is a team player who cares so much for her patients that when they are transferred she visits them on other units.”
Ms. Doctorick graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She knew from the time that she was little that she wanted a career in the medical field.
“I was standing on the stage expecting to congratulate one of my colleagues and was absolutely shocked when my named was announced,” said Ms. Doctorick of the Cameos honor. “My greatest reward is being able to help people to feel better.”
Sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, the prestigious Cameos of Caring Award recognizes nurses who demonstrate excellence in nursing care, serve as advocates for patients and families, and embodies the essence of the nursing profession. Ms. Doctorick will represent Monongahela Valley Hospital at the 14th Annual Cameos of Caring Awards Gala on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Western PA HFMA Educational Session—Monday July 23rd
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 21, 2012 in Events | 0 comments
The next Western PA HFMA Educational Session will be held on Monday July 23rd at the Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (7.5 CPE) which will be followed by a Networking Happy Hour at Olive or Twist from 4PM to 7 PM and the Pirates game to follow for those that are interested.
The theme of the session is Capital Finance and HFMA will be holding a CFO panel to end the day. They will be sending out a detailed agenda and registration forms next week with more information.
Apply for Duquesne University’s Health Care Supply Chain Management Program
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 21, 2012 in Education | 0 comments
The supply chain management (SCM)-health care track at Duquense University involves completing the SCM degree plus three additional courses focused focuses on continual improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care supply chain. Effective SCM in health care impacts both cost and quality of care, whether in a small clinic or large medical center.
The SCM-health care track is a partnership between the A.J. Palumbo School of Business Administration and the Mylan School of Pharmacy and Rangos School of Health Sciences. It is the only program in western Pennsylvania that is administered by an internationally accredited school of business. This specialized area of study introduces students to elements of the supply chain, including purchasing, operations and distribution, as they relate to the health care system. Also fundamental to the program is a thorough explanation of the American health care system, its terminology and the ever-changing information technology in the system.
See the ad below for further details or visit www.duq.edu/scm.
PA Hospitals: PHC4 Report Shows $100 Million Growth in Uncompensated Care
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 19, 2012 in Healthcare System | 0 comments
Responding to a new Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) report, The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) today said that Pennsylvania’s acute care hospitals face an uncertain financial future and that full restoration of hospital payments in the 2012-2013 state budget is essential if patient access to care is to be preserved.
PHC4’s report, Financial Analysis 2011: Volume One—General Acute Care Hospitals, covers the year ended June 30, 2011, and it documents that the state’s hospitals provided $990 million in uncompensated care—a nearly $100 million increase in just one year.
The EMS Institute Announces “EMS Week Career Expo”
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 18, 2012 in EMS | 0 comments
Have you ever wondered about life in Emergency Medical Services? What kind of training does it take? Is it as exciting as it looks on television or in the movies?
As part of the National Emergency Medical Services Week, (May 20-26) the EMS Institute is sponsoring “EMS Career Expos” where current EMS providers can learn more about career development opportunities as well as, the general public can learn more about careers or volunteer work as First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Pre-hospital Nurses.
Various EMS agencies from the 10-county region will be on hand to provide information on necessary training, work requirements and opportunities as well as work benefits. Additionally, training agencies will be on hand for anyone to discuss any furthering their training or interested in initial training.
TWO LOCATIONS/TWO DATES
Monday, May 21, 2012, 1pm—7pm
Doubletree Hotel Monroeville
Includes 3pm Laerdal ALS Sim Baby Class
Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 1pm-7pm
Hilton Garden Inn – Southpointe
Includes 3pm Scene Safety With Active Shooter Class
As noted above, an educational program will be held at 3pm at each location. The event in Monroeville will feature a “Sim Baby” class were attendees will be able to interact live with robotic simulated baby patient.
The Hilton Garden event will feature safety protocols when EMS providers are responding, and working in, a scenario with an active shooter.
General public and EMS professionals are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested in attending should call The EMS Institute, 412-242-7322.
Emergency Medical Service Institute (EMSI) is a nonprofit (501.C.3) corporation which provides technical and financial assistance to the development of a coordinated emergency medical services system primarily throughout the 10-county region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Within its region, EMSI is responsible for:
- Licensure of Ambulances
- Training and Credentialing of EMS Personnel
- Accreditation of Medical Command Hospitals and other Medical Command Facilities
- Accreditation of Training Institutes
- Quality Assurance within the EMS Community
- Public Information and Education
- Data Collection regarding EMS activities
Mount Aloysius To Create New Regional Venue
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 18, 2012 in Healthcare Construction & Design | 0 comments
The Southern Allegheny Mountains will soon have a new multi-purpose venue. Officials at Mount Aloysius College broke ground today on a new facility called the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center. Situated on the western edge of the 193-acre campus, the 87,350 square foot building is expected to be completed in mid 2014 at a cost of $25 million. Mount Aloysius College will complete construction with philanthropic support.
Mount Aloysius President Tom Foley applauded past planners whose strategic vision gave life and momentum to the project. “Former President Sr. Mary Ann Dillon and the Board of Trustees saw and understood how much the College and this region needs this facility,” he said. “We stand on their shoulders today as we break ground for our Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center. Years from now when our sons and daughters come here to watch a basketball or volleyball game, or to see a concert or take a yoga class, perhaps they will see a picture of us on this day and understand that we were thinking of them this very afternoon. Each of us understands that what we do today is for the future and I thank you all for sharing this historic Mount Aloysius moment with us.”
In outlining the overall rationale for the new venue, President Foley noted that the need for the new venue is really three-fold. “First,” he said, “Mount Aloysius athletes routinely compete with schools that have superior facilities and equipment to ours. Any Mountie athlete will concur. This facility begins to even the playing field and offers advantages that our athletes deserve. Second,” he said, ”our health sciences and nursing programs have outstanding regional reputations. We want our students to have the same access to activities like resistance training, aerobics, yoga, Pilates and other kinds of workouts that offer the health benefits that we promote and teach. And third,” added President Foley, “Mount Aloysius College was founded on the Mercy values of hospitality and inclusion. Offering this facility to our region for conferences, high school playoffs, summer camps, fairs and other activities is the responsible action for the College as a good neighbor to this wonderful Southern Allegheny Region.”
Breaking ground, marking the official start of construction of the nearly 90,000 square foot Mount Aloysius Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center are, from left: The Honorable David Klementik; Michael McLanahan, trustee; Philip Devorris, trustee; Thomas P. Foley, Mount Aloysius College president; Daniel Rullo, Esq., chairman, Mount Aloysius College Board of Trustees; Adele Kupchella, trustee; Sen. John Wozniak; Derek Walker, trustee; Sr. Nancy Donovan, RSM; Sr. Benedict Joseph Watters, RSM; Ann Benzel, trustee; Sr. Guiseppe DaBella, RSM and Sr. Eric Marie Setlock, RSM.
Somnia Anesthesia Introduces First Web-Based App for Anesthesia Services
Posted by Western PA Hospital News on May 17, 2012 in Anesthesia Management | 0 comments
Somnia Anesthesia, a leading national anesthesia practice management company, has announced the release of a web-based application that allows hospital executives a mobile tool for evaluating their facility’s anesthesia services in four critical areas — leadership, financial management, quality improvement, and clinical services.
The app is the first of its kind for the anesthesia services industry, offering hospital administrators a comprehensive yet simple tool that grades the productivity and efficacy of their current anesthesia service provider based on a series of twenty questions in the four areas. Percentages are computed from a 1-5 scale response for each question, ranging from poor to excellent. At the conclusion, a score is provided along with recommended next steps for improvement, if applicable.
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