Tag Archives: Dorchester General Hospital

Dorchester General Hospital Foundation Funds Upgraded Equipment for Cardiac Rehab

DGH Funds Cardiac (400 x 284)Thanks to generous community support, the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation recently presented $44,116 to Dorchester General Hospital for the replacement of the telemetry monitoring system used by the Cardiac and Pulmonary Fitness and Wellness Program. The funds were raised as a result of the Foundation’s recent fundraising appeal. Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab is used by many members of the community when they experience a cardiac event such as a heart attack, a cardiac-related surgical intervention or if they have been diagnosed with pulmonary disease. The telemetry monitoring system tracks and documents patients’ responses to exercise, including heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels along with other parameters. It also tracks the progress made while in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab. The system is linked to Shore Health’s electronic medical records, providing a record of each patient experience while establishing a progress report for the referring physician.

“The new monitoring and documentation system at Dorchester General Hospital will enable us to provide our patients with higher quality outcomes and overall experiences,” says Gary Jones, RCP, FACCA, Director of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services for Shore Health. “The system that is now in place will also allow for the confidential transfer of pertinent data to the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation national database which will allow us to compare our quality outcomes and patient experiences with those in the national database.”

To learn more about the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation which raises funds to benefit Hospital programs and services, contact Ida Jane Baker, Foundation President, at 410-228-8182.

In photo: Pictured in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at Dorchester General Hospital are (from left to right) Gary Jones, RCP, FACCA, Director of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services for Shore Health; Mary Beth Linthicum, RN, RRT; and Ida Jane Baker, president, Dorchester General Hospital Foundation.

It Is Never Too Late to Begin Improving Your Heart Health

IMG_1288 (400 x 300)Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year it kills one in four Americans. Coronary heart disease alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year. Most heart disease patients can help lower their risk of future heart problems if they make changes to improve their health. Building a healthier future is a partnership between you and the doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who can help you change your health habits.

Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a professionally supervised program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. Cardiac rehab programs provide education and counseling to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.

In recognition of National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, Shore Health paid tribute to all current and past participants. This year’s theme was “Healing Hearts and Healthy Lives.” Participants currently enrolled in the programs at Dorchester General Hospital and Memorial Hospital who are 88 years and older were recognized for their commitment to maintaining healthy lifestyle changes.

When asked what a difference the cardiac rehab program has made in their lives, Bill Ginder says, “When I first started rehab, I was somewhat apprehensive. I am now feeling younger, happy and eager. Rehab is like a family, all of the personnel can’t do enough for you towards your physical goals of health and happiness. Want to feel good, healthy and young? Go to rehab.”

Charlie Wright, 93 adds, “I don’t think I would be living if it weren’t for cardiac rehab.”

Many participants also credited the staff for their professionalism and dedication.

“Any successful organization depends on its personnel. The staff in cardiac rehab are compassionate, dedicated and are skillful,” says Paul Long. Paul Winn, age 90, started in cardiac rehab following open heart surgery in 2001 and has continued his progress, citing the program as one of the reasons for his good health.

Take it from the 10 patients who are enrolled in the program who are between the ages of 88 and 9, it is truly never too late to make a healthy lifestyle change!

To learn more about cardiac rehab programs at Shore Health, visit www.shorehealth.org.

In photo, above: Dorchester General Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab program participants show off their progress. These gentlemen, all World War II veterans, all shared their stories of how cardiac rehab has improved their health. Pictured left to right are Robert Cannon, James Carpenter, William Mossegian and Frank Wright. Back row is Charlie Wright.

IMG_1292 (400 x 300)In photo, at left: Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab participants from left to right include front row, Phyllis Meintzer, Paul Long and Grace Covington. Back row are William Ginder and Paul Winn.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Certified by National Organization

Cardiac Rehab Accreditation (400 x 300)Shore Health is proud to announce the certification of its Cardiac Rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Shore Health was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care. The certification includes both the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Dorchester General Hospital and Memorial Hospital.

This is a re-certification for both programs, which were originally certified in 2000. Shore Health was one of the first 100 programs in the nation to receive this certification.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g. heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, etc.) and pulmonary problems (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD, respiratory symptoms, etc.) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

Shore Health’s rehabilitation program participated in the rigorous application process which requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR National Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

“The success of this program is due to the dedication and leadership of our entire staff and this certification recognizes their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients,” says Gary Jones, RCP, FAACA, Director of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services. “Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available.”

Shore Health’s AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years. To learn more about cardiovascular and pulmonary services at Shore Health, visit www.shorehealth.org/services/cardiac/.

In photo: Staff from the Cardiac Rehabilitation program celebrate their recent program certification. Back row (left to right) are Gary Jones, RCP, FACCA, Director Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services; Mary Beth Linthicum, RN, RRT; Donna Campbell, RN, BC; Melinda Wood, administrative assistant; Matthew Roberts, MS and D. Greg Oliver, MD, Medical Director Pulmonary Rehab Program. Front row (left to right) are Tracy Supcoe, RN, BSN; Sarah Richard, RN and Sally Worm, RN, Program Manager. Not pictured Christadoss Rajasingh, MD Medical Director, Cardiac Rehab.

 

Shore Health ICU Units Recognized

Shore Health’s ICU units at Memorial Hospital and Dorchester General were honored by the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) for their Target Zero efforts as part of a state and national collaborative to reduce healthcare associated infections.

MHA, in partnership with the Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care and the Maryland Patient Safety Center, is part of the largest national voluntary effort to reduce the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The ICU units at Memorial Hospital and Dorchester General are two of 78 units in 44 Maryland hospitals participating in the collaborative.

Maryland’s “On the CUSP: Stop BSI” effort had one of the nation’s highest hospital participation rates, 90 percent, compared to the average hospital participation rate of 24 percent in states across the country.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections are a leading cause of health care-associated infections in acute care hospitals. They are usually linked to a central line or central venous catheter — a long thin tube inserted into a large vein and used to provide medicine, fluid, nutrients or blood over an extended period of time to the sickest patients. Those patients, especially the elderly and very young, may have fragile immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.

“It is remarkable to see the efforts of our staff to reach Target Zero continue to get state and national recognition and as a result, help save more lives,” says Julie Bryan, BS, RN, CIC, Infection Prevention Coordinator.

In photo: Ryan Foster, MS, RN, Manager of the Multi-Specialty Care Unit and Critical Care at Dorchester General (left) and Cindy Beemer, MSN, RN, Nurse Manager of ICU/Telemetry at Memorial Hospital, celebrate their units success in the Maryland Hospital Association’s “On the CUSP” Stop BSI” collaborative.

 

Shore Health System Vascular Labs Receive Accreditation

The Vascular labs at Memorial Hospital at Easton and Dorchester General Hospital each earned three-year accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. This clinical distinction recognizes these labs for commitment to providing a high level of patient care and quality testing for the diagnosis of vascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease in its many forms is the leading cause of death in the US. Early detection of these life-threatening conditions is possible through the use of non-invasive vascular testing.

Registered vascular sonographers staff the Vascular Laboratories at Memorial Hospital and Dorchester General Hospital. They use state of the art imaging technology to measure blood as it flows through the veins and arteries throughout the body. The results of these tests help physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, vascular complications of diabetes, and blockages in the carotid artery, which feeds blood to the brain.

Memorial Hospital’s vascular lab has been accredited for 30 years. The vascular lab at Dorchester General began in 2009 and, due to the requirements of accreditation, was only recently eligible.

“Accreditation is a continuous process that looks at our facilities, imaging equipment, the credentials, training and continuous education validation of our staff and interpreting physicians along with testing results and protocols,” says Gary Jones, RCP, FACCA, Director of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services for Shore Health System. “Earning accreditation means that the work we do meets the highest clinical standards of the vascular testing profession.”

For more information about the Shore Health System vascular testing program, 410-822-1000, ext. 5809.

In photo: Members of the Shore Health System Vascular Laboratory staff celebrate their accreditation. Pictured (left to right) are Amanda Helgason, BS, RDCS, Cardiovascular Sonographer; Cilica Nita, MA, RDCS, Cardiovascular Sonographer; Charles E. DiNapoli, MD, Medical Director, Vascular Lab; Lori Bratten, Department Secretary; Dudley Soulsman, RVT, Clinical Vascular Specialist; and Russ Lucas, RVT, RRT, Vascular Sonographer. Not pictured: John Lacoco, RVT, RRT, CPFT, Vascular Sonographer; Kevin Stitely, MD; and Melissa Svehla, BS, RDCS, RVT, Cardiovascular Sonographer.

Art of Caring Raises $50K for Surgical Suite Upgrades at Dorchester General

An early summer soiree hosted by the Dorchester General Hospital fundraising committee raised money for the ongoing surgical suite upgrades at Dorchester General Hospital.

The Art of Caring, held on May 19 at the Dorchester Center for the Arts, raised $50,000 thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the guests who attended the event.

“Our Dorchester General Hospital Surgical Department is composed of the most caring and compassionate healthcare professionals you could find anywhere,” says surgeon William Bair, MD. “The staff has recently been recognized locally and regionally for a variety of service excellence awards. The proceeds from this year’s DGH Fundraiser will provide much needed upgrades to our facility so that we can continue to provide world class care right here at home.”

Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Mollye Meredith with musical accompaniment by guitarist Curt Heavey. Throughout the evening, a silent auction added to the fun and the fundraising.

The presenting sponsor for the Art of Caring was the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, who contributed $25,000 to the cause. Silver sponsor for the event was Eastern Shore Emergency Medicine Physicians. Bronze sponsors were William E. Bair, MD; Delmarva Power; Morris Effron, MD; Michael Maloney, Esquire; Michael P. Moran, MD; Tri-Gas and Oil; and Tudor Farms, Inc. and MTS Broadcasting.

In photo: Ken Kozel, President and CEO for Shore Health System, is introduced by Ida Jane Baker, President of the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, at the Art of Caring event. The DGH Foundation was the Presenting Sponsor for the event, which raised $50,000 for surgical suite upgrades at Dorchester General Hospital.

In photo above: Enjoying the art and ambiance at the DGH Art of Caring are (left to right) Michael Moran, MD; Lorrie Moran; Debbie McAlister; William ‘Sandy’ McAllister, Esq.

In photo: The DGH Art of Caring committee members enjoy the fine art at this fundraiser for surgical suite upgrades at the hospital. Pictured (left to right) are Rose Joyce; Kathy Effron; Jennifer Brant, PA-C; Kim Bair, RN; Alma Colburn; Lorrie Moran and Kirsten Strohmer.

Art of Caring to Support Operating Room Upgrades at DGH

On Friday, May 18, friends of Dorchester General Hospital will enjoy fine art while supporting services of the hospital. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Dorchester Center for the Arts.

The presenting sponsor for the Art of Caring, which will benefit renovations to the Operating Suite at DGH, is the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation. Silver sponsor for the event is Eastern Shore Emergency Medicine Physicians. Bronze sponsors are William E. Bair, MD; Delmarva Power; Morris Effron, MD; Michael Maloney, Esquire; Michael P. Moran, MD; Tri-Gas and Oil; and Tudor Farms, Inc. Patron sponsor is MTS Broadcasting.

Patients and visitors to the Dorchester General Hospital operating room suite are already benefiting from the initial upgrades to the facility. They include new flooring and paint in the pre-procedural room and a redesigned “hub” for the nursing station, physician consultation area and office space.

“Our Dorchester General Hospital Surgical Department is composed of the most caring and compassionate healthcare professionals you could find anywhere,” says surgeon William Bair, MD. “The staff has recently been recognized locally and regionally for a variety of service excellence awards. The proceeds from this years DGH Fundraiser will provide much needed upgrades to our facility so that we can continue to provide world class care right here at home.”

Guests who attend the Art of Caring fundraiser will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Mollye Meredith with musical accompaniment by guitarist Curt Heavey. A silent auction will also be part of the evening’s festivities. Items for bid include photographs by Audrey Bodine, original paintings as well as jewelry, vacation homes and rentals and gift certificates to local restaurants.

“The continued investment in Dorchester General Hospital is so important to our community and this fundraiser will play a key role in ensuring upgrades to the operating suites at the hospital,” says Michael Moran, MD. “We are so grateful for the community’s support for this project so far and look forward to sharing an evening together on May 18 so we may continue that support.”

A limited number of tickets are available at $95 per person. To reserve your ticket, call Shelley Bell, 410-822-1000, ext 5763.

In photo: Penny Aaron Pink, MS, RN, director of surgical and ambulatory care services for Shore Health System, Jane Flowers, MS, RN, manager of surgical and ambulatory care services for Dorchester General Hospital, and Ida Jane Baker, president of the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, tour the newly renovated operating room waiting area at Dorchester General Hospital. Phase one of the renovations are now complete and the upcoming Art of Caring fundraiser will support the next phase of upgrades to the operating room suite at the hospital. (DGHARTOFCARING0512.jpg)

Renovations to DGH Operating Suite Complete

The operating suite at Dorchester General Hospital received a facelift over the winter, thanks to a recent $60,000 renovation of the facility. The upgrades to the surgical services facility include new flooring and paint in the pre-procedural room and a redesigned “hub” for the nursing station, physician consultation area and office space.

“The newly renovated area is really enjoyable for both patients and staff,” says Jane Flowers, MSN, RN, CNOR, Manager, Surgical and Ambulatory Services for DGH. “This is such a busy area and these renovations really create a visually pleasing, comfortable environment. That is very important.”

Renovations were completed with community support, including the generosity of those who attended and sponsored the Snow Ball Masquerade that raised funds for the project. The Dorchester General Hospital Foundation was the presenting sponsor for this formal dinner dance.

“These upgrades to our facility will offer a more comfortable setting and enhance the experience for people who come to Dorchester General Hospital for surgical and endoscopic procedures,” says Surgeon William Bair, MD. “We have a first class nursing staff at Dorchester General Hospital. They are experienced professionals and members of the community. Because they know many of the patients who come to us for care, they treat them like family. The level of care and compassion our patients receive is unsurpassed by any other hospital.”

For more information about Shore Health System, visit www.shorehealth.org.

In photo: Jane Flowers, MSN, RN, CNOR, Manager, Surgical and Ambulatory Services, left, shows off the newly renovated surgical suite area at Dorchester General Hospital to Ida Jane Baker, President of the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, center, and Penny Pink, MS, RN, CNAA-BC, CNOR, Director of Surgical and Ambulatory Services for Shore Health System. The DGH Foundation was a major supporter of the renovation project. (DGHORSUITE.jpg)

Shore Health Nurse Initiates Operation Power Purse Program

Shore Health System recently kicked off “Operation Power Purse,” a new program to help sexual assault victims on the road to recovery.

After a sexual assault, women may come to Dorchester General Hospital or Memorial Hospital at Easton for a forensic exam. Since their clothing is often a key piece of evidence for law enforcement, the women often do not have any clothes to wear home other than paper scrubs given to them in the emergency department.

Through Operation Power Purse, victims will be given a bag filled with a change of clothes, toiletries and other personal items.

“Going through the experience of a sexual assault and the subsequent forensic exam is a traumatizing experience for these victims,” says Jessica Fluharty, RN, FNE-A, who initiated the Operation Power Purse program. “We hope that by giving them back a bit of their dignity, we can give these women a healthy and safe new start after such a terrible event.”

Donations of gently worn clothing, new packs of undergarments and socks as well as toiletries, such as shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste are needed to create the “Power Purses.” Donation boxes are set up in the waiting room areas of the emergency departments at Dorchester General Hospital and Memorial Hospital at Easton and at the Queen Anne’s Emergency Center. The Drop-off boxes at Zambino’s restaurant in Easton and MacSorley Real Estate in Cambridge will be available through the month of April.

Monetary donations are also being accepted for the Operation Power Purse program. Donations can be sent to the Memorial Hospital Foundation, Operation Power Purse, 219 S. Washington Street, Easton, Maryland 21601.

Operation Power Purse is an initiative of the Shore Health Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program. The SAFE program meets the needs of sexually assault victims by providing immediate, compassionate, culturally sensitive and comprehensive forensic evaluation and treatment by a trained nurse expert. In place since the early 1990s, the SAFE program provides first-response care 24 hours a day to adults and children who have been the victims of sexual assault.

A forensic nurse is a nurse who has completed specialized training in forensic evidence collection. SAFE nurses are also trained to obtain a preliminary patient history and to conduct a physical examination, including a pelvic exam, to collect appropriate evidence.

“The SAFE nurse has a crucial role during the initial interactions with patients reporting sexual abuse or assault, since it is likely that the victims have been subjected to psychological and physical trauma,” says Karen Jackson, RN, FNE A/P, Coordinator for Shore Health’s SAFE program. “We hope that Operation Power Purse can make a major difference in how victims of assault feel about their experience in a hospital.”

For more information about the Operation Power Purse program, contact Jessica Fluharty at 410-822-1000, ext. 7976 or jkleppinger@shorehealth.org.

In photo: Jessica Fluharty, RN, FNE-A, collects some of the toiletries needed to create a “power purse” for victims of sexual assault.

New Face Added to DGH “Hall of Fame”

Dr. Lida O. Meredith First Female Doctor to Practice in Dorchester County

She was a pioneer throughout her life and, with the addition of her portrait to Dorchester General Hospital’s “Hall of Fame,” continues to be a pioneer decades after her death. Dr. Lida Orem Meredith, the first female doctor to practice medicine in Dorchester County, became the first female doctor to have her portrait added to the DGH hallway featuring other physicians and leaders who have made significant contributions to the Dorchester County medical community.

Dr. Meredith was born in Bucktown in 1895 and passed away at the age of 57. She specialized in women’s and children’s health and spent much of her medical career serving her community in Dorchester County.

“She lived a life so full, it is hard to see how she fit it all in,” said James Meredith, her great-nephew. “She had a love of learning and a love of service that inspired many other women to pursue their own careers in medicine.”

Dr. Meredith’s portrait, which was commissioned by the family, was created by local artist George Wright.

“It is a very special occasion when we can honor one of our own and the legacy that she continues to carry today. The walls of our hospital carry so much history and the addition of Dr. Meredith’s likeness to those walls is a historic day for all of us,” said Ken Kozel, President and CEO, Shore Health System, at a portrait unveiling ceremony on February 14. “Dr. Meredith’s commitment and service is apparent and the Meredith family continues to carry forth that legacy today. We are so grateful to celebrate of her life and her legacy by adding her portrait to the hall of doctors at Dorchester General Hospital.”

In photo: Family, friends and Shore Health System representatives celebrate the life of Dr. Lida O. Meredith, the first female doctor to practice in Dorchester County at a portrait unveiling, recently. Pictured from left are Betty Mills, niece of Dr. Meredith; George Wright, artist; Anna Ruth Penn, niece; Jay Meredith, great-nephew; Ken Kozel, President and CEO, Shore Health System; Ida Jane Baker, President, Dorchester General Hospital Foundation and Jerry Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, Shore Health System.