Tag Archives: Dorchester General Hospital

DGH Foundation Purchases Specialty Stretcher for Hospital

A $7,500 gift from the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation made it possible to purchase a Stryker Big Wheel Stretcher for the hospital’s emergency department.

This specialty stretcher, which can accommodate up to 750 pounds, is padded with a thicker, extra comfort mattress to redistribute a patient’s weight. The stretcher’s built-in scale helps the nursing staff weigh patients without having to move them to a separate scale. A fifth wheel, located in the center of the stretcher, makes it easier to transport patients to other areas of the hospital.

Ida Jane Baker, President of the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, comments, “This stretcher fills an important need for the emergency department so that all patients, regardless of size, can receive comfortable care while they are here.”

In photo: Cathy Weber, RN, Manager of Emergency Services for Dorchester General Hospital, (left) and Amy Brockson, RN, Clinical Coordinator, (right) thank Ida Jane Baker, President, Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, (center) for the Foundation’s gift that was used to purchase a specialty stretcher for the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Elks Lodge #1272 Donation Benefits Dorchester General Hospital

Elks Lodge #1272 of Cambridge donated $1500 in response to the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation’s annual appeal to benefit Shore Behavioral Health Services. The Elks’ check was the first donation received for the DGH Foundation’s annual appeal, which will support the renovation of Shore Behavioral Health’s existing unit. The renovation, currently in process, increases the number of beds from 16 to 24 and enhances the facility’s ability to meet the needs of patients who have mental health and substance abuse issues. Pictured with Ida Jane Baker, President of the DGH Foundation, is Gage Thomas, Trustee Chair for the Elks Lodge. For more information about supporting the DGH Foundation, contact Ida Jane Baker, 410-228-8182.

Dorchester General Hospital Foundation Gift Funds Cardiovascular Equipment

A $100,000 gift from the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation purchased vascular ultrasound equipment that enhances cardiovascular care at Dorchester General Hospital. Funds for the new ultrasound were raised by Dorchester General Foundation’s annual appeal as well as a $25,000 gift from the Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary. Thanks to this fundraising effort, the hospital has a Philips IU 22 ultrasound machine to assess blood flow through arteries and veins throughout the body.

“For three years in a row we have asked our community to help us reach fundraising goals of $100,000 for equipment needed at DGH – and each year we have met our goal – even in these challenging economic times,” said Ida Jane Baker, President of the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation. “We have some wonderful donors and without them we could not have reached this fundraising goal. Our 2011 appeal should be arriving in the mailboxes of our friends and neighbors and we hope to see the same support for the renovation of the Behavioral Health Unit at Dorchester General Hospital.”

The new ultrasound equipment- which provides more detailed images of the blood vessels- enhances the ability to diagnose and treat a variety of cardiovascular diseases.

“In addition to providing more detailed images of the blood vessels, the more compact size of the unit makes it possible for us to do the testing right in the patient’s room instead of transporting patients to the vascular lab,” said Amanda Helgason, BS, RDCS, cardiovascular sonographer. “This really creates more efficient care that’s more comfortable for our patients.”

Images and measurements taken by this ultrasound equipment are downloaded to a report and image management system, which is shared by both Shore Health System hospitals so that physicians can view the images at Dorchester General Hospital as well as at the Memorial Hospital at Easton.

The DGH Foundation has been supporting Dorchester General Hospital since 1991. Gifts to the hospital have been used to improve patient care through the addition of state of the art equipment, facility renovations and support for nursing education. In recent years, the DGH Foundation has contributed funds to bring some of the latest technology for imaging and diagnostic testing to Dorchester General Hospital Other projects benefiting from the DGH Foundation’s philanthropy include the addition of a Sleep Disorders Center and most recently a total facelift for the Multi-Specialty care unit.

“You can’t walk through our department without seeing something purchased with funds from the DGH Foundation,” said Gary Jones, Director of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services for Shore Health System. “Their incredible generosity and support has brought us important equipment and upgrades that enhance the level of care we provide the local community.”

In photo: Jerry Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, Shore Health System; Ida Jane Baker, President, Dorchester General Hospital Foundation; Gary Jones, Director, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Services, Shore Health System; and Amanda Helgason, BS, RDCS, cardiovascular sonographer, Dorchester General Hospital.

Shore Behavioral Health Kicks-off Expansion: Renovation of DGH Facilities Will Increase Space, Enhance Program

A wall breaking ceremony was held Tuesday, September 13 at Dorchester General Hospital to kick off a major renovation project that will expand and improve the size and scope of behavioral health services on the Mid-Shore. The $2.5 million dollar renovation of Shore Behavioral Health’s existing unit increases the number of beds from 16 to 24 and enhances the facility’s ability to meet the needs of patients who have mental health and substance abuse issues.

“The upgrades to this unit address a pressing community need left unfilled due to the closure of state hospitals, bed reductions in existing hospitals and loss of community clinic resources,” said Yusuke Sagawa, MD, psychiatrist with Shore Behavioral Health Services. “This expansion allows us to provide a more thorough and efficient course of care for patients with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness, which will ultimately yield better long term outcomes for these patients and their families.”

Ruth Ann Jones, EdD, MSN, RN, Director of Acute Care for Shore Health System, added, “Seventy percent or more of mental health patients who come to the hospital through the emergency departments have both substance abuse or use and mental health needs. This is especially true of the growing homeless population.”

Increasing the space available for inpatient beds will allow Shore Behavioral Health Services to more effectively treat both psychiatric conditions as well as substance abuse disorders. The renovations, funded partially by a $1 million dollar grant from the State of Maryland, also include upgrades to patient bath, shower and toilet facilities as well as storage and laundry improvements. Upgrades to treatment and meeting rooms along with renovations to staff offices and lounges are also part of the project.

In addition to the $1 million dollar grant from the state, community fundraising initiatives have already raised $60,000 for the project. Richard Loeffler, vice chair of the Shore Health System board of directors, recognized the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation and the guests and sponsors who attended the 2010 Starry Night dinner dance, which benefited the behavioral health project.

“This investment by Shore Health System and the State of Maryland demonstrates that Dorchester General Hospital continues to be a valued community healthcare resource,” said Jerry Walsh, Interim CEO, Shore Health System. “The completion of this important renovation will only make it better for patients on the Mid-Shore and beyond.”

Construction will take place in phases and behavioral health inpatient and outpatient services will continue without interruption through all phases of the project. Over 30 guests attended the wall-breaking event, including Shore Health System staff, elected officials, community supporters, and representatives from Marshall Craft Associates and Whiting-Turner, the project’s architect and construction contractor.

In photo: Jackie Weston, BSN, RN-BC, Nurse Manager for Shore Behavioral Health Services, made the first hole in the wall during the September 13 wall breaking ceremony that marked the beginning of a sic- to nine-month construction project that will expand and renovate the behavioral health unit at Dorchester General Hospital.

Psychiatrist Yusuke Sagawa, MD, (at the podium) commented on how patients and their families will benefit from renovations underway in the behavioral health unit at Dorchester General Hospital. Pictured with Dr. Sagawa are (left to right) Jackie Weston, BSN, RN-BC, Nurse Manager for Shore Behavioral Health Services; Jerry Walsh, Interim CEO, Shore Health System; Sen. Richard Colburn; and Roger Harrell, Health Officer, Dorchester County Health Department.

Pictured with Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio (seated) at the wall breaking ceremony at Dorchester General Hospital, Del. Addie Eckardt said, “Shore Health System has always stepped up to the plate. Behavioral health is very complex and needs a multi-faceted intervention. Many of the citizens you serve are not able to say thank you – they struggle for acceptance and understanding. So I thank you for the services you provide.”

Luau Benefits End of Life Care at DGH

A magical evening hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Michael Moran raised money that will benefit families facing the end of life at Dorchester General Hospital.

The DGH Luau held on May 21 raised $85,000 thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the 158 guests who attended the dinner dance. Proceeds from the event will be used to expand end of life care available at the hospital. A palliative care suite will be built so that terminally ill patients have a private space in which to spend time with their loved ones while they receive medical care.

Oxford’s Latitude 38 created a tropically inspired menu. Mike Hines and The Look turned up the heat with their high energy dance music. Throughout the evening, silent and live auctions added to the fun and the fundraising.

Lauren, Kristen and Callie Moran presented leis to guests as they arrived at the DGH Luau hosted by their parents, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Moran.

The DGH Luau Committee members show off their tropical finery at this fundraiser for palliative care services available at the hospital. Pictured (left to right) are Alma Colburn, Lois Narr, DO, Kathy Effron, RN, Rosa Mateo, MD, Rose Joyce, Kim Bair, RN, Kirsten Strohmer, Jennifer Brant, PA-C, and Lorrie Moran.

Ida Jane Baker, (center) President of the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, surprised Dr. Michael Moran (left) when she announced to his guests that Rufus and Lorraine Todd helped reach the $85,000 DGH Luau fundraising goal by making a $10,000 donation to the DGH Foundation in honor of Dr. Moran. Pictured at the presentation is Jerry Walsh, interim President and CEO, Shore Health System.

Sponsors of the DGH Luau enjoyed the poolside reception before a tropically inspired dinner and dancing to the music of Mike Hines and the Look. Pictured are (left to right) radiologists Christian Evans, MD, and Christopher Levey, MD, of Delmarva Radiology, and Paul Brant, OD, of Cambridge Family Eye Care.

Another Everyday Hero at Shore Health System

Barbara Bilconish, MSN, RN-BC, Director of Professional Nursing Practice and Magnet Program for Shore Health System, was recently honored as an Everyday Hero.

A family member of a patient treated at Dorchester General Hospital made a donation to Shore Health System to recognize the care she and her family received under Bilconish’s direction. In a note sent with her donation, the family member wrote, “Thanks for fostering and maintaining a health care environment that truly focuses on the dignity and care of the patient. It is in this type of atmosphere that individuals like Mrs. Barbara Bilconish are able to excel to the extent that they can truly make a difference in the health care of an individual patient.”

When the family arrived at Dorchester General Hospital for an outpatient procedure, they wondered how their elderly father could handle a long day with many stops at various hospital departments. The family member wrote, “One call to Mrs. Barbara Bilconish and our problems were solved. Mrs. Bilconish effectively and efficiently orchestrated the day’s schedule. From the moment we were met at the front door to the moment we left the third floor surgical suite later that afternoon, my father was treated with dignity and respect.”

The Everyday Hero Program gives patients and their families an opportunity to thank a Shore Health System physician, employee or volunteer by making a financial donation in their name. For more information about making a donation to honor an Everyday Hero, call 410-822-1000, ext. 5915.

Luau to Benefit Dorchester General Hospital

On Saturday, May 21, friends of Dorchester General Hospital will experience the elegance of a tropical luau while supporting services of the hospital. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Dr. and Mrs. Michael Moran will host this fundraiser at their waterfront home in Trappe. The presenting sponsor is the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation.

The evening will include an island-style meal catered by Latitude 38 and dancing to the high energy music of Mike Hines and The Look. Silent and live auctions will add to the $60,000 fundraising goal that will help develop a palliative care suite for Dorchester General Hospital.

Jennifer Brant, PA-C, and Kathy Effron, RN, are co-chairing the DGH Luau planning committee. The other committee members are Kimberly Bair, RN; Alma Colburn; Rose Joyce; Rosa Mateo, MD; Lorrie Moran; Lois Narr, DO; Kirsten Strohmer; and Carey Willey, OD.

Tickets are $150 per person. To reserve your table at the Dorchester General Hospital Luau, call Debbie Gardner, 410-228-5511, ext. 5481.

Shore Health System Accepts Toys from National Guard

Children who are patients at the Memorial Hospital at Easton and Dorchester General Hospital will get a special holiday treat with their treatment thanks to a donation of toys from the Maryland National Guard.

Staff Sergeant Erik Rittler from Bravo Troop 1, 158th Cavalry of the Maryland National Guard at the Louis B. Smith Armory in Easton, explained that the Dollar Tree stores in Easton and Cambridge support Operation Homefront by collecting toys for families of people serving in the military. “We received so many toys that we wanted to share them with children who are in the hospital during the Christmas season,” Rittler explained.

Pediatrics nurses at Memorial Hospital will give the toys to children hospitalized on their unit. The toys also will be distributed to the emergency departments at Memorial Hospital and Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge and to the Queen Anne’s Emergency Center, where children come as patients and visitors.

Care Bears Donated To Dorchester General Hospital

Quota International of Cambridge, Maryland, recently donated Quota Care Bears to the Dorchester General Hospital Emergency Department. These cuddly bears will be given to children brought to the Emergency Department. Quota of Cambridge is a service organization that helps deaf and hard of hearing community residents purchase hearing aids and needed equipment to improve hearing. Pictured are (left to right), front row, Quota member Barbara Richardson, DGH Emergency Department employees Margaretha Robbins and Esther Nichols, and Quota member Karol Redline; back row, Quota member Barbara Bilconish, Quota member and District Lieutenant Governor Donna Era and Quota President Pat Jones.

Dorchester General Hospital Foundation Gift Purchases Life-Saving Equipment

A $9,000 gift from the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation has been used to purchase equipment that is saving lives in the intensive care unit and the emergency department at Dorchester General Hospital

Dorchester General Hospital now has two Medi-Therm® III Hyper/Hypothermia machines. This equipment is used to regulate a patient’s body temperature and prevent brain damage following cardiac arrest.

When they are treated with therapeutic hypothermia, patients are covered in body wraps that are connected by tubing to the Medi-Therm machine. Cooled water moves from the machine to the wraps that are placed around the person’s trunk, ankles and thighs. The patient stays connected to the machine for 72 hours, the time it takes to restore circulation and for the body to begin to heal from the trauma of a heart attack. Patient are sedated, placed on a ventilator and given medications to keep them comfortable while the hypothermia treatment is being given.

The Medi-Therm machine can only be used under prescribed circumstances. “Our nurses have been trained to use therapeutic hypothermia only with patients who will benefit from the treatment,” Cathy Weber, BSN, RN, CEN, manager of emergency services at DGH. “We work closely with the physicians who prescribe this therapy and follow guidelines that have been developed through scientific research.”

“Research shows that induced hypothermia improves neurologic survival if provided immediately following a cardiac arrest.” says Ryan Foster, MS, RN, NEA-BC, manager of the DGH critical care and multi-specialty care units. “Our nurses appreciate having this life-saving equipment that they can use with critically ill patients.”