The Medical Center Receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation with PCI
The Medical Center at Bowling Green received full Cycle III accreditation with PCI from the Accreditation Review Committee of the Society for Chest Pain Centers on March 20, 2010. The Medical Center is the 40th accredited Chest Pain Center in the nation and is the only hospital in Southcentral Kentucky accredited with PCI. Percutaneous coronary intervention, referred to as PCI, is the use of cardiac catheterization to treat the narrowed coronary arteries of the heart.
“While chest pain accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers demonstrates the rigorous standards we meet in our treatment plan for heart attack patients, accreditation with PCI is of even greater value to our patients and their families,” said Dr. Gary Howerton, Medical Director of The Medical Center Chest Pain Center and Emergency Department. “PCI allows our interventional cardiologists to go directly to the source of a blockage, thus preserving heart muscle and potentially reducing mortality.”
“With The Medical Center, residents of Southcentral Kentucky have access to life-saving treatment without having to travel great distances,” added Marita Hockstedler, Chest Pain Center Coordinator and Clinical Manager of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab for The Medical Center. “In the event of a heart attack, time is of the essence, and quick treatment is critical in preserving heart muscle.”
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. The goal of the Society of Chest Pain Centers is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment, and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.
The Chest Pain Center’s protocol driven and systematic approach to patient management allows physicians to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack, when treatments are most effective, and to better monitor patients when it is not clear whether they are having a coronary event. Such observation helps ensure that a patient is neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted.
With the rise of Chest Pain Centers came the need to establish standards designed to improve the consistency and quality of care provided to patients. The Society’s accreditation process insures centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine.
The Chest Pain Center at The Medical Center has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and completing on-site evaluations by a review team from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Key areas in which a Chest Pain Center must demonstrate expertise include:
• Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system
• Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly
• Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms
• Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
• Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training
• Maintaining organizational structure and commitment
• Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care
• Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack
About The Medical Center
The Medical Center at Bowling Green is the flagship hospital for Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Located in Bowling Green, Ky., The Medical Center is a 337-bed, full service, not-for-profit hospital specializing in heart, cancer care, obstetrics and neonatology, and orthopaedic services. With a mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves, CHC and its entities including The Medical Center at Bowling Green contributed $56.9 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2009. The Medical Center treats patients regardless of their ability to pay and annually provides millions in community benefit through charity care for the uninsured and shortfalls in governmental reimbursements (Medicare and Medicaid). To learn more, visit www.TheMedicalCenter.org.
About the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC)
The Society of Chest Pain Centers is a patient centric non-profit international professional organization focused upon improving care for patients with acute coronary syndromes and other related maladies. Established in 1998, the Society is dedicated to patient advocacy and focusing on ischemic heart disease. Central to its mission is the question, “What is right for the patient?” In answer, the Society promotes protocol based medicine, often delivered through a Chest Pain Center model to address the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and to promote the adoption of process improvement science by healthcare providers. To best fulfill this mission, the Society of Chest Pain Centers provides accreditation to facilities striving for optimum Chest Pain Center care. SCPC is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
For more information on the Society of Chest Pain Centers visit www.scpcp.org, or contact Kay Styer Holmes, RN, BSN, MSA, Director of Accreditation Services at (614) 442-5950 or kholmes@scpcp.org
Grant from March of Dimes to The Medical Center Helps Parents and Premature Infants
The March of Dimes Greater Kentucky Chapter has awarded an $8,800 grant to The Medical Center at Bowling Green to support the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parent peer support group. The group, named NICU P.E.A.S. (Parent Education And Support), will enable parents of NICU babies to talk to and share their feelings with a “support parent” who has been in a similar situation. The Medical Center’s project was one of only four projects funded throughout the state by the March of Dimes grant.
“When a baby is born prematurely or ill, it takes an emotional and physical toll on the parents,” said Amber Herman, OB Clinical Manager for The Medical Center. “While our staff can provide education and limited support, our main focus is caring for the baby. If parents have someone they can talk to who has been in the same situation, that support can mean the world to them.”
It is planned for the support parent to visit with parents of the preemie or sick newborn during the mother’s hospital stay to see what they can do to provide needed emotional support. At the request of the parents of the newborn, the support parent will arrange to spend additional time with the new parents. The support parents and the nursing staff will combine efforts to help parents cope and maintain healthy attitudes to nurture their newborn during the hospital stay. Additionally, the group will host weekly support groups to help new parents adjust to their situation.
“The Medical Center’s NICU support group fills a void for parents. They play a vital role in the health of their newborn, especially for preemies,” said Katrina Thompson, Director of Program Services for March of Dimes. “We are grateful that our successful fundraising efforts, such as March for Babies, make it possible for us to support new programs in South Central Kentucky that can help babies,” she said.
About The Medical Center
The Medical Center at Bowling Green is the flagship hospital for Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Located in Bowling Green, Ky., The Medical Center is a 337-bed, full service, not-for-profit hospital specializing in heart, cancer care, obstetrics and neonatology, and orthopaedic services. With a mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves, CHC and its entities including The Medical Center at Bowling Green contributed $56.9 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2009. The Medical Center treats patients regardless of their ability to pay and annually provides millions in community benefit through charity care for the uninsured and shortfalls in governmental reimbursements (Medicare and Medicaid). To learn more, visit www.TheMedicalCenter.org.
About The March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at www.marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language website at www.nacersano.org.
The Medical Center Expands Newborn Care & Safety Program with Kohl’s
The Medical Center has expanded its obstetrics education class offerings for area residents with the help of Kohl’s Cares for Kids®. Because of Kohl’s support in the form of a $24,874 grant awarded to Commonwealth Health Foundation in October 2009, The Medical Center is extending the reach of Newborn Care and Safety classes for expectant parents.
Beginning this month, The Medical Center will offer Newborn Care and Safety classes at the Housing Authority on a monthly basis. The class teaches expectant parents essential skills that not only keep their baby healthy and safe, but also help parents feel confident and comfortable in caring for their newborn.
“In the Newborn Care and Safety class, parents learn everything from proper techniques for holding their baby to providing CPR in emergency situations,” said Amber Herman, OB Clinical Manager for The Medical Center. “While we typically have several thousand participants in our prenatal education classes every year, we know there is still a significant number of people we’re not reaching. By taking our classes to the Housing Authority, we’re able to help parents who may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in prenatal education.”
The classes will be taught at the Housing Authority Learning Center on the last Tuesday of every month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. All classes are offered free of charge, and the first class takes place on February 23. The Kohl’s grant also funds the purchase of safety tote bags for expectant parents who take part in the Newborn Care and Safety class. The tote bags, which include items such as a DNA identification kit, bath water temperature tester, infant CPR memo board, and baby safety gift set, are provided to parents at no cost.
The Medical Center and Kohl’s first partnered in 2006, and since then, Kohl’s has donated more than $74,000 to benefit children’s health initiatives in the community. With the grant money, The Medical Center has constructed two community walking trails at local elementary schools, and this is the second year to utilize the grant for expectant parents and their newborns.
Kohl's commitment to Commonwealth Health Foundation and The Medical Center is made possible through the Kohl's Cares for Kids philanthropic initiative. Kohl’s Cares for Kids includes a merchandise program featuring $5 books and plush toys where 100% of net profits go toward supporting hospital partnerships like this one. Through 2008, Kohl's has raised more than $126 million dollars through its merchandise program. Other components of Kohl's Cares for Kids include Kohl's A-Team associate volunteer program; the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program, recognizing stand-out kids for volunteer efforts in their communities; and fundraising gift cards for local schools and nonprofit organizations.
Commonwealth Health Foundation Announces Capital Campaign for Construction of Hospitality House
Commonwealth Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC), announced the Extending Home capital campaign today for construction of a Hospitality House. Funds raised through the Extending Home campaign will help build, furnish and staff the 13,564 square foot “home away from home” to be situated on The Medical Center campus at the corner of High and Fifth streets. The 12 private guestroom, private bath facility will serve the family members and caregivers of seriously ill patients receiving treatment at The Medical Center and Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital.
“The Foundation has worked diligently for the advancement of CHC’s not-for-profit healthcare initiatives in the area for the past nine years,” said Charles M. Moore, Jr., Chairman of the Commonwealth Health Foundation Board of Directors. “The Hospitality House has been a dream of the Foundation and CHC for quite some time, and the success of the capital campaign will depend on the commitment of our community and the friends of the Foundation, The Medical Center and Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital.”
The need for a Hospitality House has greatly increased as patients are traveling from all across the region to receive care at The Medical Center for various services including cardiac, cancer, orthopaedic and neonatology services.
“Nearly half of our patients reside outside of Warren County,” said Connie Smith, Chief Operating Officer of CHC and Chief Executive Officer of The Medical Center. “On average, those patients spend nearly five days in the hospital. And, while we try to make family members and caregivers as comfortable as possible, there’s nothing quite like having the comforts of home in such close proximity.”
In 2007 and 2008, an average of 8,600 patients from outside Warren County stayed at The Medical Center. Additionally, Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital – a long term acute care hospital located within The Medical Center – treats patients who require specialized, continuing medical care for chronic or complex medical conditions. The average length of stay for these patients is 25 days or more.
In addition to the 12 private guestrooms and baths, the Hospitality House will feature a large kitchen and dining room to accommodate multiple families, a prayer room, a community room with comfortable furnishings, and a business center with computers and internet access. The Hospitality House will also be available for patients receiving outpatient radiation therapy. It is not uncommon for some of these cancer patients to drive 50 miles one way for treatment. There will not be a charge to stay at the Hospitality House, however, guests who are able to make a donation for each night they stay will be encouraged to do so.
Mike Murphy of Scott, Murphy and Daniel serves as Chairman of the capital campaign committee, and Jerry Baker of Airgas serves as Honorary Chairman.
“Bowling Green is a hub for healthcare, and the Hospitality House will be a welcomed addition to our community,” said Mike Murphy. “In the midst of a medical emergency or lengthy hospitalization, families need the assurance that they will have a warm, safe and inviting place to stay during those trying times. The need for the Hospitality House is clear, and we can’t wait to see it come to fruition.”
To date, the Foundation has secured $1.7 million in pledges and donations for the Extending Home capital campaign. An estimated $2 million is needed to construct and furnish the Hospitality House. An additional $1 million is needed for establishment of an endowment to ensure ongoing operation. To learn more about the Hospitality House and how you can support the Extending Home Capital Campaign, contact Commonwealth Health Foundation at (270) 796-5543 or visit www.hospitalityhousebg.org.
Kohl’s Department Stores Award Grant for Newborn Care and Safety
Kohl’s Cares for Kids® has awarded Commonwealth Health Foundation with a $24,874 grant in support of The Medical Center’s newborn care and safety program.
The grant will fund the purchase of incentive safety bags for expectant parents who take part in The Medical Center’s Newborn Care and Safety class. The safety bags, which include items such as a DNA identification kit, bath water temperature tester, infant CPR memo board, choke tube tester, and baby gift set are provided to parents free of charge thanks to the generosity of Kohl’s Care for Kids®. The grant will also help The Medical Center provide additional newborn care and safety classes in the community.
“Currently, the Newborn Care and Safety class is taught one to two times per month at The Medical Center Health & Wellness Center in Greenwood Mall. This year’s grant will enable expansion of the Newborn Care and Safety class offerings by helping us reach further into the community,” said Amber Herman, OB Clinical Manager for The Medical Center. “Our goal is to reach out to those parents in high risk populations who may not have the opportunity to participate in prenatal education.”
“Since we began partnering with Kohl’s four years ago, they have donated more than $74,000 to benefit children’s health initiatives in our community” said Doris Thomas, Vice President of Marketing and Development for Commonwealth Health Corporation, parent company of The Medical Center. “With the grants we have constructed two community walking trails, and this our second year to utilize the grant for expectant parents and their newborns.”
Kohl's commitment to Commonwealth Health Foundation and The Medical Center is made possible through the Kohl's Cares for Kids philanthropic initiative. Kohl’s Cares for Kids includes a merchandise program featuring $5 books and plush toys where 100% of net profits go toward supporting hospital partnerships like this one. Through 2008, Kohl's has raised more than $126 million dollars through its merchandise program. Other components of Kohl's Cares for Kids include Kohl's A-Team associate volunteer program; the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program, recognizing stand-out kids for volunteer efforts in their communities; and fundraising gift cards for local schools and nonprofit organizations.
About Kohl’s Department Stores
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl’s operates 1,022 stores in 49 states. A company committed to the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $126 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids® philanthropic program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.
About Commonwealth Health Foundation
Commonwealth Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Commonwealth Health Foundation helps build relationships and partnerships across Southcentral Kentucky that will inspire charitable giving by individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations. These gifts help support the mission of CHC to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.commonwealthhealthfoundation.org or call (270)796-5543.
About The Medical Center
The Medical Center at Bowling Green is the flagship hospital for Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC). Located in Bowling Green, Ky., The Medical Center is a 337-bed, full service, not-for-profit hospital specializing in heart, cancer care, obstetrics and neonatology, and orthopaedic services. With a mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves, CHC and its entities including The Medical Center at Bowling Green contributed $56.9 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2009. The Medical Center treats patients regardless of their ability to pay and annually provides millions in community benefit through charity care for the uninsured and shortfalls in governmental reimbursements (Medicare and Medicaid). To learn more, visit www.TheMedicalCenter.org.