Two surgeons have joined WellSpan Health, and another surgeon has added a location.

Drs. Dean Nachtigall and Craig Sullivan recently joined WellSpan Orthopedics. Their office is located at 2250 E. Market St., York.

Nachtigall received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He also served a residency there. He completed a fellowship in hand surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital and Research Center. Nachtigall is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.

Sullivan received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed residencies at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey and Memorial Hospital, York. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.

Dr. Yaseen Tomhe, a surgeon with WellSpan Vascular Surgery, Apple Hill Medical Center, Suite 190, 25 Monument Road, York, also recently began seeing patients at Hillside Medical Center, Suite 207, 250 Fame Ave., Hanover.

Tomhe received his medical degree from Al-Moussat and University Hospitals Department of Surgery. He completed a surgical residency at St. Joseph Hospital and a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.

WellSpan ReadyCare is open at WellSpan Stonebridge Health Center at 13515 Wolfe Road, Suite B, New Freedom.

The ReadyCare location is open 4 to 9 p.m., weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends.

ReadyCare is a convenient after-hours option when your primary care provider is not available. If you experience a health emergency and need immediate care, call 911.

Turn to ReadyCare for urgent health care situations including:

• Sunburn and minor bites
• Insect bites
• Skin rashes/reactions
• Allergy symptoms
• Bronchitis and sinusitis
• Laryngitis, ear pain
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Urinary tract infection
• Minor lacerations and puncture wounds
• Sports physicals
• Sprains/strains

WellSpan ReadyCare providers and staff can update your electronic health record, and use it to share details about your visit with your primary care provider and other WellSpan care team members.

If it is determined that you need a diagnostic imaging exam during your ReadyCare visit, WellSpan Imaging is conveniently located in the WellSpan Stonebridge Health Center.

Learn more about WellSpan’s walk-in care options and locations at www.wellspan.org/walkin or call (888) 520-5060.

All new applicants, who are offered a position at WellSpan, will be tested

Effective Jan. 1, 2015, WellSpan Health will no longer hire new employees who use tobacco or nicotine products.

WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital has had a tobacco-free hiring policy since July 2011. As part of continuing integration efforts, the WellSpan Health Board of Directors noted the benefits of the policy for patients, visitors and employees, and approved extending those benefits to the entire WellSpan system.

The new policy is part of WellSpan’s continuing efforts to foster lifelong wellness and healthy communities, according to Robert Batory, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for WellSpan Health.

The policy only applies to new hires, Batory said. Current employees who use tobacco will not be affected.

“Our goal is to promote tobacco-free living and to create a healthier and more pleasant environment for those who visit or receive care at a WellSpan facility,” Batory said.

WellSpan first banned smoking indoors in its facilities in 1991. In 2006, the health system designated all WellSpan locations as tobacco-free campuses.

“This is yet another step in WellSpan’s journey to reduce the detrimental impacts of tobacco use in our community,” Batory said. Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature and preventable death in the United States.

The 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment showed that more than one in five adults in York and Adams counties identified themselves as regular smokers, while 13 percent of adults in Lancaster County are regular smokers. That statistic does not include minors who use tobacco, nor adults who use smokeless or other forms of tobacco.

Batory noted that the tobacco-free hiring policy is similar to other requirements for prospective employees, including being drug-free, fragrance-free and receiving an annual flu vaccination.

Under the tobacco-free hiring policy, anyone considering employment at WellSpan must be tobacco free as of Jan. 1, 2015. However, any applicants who accepted an active offer of employment from WellSpan prior to August 1, 2014 will be exempted.

All applicants, who are offered a position with WellSpan, will be tested for tobacco and nicotine use through a urine test as part of their post-offer, pre-placement health screening.

Those who test positive for tobacco and nicotine use will not be hired. If an applicant tests positive, he or she may re-apply for a position after 12 months, provided the individual has ceased using tobacco products.

If an individual tests positive for nicotine because of authorized tobacco cessation efforts, such as nicotine gum or a nicotine patch, it will not impact that applicant’s offer of employment, Batory said. This is in keeping with WellSpan’s tobacco cessation programs and counselors, which are aimed at helping individuals lead tobacco-free lives.

The 19th annual York Cancer Center Bike Hike will be held 11 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, on the Heritage Rail Trail in York. The event benefits the Cancer Patient Help Fund.

You can walk or ride along the rail trail, participate in a butterfly release, or do both. You can purchase a live butterfly in honor, or in memory of, a loved one. The butterfly release will occur at the start of the Bike Hike.

If you can’t be present at the event, a butterfly will be released for you. Your loved one’s name will be included on a butterfly display and in the event program.

For more information, to register, or to reserve a butterfly, call 851-2149.

Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject examines multiple perspectives on end-of-life care.

Healthy Adams County’s End of Life and Wellness Arts committee and the Healthy York County Coalition are sponsoring free screenings of the documentary:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg
• Thursday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m., Hanover Hospital Wellness & Education Center, 400 York St., Hanover
• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Bible Tabernacle, 361 S. Pine St., York.

To reserve a free ticket for the Gettysburg screening, call 337-8200. To register for the Hanover or York screening, call 316-2141 or 851-2333, respectively.

The documentary includes information and experiences gathered from interviews with patients, family members, doctors, nurses, clergy, social workers and national experts.

It is a thought-provoking film that looks at many of the issues faced at the end-of-life. It opens the floodgates of thought and conversation on this difficult and often taboo subject.

“Analysis of a recent Adams County community survey about end-of-life revealed that only about half had heard about advanced directives, and less than one-third had heard about palliative care or POLST (Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment),” said Kathy Gaskin, executive director, Healthy Adams County.

“Only one in four respondents had heard about end-of-life care from their health care provider. Half of those taking the survey said they would like to learn more about end-of-life planning.”

The documentary sheds light on the 21st century American struggle with communication and preparation at life’s end.

Throughout the film, there are intimate accounts of emotional, spiritual, physical and social burden associated with the historical shift that has occurred with dying.

Forty years ago, most people experienced a quick death, but today it is more likely that people will suffer a slow, incremental dying process, according to the documentary.

WellSpan York Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center has received a three-year accreditation from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, effective Oct. 1.

The trauma center serves more than 650,000 people in York, Adams and Franklin counties. It is capable of handling any kind of trauma 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Daniel Carney, MD, medical director of trauma services, said, “We have a great trauma program and great people. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Carney said site surveyors praised the high quality of care provided by trauma services.

“We provide the highest level of care possible,” he added. “When you’re critically injured, seconds count. And, we’re here for the communities we serve.”

Carney stressed that many staff members are part of the trauma team. It is a true multi-disciplinary function, involving numerous departments such as respiratory, imaging, care management, pastoral care, laboratory, nursing, dietary, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, volunteers, patient representatives and many others.

“When people ask me how many staff members I have on the trauma team, I reply, ‘Thousands,” said Carney. “And, it’s true. Everyone who provides a service, or has a connection to a trauma patient, is part of our team.”

This past fiscal year, the trauma center treated 2,093 patients.

"Completing the Level 1 certification process not only validates the excellence of our program, but also helps the health system in staying up-to-date with clinical advances, recruiting top-notch clinicians to our region and providing an exceptional clinical experience for our medical education programs," said Keith Noll, president, WellSpan York Hospital and senior vice president, WellSpan.

WellSpan York Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center is one of only two in south central Pennsylvania, and one of 15 in the state.

WellSpan York Hospital has been a designated trauma center since October 1986.

On hand for the $500,000 donation to the York County Community Foundation were, from left to right, Rod Drawbaugh, chairman, West York Ambulance; Maria Royce, senior vice president, strategy and market development, WellSpan, and chief strategy officer; Keith Noll, president of WellSpan York Hospital and senior vice president of WellSpan; Tim Kinsley, chair of the Grant Distribution Committee; Paul Rudy III, board chair of the Community Foundation; and Jane Conover, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Community Foundation.

WellSpan Emergency Services Fund intended to support regionalization efforts

WellSpan Health and the York County Community Foundation announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20, they have partnered to create the WellSpan Emergency Services Fund, which is intended to encourage Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers in York County to work toward a more coordinated, regional EMS system.

WellSpan has donated $500,000 to establish a fund at the foundation for this purpose. WellSpan hopes to grow the fund to $1 million by encouraging new donations through an additional $250,000 match.

“York County Community Foundation and WellSpan Health aim to facilitate and nurture a strong regional emergency medical response system in York County,” said Keith Noll, president of WellSpan York Hospital and senior vice president, WellSpan.

“We believe the best EMS model for York County is one that is led by the community,” he added. “WellSpan has committed to ongoing support of regional solutions for EMS services."

Jane Conover, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Community Foundation, said, “We’re are incredibly excited about the possibilities created by the WellSpan Emergency Services Fund. When a well-respected organization, such as WellSpan, adds its voice for more efficient and effective community services, it creates a ripple effect that will inspire others to look outside the box for solutions for pressing community issues.”

The foundation's well-established and community-led grant process will serve as the funding mechanism for community providers of EMS that agree to collaborate toward a more regional EMS system for York County.

The community foundation will solicit grant applications from eligible organizations. Those applications will be reviewed by a committee and approved by the foundation board of directors.

Grants will be made for purposes such as professional services, for start-up resources, and/or for the development of new and innovative collaborative projects in order to meet the emergency service needs of the community.

Applicants and their proposed partner organizations must be either a non-profit and tax-exempt organization, or a unit of government or a public agency.

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in collaboration, the capacity to expand their core of service, and the ability to sustain the project post-grant.

Over the past few years, York County Community Foundation has awarded $244,000 in grants to help 24 nonprofit organizations achieve significant partnerships or mergers for greater efficiencies and increased sustainability.

Four physicians have recently joined WellSpan. They are: Mark Miller, DO; Bessie Joy Perkey, MD; Carlos Roberts, MD; and Deric Wilson, DO.

Miller joined WellSpan Gynecologic Oncology, 35 Monument Road, Suite 206, York.

He received his medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Miller completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, and served a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at WellSpan York Hospital. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Perkey joined WellSpan Physiatry, 228 St. Charles Way, Suite 300, York. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College, and served a residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she also served a fellowship in brain injury. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Roberts is on the staff of WellSpan Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, 35 Monument Road, Suite 204, York.

He received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine.

He completed residencies in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Louis University and WellSpan York Hospital.  He served a fellowship in urogynecology at St. Luke’s University Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Wilson practices at East York Family Medicine, 1010 Plymouth Road, York. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed a residency in family medicine at WellSpan York Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Activities will target a number of different groups

WellSpan Health recently received a tobacco cessation grant for $207,200 from the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania.

The grant, which runs through June 30, 2015, includes $41,400 for Adams County and $165,800 for York County, according to Kevin Alvarnaz, director, community health and wellness.

“Tobacco use is still a major health concern,” offered Alvarnaz. “One in five people use tobacco or nicotine. This grant is very significant because it allows us to do a variety of activities, targeting a number of different groups.”

WellSpan is partnering with Hanover Hospital to promote tobacco cessation services across the region.

The two organizations have worked together through the Healthy York County Coalition, so this partnership is a natural extension of those efforts, said Alvarnaz.

Activities associated with the grant include:

• Promotion of tobacco cessation programs, including individual counseling, Freedom From Smoking classes and Tobacco Cessation 101 program, to WellSpan patients, local employers and community members;
• Development of standard tobacco cessation referral process through eCare;
• Increase provider knowledge through the creation of an online learning module about the 5 A’s of Tobacco Cessation Intervention;
• Elimination of secondhand smoke exposure by establishing tobacco-free parks (Young Lungs at Play program), worksite and multi-unit housing policies;
• Mass media communication through strategic billboards, bus shelter advertisements, movie theater ads, and direct outreach to Healthy York Network (HYN) members;
• Partner with community-based organizations to address tobacco use and promote cessation programs among diverse populations;
• Encourage youth participation in the statewide Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) movement; and
• Advocacy on prominent tobacco issues with local legislators.

Alvarnaz said metrics are associated with each activity that will be used to determine success.

“We’re very excited about receiving the grant,” said Alvarnaz. “It will definitely help us to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

Three recipients receive $2,500 to continue their education

Amber Coy, RN, joined WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital as a certified nursing assistant in 2011. As she watched nurses care for patients, she couldn’t wait to become a nurse.

“I chose to become a nurse because I’m passionate about caring for patients,” she said. “But wanting to be more involved in the decisions for the well-being of my patients made me want to go further.”

Coy is currently studying for her bachelor’s degree at Walden University. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career in primary care as a nurse practitioner.

Coy will be pursuing that goal with the help of a $2,500 Bev Malloy Memorial Nursing Scholarship.

She is one of three recipients. The others are George Donavos, CRNP, of the WellSpan York Hospital Emergency Department and Heather Haug, a nursing assistant at WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital and an account representative at Quest Behavioral Health.

“Amber is a very skillful and compassionate nurse, always putting her patients first,” wrote a physician. “She is consistently showing great enthusiasm and energy, which are extremely important for nurses.”

Donavos said a personal family matter originally sparked his interest, and eventual passion, for nursing.

“I’m interested in expanding my knowledge base to include care of the pediatric population, as well as the family as a whole, which will tremendously help in serving the chronic and emergency needs of the York area population,” he said.

“My goal is simple: I want to provide the best care a nurse practitioner can give to a patient.”

Donavos is enrolled in Drexel University’s post-master’s family nurse practitioner program.

“I’ve always been impressed with George’s motivation, enthusiasm and drive as he has progressed through his career,” wrote a coworker. “He has shown a strong dedication toward continuing his education. George conveys his love of patient care despite the often challenging situations that are common in emergency settings.”

Haug, who is enrolled in York College’s BSN program, has always dreamed of being a nurse. She has been inspired by Bev Malloy’s traits of joy, kindness, compassion and love.

“These are traits I intend to emulate as I pursue my career in nursing,” she said. “Beyond the clinical and technical skills, Ms. Malloy reminds me of the value of service to others.”

A coworker wrote, “Heather builds magnificent rapport with patients, providers and fellow staff members. She has extraordinary skills in the provision of health care, always going above and beyond that which is required of her. She consistently demonstrates a vast knowledge of managed care, patient care and relationship building.”

A Walk to Remember, a memorial walk and gathering for families whose babies have died during pregnancy, or shortly after birth, will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, at John Rudy Park, York.

For further information, contact WellSpan Bereavement Services, 851-3594.

More than 50 percent of adults over the age of 20 report feeling pain at one or more body locations. Joint pain and low back pain are the most prevalent.

Joint pain increases with age and is generally more prevalent among women than men.

Perhaps you are among those people who report feeling joint pain. If so, it's good to know WellSpan Orthopedics’ fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons always explore the most conservative ways to get you pain-free before recommending surgery.

If you have questions about joint pain and possible treatments, WellSpan has a variety of free presentations that may prove helpful.

Consider these presentations:

• Minimally Invasive Surgical Options for Back Pain, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25 (York).

  Less is often better when considering spine surgery. Learn more about minimally invasive spine procedures, such as spinal cord stimulators and microendoscopic spine procedures.

• Oh My Aching Back! Treatment Options for Back Pain, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9 (York).

  Learn about common causes and treatment options for back pain, which affects 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives.

• Low Back and Neck Pain: Myths and Facts about Treatment, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, and 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11 (York).

  Learn five facts and five myths associated with the cause and treatment of low back and neck pain. Epidural steroid injections, facet injects and sacroiliac joint injects will be discussed.

• What’s That Doc? Explanation of Some Common Spine Diseases, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13 (York).

  Learn about stenosis, osteoarthritis, disc herniation, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease and disc bulge. Surgical and non-surgical treatment options will be discussed.

• Caring for the Shoulder—the Most Mobile Joint in the Body, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, (York and Gettysburg) and 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9 (York).

  The program will review medical and surgical treatment options as well as lifestyle changes that may help alleviate discomfort.

• Oh My Aching Joints! Treatment Options for Hip and Knee Arthritis, 6 to 7:30 p.m., 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24 (Gettysburg); Tuesday, Nov. 18 (York)

  Do you avoid activities you used to love due to chronic pain? Learn about current treatment options and lifestyle changes that may help hip and knee arthritis.

• Understanding the Journey: Surgical Treatment Options for Hip and Knee Joint Arthritis, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25 (Gettysburg).

  Learn more about current surgical treatment options and what to expect from surgery and recovery.

All York presentations are held at the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital, 55 Monument Road, on the Apple Hill Health Campus.  Gettysburg presentations are held at Community Room A, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. To register for any of the presentations, call 851-3500 or 1-800-840-5905.

Author advocates transforming the way we speak to, and about, young people

Rosalind Wiseman, a nationally recognized author and children’s expert, will be the guest speaker at a special community event: Queen Bees & Masterminds, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, at Gettysburg Area Middle School, 37 Lefever Street, Gettysburg.

Parents and children are invited to attend this free, interactive and informative event to hear Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends and the New Realities of Girl World. The book was the basis for the hit movie Mean Girls.

Wiseman is an expert on teens, parenting and bullying. Each year, she works with tens of thousands of students, educators, parents, counselors, coaches and administrators to create communities based on the belief that each person has a responsibility to treat themselves and others with dignity.

She will issue a call to action to transform the way we speak, to and about, young people.

She shares how boys’ and girls’ social group dynamics influence their interactions, and offers step-by-step advice on how to teach young people to treat each other with dignity.

Wiseman gives common sense suggestions about how to deal with the frequent struggles between teens and their parents—from video games and social networking to communication breakdowns.

By the end of the presentation, Wiseman will have provided concrete strategies for any parent, educator, or professional who works with children and teens.

Her engaging and forthright delivery captures audiences, and inspires them to build positive relationships among each others, according to the Washington Post.

Wiseman was one of the principal speakers at the White House Summit on Bullying. She also has been a frequent guest on The Today Show, CNN, Good Morning America and NPR, and profiled in The New York Times, People, The Washington Postand USA Today.

Parents are encouraged to bring their teenage children to this event, which is sponsored by the WELL Consortium, comprised of representatives from WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, Gettysburg College, the counselors of Adams County middle schools and the Gettysburg Chapter of the AAUW.

Registration is required. To register, call 1-800-840-5905.

Every WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital staff member (some of whom are shown in this photo) shares the same vision of providing the best patient experience possible.

95 percent of WSRH patients “would definitely recommend” hospital

WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital (WSRH) was recently identified as one of eight hospitals in the country where 95 percent, or more, of patients responded “Yes, I would definitely recommend this hospital,” based on HCAHPS survey results reported to CMS’ Hospital Compare databases as of April 16. The results are for post-surgery patients.

“Frankly, the HCAHPS survey results are not surprising,” said Barbara Yarrish, chief operating officer for WSRH. “Last year, we scored consistently in the 99th percentile on the NRC Picker survey.

“We put the needs of the patient first every day, and we’re proud of that. Our high scores are reflective of the patient-centered culture we have developed.”

Yarrish said there’s nothing too small to merit attention. Nothing goes unnoticed.

Recently, it was noted that both clocks in patient rooms had the incorrect time. A facility specialist created standard work to routinely check clocks for accuracy and also ask patients if there was anything else he could do while he was there.

“The incorrect time could seem like a inconsequential thing, but it can be anxiety producing,” offered Yarrish. “If you are supposed to go for rehab at 10 a.m., but you’re not sure of the time, it can put you on edge and cause some confusion.”

Staff members routinely go the extra mile to accommodate patients and their needs.

A patient was recently discharged and left his eye glasses in his room. The patient called the hospital, checking to see if the eye glasses were there. They were, and a staff member volunteered to take the eye glasses to the patient’s house since his vision was very poor without them.

“Every WSRH staff member shares the same vision—providing the best patient experience possible,” stressed Yarrish. “It’s not just the clinical personnel, it’s everyone—housekeepers, food service workers, receptionists and facility specialists. Everyone has a role.

“We believe delivering the best patient experience requires situational awareness, every day from every staff member. Our job is to notice things that will make a difference to the patient."

Yarrish said one of the strengths of WSRH is that it built the values of patient-centeredness, integrity, respect and teamwork into every aspect of the organization from Day 1.

“We hire staff members who fit our culture,” she said. “We stress our values in hiring, training, coaching, observing and mentoring. They are all connected. Our staff members hold each other accountable. Staff members are challenged to adhere to, and practice, these values in their daily work.”

Other hospitals that scored 95 percent or higher on the HCAHPS survey are: Westlake Regional Hospital (Columbia, Ky.); Patients’ Hospital of Redding (Calif.); Surgical Hospital at Southwoods (Youngstown, Ohio); Southwestern Regional Medical Center (Tulsa, Okla.); Oklahoma Heart Hospital (Oklahoma City); Advanced Surgical Hospital (Washington, Pa.) and The Physicians’ Centre (Bryan, Texas).

Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject examines multiple perspectives on end-of-life care.

Healthy Adams County’s End of Life and Wellness Arts committee and the Healthy York County Coalition are sponsoring free screenings of the documentary:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg
• Thursday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m., Hanover Hospital Wellness & Education Center, 400 York Street, Hanover
• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Bible Tabernacle, 361 S. Pine St., York.

To reserve a free ticket for the Gettysburg screening, call 337-8200.  To register for the Hanover or York screening, call 316-2141 or 851-2333, respectively.

The documentary includes information and experiences gathered from interviews with patients, family members, doctors, nurses, clergy, social workers and national experts.

Gregory Fazio, MD, an electrophysiologist with Cardiac Diagnostic Associates, explains the wireless pacemaker at a media conference last week. Also participating in the media conference were, from left to right, Keith Noll, president of WellSpan York Hospital and senior vice president, WellSpan; Julie Miksit, vice president of heart and services, WellSpan; and Harold Borror, the Dover patient who received the pacemaker.

Procedure offers a less-invasive approach

Cardiologists at WellSpan York Hospital recently became the first in south central Pennsylvania to successfully implant a miniature, wireless pacemaker in a heart patient.

Gregory P. Fazio, MD, an electrophysiologist with Cardiac Diagnostic Associates, performed the procedure Aug. 19, on Harold Borror, an 84-year-old patient from Dover, as part of a clinical trial approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

WellSpan York Hospital is one of just three Pennsylvania hospitals to offer this procedure as part the clinical trial.

“We’re proud to be able to offer new, innovative and patient-centered approaches to health care,” said Keith Noll, president, WellSpan York Hospital, and senior vice president, WellSpan Health.

“This procedure is an example of the many leading-edge procedures and services that WellSpan offers in the communities we serve.”

The Nanostim pacemaker – manufactured by St. Paul, Minn.-based St. Jude Medical Inc. – is a leadless pacemaker, meaning it is wireless. Leads are insulated wires in the pacemaker that send impulses from the pulse generator to the heart muscle, as well as sense the heart’s electrical activity.

A leadless pacemaker sends electrical pulses to the heart whenever it senses the heartbeat is too slow. Leadless pacing devices are placed directly in the heart through a vein without the need for a surgical pocket or wires.

The miniature pacemaker is less than one-tenth the size of a conventional pacemaker, smaller than an AAA battery.

The procedure offers a less-invasive implant approach that could reduce overall pacemaker complications, while also improving patient comfort and recovery time. The Nanostim requires no chest incision, no scar and no permanent lump under the skin, where the pacemaker sits, Fazio said.

“The small size of this pacemaker, combined with the fact that it is leadless, makes this technology really exciting,” said Fazio. “The hope is that the procedure will result in fewer complications and a better overall quality of life for pacemaker patients.”

Sidebar

Who needs a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is prescribed when a heart’s electrical conduction system malfunctions and causes the heart to beat too slowly.

Sometimes a dangerously slow rhythm is discovered during a routine checkup without the patient being aware of a problem.

Symptoms, when present, vary significantly. They often include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, fainting or near-fainting spells and an inability to participate in heavy physical activity.

While symptoms may be due to many different causes, pacing is indicated only when symptoms are caused by a persistent or intermittently slow rhythm.

More than 4 million people worldwide have an implanted pacemaker or other cardiac rhythm management device.

Continuing WellSpan Health’s commitment to expand access to health care in Lancaster County communities, the regional health system recently announced the opening of a new primary care practice in Manheim.

WellSpan Family Medicine officially opened on Monday, Sept. 22 at 107 West End Drive in Penn Township. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Nicholas Buckwalter, MD, and Michael Loeven, MD, will practice at the new office.

The practice is now accepting new patients. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 717-721-4860.

The WellSpan Family Medicine practice in Manheim is the latest initiative by WellSpan Health to expand services in Lancaster County since Ephrata Community Hospital and its respected physicians joined with WellSpan last fall.

The Manheim practice offers a range of primary care services, including preventative care and physical exams, OB/GYN care and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses.

“I am honored to serve and connect with the entire Manheim community,” Buckwalter said. “I'm excited to serve patients through all stages of life, from their first breath to end-of-life decision making. No matter where my patients are in life’s journey, my goal is to be their advocate and to keep their goals and values in mind while making decisions about their health together.”

“I'm very excited to be joining the Manheim community and to work with patients in the community to achieve and maintain great health,” Loeven said. “This is an exciting time for medicine, as we increasingly focus on keeping people well in all dimensions of health. As a family physician, I am passionate about providing exceptional care to people of all ages.”

Earlier this spring, WellSpan Maternal-Fetal Medicine opened in Brownstown, providing a full range of ultrasound services, including antepartum testing, Down Syndrome screening, 3D ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures.

In addition, WellSpan launched its secure online patient portal, MyWellSpan, to patients in Lancaster County. With MyWellSpan, patients can easily manage their health online, including requesting appointments and viewing their health records. Nearly 5,000 Lancaster County patients have enrolled in MyWellSpan to date.

“WellSpan is committed to patient-centered, community based care,” said Thomas McGann, MD, president of WellSpan Medical Group and senior vice president for clinical practice, WellSpan Health. “We are very excited to open this new primary care practice in Manheim. Doctors Loeven and Buckwalter are highly trained physicians with Lancaster roots who are very motivated to carry out our mission.”

For more information about WellSpan in Lancaster County, visit www.wellspan.org/Lancaster, or call 855-237-4222.

Meet the Physicians

Nicholas Buckwalter M.D.
Family Medicine Physician
Medical Degree: University of Virginia School of Medicine
Residency: Lancaster General Hospital

Michael Loeven M.D.
Family Medicine Physician
Medical Degree: Weill Cornell Medical College
Residency: Lancaster General Hospital

About WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health is the region’s largest, most comprehensive health care system serving the communities of south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization is comprised of a multispecialty medical group of more than 730 providers, a home care organization, four respected hospitals, more than 11,000 employees and more than 130 patient care locations. WellSpan’s mission is to improve health by providing exceptional care for all, promoting lifelong wellness and fostering healthy communities.

Three WellSpan paramedics were recently presented the Emergency Health Services Federation Clinical Save Award at an awards ceremony at Gettysburg College.  They, along with others, participated in the response and life-saving of Michael Wedlock, a professor at the college.  The paramedics, from left to right, are Chuck Stevens, deputy chief, emergency medical services, WellSpan; Karen Cointot, paramedic; and Chris Krichten, EMS chief and EMS liaison for WellSpan.

Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace will be held from Saturday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 15.

“This is an opportunity for people who don’t have health insurance to purchase a private health insurance plan,” said Eve Gardner, director of Healthy York Network.

Last year, nearly 8 million people signed up, but an additional 5 million people still remain eligible for coverage through the law. Those who signed up last year need to re-enroll. Those who do not sign up during the open enrollment period will face a financial penalty.

“In August, Governor Corbett’s Healthy PA initiative, which is an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, was approved. It broadens the opportunity for very low-income residents to acquire private health insurance,” added Gardner. “This will help to increase the number of people who can obtain health insurance in our state.”

Healthy York Network is collaborating with Healthy Adams County, as well as Family First Health and East Side Health Center in York to educate consumers and help them sign up for health insurance.

 "Last year, we saw many people obtain affordable insurance. This is a great opportunity," said Gardner.

Gardner said communication is a major challenge.

“Share this information with your patients, friends and neighbors,” she said.

Affordable Care Act informational sessions will be held at the following times and locations:

• Thursday, Sept. 25, 9 to 10 a. m., Family First Health, 116 S. George St., York
• Monday, Oct. 6, 5 to 6 p.m., Harbaugh-Thomas Library, 59 W. York St., Biglerville (This session will be presented in Spanish)
• Monday, Oct. 6, 5 to 6 p.m., Adams County Library, 140 Baltimore St., Gettysburg.
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 6 to 7 p.m., Hanover Hospital Wellness & Education Center, 400 York St., Hanover
• Thursday, Oct. 23, 1 to 2 p.m., Family First Health, 116 S. George St., York (This session will be presented in Spanish)

If you need help in signing up for insurance you may contact:

• Family First Health, 845-8617, option 6
• Healthy York Network, 812-2990
• East Side Health Center, 801-0971, ext. 4014
• PALCO, 392-1595

For more information, or to enroll in a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, go to www.healthcare.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596.

Amanda Matchette, a licensed genetic counselor, helps York Cancer Center patients understand the cancer risks they carry within their genes, and the options available for managing those risks.

Service to be offered in Ephrata, Adams County this fall

York Cancer Center now offers expert counseling in the burgeoning field of genetics.

Since June, licensed genetic counselor Amanda Matchette has been helping patients understand the cancer risks they carry within their genes, and the options available for managing those risks.

“We discuss how certain conditions can be passed down through families,” Matchette explained. “When test results come back, we’ll go over what they mean.”

Many patients are unfamiliar with cancer genetics, or only associate it with Angelina Jolie. In 2013, the film star opted for a preventive double mastectomy based on her family’s extensive history of breast and ovarian cancer.

“We call it the Angelina Jolie effect,” Matchette said. “It did make people more aware of the role that genetics has in cancer development.”

Jolie’s case also highlighted the importance of personal choice, Matchette said. People with the same risk factors may choose completely different treatment plans.

“It can be difficult when an individual doesn’t have cancer, but knows that they have a gene mutation that causes increased risk for cancer,” she said. “They haven’t been affected yet, but now they have to think about the future. It’s a very personal decision.”

A genetic counselor guides patients and families through the decision-making process, and helps with related issues such as anxiety.

Matchette said it was counseling’s personal interaction that drew her out of the lab and into the profession. She gets to play the roles of scientist, teacher, listener and advocate.

In the past, WellSpan oncology patients who needed genetic counseling were sometimes referred to big city health systems. Now it fits seamlessly into their care plan.

“We’ve had a lot of referrals from providers,” said Shelli Laux, administrative director of the Oncology Service Line. “We actually had a waiting list for Amanda when she started.”

Douglas Arbittier, MD, MBA, who is vice president of the Oncology Service Line, said patients aren’t the only ones to benefit from the addition of a genetics expert. It is a boon to physicians as well.

“It seems there are new genetic tests every month, and they’re all very complex,” Arbittier noted. “It gets hard to know which tests to order, and then it’s hard to interpret the results. Now a physician’s office doesn’t need to worry about acquiring all that expertise on their own.”

In October, Matchette will begin seeing patients at Ephrata Cancer Center, and in a few more months she will start at Adams Cancer Center.