Percy Buenaventura, MD, WellSpan Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Marie Drawbaugh, tobacco cessation counselor, will discuss the advantages of lung cancer screenings in a current smoker or previous smoker, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17, at Apple Hill Medical Center, 25 Monument Road, York.

Information will be provided about various lung conditions and the changes with less invasive surgery techniques.

Smoking cessation information and help will be available.

Lung screenings will be done for current and former smokers, ages 55 to 80.

Registration is required. To register, call 851-3500 or 1-800-840-5905.

Kathleen Hassan, a national expert and author on self-esteem and empowerment, will discuss “Under Pressure: Helping Teen Girls Cope with the Stress of Perfectionism,” 6:30 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13, in the Wilman Business Center at York College.

In today’s competitive culture, the pressure on girls to be perfect and No. 1 at all cost is pervasive and insidious, according to Hassan.

“Not only do our girls suffer from self-oriented perfectionism; believing that they, themselves must be perfect, but also from social-prescribed perfectionism. They feel the pressure from others to be perfect,” said Hassan.

“This excessive stress and inability to deal with emotional overload is the number one risk factor for every youth-related issue,” she added. “It can negatively impact health, athletic and academic performance, as well as relationships.”

Hassan said parents, teachers and mentors need to know how to positively and effectively coach girls to:

• Understand that perfect girls aren’t real, and real girls aren’t perfect;
• Differentiate between perfectionism and self-motivation; to strive for excellence, while learning from failure;
• Develop the resiliency and coping skills to become confident, independent, happy and well-adjusted adults.

Teenage girls (age 13 and older) are invited to attend this free session with a parent or significant adult.

Hassan, who has worked with girls for nearly two decades, teaches tools for transformation and life skills to help women of all ages find their voice and authentic power within.

To register for the program, call 851-3500 or (800) 840-5905.

Ruth Loucks of West York has had her WellSpan VNA Home Care call button since Aug. 7.

Device helps to avoid rehospitalization

With the push of a button, WellSpan VNA Home Care patients can get help 24/7.

The call-button service is the latest in a string of VNA innovations. Patients wear the button on a lanyard or clip it to their belt.

“To activate it, a patient simply presses the button and the call center answers, ‘WellSpan at Home. How may I help you?’” said Mike Hamaker, president of WellSpan VNA Home Care.

Unlike some other monitoring services, WellSpan at Home is available for more than just emergencies. Patients can press it for any issue, including questions about their medications or upcoming doctor appointments. They can even get help calling a taxi, or having groceries delivered.

Operators at the Michigan-based call center access only basic patient information. For health care questions, they connect the caller with a WellSpan medical professional. Hamaker said the monitoring technology has improved since VNA debuted the service last year.

“Now the button is completely portable, so if a patient goes to Florida for example, they can just take it with them,” he said.

Some monitoring features don’t even require a button push.

“If the device moves downward at a significant rate of speed, it automatically prompts the call center to check and see if the patient fell,” he explained.

VNA nurses distribute roughly 150 call buttons per month. WellSpan covers the first 60 days of service. Patients who wish to keep it afterward pay $39.95 per month.

Hamaker said that for some low-income patients, WellSpan continues to cover the cost beyond the 60-day trial period.

“We quickly learned that the true value of this service is not in its revenue stream, but in the patient satisfaction, and in the avoidance of future readmissions,” he said. “We know that by avoiding one rehospitalization, we’ve paid for a patient’s call button for five years.”

He noted that many ED visits stem from behavioral health issues. Older patients living alone are particularly vulnerable to depression and loneliness. A call-button service can help ease their anxiety.

“The call center is fine with talking to a patient for 25 or 30 minutes, simply reassuring them,” he said.

Home care is verging on a digital transformation, he said, with better efficiency and outcomes.

“The call button is one of several new accessibility tools for managing populations of patients. The technology is coming to you, in your home.”

WellSpan York Hospital is sponsoring a Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank (CPBB) drive, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20, in Room 10 of the Medical Education Pavilion.

Everyone who presents to donate blood will receive a buy one/get one free certificate for Isaac’s restaurants.

Call 1-800-771-0059 to make an appointment, or walk-in.

Exemplifies the ideals of the pediatric profession

Dr. David Turkewitz, chairman pediatrics, WellSpan York Hospital, has been named Pediatrician of the Year by the Pa. Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP).

The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the ideals of the pediatric profession and participates in the types of activities that are the foundation of the AAP.

Turkewitz will be honored at a dinner at the Country Club of York on Thursday, Nov. 20.

“He is an outstanding clinician with an excellent bedside manner. He is revered by families, staff and colleagues alike. Pediatrician, advocate, leader, role model…David is all of these and more,” wrote Michael Goodstein, MD, a neonatologist at WellSpan York Hospital, in his nomination letter.

“His body of works speaks for itself. David Turkewitz has left an indelible mark on pediatrics in Pennsylvania, and he provides a shining example of what we can do as child health care providers when we put our heart and soul into our work.”

Marian Damewood, MD, vice president, women and children service line, WellSpan, added: “The Pennsylvania Pediatrician of the Year Award is a distinctive honor for Dr. David Turkewitz, recognizing his multiple accomplishments in leadership, medical education and service to the community.

“In addition to his many health care related activities beyond his outstanding clinical care, Dr. Turkewitz’ advocacy and commitment in the area of child abuse and neglect has positively impacted the lives of many children, not only in the region serviced by WellSpan, but across the commonwealth and beyond.”

Turkewitz’s career is unique in terms of his core interests in several pediatric specialties--emergency medicine, child abuse, critical care and hospitalist care.  He is board certified in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

Turkewitz's accomplishments include: developing a successful breast feeding support model prior to the field of hospital lactation consultation; introducing the Reach Out and Read program to our ambulatory pediatric practices; supporting changes in the pediatric clinic necessary to create a high-performing practice for underserved children; implementing Emergency Department evidence-based pediatric pathways; providing the physician leadership to our pediatric SAFE team; planning for the pediatric section of the new ED that addresses form and function; leading the state-mandated process of child death review which catalyzed the development of our SAFE sleep and replication of the Cribs for Kids program; developing the pediatric deep sedation program; and building a sustainable pediatric hospitalists model that achieves care coordination with the child's medical home. 

He has served in many elected positions in both the national and Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, including four years as president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is the pediatric medical director of the Children’s Advocacy Centers in York and Adams counties.

Turkewitz is one of the senior members of the Pennsylvania Attorney General Advisory Board on Child Abuse.  He participated with Pennsylvania AAP on initiatives that produced the most widely used child abuse training program in Pennsylvania, brought the Nurse Family Partnership to Pennsylvania and the abusive head trauma prevention program used in all Pennsylvania newborn nurseries.  Of course, he acknowledges that none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support and help of so many colleagues.  

Turkewitz has mentored hundreds of students, residents and colleagues. His passion for education is clearly evident in the numerous teaching awards he has received over the years.

He is particularly proud of progress made in child abuse recognition and management. Today, York and Adams counties share a model program that integrates highly trained pediatric safe nurses employed by WellSpan with the two regional Children’s Advocacy Centers. This could not have been accomplished if not for the passion and talents of many other children’s advocates in the community; our own talented SAFE nurses and the support of WellSpan.

Turkewitz points out that much more needs to be done. 

“We need to move past the social norm that it is OK to hit children under the guise of discipline and the epidemic of child sexual abuse must be stopped,” said.

Boards of Directors approve Memorandum of Understanding

The leaders of Philhaven and WellSpan Health have agreed to explore an affiliation that would bring together the two organizations’ behavioral and mental health services as part of WellSpan Health’s non-profit, community-based system of care. Both governing boards have approved a Memorandum of Understanding, which is a non-binding agreement that outlines a potential affiliation.

According to Philip D. Hess, M.H.A., CEO of Philhaven, and WellSpan Health President and CEO Kevin H. Mosser, M.D., the proposed affiliation would combine the talents of the behavioral health leaders and clinicians of Philhaven and WellSpan Health in order to develop an integrated system of behavioral health that would serve the region while enhancing local systems of care in York, Adams, Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

“Philhaven and WellSpan Health share a vision of transforming and innovating by integrating mental health and physical health care services, with a focus on meeting patient needs in multiple settings,” said Hess.

“By working in partnership with WellSpan Health, the Philhaven leadership team is confident the combined approach will allow us to work more efficiently to improve health outcomes and the patient experience, all while managing costs for people who need support.”

According to Mosser, understanding and addressing the relationship between physical and mental health is important to improving the overall health of an individual and community. “Often, the key to achieving better physical health rests in one’s ability to manage mental and behavioral conditions,” Mosser said.

“At WellSpan, we believe that strengthening the community’s mental health care system and coordinating that care with other services that people need across life’s journey will allow WellSpan and Philhaven to help our friends and neighbors achieve healthier lives. It is one of the primary benefits of this proposed affiliation.”

Hess noted that fewer healthcare organizations across the U.S. and in the central Pa. region provide behavioral health services today than even a decade ago because of the financial challenge of sustaining those services. Even recruitment from medical schools is proving more difficult than ever.

At the same time, the pressure to care for more patients is acute, and the need for behavioral health services is projected to increase significantly due to a variety of factors, including increased needs in older adults and children and a movement toward destigmatizing mental health across the nation.

“Health assessments that are regularly conducted in the communities of our region all identify mental health as one of the most significant issues that are adversely affecting the overall health of our communities,” added Hess.

Working in collaboration with other health care providers in the region, Philhaven and WellSpan Health would:

• develop a regional, diversified behavioral health network;
• integrate with primary care and specialty care; and
• offer its services through local communities in central Pa.

Hess noted that both organizations believe in developing a behavioral health organization with diverse levels of care, support for all patients, innovative practices and strong outcomes. They are also committed to the development of education and training programs to attract future behavioral health providers to the region.

“This affiliation would position the combined organizations to make a significant contribution to innovation of behavioral healthcare and developing models of care,” Hess said.

Philhaven and WellSpan share a rich tradition and longstanding commitment to providing the highest level of behavioral health in their respective communities. Philhaven currently serves individuals through 19 locations across Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin and York counties. WellSpan serves the communities of York, Adams and Lancaster counties at seven sites.

Both CEOs point to the similarities of their organizations’ non-profit missions of service as the common ground on which they will pursue a more meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

An agency of the Lancaster Conference of the Mennonite Church USA since 1952, Philhaven traces its roots to World War II, when a group of Mennonite young men staffed state mental hospitals.

“They believed that there had to be a better way to care for the mentally ill than what they saw in those hospitals,” Hess said. “It was this mission that has guided the evolution of the 13th largest provider of behavioral health in the United States today.

“In WellSpan, we believe we have found a partner whose mission to work as one to provide exceptional care for all and lifelong wellness will position us to continue the legacy of these visionary young Mennonites and church leaders well into the future.”

WellSpan’s rich tradition in meeting the behavioral health needs of south central Pennsylvania dates back to 1962, when York Hospital added a 12-bed psychiatric unit. Today, the health system serves area residents through inpatient units at WellSpan York Hospital and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, as well as outpatient locations in York and Adams counties.

According to Hess and Mosser, Philhaven and WellSpan Health have enjoyed positive working relationships with other local health care providers, and both organizations are committed to maintaining these relationships in order to provide area residents access to high quality behavioral health care in a convenient matter.

Because WellSpan Health and Philhaven serve different geographic areas and patient populations, neither organization anticipates a consolidation of clinical services or a reduction of clinical staff, but would expect to see expanded services in the future.

York Revolution athletic trainer Chong Choi, left, and Dr. John Deitch of WellSpan Orthopedics, right, visit York Revolution’s Sean Smith at the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital.

Serious knee injury requires surgery and rehabilitiation

More than one million people have viewed the inspirational video of York Revolution outfielder Sean Smith hopping around the bases on one foot after seriously injuring his right knee after hitting a home run in the Atlantic League playoffs at Santander Stadium. To view video, click here.

The injury, originally thought to be a torn ACL by the fans and the media, was actually a patellar tendon tear. The patellar tendon attaches the bottom of the kneecap to the shinbone.

Dr. John Deitch of WellSpan Orthopedics performed the surgery to repair Smith’s torn patellar tendon. He sutured the tendon back to the kneecap.

“Sean’s injury was very serious,” offered Deitch, who was present at the game along with athletic trainer Chong Choi. WellSpan is the official Sports Medicine provider for the York Revolution. “It’s a challenging injury to make a full recovery from, especially when you are competing as a professional athlete.”

Following surgery, Smith, 32, spent several days at the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital, undergoing intensive rehabilitation sessions before going home to Joliet, Ill.

Jodi Miller, physical therapist, spoke with Deitch to find out what exercises he wanted Smith to do. Miller devised a program that would help Smith begin to strengthen his right leg. Smith spent three hours a day working with the physical and occupational therapists at the hospital.

“As a professional athlete, Sean was a non-traditional rehabilitation patient,” said Miller. “He had some challenges, but we worked together to help overcome them.  Sean was able to perform all the rehabilitation exercises with the proper technique when he was discharged."

“Sean has a lot of rehabilitation ahead of him,” added Deitch, who expects it will take Smith six to 12 months to completely recover from the injury. “He was, however, well into the first phase of his rehabilitation program by the time he was discharged on Oct. 4.”

Deitch was pleased with the early phases of Smith's recovery, as well as how smoothly everyone at WellSpan worked together during each step of Smith’s treatment.

“Everything worked the way we expect it to, from the beginning to the end,” said Deitch. "There is incredible teamwork here."

Smith was appreciative of the care he received.

“Everyone at WellSpan has been awesome,” he said. “There’s no one better than Dr. Deitch. I felt very comfortable with him doing my surgery. You can tell he cares about his patients. He has been very professional, answered all my questions and has gone out of his way for me.”

Smith has demonstrated the same spirit and determination in regards to his rehabilitation that he did after hitting the home run.

“I was determined to get around the bases on my own,” he said. “I even thought about crawling, if I had to. The best moment ever was when I rounded second base and saw my teammates waiting at home plate, and everyone in the crowd standing and cheering for me. It was just unbelievable,” he said.

Deitch added: “Everyone is rooting for Sean. We’re hoping he will be able to resume his professional baseball career.”

Exterior signage was installed at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital late last week.

Significant progress has been made on several fronts

This month, WellSpan Health and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital are celebrating one full year since the two organizations joined to become one integrated health system.

Ephrata Community Hospital and its affiliated physicians officially became part of WellSpan on Oct. 1, 2013. In the last year, the two health systems have made significant progress in integrating their clinical and administrative operations and aligning their brand identities.

"This has been an exciting year for us, our patients and our communities," said John Porter, president of WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital and senior vice president of WellSpan Health. "We are growing and working together as one, integrated health system to improve health in Lancaster County."

Last month, the health system opened a new WellSpan Family Medicine practice in Manheim, with two full-time primary care physicians. An open house was held on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the new practice, 107 West End Drive in Penn Township.

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.

WellSpan also has added outpatient behavioral health services to its Georgetown Family Medicine practice in Bart Township.

In addition, the hospital formed a new philanthropic foundation, the Ephrata Community Health Foundation, to cultivate local relationships and raise funds to address the health needs of Lancaster County communities.

WellSpan also 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. More than 6,500 Lancaster County patients have enrolled in MyWellSpan to date.

Finally, the two health care organizations aligned their brands to reflect the shared commitment to improving health in Lancaster County, as well as communities across central Pennsylvania.

Last week, workers completed installing the keystone sign along the top of the hospital’s red-brick building at the main entrance. New signs are also planned for the hospital's 12 affiliated outpatient health centers and 20 affiliated physician practices.

"From the impressive growth of MyWellSpan to the tremendous response we've seen to our expanded services, we've had an incredible first year together," said Kevin Mosser, MD, president and chief executive officer of WellSpan Health.

"We are proud of the progress we have made and look forward to continuing to work with the members of this community to enhance the local system of care in northern and eastern Lancaster County."

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

WellSpan Rehabilitation at 635 Lombard Road, Red Lion, is now open. The location is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday. To make an appointment, call 877-734-2213.

The site offers convenience for residents in southern York County. Its services include physical therapy, orthopedics, sports medicine, vestibular post-concussion treatment and functional capacity evaluations.

The location is staffed by two physical therapists and two front office staff members.

National Research Corporation (NRC) has selected WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital (WSRH) as a recipient of its 2014 Path to Excellence award.

WSRH is one of two hospitals with fewer than 100 beds selected as top performing facilities based the highest percentage of patients rating them a 9 or 10.  Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital in Omaha is the other.

The two hospitals exhibited performance at or above an 80 percent positive score.

The winners were selected from the extensive database of National Research hospital clients for their performance over the past four quarters.

"Our team at the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital is honored and proud to have been selected as a recipient of this national award that recognizes our focus on delivering an exceptional patient experience," said Barbara Yarrish, president of WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital.

"Since our opening in 2012, we have worked to create a culture that is centered around the needs of the patients.  Knowing the patients are rating the hospital positively is rewarding and inspiring."
 
"National Research Corporation congratulates WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital for its outstanding achievements," said Helen Hrdy, senior vice president of client service. 

"Implementing improvement processes require an immense amount of time and resources.  Winning this award demonstrates that WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital understands what it truly means to define patient-centered care."

As a 2014 award recipient, WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital is among a select group of health care innovators leading the way on the path to patient-centered care.

Three in five adults in York and Adams counties report having one or more days with depressive symptoms during the past two weeks.

Depression is a common and serious health condition that affects people of all ages, races and genders.

It impacts the way people feel and think, as well as how people live, eat, sleep and act. There are many types of depression. It does not feel the same for everyone.

The Healthy York County Coalition and Healthy Adams County have teamed up with various agencies from healthcare, education, government, business and industry. They have created www.feeling-blue.com, a website dedicated to enhancing awareness of depression and providing self-management tools for those with mild depression.

“A key concern is that individuals are often hesitant to seek help or tell others about their depression. This often makes symptoms worse,” explained Deb Gogniat, coordinator, Healthy York County Coalition.

“To reduce the stigma, the website’s message that “you’re not alone” opens the door for conversation and support.”

Many people have times when they feel sad or blue. But feeling down for a long time, or having difficulty doing every-day activities, may mean they are depressed. These are two common symptoms of depression.

There are, however, many other symptoms of depression that may impact one’s physical health and emotions.

Consider these symptoms of depression:

• Lost interest in activities
• Problems sleeping
• Tired
• Nervous or restless
• Guilty or useless
• Problems with memory
• Headaches or stomachaches
• Appetite change
• Sad and hopeless

The website, www.feeling-blue.com, provides tips, tools and resources that can help those with depression manage their symptoms.

Each week will feature a new topic area, such as Mood Boosting Foods, Stressbusters, Self-Image and Reframing Your Thoughts.

Kathy Gaskin, executive director of Healthy Adams County, described the website as “a great local resource that will help our community in several ways, including providing connections to local resources, raising awareness about the issue and how many people it affects. It also gives us pertinent ways we can help ourselves and others manage depression.”

Gogniat echoed this sentiment. She added: “The volunteers who developed this website hope it will help change the dialogue around this significant issue. The website is both a resource for local residents, and a positive step to improving quality of life in our community.”

The site does not replace the need for individuals to talk to their doctor. Those with severe depression, or who have thoughts of suicide, should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Leah Birch, nurse manager of pediatrics, WellSpan York Hospital, poses for her photo prior to being named a Nightingale of Pennsylvania Award winner.

Statewide award caps a 41-year nursing career

Leah Birch, nurse manager of pediatrics, WellSpan York Hospital, has been a nurse for 41 years.

It’s been a career filled with successes and satisfaction. Birch, however, reached one of the high points of her career recently when she received the Nightingale of Pennsylvania Award in the Nursing Administration/Leader-Manager category.

“It was a humbling experience to be in a room with so many individuals who have accomplished so much and contributed significantly to nursing,” said Birch, who received the award on Oct. 24 at the Radisson-Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill.

Birch said she wouldn’t have been upset if she hadn’t won. Just being nominated and named a finalist was rewarding enough.

“Being recognized by your peers is most meaningful,” she added. “It was a fabulous night, and quite an honor. To win a statewide award is incredible.”

Birch stressed that her achievements have not occurred in a vacuum. She has been surrounded by “wonderful, compassionate and dedicated staff members.”

She also gave credit to WellSpan leadership for its encouragement and support of nursing.

“The organization is constantly challenging us to make us better,” she said. “The consistent goal has been to deliver better patient care. And, it’s been very rewarding to see our patient care improve.”

Birch credited Valerie Hardy-Sprenkle, the former vice president, acute care nursing practice, WellSpan, for her mentoring and role modeling for nursing leaders.

“I’m fortunate that I get to do what I do every day,” said Birch, who knew she wanted to be a nurse in middle school. “I have never wanted to do anything but pediatric nursing. It’s not a job for me. It’s something that feeds my soul.”

Birch is the latest in a long line of Nightingale of Pennsylvania award winners from WellSpan.

This marks the fifth consecutive year a WellSpan staff member has won a Nightingale Award.

Past Nightingale Award winners from WellSpan include: Kris O’Shea and Claudia Shermeyer (2013); Connie Gutshall (2012); Bonita Trapnell and Jodi Arnold (2011); Astrid Davis (2010); Linda Pugh (2008); Cherylyn Strickhouser and Rhada Hartmann (2005); Joann Smith (2004); Dianne Moore (2003); Diane McElwain (2002); Henry Blymire and Nicole Grim (2000); Connie Sixta (1997) and Barb Buchko (1995).

Geisinger Gold informational meetings scheduled

WellSpan and Geisinger Health Plan have announced a collaborative relationship that will enhance access to high-quality, affordable health care for Medicare beneficiaries in York and Adams counties.

The relationship aligns WellSpan’s comprehensive, integrated system of hospitals, ambulatory services and affiliated physicians in York and Adams counties with Geisinger Gold, the No. 1 ranked Medicare plan in Pennsylvania (according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Medicare Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2014-2015).

Together they aim to enhance access to high-quality, affordable health care while improving the health of Medicare beneficiaries in the local communities.

“We are proud to work together with WellSpan to offer more choices for high-quality, affordable Medicare coverage,” said Geisinger Health Plan President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Youso. “Geisinger Gold has proven to be a better way for seniors to receive their Medicare benefits.”

Youso noted that Geisinger Gold’s main focus is to enhance the health and well-being of its members. The collaboration with WellSpan Health helps support this objective for Medicare beneficiaries in York and Adams counties by providing high quality access and coverage.

For WellSpan, the relationship presents another opportunity to help local individuals pursue healthier lives while accessing the health services they need in a convenient manner.

“At WellSpan, we firmly believe in collaborating with other organizations to serve the needs of our communities,” said Charles Chodroff, M.D., senior vice president of population health management at WellSpan Health.

“We are also committed to developing new ways to help our neighbors reach their health goals in life. Innovative relationships such as this hold much potential to improve the quality and efficiency of health care in our region.”

The agreement defines how WellSpan and Geisinger Health Plan will work together to keep patients healthier, including:

• providing recommended preventive care and screenings;
• managing patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart failure;
• reducing avoidable hospital readmissions;
• improving access to primary care providers; and
• reducing avoidable emergency room visits

The Annual Election Period to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan ends December 7. During this time, beneficiaries can change their Medicare plan for new coverage to begin January 1, 2015.

WellSpan and Geisinger Health Plan will host informational meetings in York and Adams counties where area residents can learn more about Geisinger Gold.

Upcoming informational meetings include:

• Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., WellSpan Stonebridge Health Center, Conference Room, 13575 Wolfe Road, New Freedom.
• Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital, 55 Monument Road, York.
• Tuesday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Childbirth & Education, 2017 Springwood Road, York, Queensgate Towne Center.
• Thursday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., 55 Monument Road, York.

For more information about these meetings or for a personalized consultation, call 1-800-336-4882 or visit GeisingerGold.com.

Jason Cross, 38, and his wife, Rebecca, take a walk as part of his program to increase his stamina after suffering a heart attack in June. WellSpan physicians placed him on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit, a temporary mechanical support system that helped save his life.

Only about 10 percent of patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive

When Jason Cross awoke on June 24, he expected a typical Tuesday.

The 38-year-old York resident had been feeling some discomfort in his chest. Better get it checked out, his wife Rebecca reminded him. He would, he assured her as he left for work.

A few hours later the discomfort returned. But this time it was different, more urgent. He called Rebecca.

“I’m having chest pains and I’m dizzy,” he told her.

She rushed and picked him up.

They were driving down Queen Street, on the way to WellSpan York Hospital, when Jason went into cardiac arrest.

He slumped in the passenger seat.

“It looked like he was having a seizure,” Rebecca recalled. “I pushed him back against the seat and saw his face was turning purple.”

She pulled into a parking lot.

“I undid his seatbelt and pulled him out of the truck. I laid him on the ground and put my jacket under his head. I knew I had to do CPR.”

A passerby helped her until the ambulance arrived.

Rebecca saw the EMTs put electrodes on Jason’s chest, but the defibrillator had no effect.

At the hospital, he remained unresponsive.

The odds were against him. According to the American Heart Association, only about 10 percent of people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive.

But Jason’s ED doctors at WellSpan York Hospital knew there was one more option: ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. They placed a call to Cardiothoracic Surgery.

“An ECMO circuit is a temporary mechanical support system,” explained cardiothoracic surgeon David Kaczorowski, MD.

“It drains venous blood from the body and takes it to a machine, where the blood is oxygenated and then pumped back into an artery in the body. So essentially it does the work of the heart and the lungs.”

Kaczorowski and Larry Shears, II, MD, hurried to place Jason on an ECMO circuit. The device began circulating his blood, keeping him alive.

Next it was time to repair his damaged heart.

In the cardiac catheterization lab, Thomas Schryver, MD, opened the occluded artery and inserted a stent. Jason would survive, but questions still remained.

“When somebody suffers a cardiac arrest like that, they can have brain damage or kidney damage or liver damage,” noted Kaczorowski. “They can be in the hospital for weeks or even months.”

During the next few days, Jason grew stronger. Soon he no longer needed the ECMO circuit, which had saved his life and spared him serious organ injury.

“It was a good use of ECMO technology,” Kaczorowski said. “But this was really a case of everyone working together in an emergent circumstance. From the emergency medicine physicians who recognized the situation very rapidly, to Dr. Shears and myself, to Dr. Schryver and his team in the cardiac catheterization lab, to the ICU staff, and all the nurses and other practitioners who helped care for this patient.”

Just eight days after his heart attack, Jason was at home. He spent the summer recuperating.

“My stamina took a big hit,” he said. “But I don’t smoke anymore, and my diet has changed a lot.”

WellSpan patients can manage their personal health information, as well as their child’s, from their personal computer at any hour of the day by using MyWellSpan, a secure online patient portal.

Patients can enroll three ways. They can visit www.mywellspan.org, call 1-866- 638-1842, or stop in at any participating WellSpan facility.

MyWellSpan users can view general lab results; view immunizations, conditions and allergies; read physician notes; send secure messages to participating WellSpan Medical Group practices; schedule or cancel appointments with specific physicians and much more.

"When Grief Colors the Holidays: How to Manage the Absence of a Loved One During the Festive Season," will be presented 7 to 8:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1, at the WellSpan York Hospital, Education Pavilion, Classroom 10 A/B, 1001 S. George St., York, and Thursday, Dec. 4, at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, Community Room C, 147 Gettys St., Gettysburg.

The program is presented by the Spiritual Care Department of WellSpan. For reservations, call 812-3039 (York) or 337-4310 (Gettysburg).

Natalie Canarte and her 4-week-old daughter, Scarlet, visit with Dr. Heather Sholtis for their postpartum appointment in the Healthy Beginnings unit at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.

Comprehensive clinical care combines with group learning sessions

For nearly a quarter-century, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital has ensured that low-income women get the prenatal care they need.

The hospital participates in Healthy Beginnings Plus, a state-funded program for pregnant women who qualify for Medical Assistance.

According to government statistics, mothers who receive no prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth-weight baby, and their baby is five times more likely to die.

Yet poor moms often struggle with access. Nobody knows this better than Kathy Edwards, RNC, who in the 1980s was a maternity nurse at Ephrata Community Hospital.

"We had women who would suddenly show up at the hospital in full-blown labor," remembered Edwards. "They were sick, and their babies were sick."

She helped bring Healthy Beginnings Plus to Ephrata in 1991, and has remained ever since as its program coordinator.

"A lot of our moms are high-risk because of their environment and their chronic illnesses," Edwards said. "It makes the pregnancy that much more difficult."

Since the national average for a NICU stay exceeds $45,000, the program makes tremendous financial sense.

"It’s a matter of investing some time and money on the front end, and then saving a lot down the road," she said.

Healthy Beginnings Plus blends comprehensive clinical care with group learning sessions. The team includes obstetricians, nurses and midwives, as well as a social worker, dietitian and dental hygienist.

Edwards said that clinical exams and education classes usually occur together, in order to minimize patients’ transportation problems.

The social worker and a nurse also visit the patient’s home, to discuss any issues that might need to be addressed before the baby arrives.

Care continues post-delivery, including a follow-up visit two days after mother and newborn go home.

"We’re trying to catch any problems early," Edwards said.

"Maybe a baby is jaundiced or having trouble breastfeeding. Maybe there are some bonding issues we need to address."

The program averages about 100 deliveries a year, but that number can spike during tough economic times.

"We had an onslaught in 2008 and 2009 when people were losing their jobs and benefits," said Edwards.

"The program receives ongoing support from both hospital employees and area residents, who routinely donate baby supplies and handmade items. This phenomenal support continues to help us take great care of our patients."

Rick Ayers, vice president, public relations and marketing, WellSpan, right, presents the Medical Hero Award to Missy Sweitzer, left, during the American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 20. WellSpan sponsors the award.

Missy Sweitzer, a community volunteer, received the Medical Hero Award at the American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Holiday Inn Holidome, York. The award is sponsored by WellSpan Health.

Sweitzer was nominated for her inspiring, tireless efforts to give back to the community.

In 2008, the Sweitzer family suffered a traumatic loss when their son, Zachary, was killed by a drunk driver.

In his memory, Sweitzer and her family host an annual blood drive on Black Friday. In 2009, they collected 160 units of blood, making it the largest blood drive in York County.

Their recruitment efforts draw more than 200 donors each year to the event. Over the past four years, the drive has collected 750 units of blood, helping more than 2,500 hospital patients.

In addition to hosting their annual blood drive, Sweitzer and her family actively encourage organ and blood donations and work with the Pennsylvania State Police and local police at DWI checkpoints. They also share Zach’s story at speaking engagements across the state.

Rick Ayers, vice president, public relations and marketing, WellSpan, and American Red Cross board member, presented the Medical Hero Award to Sweitzer. Caty Wolf, manager, marketing communications, WellSpan, served on the nominating committee.

Other recipients of the American Red Cross Hero Awards were:

• George Fitch, Community Impact Hero
• Elizabeth Tyler, Military Hero
• Justin Hoyer, Firefighter Hero
• Quinn Waldrup, Youth Good Samaritan
• Kelly and Spencer Skiptunas, Animal Hero
• James Thompson, Adult Good Samaritan
• Joseph Stoppard and Lester Rhoads, Aquatic Hero
• Justin Koller, Law Enforcement Hero
• Cassidy Cook, Good Neighbor Award

Achievement demonstrates commitment to evidence-based interventions

WellSpan York Hospital and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital have been recognized as a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for 2013.

This achievement demonstrates WellSpan York Hospital’s and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital’s commitment to assuring that evidence-based interventions are delivered in the right way and at the right time.

WellSpan York Hospital is being recognized for:

• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Pneumonia
• Surgical care

“Being recognized as a Joint Commission Top Quality Performer is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by the clinical and support team at WellSpan York Hospital,” said Keith Noll, president of WellSpan York Hospital and senior vice president, WellSpan.

“It takes the collective effort of all of our staff to provide the highest level of care through standardized best practice performed on a consistent basis. This is especially true in an organization the size and complexity of WellSpan York Hospital.

“I want to thank all of our staff in their efforts to provide the best possible care for our community. They are truly making a difference.”

WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital is being recognized for:

• Heart failure
• Pneumonia
• Surgical Care

"What matters most to patients is that they and their loves ones receive safe, patient-centered and effective care," said John M. Porter Jr., president of WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital and senior vice president of WellSpan Health.

"We are proud to receive this recognition by The Joint Commission. It's a reflection of the commitment and dedication of our clinicians and staff to provide exceptional care to our patients and the community."

The Good Samaritan Health System and WellSpan Health today announced the signing of an affiliation agreement that will enable Good Samaritan to join WellSpan Health’s regional non-profit health system while enhancing a local system of care in Lebanon County.

Good Samaritan had announced its intent to find an affiliation partner in June of 2013. Good Samaritan and WellSpan announced their intent to explore an affiliation in February of 2014.

Over the past several months, the organizations completed a due diligence process to determine if an affiliation would benefit both organizations and, more importantly, the communities they serve. The affiliation agreement was approved by the respective volunteer boards of both organizations. The transaction will be submitted for regulatory review.

According to WellSpan Health President and CEO Kevin H. Mosser, M.D., the two health care organizations will further develop Lebanon County’s community-based system of care, which includes The Good Samaritan Hospital, respected physicians in the community, convenient ambulatory services and other health care services that area residents require across the lifespan.

WellSpan has also developed and enhanced local systems of care in Adams County, York County and most recently in Lancaster County through its affiliation with Ephrata Community Hospital.

“We believe this affiliation will help improve health care in Lebanon County and throughout the WellSpan Health service area,” Mosser said. “By jointly recruiting physicians and by sharing best practices, we’ll be able to improve patient access to needed services and continue efforts to deliver the high-quality health care that patients deserve.”

New Opportunities in Lebanon County

“WellSpan Health and Good Samaritan have a strong connection in mission, vision, and passion for patient care,” said Robert J. Longo, president and CEO of Good Samaritan Health System. “As we prepare for the many changes that will be necessary in today’s era of health care reform, we knew that it was important to find a partner that was ready to navigate these changes while also maintaining a clear commitment to quality patient care.

“For the past several years, WellSpan has worked with Good Samaritan to provide physician staffing for our cardiothoracic program,” Longo said. “The partnership has allowed us to wisely manage expenses while we continue to deliver one of the best-in-nation cardiac programs to our community. Although we substantially reduced staffing costs, we were able to attain a three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, which means our quality of care is on par with the top 15 percent of cardiac programs nationally. This affiliation will enable us to replicate that success, which ultimately benefits patients in Lebanon County as we strengthen our local system of care."

• WellSpan and Good Samaritan developed an affiliation agreement that supports the following goals:
• Improve health care across Central Pennsylvania while enhancing local systems of care in Lebanon, Lancaster, Adams and York counties.
• In an era of health care reform, prepare for the transition from current care models to the new requirements for managing population health and wellness.
• Maintain existing relationships and clinical partnerships with other local health care providers.
• Enhance a model of care that is based on an individual’s relationship with a primary care physician who coordinates all the care an individual requires across the lifespan.
• Offer stronger medical, nursing and allied health educational resources to address a projected shortage of physicians and health care professionals.

Next steps

While the transaction undergoes regulatory review, WellSpan and Good Samaritan will collaborate in a public service campaign that will communicate important health messages in various community settings, including grocery stores, movie theaters and shopping malls. The campaign, which will encourage people to eat healthier, wash their hands regularly and stay active, was inspired by the organizations’ mutual interest in the overall health and well-being of the Lebanon County community.

After the affiliation is finalized, plans include having representatives from each organization participate on the WellSpan Health and Good Samaritan governing boards.

About Good Samaritan Health System

Since 1889, the Good Samaritan Health System (www.gshleb.org) has served the health care needs of Lebanon County. The Good Samaritan Hospital is a modern, fully-equipped, fully-accredited 170-bed acute care facility and the only community hospital in the county. Good Samaritan includes employed physician practices for primary care and certain specialties, diagnostic lab and imaging services, physical therapy, wound care and hyperbaric medicine, home health, hospice, and durable medical goods. Good Samaritan has been named “Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®” by The Joint Commission, honored with the “Excellence in Patient Care” award given by the Studer Group, and earned the Blue Distinction Center+ designation for cardiac care from Highmark Blue Shield. You can learn more by visiting www.gshleb.org.

About WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of 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 11,200 employees, and 130 patient care locations. WellSpan is consistently recognized by IMS Health as one of the Top 100 Integrated Health Networks in the United States and has been recognized by Health Imaging and IT as one of the nation’s “Top 25 Connected Healthcare Facilities.” IMS Health is the leading provider of information, services and technology for the health care industry.

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