Fall Hear what Blue Hill Memorial Hospital patients have to say about their care. See story on page three...

Transcription

1 Fall 2016 Hear what Blue Hill Memorial Hospital patients have to say about their care. See story on page three...

2 A Message from the CEO An Investment in YOU As our mission states, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our communities by providing primary and specialty healthcare of outstanding quality and caring for our patients with respect and compassion. In order to continue meeting the healthcare needs of our community today, we know that investments must be made. During the coming months, several key changes and improvements will be made to our facility, staffing models, and equipment. Beginning early next spring, we will embark on a facility project that will improve patient access and quality of care, all while creating welcoming, patient-friendly spaces. As part of this project, Blue Hill Family Medicine (located in the Sussman Medical Office Building) John Ronan, President and CEO will undergo substantial changes. The space will be transformed to include additional patient rooms, increasing patient access to healthcare providers. In addition, much needed meeting space will be developed to allow for patient education and support groups. We aim to create an overall environment that encourages and supports an integrated healthcare model, including care coordination, diabetes and nutritional education, and behavioral health to work closely with primary care providers at the family medicine practice. The first floor of the Sussman Medical Office Building will experience significant modifications as well. Blue Hill Cardiovascular Medicine will be moved back into this building along with the other specialists. A suite will be developed for physicians bringing sub-specialties from our fellow EMHS (Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems) member organizations, Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital (MCMH), to Blue Hill on a part-time, rotating basis. Plans are in development to create an inviting, patient-friendly space with a focus on exceptional customer service and improved accessibility to services. Other facility projects include a new, larger, patient-centric space for our cardiac rehabilitation program and improved placement for regular MRI services to allow more convenient access for hospital patients. While this is just the beginning, we are certain that these campus investments will enable us to continue to offer high-quality healthcare for our friends and neighbors. By the end of the year, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital will install a brand-new state of the art CT (computed tomography) scanner. This special x-ray equipment helps our providers detect a variety of injuries, diseases, and conditions, and, with advanced technology, uses an extremely low-dose of radiation. I am pleased to report that our on-campus LifeFlight landing pad is operational and that we have welcomed a new staffing model in our emergency department. In collaboration with EMMC, we now share a pool of physicians for our emergency department. This will mean an increase in board-certified emergency medicine physicians in BHMH s emergency department. As an EMHS member, we are able to provide this service, ensuring excellent patient care delivered by highly trained, experienced providers. These investments in our organization are all investments in you. We look forward to sharing additional enhancements with you as they develop. Blue Hill Memorial Hospital is here to stay and we are committed to continuing to provide the right care, at the right time, and in the right place. President s Circle Blue Hill Memorial Hospital is excited to announce the creation of a new donor-recognition program: The President s Circle. Designed to recognize the hospital s most generous supporters, the President s Circle provides benefits and recognition to active donors whose cumulative lifetime giving is $10,000 or more. More than 150 people have generously supported the hospital at this level, and we look forward to connecting with these donors. BHMH is honored to share quarterly written updates and invitations to special events with this distinctive group. 2 For more information on the President s Circle or philanthropy in general, please contact Ruth Calas at

3 Patient Advisory Council The Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Patient Advisory Council (PAC) is a collaborative of patients and providers committed to improving the quality of healthcare and patient experience. The PAC will be made up of people from the community who receive care through Blue Hill Memorial Hospital (BHMH) Family Medicine with locations in Blue Hill, Stonington, and Castine, along with various staff members at BHMH. We look forward to hearing about our patients experiences and are excited to get this group engaged, explains director of primary care services Tammy Dickey. The mission of the PAC is to help the primary care practices of BHMH succeed in practice changes to better meet the needs of our patients and enhance their experience at our practices. What our patients say... Patients Are The Idea behind Empowering New Transition for Stronger care... about BHMH Pain Management Group Barbara Eastman Suffering with pain for most of my life, I was finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis two years ago. I have been a patient of Island Family Medicine in Stonington for years, and noticed a flyer in the waiting room for a pain management class at Blue Hill Family Medicine. This class has taught me so much and has helped me to manage my pain. Patty Bergstrom, LCSW, and Jan Watson, RN, are helpful and informative. I have learned that it s okay to set limits, okay to take a break or nap, and to make the most of the energy I have. It is because of what I learned in the Pain Management Group that I am able to keep up with my active grandchildren. I have already recommended the class to others.... about Orthopedics Gretchen Hartmann I was treated fabulously at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. The orthopedics staff was fantastic. Everyone treated me with respect and Dr. Paul Benoit carefully explained my options and helped me weigh all of the pros and cons of surgery. The joint replacement class I attended prior to my surgery was professional and informative. Dr. Benoit was able to see me immediately and schedule a surgery quickly at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, less than ten miles from my home. This was the best healthcare experience I have ever had. I feel great and it s been a couple of months after my total hip replacement.... about Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Paul and Marilyn Huss Of the hospitals I have come to know, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital is a cut above. During my hospitalization in February, I was most grateful for the excellent care provided by the medical team, and deeply grateful for the warm and personal attention of those who tended to me. I also appreciated the quiet and comforting atmosphere; something not found in large hospitals. Take us to Blue Hill! -Paul Blue Hill Memorial Hospital is the best. It offered to us warmth and comfort, and the derivation of comfort is with strength. When Paul was hospitalized and I became familiar with what the hospital provides, I was strengthened by the quality of the care he and I both received from all the staff and caring is a key word. Being hospitalized often means a feeling of having no control over one s being, but this was not the case. We felt empowered, mostly due to our caretakers. Also, I was comforted by the large rooms with generous Continued on page

4 4 Continued from page 3... windows that let in nature, and by the quiet and calm atmosphere. Blue Hill Hospital is the best. - Marilyn... about the Emergency Department and Blue Hill Family Medicine Richardson Family Two years in Blue Hill plus three boys under the age of seven equals three trips to the Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Emergency Department. The care we have received was excellent and staff was amazing at calming the worried mother as well. Our entire family sees Dr. Stacey Walden at Blue Hill Family Medicine for our primary care needs. She and the staff are always friendly, helpful, and accommodating scheduling convenient backto-back appointments for all of us from checkups to vaccinations.... about Cardiology Carolyn Horth Dr. DeSilvey quickly diagnosed a problem caused by scar tissue from a past surgery. I was able to have an echocardiogram right here in Blue Hill, which just blew me away. The quality of care that I received from Blue Hill Cardiology and Dr. DeSilvey has been excellent. Dr. DeSilvey has shown a sincere interest in my wellness and has treated me as an individual with incredible personal attention, including a middle-of-the night return phone call for an urgent matter.... about Castine Community Healthcare Services Sawyer Houghton Dr. Olivari at Castine Community Healthcare Services delivered me 19 years ago and has been my healthcare provider for my entire life. She knows me, knows my family, and truly cares about our health and well-being.... about Castine Community Health Services Barbara Blake Chapman I have received care from Dr. Olivari at Castine Community Health Services for more than ten years. They make time for me. They listen to my concerns. I know the staff, and they know me by name. Most importantly, I feel comfortable about calling about anything they are calm and reassuring which is just what I need in a stressful or uncertain situation. Introducing Susie! Blue Hill Memorial Hospital welcomes a new member to its healthcare team Susie! Because of a generous grantfunded gift from the Davis Family Foundation, BHMH is now the proud owner of an innovative, responsive, stateof-the art simulating mannequin. Providers, registered nurses (RNs), and nursing and medical assistants will all interact with this new colleague. While Susie will primarily be used for advanced cardiac training, she is well equipped with programming and accessories to simulate trauma, stroke, and a myriad of other conditions and diagnoses. BHMH is the only hospital in the region to have this level of technology to use for training purposes, which will save both money and time as providers and nurses won t have to travel to receive specialized training. This is an amazing gift to Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, says Nan Grant, specialty RN employee educator and Susie s surrogate mom. The possibilities are limitless. She is so realistic with her breathing, her communication, her responsiveness there s a whole lot less pretending. The staff is extremely excited to work with her. Susie hopes to make several appearances in the community as well. She will participate in BHMH s free community CPR class that is offered every February and plans to attend the sixth annual Women s Wellness Fair next summer to demonstrate the value and importance of breast exams, giving women a better understanding of the exam process.

5 Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Summer Recap Blue Hill Memorial Hospital hosted its fifth annual Women s Wellness Fair, sponsored by Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, in June. This event has grown into a fantastic signature event for the organization, as many hospital programs and services are showcased. Women of all ages had access to up-to-date information on surgical services, stress management, incontinence, nutrition, strength training, palliative care, and heart health. In addition, they were invited to participate in blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, diabetes and nutrition assessments, and new this year skin checks. Community members were also introduced to local complementary healers and practitioners, proving the perfect opportunity for women to experience therapies such as aromatouch therapy, Reiki, reflexology, or acupuncture. Several local businesses and agencies participated to highlight important community health and wellness resources. BHMH sponsored the first annual Baron s Beach to Beacon 5K race in Castine. Funds raised will support a new Learning Tree childcare facility, an important and exciting project for the community. The ninth annual BHMH Fun Run was held on August 6. Many BHMH employees cheered on the more than 120 runners that came out to walk and run the Parker Point Road race course. This was the third year that BHMH partnered with the Blue Hill YMCA on the race series, working together with local businesses to support and promote health and wellness programming in the community. On August 10 the community was invited to the BHMH Annual Meeting, held on the Blue Hill campus. M. Michelle Hood, FACHE, president and chief BHMH Woman s Wellness Fair executive officer of EMHS (Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems), shared her hope for future collaborative opportunities throughout New England and John Ronan, president and chief executive officer of BHMH, shared positive financial results, recognized the housekeeping staff for their outstanding work leading to the hospital s recognition as Avatar s Best Performer in Cleanliness out of all participating small hospitals, and finally, assuring the audience the BHMH is here to stay. The Island Medical Center celebrated 50 years of service to the Deer Isle and Stonington communities. The organization announced its new name, Island Health and Wellness Foundation and shared future initiatives at a large community celebration on August 14. Current and past Island Family Medicine (IFM) and BHMH providers and staff were in attendance, and IFM s beloved Robin Huff, MD, who passed away last winter, was recognized for her dedication and commitment to the practice and her patients. Illustrating that a sprawling space is not needed to grow a vibrant family garden, BHMH community partner and Parker Point Road tenant Healthy Peninsula has a demonstration community garden growing right on their front yard. The bounty supplements the Magic Food Bus project, helping to address food insecurity in our area. The garden will also serve as a learning laboratory this fall for community members interested in understanding how to put a garden to bed for the winter. BHMH Fun Run 5

6 New Ways to Manage Pain It is helpful to pay attention to the way you think about your pain and see if your thoughts are accurate. Often, our habits of thinking can exacerbate and reinforce our pain. For more than two years, Patty Bergstrom, LCSW, and Jan Watson, RN, have developed a group program to help patients manage their chronic pain. This September, marks their fifth patient group for those living with chronic pain who want to find better ways to cope. Chronic pain can be a challenging condition to treat because it is often a very individual experience and is influenced by many social, emotional, and physical factors. The best treatment is an integrated approach that includes many methods of therapy. Medication, relaxation techniques, mindfulness practice, nutrition, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, social support, and other complementary therapies are all important components. Working alongside primary care providers and physiatrist, Peter Arabadjis, MD, this group introduces these methods in a supportive group environment. Each participant receives the book, Managing Pain Before it Manages You, by author, Margaret Caudill, MD, PhD, MPH. This book offers evidenced based information and helpful assignments. In addition, Patty teaches cognitive behavioral therapy skills. It is helpful to pay attention to the way you think about your pain and see if your thoughts are accurate. Often, our habits of thinking can exacerbate and reinforce our pain, Patty explains. Living with chronic pain can also be socially isolating. This group offers an opportunity to share with others. Graduates of this pain group also continue to get support by attending a monthly support group. Patients may not get rid of their pain, but many report feeling an improvement and are more aware of the personal choices they have in managing their pain. Alternative methods of treatment have also been introduced by local providers. Lea Elliott (acupuncturist), Sally Clinton (Ayushi Yoga and Ayurveda), Gisele Bridges (essential oils), Gabrielle Wellman (Feldenkrais therapy and Shiatsu massage), Marie Arnberg (Downeast Group Acupuncture) and Jan Watson, RN (Reiki, therapeutic touch, and more), have generously given their time to speak with the group s participants exposing them to an array of therapy options to help manage their chronic pain. Pain Management Therapy Groups are open to all patients of Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Family Medicine practices. For more information call Water Street Blue Hill, Maine