HEALTH. INSIDE: Enhancing care for premature newborns and critically ill infants How we re helping our community

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1 partnersin HEALTH Fall 2010 WHERE THE EXPERTS ARE: Our doctors partner with Children s Hospitals and Clinics Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to provide immediate special care right at St. Francis. INSIDE: Enhancing care for premature newborns and critically ill infants How we re helping our community

2 Family Enhancing care close to home for younger, sicker babies The birth of a child is one of life s most precious experiences. That s why St. Francis Regional Medical Center continues to take steps to ensure that every delivery at its Family Birth Place offers the level of care and safety that its patients expect and deserve. St. Francis also continues working hard to make it possible to care for younger, sicker newborns at the hospital so that patients can remain close to home while still receiving expert care. In 2006, St. Francis became the first hospital in the state to offer 24/7 neonatal telemedicine through a program with Children s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota. Two years ago, the Family Birth Place went even further when it brought neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) from Children s on-site. A vital neonatal care component, NNPs are now present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are at every delivery, including cesarean sections. It is extremely important to our patients that we be able to manage and offer the care necessary for a baby needing immediate neonatal care, says Ann Friedges, RN, BSN, MAN, patient care manager of the Family Birth Place and pediatrics. Having NNPs on-site ensures that we have the right mix of staff and technology available to respond to all situations. NNPs are highly trained and prepared to help manage critical care deliveries. Their advanced education typically includes a master s degree in nursing, an RN license and national certification. NNPs perform advanced medical procedures in infant stabilization and resuscitation and oversee routine medical care delivered by skilled 2 Partners in Health

3 Birth Place nurses, including administering medication, monitoring vital signs and recording patient activity. Skilled and experienced pediatricians are also able to assist with delivery when necessary. A higher level of care In June 2010, St. Francis took yet another major step toward enhancing its critical care team by adding an on-site rounding neonatologist from Minnesota Neonatal Physicians, PA, the same physician group that leads the medical care at Children s neonatal intensive care unit. The neonatologist makes rounds daily to help take care of the everyday needs of babies in the special care nursery, the area in the Family Birth Place devoted to treating premature and ill babies. The rounding neonatologist is available 24/7 and works in conjunction with the on-site NNP as well as the attending pediatrician or family medicine physician. We ve added another level of expertise, Friedges says. Our NNPs have immediate access to consult with a neonatologist 24 hours a day and will now have daily face-to-face interaction as well. We re putting in place the appropriate structure, expertise, education and equipment so that we can care for more premature and ill newborn babies right here on campus. Neonatologists are physicians who have completed specialty training in pediatrics and subspecialty training in the care of premature or sick newborns they typically have received more than six years of training after medical school. Neonatologists also care for babies who go home but then come back to the hospital within their first month of life. The neonatologists join St. Francis expanding team of expert practitioners, which includes highly skilled nurses, NNPs, family medicine physicians, certified nurse-midwives, obstetrician/ gynecologists (OB/GYN) and pediatricians. This expertise supports the consistent ranking of the Family Birth Place as among the best birthing centers in the Twin Cities and the nation. Jane Barthell, MD, is one of 12 boardcertified neonatologists from Minnesota Neonatal Physicians, PA, now making rounds at St. Francis. Dr. Barthell says Continued on page 4 Jane Barthell, MD The Family Birth Place consistently ranks among the best birthing centers in the Twin Cities and the nation. Pictured (from left) are Jordan resident Alyssa Dubbe, Park Nicollet Clinic certified nurse-midwife Jennifer Stoffers and Allina Medical Clinic Shakopee OB/GYN Evan Griffiths, MD. Partners in Health 3

4 Family Birth Place It s a refreshing change, says David Druckman, MD, OB/GYN, about the newly remodeled Family Birth Place suite. The little touches make it easier and more comfortable for patients, such as placing electrical outlets in convenient, accessible locations for laptops and phone chargers. There are also large flat-screen TVs, flat-lying sleeper chairs, Wi-Fi, menu service, free parking and more. Continued from page 3 they are all excited to become part of the community. Our goal is to keep babies close to Mom and Dad, near their home and their families, whenever it s clinically appropriate, she says. A mom who is as early as 34 weeks gestation can now deliver at St. Francis. Friedges says the hospital s long-term goal is to continue to care for moms who are at lower gestational stage or at a higher risk and provide even more comprehensive and specialized care for premature and newborn babies. Newborns in critical condition are transferred immediately via helicopter or ambulance to Children s. Currently, there are about 100 births a month at the Family Birth Place. Dr. Barthell says that over time, because of the skill and expertise that the hospital is working toward, OB/GYNs and family medicine physicians will be able to deliver even more babies at St. Francis. The younger the gestational age, the more support a baby needs, she says. We are optimistic about keeping and supporting those babies here in Shakopee. A personal experience St. Francis special care nursery can care for up to six babies at a time. Many of these babies simply need to get help with feeding or grow bigger. Such was the case for Jacob Nelson. Laurie Nelson, of Chaska, delivered baby Jacob in March 2009 at St. Francis at 34½ weeks gestation. He weighed 6 pounds and 4 ounces, and although he was premature, he was strong. During his stay, Jacob had jaundice and required a feeding tube. We had recently moved to the area and did a lot of looking around before selecting a hospital, Nelson says. We chose to deliver at St. Francis not only because we knew the right staff would be there, but because of their special care nursery. My husband and I knew they d be ready for us if and when we needed them. It was comforting to also know a helicopter could immediately take our baby to Children s in an emergency. We didn t think we d need it, but we thought it was pretty sensible to have the option in place. Jacob stayed in the special care nursery for 11 days until he gained enough weight to go home. New mom Nelson was able to stay in her hospital room the entire time to be near Jacob. She even got three meals a day with menu service. The staff took care of me in more ways than one, she says. The nurses became my friends. The only thing I had to do was focus on Jacob. I truly felt everyone 4 Partners in Health

5 The nurses who work at the Family Birth Place have more than 1,000 years of combined experience. was there to help us along. After we came home, I heard one particular nurse s voice for weeks. Shahnaz had so much experience. She took away all my indecision it was exactly what I needed. When we last spoke with Nelson, she was 37½ weeks pregnant with her second child. The family was thrilled to be going back to St. Francis. We didn t want to deliver anywhere else, Nelson says. The care we received was wonderful. The staff is so experienced, helpful and kind; it makes such a difference. And while of course I hope we don t need the Special Care Unit again, if we do, we have the reassurance that they will take care of us. Expertise and convenience While there are often short stays at the special care nursery, there are plenty of long stays as well, such as for twins who need to stay for weeks until they grow enough and can go home. The special care nursery also has other important technology, including electronic central fetal monitoring and a state-of-the-art system to screen for hearing loss in newborns. People who come to our hospital are from this community and want to stay here, Friedges says. It s hard enough to have to leave your baby or babies at the hospital and then to be far away too that s really hard on parents. David Druckman, MD, OB/GYN, has been with Park Nicollet Clinic for 10 years and is currently serving his second term as clinical director of women s health at St. Francis. He understands what it s like to have to travel to see your newborn baby. I ve had two preemies myself, he says. We lived in Cambridge at the time and had to drive an hour into Minneapolis. We did it for 2½ months for one baby and six weeks for the other; it was a real hassle. Of course you do anything for your child, but being able to have your baby being cared for closer to home that is a huge advantage. Dr. Druckman is proud of the strides made at St. Francis and looks forward to the future. It s really about how premature a baby can we deliver here, he says. In years past, we didn t have the personnel or the equipment to take care of earlier gestational ages. Now we can deliver more babies here and keep moms and babies together in Shakopee, closer to home. It s so important for patients. Baby Jacob, of Chaska, in the St. Francis special care nursery To learn about childbirth classes at St. Francis, turn to page 8. Or you can check out our new, enhanced website at Partners in Health 5

6 AllINA s community benefit Going beyond the bedside Our staff members give generously of their own time, money and expertise in a wide variety of community activities. St. FranciS Regional Medical Center is part of the Allina Hospitals & Clinics health system, whose mission reaches beyond the bedside as its team of dedicated employees works to improve the health of the communities it serves. What is community benefit? As a not-for-profit organization, Allina s mission extends beyond providing exceptional health care to patients. We are also improving the health of the communities we serve, says Ellie Zuehlke, Allina Hospitals & Clinics community benefit director. Community benefit is a planned, coordinated and measured approach to identify and respond to the health needs of our communities. How much Allina gave back in 2009 Allina s total 2009 community investment was $420 million, which is approximately 15 percent of total operating expense. Of that total, $171 million provided community benefit to lessen the health care burden for people in the communities Allina serves. This includes charity care, which is caring for patients who are unable to pay or have no health insurance or for whom government-sponsored Medicare and Medicaid programs do not cover the full cost of services. At both the Allina system and local level, we re proud of the community benefit services we provide, Zuehlke says. We partner with communities to improve the health and wellness of community members while providing exceptional care. St. Francis builds community At St. Francis, we: Are partnering with the River Valley Nursing Center and St. Mary s Health Clinics to meet the needs of the uninsured and underinsured people in our community. Continue promoting Heart Safe Communities, placing automated external defibrillators and holding free CPR Anytime classes. Work with our campus partners St. Gertrude s and the Park Nicollet Clinic in the Scott County Summer Health Careers Work Program, giving students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of careers in health care. Beyond what we do as a community partner, our staff members also give generously of their own time, money and expertise in a wide variety of community activities, including participating in fundraisers like the Scott County Relay for Life and sponsoring a work camp week with Habitat for Humanity in Chaska. The St. Francis staff members worked together to donate more than 900 hours of service during the Chaska work camp, a real demonstration of caring for our community. 6 Partners in Health

7 Primary care Urgent care Emergency care IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911. Clinic locations Allina Medical Clinics Crossroads Dean Lakes, 4201 Dean Lakes Blvd Crossroads Chaska, 3000 N. Chestnut St Crossroads Prior Lake, Commerce Ave. N.E Shakopee, 1601 St. Francis Ave Quello Clinic Savage, 4102 Egan Drive Lakeville, Kenwood Trail Park Nicollet Clinics Shakopee and Prior Lake Obstetrics/gynecology Fairview Jonathan Clinic Chaska, 1580 White Oak Drive Valley Family Practice Chaska, 822 Yellow Brick Road St. Francis Cancer Center Shakopee, 1455 St. Francis Ave Metropolitan Pediatric Specialists, PA Shakopee, 1415 St. Francis Ave St. Francis Specialty Care Clinic Shakopee and Chaska St. Francis Regional Medical Center Urgent Care, Shakopee Monday through Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 10 p.m. Quello Lakeville, Kenwood Trail Monday through Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed all major holidays. Park Nicollet Clinic Burnsville, Fairview Drive, Park Nicollet Clinic Chanhassen, 300 Lake Drive E., PARTNERS IN HEALTH is published as a community service for friends and patrons of: ST. FRANCIS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 1455 St. Francis Ave., Shakopee, MN St. Francis Regional Medical Center is jointly owned by Essentia Community Hospitals and Clinics, Park Nicollet Health Services, and Allina Hospitals & Clinics. David Zelinsky, Board Chairman Michael Baumgartner, President Mary Hestness, MD, Chief of Staff Lori Manske, Editor Karen Cook, Assistant Editor St. Francis Regional Medical Center, 1455 St. Francis Ave., Shakopee Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 800 E. 28th St., Minneapolis Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, 6500 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park To find a primary care doctor near you, visit allina.com/doctors or call Patients have the right to choose their provider for primary, urgent and emergency care. This listing may not include all medical providers in your area. Your secure, online health connection MyChart is an Internet tool that enables you to schedule and cancel appointments, manage your health information, review your test results, manage your child s health care and more online, anytime! For more information or to sign up, talk to your clinic or visit allina.com/mychart. Contributors: Cover photo by Alli Jagoda Photography. Information in PARTNERS IN HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Copyright 2010 Coffey Communications, Inc. HSM25384h Partners in Health 7

8 Canterbury Park Valley Fair Savage 1455 St. Francis Ave. Shakopee, MN Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Cloud, MN Permit No Jordan To Belle Plaine Mystic Lake Prior Lake Search for St. Francis Regional Medical Center. calendar MARk YOUR For class cancellations, tune in to WCCO TV Channel 4 or WCCO Radio 830, or go to or c l a s s e s a n d e v e n t s To register for prenatal classes, go to allina.com or call Dates and times subject to change. New Parent Connection Meets the first Wednesday of every month This class, cosponsored by ECFE, is designed for children up to 4 months old. For information, call Breastfeeding Support Group Follows New Parent Connection Call to register. Small Talk and Baby Sign Language This is a sign language class for babies who can hear. This class will help you and your baby or toddler understand each other and decrease frustration. New Brother/ New Sister Meets every four to six weeks A one-night class to help children ages 2 to 8 years prepare for the birth of a sibling. All participants should bring a doll or stuffed animal. Breastfeeding Preparation Meets once a month One-night class offering helpful hints to prepare for breastfeeding. Childbirth Preparation Choice of a four-week series or the Weekend Express Plan to attend classes during the last three months of pregnancy. All About Babies Meets every month Designed for new parents to learn how to care for their infant. Hypnosis for Childbirth Meets Tuesday nights for five weeks Learn how the mind and body are connected and work together to help you give birth in comfort and awareness. Plan to complete the class during your second or early third trimester of pregnancy. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Meets quarterly Designed for women who have had a previous cesarean birth and are considering a vaginal birth. Infant and Child CPR Meets every four to six weeks Does not qualify you for CPR certification. Car Seat Safety Meets once a month This class helps the expectant or new parent learn about car seat safety. U-Care and eligible Medica members covered. Scholarships and seats available for those in need of assistance. Infant Massage For infants 3 weeks to 1 year old. To register, call Prenatal Yoga by Blooma Meets Sundays and Tuesdays Exercise your mind and body during pregnancy to increase well-being and to heal more readily after the baby is born. To register, go to and click on Classes or call BYOB Bring Your Own Baby by Blooma Meets Sundays Fitness, fun and togetherness for mom and baby. To register, go to and click on Classes or call Vinyasa Flow Yoga for You! Fridays Recharge and reconnect with your best self. Preregistration is encouraged but not required. Go to or call Emergency Medicine Services Education/ CPR For details and to register, call Joint Care FREE Designed for people who are scheduled for total knee or hip replacement surgery. To register, call Diabetes Prevention Offered monthly Designed for anyone who has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or those with a family history of diabetes. For more information, call s u p p o r t g r o u p s Low Vision Meets the second Thursday of every month 10 to 11:30 a.m. Get information and friendship with others dealing with vision loss. Call Heart Meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m. For people who have been diagnosed with heart disease. Call Baby Addisyn, of Belle Plaine Smoking Cessation If you re ready to stop smoking, call PLAN (7526). Women s Connection Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7 p.m. Support for women with cancer. Call The ACS s Look Good...Feel Better representatives are at each meeting. Call 800-ACS (227)-2345 to sign up. Infant Loss Meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m. Get help for dealing with the pain of losing an infant through miscarriage or stillbirth. Call Diabetes Education Meets the first Monday of every month, 7 p.m. Call