Current News

Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010

Dover, Delaware – Bayhealth Medical Center is partnering with the American Heart Association to sponsor National Start! Walking Day for Kent and Sussex Counties.

National Start! Walking Day is a national event on Wednesday, April 7, marking the campaign and fundraising kickoff for the 2010 Heart Walk this fall. Bayhealth employees will join community members in a short walk to raise public awareness about the health benefits of walking. At 11:40 a.m., Kent General Hospital employees will walk from the Discharge Entrance at 640 S. State Street, Dover, to Lifestyles Fitness Center at 1255 S. State Street in Dover, where they’ll hold a brief ceremony and then return back to Kent General. Milford Memorial Hospital employees will begin their walk with a brief ceremony at 12-noon in the Conference Center Boardroom at 21 W. Clarke Avenue, Milford, then proceed from the hospital’s main entrance around the hospital block. These short walks will make a powerful point.

“As a doctor, I can say the best way to avoid a stroke, a heart attack and other diseases is to stay physically active. And, walking is a universal exercise that can be enjoyed by people of any age and almost any fitness level,” said Harjinder Grewal, MD, a Bayhealth cardiologist who is also former president of the local chapter of the American Heart Association and a former chair for the AHA’s Kent County Heart Walk.

Dr. Grewal says physical inactivity and obesity are responsible for many health issues including many cardiac issues. He notes that there are more than 1.2-million heart attacks each year in the United States, including 460,000 fatal heart attacks. Walking and other moderate physical activity can lower risk for heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even certain breast cancers. Walking can also lower your blood pressure and reduce your “bad cholesterol.”

For those people with busy schedules, only a few minutes a day can make a difference. According to Grewal, walking for just 30 minutes each day, five days a week can significantly reduce your risk for many health problems including heart attacks.

“Busy people may have important commitments to work and family, but what could possibly be more important than your own health? What’s more important than your life?” asked Dr. Grewal.

To find out more about National Start! Walking Day, please click on the below link:

http://www.startwalkingnow.org/about_start_walking_day.jsp.

 

Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2010

In recognition of Doctor’s Day on March 30, Bayhealth Medical Center would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation for the physicians who provide high-quality care to the members of our community everyday.

More than 458 physicians are on the Medical Staffs at Kent General and Milford Memorial Hospitals, representing more than 46 different specialty areas.

"Today's doctors face renewed challenges with an increasingly complex world of medicine, and a growing baby boomer population with difficult health issues. However, doctors have always risen to the challenge of continuously serving their community," said Bayhealth Senior VP & Chief Medical Officer Gary Siegelman, MD.

Bayhealth’s physicians have trained and practiced medicine in some of the world’s most prestigious universities and institutions. Many are board-certified or board-eligible in their specialties, serve on various medical committees, conduct research and presentations on pressing medical issues, and hold memberships in top industry organizations.

Over 46 types of medical and surgical specialists practice at Bayhealth, ranging from cardiac surgery to geriatrics, oncology to orthopedics, and many more. To learn more about these doctors, or for help in finding a physician to meet your needs, call Bayhealth’s Physician Referral and Information Line toll-free at 1-866-BAY-DOCS. Or visit our online physician directory at www.bayhealth.org.

 

 

Posted: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Pamper yourself in time for Mother’s Day at the office of Dimitrios Danikas, MD, FACS, Bayhealth Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Center.

You’ll receive an individualized treatment plan created by Dr. Danikas to enhance your face’s natural beauty. Make an appointment any time between April 19 and April 30 to come in to learn about Botox® Cosmetic, LATISSE™ and fillers. Receive a free consultation with the purchase of either Botox®, LATISSE™ or fillers (cost of consultation without purchase is $100.00).

Special prices for these dates only are:

$9 per unit of Botox®

$350 per vial of fillers

$100 per box of LATISSE™

Dr. Danikas is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Bayhealth Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Center, is located at 517 South DuPont Highway in Milford and at 103 Wolf Creek Boulevard, Suite 1 in Dover. Call (302) 422-3251 to schedule your appointment for either location. Appointments fill up quickly so call today! Visit http://danikas.bayhealth.org to learn more.

 

 

Posted: Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Bayhealth Medical Group family physician Patience A. Ankomah, MD, held an open house in her new office, Bayhealth Family Practice of Dover, on March 4.

Visitors were able to meet with Dr. Ankomah, tour the office and enjoy refreshments.

Dr. Ankomah is now accepting new patients. Her medical services include care for children (starting from birth), adult care, and women’s health care.

After receiving her medical degree from the University of Ghana Medical School in Ghana, she completed a residency in family medicine at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del. Board-eligible in family medicine, Dr. Ankomah is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support and Neonatal Advanced Life Support. She is a member of the National Academy of Family Physicians and the Newcastle Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Ankomah’s office is located at 200 Banning Street in Dover, Suite 150. To schedule an appointment, please call (302) 734-7834.

Pictured during the open house are (from left to right) Medical Office Assistant Brianna Hall, Dr. Ankomah, Medical Office Assistant Joyce Hatton, and Senior Practice Manager of Bayhealth Medical Group Amy Chi.

 

Posted: Monday, March 08, 2010

Bayhealth Hosts Third Annual Certification Dinner

WHO: Bayhealth nurses, nurse leaders and guest speaker, Dr. Jeanne M. Floyd, Executive Director of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

WHAT: Bayhealth Medical Center will honor its certified nurses through the Third Annual Certification Dinner, with the theme “Bee Certified!”

WHEN: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thursday, March 18, 2010.

WHERE: Sheraton Hotel, 1570 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

WHY: How can hospitals improve patient outcomes?  Many studies show that there is a direct relationship between certifying nurses and ensuring better patient outcomes, fewer complications, and lower mortality.  In recognition of this, Bayhealth is sponsoring the Third Annual Certification Dinner, honoring all certified Bayhealth nurses. More than 244 Bayhealth certified nurses have been invited to attend.

“By investing in our nurses, we are investing in better care and better outcomes for our patients. We are committed to improving clinical excellence,” said Bayhealth Senior VP & Chief Nurse Executive Bonnie Perratto, CNE, MSN, RN, MBA, NEA-BC, FACHE.

Perratto says Bayhealth continues to provide resources to support nurses seeking certification. In addition to offering a cash bonus through a professional portfolio, Bayhealth also provides tuition and exam fee reimbursement for all nurses taking the certification exam. Through these proactive efforts, nursing certification has climbed by 70 percent in recent years.

During the Third Annual Certification Dinner, nurses will hear from guest speaker Dr. Jeanne M. Floyd, the Executive Director of the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which is the largest nurse credentialing organization in the United States.

This year’s event will feature a tribute to Delaware farmers, including a book donation by Bayhealth to the Delaware Farm Bureau. The Delaware Farm Bureau will be on hand with informational displays from its “Our Families Feed Your Families” campaign.

 

Posted: Friday, March 05, 2010

Dover, Delaware – Bayhealth Medical Center Certified Nursing Assistant Nick Brown is the winner of the 1A Peer Award at Kent General Hospital. Three times each year, 1A staff members nominate their peers, and the award winner is selected by the 1A nursing manager and clinical coordinators. The award recognizes outstanding patient service and teamwork.

“His dedication, his commitment, and his uplifting personality have not only ensured the best patient care, but have helped us create a great work environment for everybody in 1A,” said 1A Nurse Manager Dianne Halpern, RN, MSN, CNML. “Nick makes the unit better for all of us.”

Halpern notes that the best judges for a “peer award” are those who rely on Nick Brown each day. His peers are all effusive in their phrase and unanimous in their view that Brown has become a role model for others in the scant six months since he graduated from Delaware Technical and Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program and began his Bayhealth career on the 1A overnight shift.

During nominations, peers spoke about Brown’s empathy and understanding of patients. The peers noted how his “quiet manner” and “soft-spoken tone” comforts and calms patients during their difficult times. They say he never loses sight of the patient’s privacy and dignity. And, they agree he has elevated his entire department in 1A.

“A nurse cannot be with all of her patients at one time, so the CNA is the eyes, ears, and hands of the nurse. In that respect, Nick has been invaluable and has helped us provide the best possible patient care,” said Halpern.

For his part, Brown is grateful that his tenure as a nursing assistant has given him the opportunity to serve others and to provide him vital experience, as he considers a future nursing career. He graciously credits his entire team for winning the 1A Peer Award.

“I feel very touched by (this award). I feel like every one of my teammates earned this. Everyone works great together. It’s a great team environment and everybody likes being there,” said Brown.

 

Posted: Monday, March 01, 2010

March 1, 2010 –It’s a deadly and silent killer, and it’s the third leading type of cancer in the United States. Colorectal cancer is especially dangerous because patients may not know they have this cancer --- until it’s too late.

“We call colorectal cancer a ‘silent’ killer because there are no obvious symptoms, at least not in the beginning stages of the cancer,” said Bayhealth Medical Center Cancer Screening Nurse Navigator Paula Hess, MSN, RN, OCN.

Hess says colorectal cancer is likely in an advanced stage by the time symptoms surface. These symptoms may include unexplained fatigue, pain in the abdomen or rectum, bleeding from the rectum, and changes in bowel habits lasting a week or more.

To help raise awareness about colorectal cancer, and to potentially save lives, Bayhealth Medical Center is sponsoring Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during March 2010. Bayhealth will provide educational seminars and activities and continue to provide lifesaving colorectal screenings.

“Since colorectal cancer has no obvious symptoms, the best way to protect yourself is to have a colonoscopy. This procedure allows the gastroenterologist or surgeon to view the lining of your colon to detect any polyps or other abnormalities. Most polyps that are found are an overgrowth of normal tissue. But when a precancerous polyp is removed, we know we’ve prevented colon cancer,” said Hess.

Cancer screening guidelines call for colorectal screenings for men and women starting at age of 50. For anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, screening will need to start earlier. Colonoscopies should be repeated every seven to ten years, or more frequently, depending on the results of your exam and your family history. One colorectal cancer screening expert says colonoscopies may seem intimidating but are far easier than you may realize.

“The colonoscopy is actually a very simple procedure that takes less than 30 minutes while you are under conscious sedation. Most people don’t even remember the procedure,” said Bayhealth Clinical Coordinator for Endoscopy Cheryl Schmidt, RN.

Schmidt notes that your doctor can not only detect but also remove polyps and retrieve biopsy samples during a colonoscopy. She says people who have their polyps removed have a 90 percent reduction in incidents of colorectal cancer.

“The best thing to know about colorectal cancer is that it is preventable and curable by having colonoscopies and being proactive with your health,” said Schmidt.

For more information about colorectal screenings, call 302-744-6752.

 

Posted: Monday, March 01, 2010

February 24, 2010– As part of Patient Safety Awareness Week, Bayhealth Medical Center will sponsor a variety of educational activities to promote patient safety and emphasize Bayhealth’s important safety partnership with patients, families and the community.

During the week of March 7 – 13, 2010, Milford Memorial Hospital and Kent General Hospital will feature educational displays, safety seminars, guest speakers, vendor presentations, and a special “Interactive Room” which highlights Bayhealth’s culture of safety.

“Our activities are centered on educating patients, families and communities and encouraging them to be active participants in ensuring patient safety,” said Bayhealth Director of Risk Management JoAnn Davis.

Davis says Bayhealth has implemented many significant improvements in recent years to improve patient safety. A few examples include:

• Adoption of The American Hospital Association’s standardized colors for patient alert wristbands, clearly identifying patients for Allergies; Limb Precaution; Latex Allergy; Do Not Resuscitate; Risk to Fall.

• Implementation of the Admin Rx Point of Care Medication Administration system and Smart Pump technology for administration of IV medications.

• Implementation of High Alert IV line stickers for high risk medications.

• Creation of Clinical Patient Safety Workgroup, Safe Medication Environment & Oversight Committee, and other patient safety committees.

• Improvements in the Fall Prevention Program.

• Appointment of Francis Marro, MD, as Medical Director for Patient Safety.

• Implementation of the Compliance 360 web-based policy & procedure application.

Pharmacy “Welcome to the Safety Zone” campaigns:

• Lose the Pounds – Conversion to metric system, from pounds to kilograms.
• Daily Double – 24-hour chart check of physician orders.
• Double Check - Two independent nurse verifications of high risk medications.

“We will continue to seek opportunities to implement process improvements, new technology, and better quality control to maximize patient safety and ensure the safest standards of care,” said Davis.

 

Posted: Monday, March 01, 2010

March 1, 2010 – The medical dictionary defines asthma as “a predisposition to chronic inflammation of the lungs in which the bronchi are reversibly narrowed.”

But how do you explain that to a five-year-old child with asthma?

“When it comes to treating children, it’s important to remember their unique educational, social, developmental and emotional needs. That’s why Child Life Intervention is so important to ensure children understand what’s happening and to ease their fears,” said Bayhealth Child Life Specialist Jackie Parsons, CCLS.

In March, Bayhealth Medical Center is celebrating Child Life Month, to educate the public about the psychosocial needs of children in medical settings, and to recognize Child Life professionals who work to ensure quality, family-centered and developmentally appropriate care for children.

“Like adults, many children are frightened when they come to the hospital. If you don’t tell them what’s going to happen, they will make up their own scary story. So, it’s better to tell them the truth to reduce their anxiety and make them feel better,” Parsons said.

Parsons says Child Life professionals educate children and their families, teach kids coping skills, and utilize play to facilitate healing.

The education includes a tour of the Pediatrics Department and treatment areas, and the use of toys, dolls, and medical equipment to illustrate to children the treatment they’ll receive. An asthma patient for example, may see an IV placed into a doll, or may try on a breathing mask that they’ll likely use for respiratory treatment later. The coping skills could involve instruction on the proper breathing techniques to reduce anxiety about IV treatment. Kids also have access to video games, art supplies and other toys that not only provide entertainment but also keep children active during their recovery. Parsons says “playing” can also be utilized as a communications tool.

“Playing with pretend and real medical equipment such as an IV, an alcohol swab, and a small doll, can help these kids understand medical procedures on their own level. When there’s more understanding, there’s less anxiety,” said Parsons.

To find out more about Bayhealth Child Life services, please call (302) 744-7135

 

Posted: Sunday, February 28, 2010

Dover, Delaware – Bayhealth Medical Center has named Cathy Mundorf, RRT, the new Cardiology Manager for Kent General Hospital and Milford Memorial Hospital.

Mundorf was previously Cardiopulmonary Services Manager at Milford Memorial Hospital where she provided oversight for Cardiology Services and the Respiratory Care Department. During her 11 years at Bayhealth, Mundorf has also served as Clinical Coordinator for Respiratory Care and as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.

“Cathy’s appointment to this newly developed role reinforces Bayhealth’s commitment to quality patient care by providing a systemwide focus on our cardiology offerings. Cathy is a valuable member of our cardiovascular team.” said Louisa Phillips, RN, FACHE, Administrative Director of Operations for Bayhealth’s Cardiovascular Service Line.

In her new role, Mundorf will have system responsibility for Cardiology Services, including Stress Testing, Echocardiography, Holter Monitoring and EKG. Mundorf says her top priority will be further improving patient care and achieving accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography (ICAEL) for Bayhealth’s Echo labs.

“An accreditation from ICAEL reaffirms that Bayhealth Medical Center is committed to providing the highest standards of patient care,” said Mundorf.

 

Posted: Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Bayhealth Medical Center served as the Platinum Sponsor of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition Inc.’s Southern Lights of Life event on February 20, 2010, at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.

Southern Delaware’s Annual Premier Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Southern Lights of Life features silent and live auctions and a fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors.

At this year’s event, the Bayhealth Cancer Institute presented a check in the amount of $13,858.33 to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. This donation was made possible because of Bayhealth’s Go Pink! Health Fair, held each October. At the Health Fair, Go Pink! T-shirts are available to purchase for a donation of $10 or more. Sale proceeds after expenses are divided between the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and breast screenings and education programs available through the Bayhealth Cancer Institute.

Pictured during Bayhealth’s check presentation are Trustee Claire Zaragoza; Southern Lights of Life Co-Chair and Trustee Okemah Strickland; Trustee Wendy Newell, MD; Bayhealth Cancer Institute Medical Director Rishi Sawhney, MD, of Bayhealth Hematology/Oncology Associates; Kathrina Chua, MD, of Bayhealth Hematology/Oncology Associates and DBCC Trustee; and Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition Executive Director Victoria Cooke.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted: Tuesday, February 23, 2010

February 23, 2010 - Delaware Governor Jack Markell traveled to Kent General Hospital Tuesday to unveil legislation that would encourage parents to save money for their children’s college education. At Kent General’s Mother-Baby Unit, Governor Markell introduced a plan that would allow Delawareans to deposit their state tax refunds directly into a Delaware College Investment Plan account. As a partner in this initiative, Bayhealth Medical Center would include details about the Delaware College Investment Plan in an information packet given to new parents in the Mother-Baby Unit at Kent General Hospital and Milford Memorial Hospital. Above, (left to right) Governor Markell joins new parents Keith and Kristen Tanis, three-month-old Brayden Tanis, State Representative Terry Schooley, and Bayhealth Medical Center President & CEO Terry Murphy.

 

Posted: Monday, February 22, 2010

February 23, 2010 – It wakes you up in the middle of the night. It disrupts your day. And, it leaves you gasping for air --- and grasping for answers.

Why won’t that nagging cough go away?

If you have a chronic cough, you’re not alone. Last year, coughing accounted for 30-million doctors’ visits in the United States, and was the fourth leading reason for patients to go to their doctor. And, there are many Americans with “chronic coughs” lasting for years.

“Coughs affect your quality of life and are something you just cannot ignore. While some coughs are relatively benign, others could be the sign of something much worse, such as cancer,” said Bayhealth Pulmonologist Hakim Azfar Ali, MBBS, MD, FCCP.

Unlike a broken foot or a simple virus, coughs are far more difficult to diagnose, which is one reason why some patients cough for years, or even their entire lifetime!

“There are so many possible causes for a cough. It starts with cough receptors in your brain, and then there could be issues with your stomach, your lungs, your throat or even your heart.
It could even stem from other medications such as ACE inhibitors,” said Dr. Ali.

Ali notes that upper airway problems in the nose, throat and sinuses cause up to 40 percent of coughs. Asthma is responsible for about 20 percent of coughs. Stomach acid reflux accounts for about 15 percent of cases. Then, there are the less common instances when chronic coughing is the symptom for a far more serious condition such as cancer. In some rare instances, an enlarged atrium in the heart may press against nerves which trigger the cough reflex. However, smoking is by far the largest, most controllable cause of coughing.

“Smoking can cause bronchitis or emphysema, which triggers constant coughing. The shame is there are patients who cough their entire lives because they keep smoking,” said Dr. Ali.

He says doctors are medical detectives when it comes to diagnosing coughs. They must get the patient’s history, find out if there are lifestyle issues or medication that can be causing the cough. Like detectives at a crime scene, doctors can develop clues through an exam. If there are still no definitive answers, diagnostics such as X-Rays, CT-Scans, and bronchoscopies may provide additional clues to the doctor. After a diagnosis, treatment can be a slow process.

“Doctors and patients have to exercise patience. Treatment may take months or years. And, patients have to be compliant and not stop their medication just because they don’t see results in the first few days,” said Dr. Ali.

Hakim Azfar Ali, MBBS, MD, FCCP, is a pulmonologist at Bayhealth Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (302) 674-7155.

 

Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Bayhealth Announces Employees of the Quarter

February 17, 2010 – Bayhealth Medical Center has announced its Employees of the Quarter. Clinical Educator Kathy King, BSED, RN, is Employee of the Quarter for Kent General Hospital, and PACU Nurse Nancy Leighty, RN, is Employee of the Quarter for Milford Memorial Hospital.

Each quarter, Bayhealth recognizes employees who have demonstrated outstanding service, team work, and commitment to patient care. The winner receives a plaque, a $100 gift card to a local restaurant, and a special Employee of the Quarter Parking Spot! Each Employee of the Quarter also becomes one of eight finalists for Bayhealth Employee of the Year, which will be announced in May of 2010.

Kathy King has served at Kent General Hospital for 28 years. As a clinical educator, she has been an invaluable resource for co-workers, patients, and community members. King has taken a lead role in training other clinical staff on new electronic documentation systems, and she has spent nearly three decades educating the community about healthy lifestyles.

“(Kathy) is a team player not only because she looks for ways to assist everyone else, but she also seeks avenues to improve as an educator and become a more valuable resource,” said Education Director Kate Salvato, RN, MSN.

Salvato notes that King completed the Hispanic Culture and Diversity Certification Program at Wilmington University so she could better communicate with her Latino clients with limited English skills. In addition, King is lead staff instructor for the Emergency Management of Violent Behavior (EMVB) course, training clinical staff on how to diffuse “Code Gray” situations in which a patient or visitor may potentially become violent. She teaches the CPR for Infants Class, is a Certified Aromatherapist, and is a facilitator for the Bayhealth Tobacco Cessation Program.

“I just believe it’s important to help other people and in treating other people the way I’d like to be treated,” King said.

***
After a nearly four decade nursing career at Milford Memorial Hospital, Nancy Leighty, RN, continues to prove her value to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

“Her clinical expertise and flexibility are essential for the nursing staff and patients in the PACU. She is diligent in promoting a team spirit, making the PACU a great place to work, and ensuring patients receive quality care,” said Perioperative Services Nurse Manager Heidi Pettyjohn, MSN, RN, CNOR.

Since she began serving in the Milford PACU in 1974, Leighty has accumulated clinical knowledge which makes her an excellent resource for the entire department. She began as a nursing assistant in the Intensive Care Unit, and then served as an LPN in the ICU before moving to the PACU. After earning her RN credentials, Leighty served in the Operating Room, became a relief charge nurse in the Medical-Surgical Unit, then returned to the PACU in 1990. In 2009, she assumed the duties of a charge nurse, offering guidance and mentoring to her peers in PACU. Leighty is President of the PACU Shared Governance Council, overseeing assignments, scheduling, performance improvement initiatives, and Joint Commission compliance in her department.

Leighty credits all this success to the team that supports her.

“What makes me a good leader? It’s a good staff! They’re all top notch, they all work very hard, they all know what they’re doing. They always put the patient before anything else. When you work with that kind of staff, you’re going to look good,” Leighty said.

 

Posted: Tuesday, February 16, 2010

(Monday, February 15, 2010) -- As part of “Food Check-Off Day,” volunteers from the Delaware Farm Bureau and the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware delivered food to restock the Ronald McDonald Room at Kent General Hospital on Monday.

The Ronald McDonald Room provides temporary housing for families with sick infants receiving care in the Bayhealth Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Families may stay in the Ronald McDonald Room free of charge, and benefit from the convenience and peace of mind of being close to their children during a difficult time.

“When children are sick, it’s important for families to be together and the Ronald McDonald Room provides a valuable resource for these families,” said Bayhealth Volunteer Director Terry Schrenker.

In their latest delivery, the volunteers donated $380 worth of food ranging from juices,
to soup, to snacks. The Delaware Farm Bureau provided the food as part of the nationwide celebration of “Food Check-Off Day.”

“Food Check-Off Day marks the day in which the average American family has paid for its food in the average year. We are able to celebrate this day so early in the year, thanks to the affordable food provided by farmers around the country,” said Delaware Farm Bureau Administrator Pam Thornburg.

According to Thornburg, this week’s food delivery is part of a special partnership by the Delaware Farm Bureau, The Ronald McDonald House, and Bayhealth Medical Center.

“We hope to provide comfort and support for children and their families. Together, we can help fill an important need,” said Thornburg.

 

Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2010

February 18, 2010 – Bayhealth Medical Center is saluting the heroes who helped ensure that patients continued receiving lifesaving care during two massive snowstorms this month.

“There were many employees who made heroic sacrifices and risked their own safety to help ensure the safety of our patients,” said Bayhealth Materials Management Operations Manager Dave Webb. “There were many heroes and this very much was a team effort.”

Webb notes that hospital operations continued and the storms had no impact on patient care thanks to the efforts of many departments. Essential clinical and support staff slept overnight at Kent General Hospital and Milford Memorial Hospital during both storms. Doctors and nurses continued patient care. Pharmacy ensured that the proper medication was available. Central Supply sterilized medical equipment and delivered supplies to each nursing unit. Environmental Services kept the facility sanitary. Food Services ensured patients and staff received meals. Security maintained a safe environment. Plant Operations cleared vast mountains of snow from the parking areas and access roads on the hospital properties.

Materials Management took a very proactive approach, conducting several days of planning meetings before the storms, to ensure both hospitals would have the necessary medical supplies in the event that transportation was disrupted during the storm.

In the days before the storm, Materials Management and Central Supply personnel transported vital supplies from the Bayhealth Warehouse in Dover to the main hospital buildings at both Kent and Milford. Several Materials Management staffers slept overnight at the hospitals and the warehouse. During the height of the storm, Materials Management employees ferried supplies from the warehouse to Milford Memorial. Dave Webb and Warehouse Supervisor Don Lucas personally used their four-wheel drive vehicles to shuttle clinical and support staff to the hospital during both storms. In addition, Materials Management staffers supervised a private contractor team that removed snow from the roof of the Bayhealth Warehouse. The team shoveled tons of snow from the roof, placing the snow on to a massive container that was removed by a construction crane. The crew worked more than 20 hours in two days to remove the snow from the roof. As a precaution, the Purchasing Department temporarily relocated its offices from the warehouse to the main building at Kent General Hospital.

“We were definitely concerned that the roof might collapse. Not only could that have hurt somebody, a collapse would have also severely disrupted our supplies and our ability to provide patient care. We thank all the heroes who helped save the day,” said Webb.

 

Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2010

February 18, 2010 – Bayhealth Medical Center is winning recognition for its efforts to promote excellence, innovation, and a positive work environment.

Bayhealth’s Child Care and Early Learning Center recently received the 2009 Delaware Quality Award of Merit from the Delaware Quality Award Executive Council.

“The key to performance quality is working from a consensus and from a team approach, not from a hierarchy. That’s how we were able to evaluate and improve our overall quality,” said Bayhealth Child Care and Early Learning Center Director Brenda Kibler.

The Early Learning Center also received the 2008 Delaware Quality Commitment Award which, Kibler says, inspired her team to even greater heights. The team continued to evaluate work processes, document day-to-day operations and assess additional improvements.
“When we were announced as the 2008 recipient of the Delaware Quality Commitment Award, we realized that the journey was not over, (but) just taking a new turn. We now faced the challenge of applying for the next level of the Delaware Quality Award, the Award of Merit. One may look at this as a chance to be recognized, but we used (this) to improve our organization.”

 

Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010

Shoveling snow is not only a "pain in your back," but it could also be potentially dangerous if you’re not careful. That’s the word from a Bayhealth Medical Center Emergency Department doctor, who says he’s treated a variety of injuries from people trying to dig out from the most recent snowstorms in Delaware.

"I’ve treated strained backs, broken bones, cardiac arrest, even severed fingers from people trying to clear snow from the blades of their snow blower. All of these injuries are preventable," said Bayhealth Emergency Department Medical Director and Emergency Department Chairman Craig Hochstein, M.D.

Dr. Hochstein has the "scoop" on how you can shovel snow safely:

1. Shoveling snow can be a serious safety risk if you are a smoker, elderly, have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other health issues.

If you fall into any of these categories, ask a friend or pay somebody to shovel for you!

2. Before starting to shovel, be sure you have warmed up properly. Try using the same type of stretching you do before your regular exercise routine.

3. Lift with your legs, not your back. Start with your feet slightly apart, bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible so that the lifting comes from your leg muscles, not your back. Never bend at the waist. Step in the direction that you are throwing snow. Your feet should point in the direction you are lifting and throwing.

4. Start slowly, work at a steady pace and take frequent breaks. Shoveling snow rapidly for long periods at a time will compromise your safety.

5. Be sure to remain hydrated by drinking water. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, alcohol and energy drinks. Dehydration can cause dizziness, fainting or worse.

8.Choose a small plastic shovel, so you are not lifting as much weight. A curved handle shovel is designed to take the strain off your back. Spray the blade with a lubricant to keep snow from sticking.

9. To stay warm, wear multiple layers for insulation, and so that you can shed layers if you become overheated. Be sure to cover your extremities to guard against frostbite.

 

 

Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2010

Dimitrios Danikas, MD, FACS, of Bayhealth Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Center will speak to the membership meeting of the Milford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary on Wednesday, March 31 at 9:30 a.m. in the hospital Board Room.

Dr. Danikas’s presentation, "Rejuvenating your Face," will outline all of the procedures designed to enhance the face’s natural beauty. Dr. Danikas will explain Latisse, Botox, face lifts and mini-face lifts, rhinoplasty, correction of protruding ears, eyelid surgery/browlifts, skin cancer/mole treatments, fillers, scar revision/dermabrasion, fat injection, lasers/chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Dr. Danikas is offering a free office consultation ($100.00 value) to all who attend the March 31 meeting.

Dr. Danikas has offices in Milford and Dover. For more information about his services, please call (302) 422-3251 or visit http://danikas.bayhealth.org.

The breakfast is open to all Auxiliary members and those who have an interest in joining. More than 100 years old, the Milford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is comprised of a group of men and women dedicated to supporting Milford Memorial Hospital by contributing time, talent, funds or services to patients. From its early years to 2005, the Auxiliary has contributed close to $2.5 million to the hospital. Membership is open to men and women and offers volunteer opportunities both large and small.

Cost for the breakfast is $5.00, and Auxiliary dues are an additional $5.00. Seating for the breakfast is limited to 40 people, so make your reservation today by stopping by Reflections Gift Shop at Milford Memorial Hospital or by sending your payment to MMH Auxiliary, P.O. Box 199, Milford, DE 19963. For more information, please call Lois Chamberlain at (302) 424-0598.

 

 

Posted: Tuesday, February 09, 2010

February 9, 2010 – Do you have musical talent? Do you enjoy entertaining others? Do you want to help people during a difficult time?

Bayhealth Medical Center now has opportunities for you to perform for patients at Kent General Hospital and Milford Memorial Hospital. As part of its ongoing Planetree Model of Patient Centered Care, Bayhealth is inviting volunteers to provide musical entertainment to help provide a more healing, soothing environment for patients.

“We already know that music is good medicine. There are many studies which show that music takes patients’ minds off their illness, calms them, and uplifts their spirit,” said Bayhealth Arts & Entertainment Chair and Guest Relations Representative Jane Hewitt.

Hewitt says solo performers, small groups or large groups are all invited to volunteer. Churches, school groups, community groups and all others are welcome. If you sing or play a musical instrument --- and, if you can provide a relaxing performance --- you could play a key role in helping patients back on their road to recovery.

“At Milford Memorial Hospital, one of our patients heard a singing group in the hallway and asked that the singers come to her room. The patient’s daughter called us the week after discharge, saying how the singers lifted her mother’s spirits,” said Hewitt.

Hewitt says there are already several church groups and other volunteers who bring joy to patients through their music. However, due to a growing need, additional volunteer entertainers are needed. She says the volunteers truly do make a difference.

“If you’ve ever wanted to bring joy to somebody’s life, or help somebody during a very difficult time, this is an opportunity to do it,” said Hewitt.

For more information, or to volunteer, please call 302-744-7085.

 

Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2010