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Dual Diagnosis/ Chemical Dependency Unit at Riverside Behavioral Center Celebrates Grand Reopening (11/07) Closed for three years thanks to Hurricane Charley, the dual diagnosis unit at Riverside Behavioral Center in Tuscaloosa is now reopen and accepting patients. "Currently, we are the only dual diagnosis and chemical dependency unit in County," said Dalton Tininenko, administrator. "We are very excited to once again be able to meet the needs of our community." Dual-diagnosis patients have a psychiatric illness and are also dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. "A lot of psychiatric patients, especially those with bipolar disorder or depression, begin self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs to treat their symptoms," said Tininenko. "Many times, they get addicted." Licensed as a chemical dependency hospital, Riverside is able to detox the patient from drugs or alcohol and, at the same time, stabilize the patient with the psychiatric medications needed to control depression or bipolar disorder. "The dual diagnosis program offered at Riverside is generally a three to five day detox program, but we have the professional staff to assist in the initial recovery phase as well," said Tininenko. The program involves group psychotherapy; education about alcohol, drugs, and psychiatric illness; education on proper nutrition; and participation in a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous. "Patients are discharged with a plan to help them with their chemical dependency," Tininenko explained. Riverside also offers alternatives to inpatient treatment programs, such as a partial hospitalization program. This program treats patients for six hours each weekday, seeking to develop life skills in an intensive outpatient setting. There is also a less intense two hour Monday evening support group. The only entrance requirement is that the individual has previously been a patient at Riverside. A 52-bed facility, Riverside Behavioral Center houses three distinct units: a 27-bed adult psychiatric stabilization unit, a 10-bed dual diagnosis/chemical dependency unit, and a 15-bed geriatric unit, each with programs tailored to meet individual needs. "Our geriatric unit mainly treats Alzheimer's and dementia-related issues," said Tininenko. "Geriatric depression is very significant and is becoming one of the more studied forms of depression in the country." Often, the facility acts as a transition between home and assisted living. Riverside Behavioral Center is a private facility located on the campus of Regional Medical Center. Referrals to the dual diagnosis unit come from hospitals, physicians, or from individuals who are ready to help themselves; only voluntary admissions are accepted. The facility accepts private healthcare insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid. They offer a comprehensive range of specialized programs, lead by psychiatrists, designed to be responsive to individual and community needs. For more information, call 205-752-5050. REGIONAL EMPLOYEES ADOPT SOLDIERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS (11/07) As an emergency room patient care technician at Regional Medical Center, Bonnie Piner, PCT, is calm and collected in any situation. However, as the holiday season approaches, Piner is dealing with a new feeling, one that really tugs at her heartstrings. Piner's heart aches; she misses her 19-year-old son, Pfc. Jeremy Piner, who is stationed in Iraq until early 2009. As a junior at High School, Jeremy joined the army. Now, three years later, he is living in Iraq representing one nation and defending the freedom of another. "He misses home a lot, and we miss him," Piner says sadly. "He's only 19 and had never been away from home before this. We're only able to speak with him once a month. It's been a rough one to take because he's so far away." Each holiday season since 2005, Regional employees have adopted a platoon stationed in Iraq and sent each of the soldiers in the platoon a letter and a box of goodies. This season, hospital employees have banded together, adopting Jeremy Piner's platoon of 32 soldiers. "Unfortunately, not every soldier has friends or family members that are able to send letters or care packages," said Piner. "We want each and every one of them to know that we truly appreciate their sacrifice and that they are in our thoughts and prayers." The soldiers appreciate everything they receive and always send back letters of thanks. Some employees who adopted a soldier last year continue to send letters and packages throughout the year. "Bonnie and her stories of Jeremy have inspired us all to truly 'live the spirit' of this holiday season and to send a little love to our countrymen and women who are serving overseas instead of celebrating with friends and family," said a co-worker. STUDY: REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER PATIENT OUTCOMES SUPERIOR. HealthGrades Study Finds Patient Outcomes at Regional Among Nation's Best for Several Service Lines (10/07) According to the Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study issued today, Regional Medical Center ranks among the top for overall cardiac, cardiac surgery, and cardiology services. The study, the largest of its kind, analyzed patient outcomes at virtually all of the nation's 5,000 hospitals over the years 2004, 2005, and 2006. The study also found that Regional is:  "We are very proud of these distinctions as they are a reflection of the quality and dedication of our employees, medical staff, board, and volunteers," said Brad Nurkin, CEO of Regional Medical Center. "These awards validate what we have always known, that we provide the highest quality of care to our patients, families, and community. To be recognized on a national level for the care we provide every day is incredibly rewarding." Patients admitted to the nation's top-performing hospitals, five-star hospitals like Regional Medical Center, have, on average, a 71 percent lower chance of dying than those treated at one-star hospitals across 18 procedures and conditions analyzed, according to the study. HealthGrades is the nation's leading independent ratings company. "Our research shows that while the overall quality of hospital care in America is improving, the gap between the best-performing hospitals and the worst persists," said Dr. Samantha Collier, HealthGrades' chief medical officer and author of the study. "This persistent gap makes it imperative that anyone planning to be admitted to a hospital do their homework and seek out highly rated facilities." The Tenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study identifies key trends in the quality of care provided by approximately 5,000 hospitals nationwide. HealthGrades researchers analyzed Medicare discharges from virtually every U.S. hospital between 2004 and 2006. Risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates were calculated and hospitals were assigned a 1-star (poor), 3-star (as expected), or 5-star (best) quality rating for 28 diagnoses and procedures from heart failure to hip replacement to pneumonia. Among the study's key findings: The 2008 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals nationwide are available, free of charge, on the organization's award-winning consumer Web site, located at www.healthgrades.com. More than three million individuals and employees of some of the nation's largest employers and health plans visit HealthGrades each month to access quality information about hospitals, nursing homes and physicians. HealthGrades also provides consumers and payers with detailed assessments of hospitals' patient-safety outcomes, based on indicators developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. About Regional Medical Center Founded in 1947, Regional Medical Center is a 256-bed facility located in Tuscaloosa, on Alabama's Southwestern Gulf coast. Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Regional is also a five-time recipient of Solucient's 100 Top Hospitals: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success award. The hospital offers the area's most extensive range of adult cardiac services at The Heart Institute, County's only comprehensive cardiac care program. REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER'S RESPIRATORY CARE BLOOD GAS LABORATORY RECIEVES ACCREDITATION FROM COLLEGE OF AMERICAN PATHOLOGISTS (10/07) Regional Medical Center's (RMC) Respiratory Care Blood Gas Laboratory has been awarded an accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection. Dr. George Panjikaran, medical director, and Chris Miller, respiratory care department director, were advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the "excellence of the services being provided." RMC's Respiratory Care Blood Gas Laboratory is one of the more than 6,000 CAP-accredited laboratories nationwide. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government's own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine the entire staff's qualifications, the laboratory's equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory's patients. The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER AND PEACE RIVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER COMBINE MAMMOGRAPHY SERVICES (8/07) Regional Medical Center and Peace River Regional Medical Center are combining mammography services effective immediately. Mammography services are currently available at the following locations: The Women's Imaging Center located at the Murdock Medical Park Center1649 Tamiami Trail, Port , Alabama Appointments call 205-752-5050 Peace River North Port Health Park15121 Tamiami Trail, North Port, Alabama Appointments call 205-752-5050 Surgical and ultrasound breast procedures will continue to be available at Regional Medical Center. Digital Mammography services will be available in the near future at Peace River Regional Medical Center in Port . ACADEMIC FAIR AT REGIONAL ON JULY 27 (7/07) From 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27, Regional will hold an Academic Fair. All community members are invited to attend. Meet with representatives from local and online schools, colleges, and universities to explore available programs to enrich your current career or to start you on a new career path. Several schools will be represented, including: USF, FGCU, Edison, Barry, Keiser, Webster, Walden, Argosy, Impac, Hodges University, and University of Phoenix. The fair will be held on the Regional Campus, Classrooms A, B, and C, which are located in the one-story yellow building adjacent to the hospital on Cooper Street. Pre-registration is not required, however, please call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050 if you would like more information. WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO BE A GAITER TOO? MONTHLY CHECK-IN ON JUNE 20 (6/07) From 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, the popular Crosstown Gaiters mall walking program sponsored by Regional Medical Center will hold its monthly member check-up and sign in at Port Town Center Mall. This month, a wellness coordinator will be available to instruct on pre-walk stretching and to answer any exercise questions, and a dietician will be on hand to instruct walkers on the important of pairing exercise with healthy eating. The "course" at Town Center Mall is a ¾-mile trek with stops at 12 separate exercise and stretching stations. Upon joining Crosstown Gaiters, each participant receives a Crosstown Gaiters tee-shirt, pedometer, and guide identifying the benefits of walking, proposing tips for starting a walking program, and offering instruction on how to customize an individual walking program. Step into fitness with Crosstown Gaiters and have a little fun while you're at it!For more information on RMC's Crosstown Gaiters, call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO BE A GAITER TOO? MONTHLY CHECK-IN ON MAY 16 (5/07) From 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, the popular Crosstown Gaiters mall walking program sponsored by Regional Medical Center will hold its monthly member check-up and sign in at Port Town Center Mall. The "course" at Town Center Mall is a ¾-mile trek with stops at 12 separate exercise and stretching stations. Upon joining Crosstown Gaiters, each participant receives a Crosstown Gaiters tee-shirt, pedometer, and guide identifying the benefits of walking, proposing tips for starting a walking program, and offering instruction on how to customize an individual walking program. Step into fitness with Crosstown Gaiters and have a little fun while you're at it! NANCY EHRENFELD & KARI STOLTE RENEW CAPA CERTIFICATION (5/07) Kari Stolte and Nancy Ehrenfeld, both Registered Nurses at Regional Medical Center, were recently granted renewal of their CAPA® (Certified Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Nurse) status by the American Board of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Certification, Inc. They join a cadre of nearly 7,000 other perianesthesia nurses who are currently certified in their specialty. The CAPA® certification programs meet nationally recognized psychometric and legal standards. To achieve initial certification, nurses must have a current, unrestricted RN license, have a minimum of 1800 hours of perianesthesia nursing experience, and have successfully completed a rigorous four-hour, 200 multiple-choice question examination. The certification credential is awarded for three years and must be renewed. To maintain certification, the certified nurse must either participate in 90 hours of continual learning or take an arduous examination. In addition, they must also have current experience caring for perianesthesia patients. We recognize and celebrate Nancy and Kari's outstanding achievement. Maintaining certification is tangible evidence of their commitment to making excellence the benchmark of quality patient care at Regional, where healthcare if far beyond the ordinary. For more information, call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. WORLD VOICE DAY - APRIL 16 (4/07) Every year on April 16th, speech pathologists and other vocal health professionals worldwide join together to recognize World Voice Day. World Voice Day encourages women and men, young and old, to assess their vocal health and take actions to improve or maintain good vocal habits. Teachers, singers, actors, and cheerleaders, all participate in heavy voice use. One or two sessions with a voice therapist may help them identify proper training and exercise techniques which may prevent possible injury to their vocal folds. At Regional Medical Center, individuals can also receive voice therapy for a variety of medical voice conditions resulting from: head and neck cancer, Parkinson's Disease, spasmodic dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis and vocal nodules. There are a variety of programs and support groups to complement speech therapy including the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Parkinson's; Voice, Speech, and Swallowing Treatment; and the New Voice Club, the Laryngectomee/Head and Neck Support Group which meets once a month. Regional Medical Center is a leading provider of healthcare in Southwest Alabama, offering healthcare far beyond the ordinary. For more information, or to speak to a speech therapist, contact Mary Spremulli, Speech Pathologist, at 205-752-5050. REGIONAL EARNS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION CERTIFICATION (4/07) As part of a continuing effort to provide quality healthcare and to improve patient care and outcomes, Regional recently underwent steps to become a QIO (Quality Improvement Organization) -certified hospital. Last month, the hospital was awarded its QIO certification through FMQAI, Alabama's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization. "Our staff continuously strives to provide the highest quality healthcare to our community," said Barbara McCoy, Quality Coordinator at Regional Medical Center. "Earning this certification is a true testament of the quality of our staff. Their hard work and dedication play an important role in earning this honor." To ensure it retains its high quality standards in the ever-changing healthcare environment, Regional remains an active participant in the Healthcare Quality Improvement Program and works closely with FMQAI to create a healthcare environment founded on quality processes. FMQAI is a quality improvement organization that partners with healthcare providers and practitioners to improve patient care and outcomes. FMQAI employs experts in provider education, quality improvement tools, medical record review, and technical assistance to assist healthcare providers in an ever-evolving healthcare environment. FMQAI has built a strong reputation as a leader in facilitating change and collaboration as it relates to healthcare quality improvement and project management initiatives. WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO BE A GAITER TOO? MONTHLY CHECK-IN ON APRIL 18 (4/07) From 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, the popular Crosstown Gaiters mall walking program sponsored by Regional Medical Center will hold its monthly member check-up and sign in at Port Town Center Mall. The "course" at Town Center Mall is a ¾-mile trek with stops at 12 separate exercise and stretching stations. Upon joining Crosstown Gaiters, each participant receives a Crosstown Gaiters tee-shirt, pedometer, and guide identifying the benefits of walking, proposing tips for starting a walking program, and offering instruction on how to customize an individual walking program. Step into fitness with Crosstown Gaiters and have a little fun while you're at it! MARY LOU RETTON SHARES PERSONAL STORY OF HIP REPLACEMENT AT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER ON APRIL 20 (4/07) On Friday, April 20th from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., Mary Lou Retton, Olympic gold medal gymnast, will visit Regional Medical Center's cafeteria to share her personal story of hip replacement. Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Mark Davis will also be on hand to talk about joint replacement and answer any questions. The community is invited to attend. From her stunning gold medal winning gymnastic performance at the 1984 Olympics to now, Mary Lou Retton has been the symbol of the fit American: the balance of fluidity and power. Yet, when she reached her 30s, Mary Lou found herself suffering from unbearable arthritic hip pain caused by hip dysplasia. She couldn't exercise. She couldn't play with her kids. She couldn't be herself. Today, after hip replacement surgery, Mary Lou feels blessed to be active again with her four daughters. When her doctor initially told her she needed a hip replacement, she balked at the idea. Now she wonders why she waited so long. Whether you are living with hip or knee pain, a total joint replacement may help you regain your life. Join us on April 20th in the Regional cafeteria to learn more about a surgery that can change your life! REGIONAL PURCHASES STATE-OF-THE-ART CARDIAC ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM (4/07) Regional's Cath Lab is pleased to announce the addition of a state-of-the-art cardiac ultrasound imaging system. The new Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) gives physicians a unique peek inside the heart as well as the coronary and peripheral arteries. Rose McCafferty, Director of Regional's Cardiovascular Services, explained how the IVUS works. "A tiny catheter is placed into the heart or an artery. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted in and bounce around, reflecting off the heart's tissues and walls. These reflected waves create an all-encompassing, cross-sectional image, giving physicians an accurate picture of the inside of the heart or artery." What this means to the patient is improved accuracy in diagnosis due to the advanced images physicians receive. IVUS will assist physicians in determining how, where, and to what extent heart vessels may be blocked, giving them crucial information on proper placement of stents or other life-saving devices. The ease and speed at which the IVUS creates this image is one of its advantages. "We are very excited to offer our patients top-quality care through use of the images provided by such a sophisticated piece of equipment," said McCafferty. "IVUS will be a big assist to our physicians in making a quick, yet accurate diagnosis." WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO BE A GAITER TOO? MONTHLY CHECK-IN ON MARCH 21 (3/07) From 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, the popular Crosstown Gaiters mall walking program sponsored by Regional Medical Center will hold its monthly member check-up and sign in at Port Town Center Mall. This month, a wellness coordinator will be available to instruct on pre-walk stretching and to answer any exercise questions, and a dietician will be on hand to instruct walkers on the important of pairing exercise with healthy eating. The "course" at Town Center Mall is a ¾-mile trek with stops at 12 separate exercise and stretching stations. Upon joining Crosstown Gaiters, each participant receives a Crosstown Gaiters tee-shirt, pedometer, and guide identifying the benefits of walking, proposing tips for starting a walking program, and offering instruction on how to customize an individual walking program. Step into fitness with Crosstown Gaiters and have a little fun while you're at it! FEBRUARY 27 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (2/07) Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School. Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lecture series features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community. Please join us for the lectures held on Tuesday, February 27, beginning at 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. at RMC's Wellness Center auditorium located at 733 E. Olympia Avenue in Tuscaloosa (adjacent to the hospital). Dr. Rye Bell, PhD, will present a lecture titled Dealing with the Stress of Becoming a Caregiver for your Senior Parents at 1 p.m. Then, at 2:45 p.m., Dr. Christopher Constance, M.D., will present the lecture Improving Your Figure: Newest Techniques in Weight Reduction and Body Contouring. Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag." To learn more about either of these topics, to sign up for the lecture series, or for a complete list of physician speakers, dates, and times, contact Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. WOULDN'T YOU LIKE TO BE A GAITER TOO? MONTHLY CHECK-IN ON FEBRUARY 21 FEATURES MALL "I SPY" GAME (2/07) From 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, the popular Crosstown Gaiters mall walking program sponsored by Regional Medical Center will hold its monthly member check-up and sign in at Port Town Center Mall. This month, Gaiters will hold an "I Spy" game where walkers "spy" different items around the mall in an effort to win prizes. In addition, a wellness coordinator will be available to instruct on pre-walk stretching and to answer any exercise questions, and a dietician will be on hand to instruct walkers on the important of pairing exercise with healthy eating. The "course" at Town Center Mall is a ¾-mile trek with stops at 12 separate exercise and stretching stations. Upon joining Crosstown Gaiters, each participant receives a Crosstown Gaiters tee-shirt, pedometer, and guide identifying the benefits of walking, proposing tips for starting a walking program, and offering instruction on how to customize an individual walking program. Step into fitness with Crosstown Gaiters and have a little fun while you're at it! For more information on RMC's Crosstown Gaiters, call Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. FEBRUARY 13 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (2/07) Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School. Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lecture series features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community. Please join us for the lectures held on Tuesday, February 13, beginning at 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. at RMC's Wellness Center auditorium located at 733 E. Olympia Avenue in Tuscaloosa (adjacent to the hospital). Dr. Mark Davis, M.D., will present a lecture titled Treatment Options for the Arthritic Knee at 1 p.m. Then, at 2:45 p.m., Dr. Louis Rosenfeld, M.D., will present the lecture Questions and Answers for Anything and Everything You Want to Know About Heart Health. Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag." To learn more about either of these topics, to sign up for the lecture series, or for a complete list of physician speakers, dates, and times, contact Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. REGIONAL WELCOMES BRAD NURKIN AS CEO (1/07) Regional Medical Center welcomes Brad Nurkin as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Throughout his career, Nurkin has demonstrated a strong track record of success. "Brad comes with a wealth of experience and energy," said Josh Putter, Vice President, Health Management Associates, South Alabama Division. "I fully expect him to quickly integrate into our community and continue the success that we all have enjoyed and expect." Most recently, Nurkin was CEO at Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prior to Lancaster, Nurkin was CEO of East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, Georgia, the Associate Administrator at Rankin Medical Center in Brandon, Mississippi, and was the Associate Administrator at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Nurkin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University and also earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Additionally, he is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. JANUARY 16 MINI MEDICAL SCHOOL LECTURE SERIES (1/07) Start stocking your little black bag! Regional Medical Center presents the return of its popular annual physician lecture series, Mini Medical School. Educate yourself on the healthcare issues that are important to you. Mini Medical School physician lecture series features some of Southwest Alabama's leading physicians communicating new information about specific healthcare topics and addressing your concerns. There is no better way to become familiar with, understand, and learn more about today's healthcare issues relevant to you, your family members, and your community. Please join us for the lectures held on Tuesday, January 16, beginning at 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. at RMC's Wellness Center auditorium located at 733 E. Olympia Avenue in Tuscaloosa (adjacent to the hospital). Dr. Steven Baker, M.D., will present a lecture titled Computer Assisted Joint Replacement: The Future is Here Today! at 1 p.m. Then, at 2:45 p.m., Dr. Christopher Constance, will present the lecture The Latest Advances in Laser Aesthetics & Facial Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Sign up for Mini Medical School today to learn important, life-changing information to store in your own "little black bag." To learn more about either of these topics, to sign up for the lecture series, or for a complete list of physician speakers, dates, and times, contact Nurse Connect at 205-752-5050. |
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