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A wellness magazine from Bayhealth | FALL 2019 | KENTâ€“SUSSEX

Getting his shoulder back up to par

TERRY M. MURPHY, FACHE

DEAR NEIGHBORS, As we begin to see the first signs of fall making their appearance — leaves beginning to change colors, children returning to school, and the wave of traffic heading to the local beaches winding down — we at Bayhealth remain focused on our promise to deliver the nation’s best healthcare to our communities here at home. In this issue of Healthwaves, we offer stories of hope, tips for living a healthier life, highlights on expansion of services, and more. We first introduce you to Steven Nemcic, MS, DDS, a retired periodontist who lived with left shoulder pain for many years until finding an orthopaedic surgeon he could trust to do the job right. Read his story on page 4.

PRESIDENT & CEO, BAYHEALTH

Chronic back pain was getting the best of Dorethea Parker Forrester. She couldn’t grocery shop or shower without excruciating pain. She searched for an answer and found Bayhealth Neurosurgeon James Mills, MD. With the use of the ExcelsiusGPS®, a new robotic spine surgery system, Dr. Mills performed a spinal fusion procedure that’s given Forrester a new outlook on life. Read her story on page 6. In southern Delaware, when patients need emergent care, the Emergency and Trauma Center at Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus is conveniently located just off Route 1 in Milford. For Lewes resident and radio engineer Walt Palmer, it’s a place that he’s all too familiar with and one

where he finds answers and comfort. He shares his experiences on page 14. If you ever find yourself in our care, we want you to have the best patient experience possible. To that end, we have a team of patient advocates whose sole mission is to anticipate your needs and meet them. Read about this team on page 16. Others find comfort from our team of interfaith-based spiritual care providers who offer sacraments and religious rites, prayers and spiritual reflection, and more. See page 22 to learn more. We trust you’ll enjoy this issue of Heatlhwaves. It’s our pleasure to share these stories so that you might live a healthier life.

Healthwaves is a quarterly publication of Bayhealth. The information is intended to inform and educate. It’s not a substitute for consultation with a physician. Always consult your physician for individualized care. Bayhealth complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. If you have questions, please call JoAnn Davis at 302-744-7405. Bayhealth’s TDD or State Relay number is 866-237-0174. TERRY M. MURPHY, FACHE President and CEO, Bayhealth

DANIELLE PRO-HUDSON Editor, Healthwaves

AMANDA DOWNES Writer, Healthwaves

JENNIFER MYERS Writer, Healthwaves

JENNIFER WALTER Writer, Healthwaves

Media Center Coordinator II, Bayhealth

Marketing Specialist, Bayhealth

Marketing Specialist II, Bayhealth

LEIGH ANN COLEMAN Photographer, Healthwaves

GWEN GUERKE Writer, Healthwaves

ALICE RAUSCH Contributor, Healthwaves

PAUL STECCA Designer, Healthwaves

Web & Digital Marketing Specialist II, Bayhealth

Marketing Specialist, Bayhealth

J&P Stecca LLC

AMANDA C. BOWIE Editor, Healthwaves

JESSIE DMITERCHIK Contributer, Healthwaves

BRANDON HOWIE Photographer, Healthwaves

Southern Region Strategy & Brand Program Manager, Bayhealth

Marketing Operations Manager, Bayhealth

Web & Digital Marketing Specialist, Bayhealth

Marketing Videographer, Bayhealth

PAMELA J. MARECKI Senior Editor, Healthwaves Assistant Vice President Marketing Communications, Bayhealth

To view Healthwaves online, visit: Bayhealth.org/Healthwaves

BAYHEALTH HOSPITAL, KENT CAMPUS

BAYHEALTH HOSPITAL, SUSSEX CAMPUS

640 South State Street Dover, DE 19901 302-674-4700

100 Wellness Way Milford, DE 19963 302-422-3311

IN THIS ISSUE... Feature story:

4G etting

his shoulder back up to par

Pictured on cover: Hitting the green at his favorite local country club was proving challenging for Dr. Steven Nemcic before his successful total shoulder replacement surgery at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus. Now he and wife Gail enjoy the course together.

6 First in the state to offer robotic spine surgery with ExcelsiusGPS®

16 An ear to listen, a shoulder for comfort

9 Why childhood vaccinations are

17 Taking the guesswork out of medical bills

10 Oncology nurse finds herself on the other side of care

21 Don’t let healthy summer habits fall by the wayside

8 Hear’s the story about common childhood ear conditions so important

12 2019 Fall Classes 14 Tuning in to seamless emergency care in Sussex

18 The journey to becoming a doctor 20 Carrying his weight in saving the lives of shelter dogs

22 Caring for your spiritual self 23 Honoring a loved one can start with baby steps

Patient Story When Dover resident and retired periodontist Steven Nemcic, DDS, MS, could barely open a door without discomfort in his left shoulder, he turned to his primary

socket sides of the shoulder joint. Dr. Manifold says that the most common symptoms of shoulder arthritis include limited range of motion, stiffness of the shoulder,

with a local physical therapist. “Everyone raved about Dr. Manifold,” said Dr. Nemcic. “I heard testimonies from his other patients and they couldn’t

care physician for advice. He says years of performing dental procedures and extending his shoulder as he reached for dental instruments behind his patients’ heads likely caused his shoulder pain. Dr. Nemcic was referred to Bayhealth Division of Orthopaedics Medical Director and Orthopaedic Surgeon Stephen Manifold, MD.

pain with activities, a feeling of grinding, swelling of the joint, or tenderness around the joint.

say enough good things about him and their experiences. There was no reason for me to go anyplace else.”

Getting his shoulder back An X-ray showed that Dr. Nemcic had arthritis in his left shoulder that damaged the cartilage in his shoulder joint. Arthritis in this location causes cartilage to start wearing down on the ball and/or

Dr. Nemcic wasn’t happy when he heard the news that he needed a total shoulder replacement. “We decided to try Cortisone injections in my shoulder to help relieve some pain until surgery was absolutely necessary,” recalled Dr. Nemcic. The anti-inflammatory injection may help to decrease pain and improve function for some patients. “I started getting the shots in 2015 and went every four to six months until I knew it was time for surgery.” Before moving forward with the surgery, Dr. Nemcic acted as his own advocate by researching orthopaedic surgeons in Philadelphia, talking to former patients of Dr. Manifold, and chatting

To prepare for the total shoulder replacement surgery, Dr. Nemcic attended the Total Joint Replacement Class hosted by the Bayhealth Division of Orthopaedics at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent and Sussex campuses. In addition to offering patients education, the staff performs necessary screenings during the class to minimize the risk of complications during surgery. “The class was very informative,” said Dr. Nemcic, who was surprised to see so many familiar faces among his classmates. Following a successful surgery on Nov. 14, 2018, at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, Dr. Nemcic remains pleased with his results. “When Dr. Manifold and I looked at the X-ray of my shoulder and how well the implant was placed, we were both very happy,” said Dr. Nemcic. “I have friends in North Carolina who had the same surgery around the same time as I did, and they are still experiencing pain.

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

I am sleeping better, have strength in my left arm, and I’m back to playing golf and gardening without pain. All of the mobility in my shoulder is back.”

up to par

“My care plan for Dr. Nemcic was straightforward — I wanted to restore his range of motion and give him the best possible outcome,” said Dr. Manifold, who is fellowship-trained in orthopaedic surgery and is boardcertified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Living with shoulder pain can seem unbearable at times, and being able to give patients relief gives me a lot of satisfaction. I’m thrilled he trusted me to perform the surgery.” Reflecting on his entire experience, from his first office visit with Dr. Manifold through his rehabilitation therapy, to now living pain-free following his surgery, Dr. Nemcic says his care team was attentive, cared about his problem, answered his questions, and delivered excellent results. “Dr. Manifold gave me a new shoulder and my rehab therapist taught me how to regain its use.” Better yet, he’s happy that he received this level of top-notch care right in his community. ■

VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/ORTHOPAEDICS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERIES AVAILABLE AT BAYHEALTH.

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

Expanded Service

First in the state to offer robotic spine surgery with ExcelsiusGPS ®

Suffering from chronic back pain can wreak havoc on your life. If your pain is unresponsive to nonsurgical treatments, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery in conjunction with ExcelsiusGPS®. Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus is the first healthcare facility in Delaware to have this robotic guidance and navigation system, designed to improve safety and

accuracy within the operating room. Surgery with this system offers many potential benefits for patients, such as smaller incisions, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. “We are thrilled to be the first in our state with this advanced technology,” said Bayhealth Medical Director for Neurosurgery Dawn Tartaglione, DO, FACOS. All of Bayhealth’s neurosurgeons,

including Amit Goyal, MD; James Mills, MD; and Dr. Tartaglione have been fully trained on ExcelsiusGPS and have been using the robotic system to perform numerous minimally invasive spine surgeries. They can use it on a range of patients, including those with degenerative or arthritic spine conditions, as well as those who’ve suffered trauma to their spine.

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

Produced by Globus Medical, ExcelsiusGPS is the world’s first technology to combine a rigid robotic arm and full navigation capabilities into one system for precise alignment in surgery. The system works in a similar way to a GPS in your car — the neurosurgeon plans the pathway to place screw implants into the spine and the ExcelsiusGPS

aligns the surgeon along that pathway to complete the operation. Because the hardware is placed in such delicate areas around nerves and the spinal cord where any deviation in placement could cause problems, the level of accuracy that the robot provides gives the least risk and best outcomes to patients.

If you’re interested in learning more or you would like to make an appointment at Bayhealth Neurosurgery, please follow the steps outlined below. This will ensure that you have the best experience and an appointment that is helpful to you.

COMPLETE ALL YOUR IMAGING BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

GET A REFERRAL FROM YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN (PCP) Bayhealth Neurosurgery requires a referral from your PCP, regardless of your insurance. If your PCP is aware of your neck or back pain and doesn’t need to see you in his or her office, they can fax the referral paperwork and your records to Bayhealth Neurosurgery at 302-674-1398. If you’re PCP is unaware of your neck or back pain, they may require you to have an appointment with them first before a referral is made. Again, they can fax the referral paperwork and your records to Bayhealth Neurosurgery at 302-674-1398.

“We have an experienced team of neurosurgeons equipped with the most advanced tool available,” said Dr. Tartaglione. “Patients do not have to travel far now for the state-of-the-art care that we can give them using this robotic system.”

Your PCP should refer you for imaging tests. It’s important that you have your imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray) completed before your appointment at Bayhealth Neurosurgery. This allows the Bayhealth Neurosurgery team a view of what’s happening inside of your body so they can make the most informed decisions about your care plans. EXPECT A CALL FROM OUR NEUROSURGERY TEAM When your referral paperwork and necessary imaging reports are received, a nurse promptly reviews your records. Someone from Bayhealth Neurosurgery will call you within 24–48 hours to schedule your appointment. Bayhealth Neurosurgery looks forward to being a part of your journey to better health. ■

VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/ROBOTIC-SPINE-SURGERY TO VIEW A VIDEO ABOUT THE PROCEDURE AND THE BAYHEALTH NEUROSURGERY TEAM.

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

Expanded Service

HEAR’S THE STORY ABOUT COMMON CHILDHOOD EAR CONDITIONS Did you know that five out of six children have at least one ear infection by age 3? Physician David Roberson, MD, MBA, FACS, FRCS, of Bayhealth ENT, Milford treats all ear, nose and throat conditions, and specializes in pediatric ENT, having spent more than 20 years at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School before joining Bayhealth.

impair speech development or cause permanent language delays, so early evaluation is critical,” Dr. Roberson said. It’s important to visit an ENT specialist if there is chronic fluid affecting hearing or a child’s speech development is behind.

Also, after three middle ear infections in six months or four in a year, seeing an ENT specialist is recommended. An ENT doctor can further assess and discuss treatment options like ear tubes, which help prevent persistent fluid buildup in many patients. ■

In a healthy ear, there is air behind the eardrum, explained Dr. Roberson. The term “ear infection” usually refers to infections in the middle ear behind the eardrum. Babies are prone to them because their eustachian tubes aren’t developed enough to drain the fluid that can collect in that space. “Fluid in children’s ears is common, and there are three typical scenarios,” said Dr. Roberson. “It may never cause a problem; it may affect a child’s hearing because the eardrum cannot move freely; or bacteria will grow in the fluid and cause painful infections that may keep a child up crying all night and may need antibiotic treatment.” Ear pain, fever, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and irritability can indicate a middle ear infection. Any signs of poor hearing or speech and language delays in children should also trigger a doctor visit. “In a child that is learning to talk, ear fluid can affect hearing,

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

Why ChIldhood VaccInatIons are so Important Immunizations save lives. Yet, making sure a child has received all of their vaccinations can be stressful for families. Bayhealth Primary Care, Smyrna Physician Mannpreet Phambri-Komal, MD, understands how overwhelming this can be for families. Here are five things she shares with parents and children when talking about the importance of childhood vaccinations.

IMMUNIZATIONS SAVE LIVES Children are still building their immunity and in today’s society, there are more diseases to fight off. Not getting vaccinated leads to outbreaks such as what we’ve seen recently with whooping cough and measles.

VACCINATIONS ARE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE Immunizations have been carefully reviewed by healthcare professionals. Other than some discomfort experienced receiving the shot, people generally do not experience complications from getting a vaccination. The benefit of the vaccine outweighs the risk of that discomfort.

THEY PROTECT LOVED ONES Vaccinations not only keep your child healthy, but prevent others who have weaker immune systems or are unable to get certain vaccines from getting sick.

THEY SAVE TIME AND MONEY Schools and child care facilities can deny attendance if a child hasn’t received their vaccinations. These diseases can also cause long-term disabilities and expensive medical bills.

THEY PROTECT FUTURE GENERATIONS Just like families today don’t have to worry about diseases like rubella that have gone extinct, doing your part now to get vaccinated could mean that future children and families live in a world where diseases from today are no longer harmful.

For vaccinations to be fully effective, it’s important families completely follow childhood vaccination schedules. Dr. Komal encourages families to keep a copy of their up-to-date immunization records and talk with their family doctors about what vaccines and boosters their child may need. “Even if you’ve missed a dose, don’t be discouraged, because you can catch your child up with their immunization schedule,” Dr. Komal said. ■

VISIT CDC.GOV/VACCINES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RECOMMENDED VACCINE SCHEDULES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

Patient Story

Oncology nurse finds herself on the other side of care Milford resident Mary Van Bergen was an oncology nurse for 20 years. Less than three months into her retirement in early 2018, she found herself in the direct opposite role as an oncology patient. Van Bergen started having lower back pain and noticed blood in her urine in late 2017. “I went to my primary care physician who thought I was having postmenopausal bleeding,” she said. When tests ruled that out, Van Bergen decided to schedule an appointment with Urologist Antoinette Ptak, MD, who did a bladder biopsy. The results showed she had bladder cancer. Shortly after, Van Bergen began chemotherapy at Bayhealth Cancer Center, Milford Memorial. She says she decided to receive treatment at Bayhealth because of the cancer center’s proximity to her house and support systems. Van Bergen says her experience, especially with staff, soon assured her she made the right decision.

“From the registration staff to the volunteers to the nurses and the physicians, they all got to know me and call me by name,” said Van Bergen. “There’s a great sense of belonging and that everyone really cares about me.

I feel like I’m part of a second family. For example, the nurses who work in the cancer center are outstanding and the social worker, Angela Turley, is always so helpful. Dr. Sawhney is also very kind and caring, but what impresses me most about him is his honesty. He also came to see me while I was getting my infusions.”

Van Bergen had three cycles of chemotherapy. After these cycles, the regimen needed to be changed due to disease progression, and immunotherapy was prescribed. Unfortunately, the immunotherapy wasn’t effective and Dr. Sawhney referred Van Bergen to Johns Hopkins. There was a specific clinical trial offered only at Johns Hopkins for Van Bergen’s cancer. She’s still receiving that treatment, which involves an oral drug, and also goes to Bayhealth Cancer Center, Sussex Campus for management of her cancer by local oncologists as well as supportive care. “It’s no secret nurses can be some of the worst patients, but I have no complaints. I was a little bit concerned at first because they were doing things differently than what I was used to. But I quickly realized that ‘different’ doesn’t mean ‘wrong.’ And when I got to Johns Hopkins, they also confirmed what I already knew — Dr. Sawhney

BAYHEALTH CANCER CENTER STAFF ARE HONORED TO CARE FOR THEIR PATIENTS. GO TO BAYHEALTH.ORG/CANCER TO WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT THEIR GRATITUDE AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH PATIENTS.

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

and the rest of the team had treated my cancer the same way they would’ve recommended.” Van Bergen’s journey is unique in some ways, but it has similarities with that of most Bayhealth cancer patients — as they have access to new technologies,

innovative treatments and clinical trials through a comprehensive program provided at Bayhealth Cancer Center, Sussex Campus in Milford and Bayhealth Cancer Center, Kent Campus in Dover. Bayhealth is also affiliated with Penn Medicine’s Abramson

Cancer Center. As a member of the Penn Cancer Network, Bayhealth is the only cancer program in Delaware affiliated with a National Cancer Institute– designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. ■

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/CLASSES FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF CLASSES AND EVENTS.

Maternity BIRTH CENTER TOURS We invite you to tour the facility where you will meet your new baby for the first time. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register for one of the quarterly tours at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus. To arrange for a personal tour, call 302-744-7245 (Kent) or 302-430-5739 (Sussex). INFANT CARE These classes focus on basic infant care to give parents confidence in their ability to care for their babies. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register. HELLO BABY Adjusting to a new brother or sister can be difficult for the older sibling. Bayhealth’s “Hello Baby” program is designed to help children accept their new role. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register. This class has a fee. BREASTFEEDING 101 Come learn the basics about breastfeeding. Support persons are encouraged to attend. This class is offered the first Tuesday of every month at Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus and the third Tuesday of each month at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register. LABOR AND CHILDBIRTH Classes are offered both in-person and online for expectant mothers and their partners. Mothers-to-be are encouraged to register early in their pregnancy. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register. This class has a fee.

PUMPING MILK AND MORE Expectant mothers will learn the ins and outs of what kind of pump works best, based on personal circumstances and preferences. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register. BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP While breastfeeding is natural, it’s not always easy for new moms. Our Breastfeeding Support Group offers an encouraging environment. For more information, visit Bayhealth.org/Breastfeeding-Support.

Weight Loss BARIATRIC INFORMATION SEMINAR Learn more about Bayhealth’s Surgical Weight Loss Program. Find out about the risks, benefits and outcomes. Meet the surgeons and staff of the bariatric program, ask them questions and see if you meet the criteria for bariatric surgery. These seminars are free of charge and all are welcome. To register, call the Bayhealth Surgical Weight Loss Office at 302-430-5454. SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP These meetings offer a secure and comfortable forum both for patients who have already had bariatric surgery and for people who are considering weight loss procedures. Participants learn valuable information from guest speakers and open discussion. The group is free to join. For more information, call the Bayhealth Surgical Weight Loss Office at 302-430-5454.

Healthy Aging PACE PROGRAM The PACE (Promoting Active Community Engagement) Program, previously the STEPS to Healthy Aging Program, is for anyone in Bayhealth’s service area who is interested in healthier living. PACE Clinics are held monthly in Dover, Lincoln and Milford and give you an opportunity to receive individualized counseling from a registered nurse (RN) based on your health problems, medications and blood pressure. Quarterly lectures will also be provided. Visit Bayhealth.org/PACE or call 302-744-7135 for more information.

CPR & First Aid HEARTSAVER CPR/AED/ FIRST AID This course reviews the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children and infants. Participants will learn how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED). The first aid education covers general principles, medical emergencies, injuries, and environmental emergencies. Call 302-744-7135 to register. This course has a fee and requires the purchase of a textbook. HEARTSAVER CPR/AED This course reviews the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children and infants. Participants will learn how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED). Call 302-744-7135 to register. This course has a fee and requires the purchase of a textbook.

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

2019 FALL CLASSES HEARTSAVER FRIENDS AND FAMILY CPR This course is designed for people who want to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but do not need a CPR course completion card. It is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others age 14 and over. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register. This course has a fee and requires the purchase of a textbook. HEARTSAVER PEDIATRIC CPR/FIRST AID This course reviews the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for children and infants. It also provides information on how to manage a childâ€™s injury during the first few minutes of an emergency until professional help arrives. Call 302-744-7135 to register. This course has a fee and requires the purchase of a textbook.

Support Groups BETTER BREATHERS This support group is for people with chronic lung disease and their family members. Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes for more information. DIABETES This support group provides a nonjudgmental atmosphere where persons with diabetes can gain disease management insight from one another. Call 302-744-6307 to learn more.

PROSTATE CANCER This support group brings together prostate cancer survivors and those who are close to them in an open forum so they can share their experiences and learn from one another. Call 302-744-7990 to learn more. STROKE This group is for stroke patients and their caregivers. Guest speakers present information on educational topics such as dealing with depression, nutrition and the promotion of overall wellness. Call 302-744-6638 to learn more. HEALTHY HEARTS CLUB The Healthy Hearts Club provides a forum where patients and their care partners can learn how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle and maintain overall health. Call 1-877-453-7107 to learn more.

Screenings MAMMOGRAMS Each month, Bayhealth hosts regular mammogram screenings at multiple locations at no cost to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Registration is required. To register, call 302-744-6719. CLINICAL BREAST EXAMS A clinical breast exam is a physical examination done by a healthcare practitioner trained to notice abnormalities in the breast tissue. Bayhealth offers free clinical breast exams to the community. Registration is required. To register, call 302-744-6719.

See you there! Bayhealth is driven to make a difference in the communities we serve. Stop and see us at the following events to learn whatâ€™s new and how we can help you. OCT

5 OCT

20 OCT

26 NOV

Bayhealth Movie Night at DE Turf, Frederica American Heart Association Heart Walk, Dover American Lung Association Lung Force Walk, Rehoboth Sea Witch Festival Parade, Rehoboth 55+ Health Expo, Lewes

Want to stay in the know? Visit Bayhealth.org/Stay-Informed to sign up for regular news and health and wellness tips through email.

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

Patient Story

Tuning in to seamless emergency care in Sussex The running joke surrounding Walt Palmer is that he’s accidentprone. That’s likely due to the fact that he’s a busy man. Palmer is the director of Broadcast Operations, Engineering and Programming at 92.7 FM in Rehoboth Beach. He also runs two small businesses with his wife in downtown Milton. Palmer and his wife have lived in the Lewes area for the last 30 years. They moved here from the Washington, DC metro area where they both worked in broadcast news. Palmer was one of the first patients in the Bayhealth Outpatient Center, Sussex Campus when it first opened in February 2019. “I had to undergo some cardiac testing,” said Palmer. “I remember being one of the first patients. It was pretty cool to see the new facility and experience the new way they were taking care of patients.” During that appointment, Palmer signed up for Bayhealth’s patient portal, MyChart. He was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to sign up and how quickly he could view the reports regarding his outpatient visit. “I thought it was pretty cool to have that access,” said Palmer. Just one month later, Palmer found himself back at the Bayhealth Sussex Campus. This time he was visiting the Emergency and Trauma Center. “I live just about four miles from another hospital,

but after having such a good experience at the Bayhealth Outpatient Center at the Sussex Campus, I expected I would have a good experience at the emergency department too,” said Palmer. Palmer has osteoporosis. After rolling over in his sleep, he injured two of his ribs. Once the pain reached the point of being agonizing, he decided to be seen at the emergency department. “From the time I walked in, I immediately felt well taken care of,” said Palmer. “Someone from the environmental services team saw me enter and made sure I got to the right location. Check-in was a breeze. I waited maybe 10 minutes before I was seeing a nurse. I also had a nice private area in the emergency department while I was being seen.” After an evaluation, Palmer was taken for X-rays. He was impressed by how easy it was to navigate from the emergency department to the imaging area. And that is no coincidence. “One of the great aspects of building the Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus was being able to systematically decide where key departments should be located,” said Julianne Wysocki Broadwater, DO, medical director of the Bayhealth Emergency and Trauma Center, Sussex Campus. “We intentionally made sure imaging

services were located adjacent to the emergency department to help both patients and the staff taking care of them. The patients have just a short trip to get to imaging. As a physician, I can closely monitor imaging while staying close to my unit and other patients.” Fortunately, Palmer’s imaging showed nothing was broken. Dr. Wysocki Broadwater said in Palmer’s situation, it’s better to be safe than sorry. “Anyone who experiences a fall or injury should be evaluated if they are having ongoing pain,” said Dr. Wysocki Broadwater. “It’s better to be checked and find everything is okay rather than to have a major injury that goes without care.” The Bayhealth Sussex Campus is conveniently located right off Route 1. The convenience of the Sussex Campus is important to Palmer. “I’ve been coming to this area since I was a child with my parents,” said Palmer. “My wife and I decided to move here 30 years ago because we would be close to several medical facilities. My parents lived in rural Virginia. It was 45 minutes to the nearest hospital. That didn’t sit well with me as they got older. To know now that the new Bayhealth Sussex Campus is just 20 minutes from us is comforting.” ■

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE NEW EMERGENCY AND TRAUMA CENTER, SUSSEX CAMPUS AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXPANDED SERVICES.

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

An ear to listen, a shoulder for comfort A hospital visit or stay can be stressful. Feeling ill and needing medical care can be hard for both patients and their families. Many people may not realize Bayhealth has a team dedicated to helping patients and their families through their experiences at the hospital. The Patient Advocacy team at Bayhealth oversees all patient concerns in addition to services such as language interpreters and the clothing closet. The team intervenes, documents and escalates concerns for prompt and efficient service recovery. “Our job is to see and anticipate the needs of our patients and make sure they are met,” said Lead Patient Advocate Jane Hewitt. “Our main goal is to ensure everyone has a positive, person- and family-centered stay while they are in the hospital.”

The patient advocates work as a team alongside clinical staff members, chaplains and volunteers to help meet the needs of our patients. While the team ideally handles situations as they are happening, they also work with patients who want to share their experiences after they’ve left the hospital.

Patient advocates often interact with both patients and their care partners — the friends and family members who help care for patients. “There is no better feeling than patients realizing we are working together with them and their care partner to ensure safety, quality and compassionate care,” said Hewitt.

“When patients are in the hospital, they often feel like the situation is out of their control, and that can be hard,” said Patient Advocate Joan Myer (pictured below), who works at Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus. “We’re driven to ensure every patient who needs help gets it. We want our patients to know they are being heard and something is being done.”

“Our patient advocacy staff is empowered; we are dedicated to the patient experience, and capture the voice of the patient during each and every encounter,” said Director of Patient Advocacy, Service Excellence and Professional Recruitment Marianne Foard, MS, RN, NE-BC, PRC. “It truly is an advocacy art.” ■

The patient advocates round on hospital patients daily. The patient advocates are known for getting creative to ensure patients have everything they need for their hospital stay. “Our goal is to make sure any concerns are resolved before patients leave the hospital,” said Patient Advocate Kevin Gorski, who works alongside Hewitt at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus. “Having a positive stay at the hospital is all part of the healing process.”

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE FROM PATIENT ADVOCACY, YOU CAN CALL 302-744-7085 (KENT CAMPUS) OR 302-430-5126 (SUSSEX CAMPUS).

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

Expanded Service

TAKING THE GUESSWORK OUT OF MEDICAL BILLS Medical bills can feel overwhelming. That’s why Bayhealth’s Patient Financial Services created a new team dedicated to helping patients navigate medical costs. The Price Estimates Team works directly with patients to ensure price transparency for medical treatments. “Our goal is to eliminate surprise billing for patients,” said Supervisor of Price Estimation Jill Bond. “We are able to determine what each patient’s insurance provider should cover and what their estimated out-ofpocket costs will be. This gives a true estimate of what each patient will need to pay.”

Patients can call, email or use the patient portal MyChart to contact the Price Estimates Team. Patients simply need to provide the procedure codes given to them by their provider’s office and their insurance information to get started. “We view the process through the lens of someone who might not understand their insurance coverage,” said Manager of Revenue Integrity Daniel Crawford. “We have personalized conversations with all the patients we work with that include a lot of detail and explanation. We want to ensure patients have all the information they need.”

Estimates for Cancer Center and Therapy services, outside of the initial consultation or evaluation, require a treatment plan that will be provided directly by the department. The Price Estimates Team will work with the Cancer Center or Therapy department to create the accurate estimate for the necessary series of treatment. With the exception of the Cancer Center and Therapy services, no other estimate will be honored unless prepared by a member of the Price Estimates team. All patients are asked to allow up to 48 hours for a response with an estimate. ■

THE PRICE ESTIMATES TEAM CAN BE REACHED BY EMAIL AT PRICE_ESTIMATES@BAYHEALTH.ORG OR BY PHONE AT 302-310-8001.

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

The journey to becoming a doctor Taking additional steps in their journeys toward becoming doctors, a cohort of 11 third-year medical students from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) started their clinical rotations at Bayhealth in early July. As part of their rotations, students are paired with physicians

throughout the community, including those in primary care, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics to name a few. Medical students take part in clinical rotations the last two years of their medical education.

Rotations allow students to apply the knowledge theyâ€™ve gained in the classroom to real-life situations. During these rotations, students shadow physicians and work with patients for the first time in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine students Nuha Fariha and Dominique Cross are getting invaluable hands-on experience as part of their clinical rotations at Bayhealth.

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

MEDICAL STUDENT VERSUS RESIDENT Let’s take a look at the differences between a medical student and a resident. A medical student

A resident

is still in medical school.

has graduated medical school and is a physician.

A medical student is still exploring different specialties.

A resident has chosen a specialty.

A medical student cannot prescribe medications to patients.

A resident is a physician and can prescribe medications to patients.

A medical student can communicate with patients about course of care, but cannot put in orders.

A resident can put in patient orders for course of care.

A medical student can see patients, but only under the guidance of a licensed physician.

Clinical rotations also help medical students determine which residency program they will pursue following graduation from medical school. This next step in their education is called graduate medical education (GME), which is more commonly known as a residency. Bayhealth has begun the process to launch residency teaching programs with a proposed start date of summer 2021, making Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus and Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus teaching hospitals. Two of the 11 medical students at Bayhealth — Nuha Fariha and Dominique Cross — are in their third year at PCOM, and are in the midst of their one-year core clinical rotations at Bayhealth. During the course of the year, the pair will experience 11 core rotations each. Cross has already completed her rotation in surgery, where she

A resident is a physician and can see patients and provide care.

worked about 12–14 hours per day, and is now in her family medicine rotation working about 9 –10 hours per day. She doesn’t mind the long hours at all because she’s getting an education she considers invaluable. “These rotations have solidified what I have already learned in the classrooms,” said Cross. “The diseases and medicine make so much more sense seeing them in practice in real-life situations.” Fariha has similar sentiments about the hands-on experience. “It’s incredible just to see the disease pathologies come to life and to see how medicine really does impact the patient’s life.” Patients also benefit from the clinical rotations, as key elements involve educating and advocating for patients. “We sit and talk with the patient in the exam room prior to the attending physician coming in. We do this so that we can really get to the bottom of what is going on in the patient’s

life,” explained Fariha. She said this allows the patient the opportunity to address their concerns in a more relaxed environment. “If the patient has additional questions or concerns, we can relay them to the physician and act as a bridge of community. Most importantly, we are there for the patient and advocate for them.” Although just a few months into her rotation, Cross says the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. “All the staff at Bayhealth has been so kind, from the attending physicians to the staff in the cafeteria,” said Cross. “The teaching environment here has been extremely supportive.” The hope for the future is that a GME program at Bayhealth will entice medical students like Cross and Fariha to stay in Delaware to pursue their residencies and continue their careers. ■

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

Our Community

Carrying his weight

in saving the lives of shelter dogs Three years ago when the son of Bayhealth Emergency and Trauma Services Director Gust Bages, RN, BSN, MHA, volunteered to work with puppies for a senior project, Bages had no

idea it would change their lives. The family quickly applied to foster animals and since then has saved the lives of 60 dogs. Bages and his family works with nonprofit Wags Rescue, which rescues dogs from kill shelters in Georgia and the Carolinas. The nonprofit links shelter dogs with foster families, who then care for the animals until they’re ready for adoption events; the events are held every Sunday. Quite often Bages and his family take in pregnant dogs, and care for both the mom and puppies until the puppies are ready for adoption at eight weeks old. Sometimes they’ll only have a dog for a few days, getting them on Wednesdays after the dogs have been transported from the South, and then say goodbye at

the Sunday adoption events. Right now Bages is only caring for senior dogs until the rest of his family moves from New Jersey to Delaware; he joined Bayhealth in late 2018. “This started as a family project and it remains a family project; we’re all involved,” Bages said. While they’ve helped 60-plus dogs find loving homes, the Bages family adopted three of their foster dogs; this is known as a “foster fail.” Ria was pregnant and deaf when they brought her home; she regained her hearing after her puppies were born. Then there was Tori, a feral dog who never made it to the adoption events because of severe anxiety; sadly, Tori passed away. Finally, there’s George; within 30 minutes of picking up the Great Dane/Bulldog mix, Bages knew the dog was meant to be a part of the family. “Doing this brings a lot of happiness to our family and home,” Bages said. “Fostering is hard work, but it feels good to save an animal’s life. We’re saving one dog at a time and that’s all that matters.” ■

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

Health & Wellness

don’t let healthy sUmmer habIts fAll by the waysIde It’s hard when summertime comes to an end. For many, it means shifting back to school or work and perhaps a less relaxed lifestyle. Family medicine doctor Cindy Siu, MD, of Bayhealth Primary Care, Airport Road, offers some tips to ease the seasonal transition.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY WITH HEALTHY ROUTINES While it may be easier in summer to get exercise in during longer daylight hours and eat healthy with lots of produce in season, it’s important to keep up those healthy routines in fall, said Dr. Siu. Doing so will boost your immunity to better handle fall allergies and fend off germs as cold and flu season arrives.

MEAL PLAN FOR SUCCESS “Maintaining healthy eating and exercise keeps you well and also helps with energy levels and mood, which dip for some as days get shorter,” Dr. Siu said. Meal planning and incorporating frozen fruits and vegetables are good ways for families with busy schedules to have nutritious meals on hand and avoid slipping into fast foods or other convenient but unhealthy options.

WATCH OUT FOR ALLERGY TRIGGERS The biggest fall allergy trigger is ragweed. When allergy symptoms flare up, sinus and upper respiratory infections are more common. If you’re working outdoors on your lawn or garden, Dr. Siu suggests wearing a face mask and immediately washing your body and clothes afterwards to avoid spreading pollen throughout your home. “Saline nasal rinses, breathing in steam from a hot shower or bending over a large bowl or sink of hot water with a towel over your head are good preventative measures for allergy sufferers.”

STAY HYDRATED EVEN IN COOLER MONTHS Staying hydrated is crucial in cooler months too. “Drinking plenty of water thins out mucus so your body can get rid of it more easily,” said Dr. Siu. When you have a stuffy nose, over-the-counter antihistamines can provide relief and are safe for most people. For babies, parents can suction out excess mucus with a bulb syringe to improve congestion.

Don’t let getting back to fall living stop you from caring for your body. Be sure to make time, even with a busy schedule, to continue your healthy habits. ■

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

Caring for your spiritual self Bayhealth’s Pastoral Care department provides interfaithbased spiritual care to staff, patients, their loved ones, and the community. It offers sacraments and religious rites, prayers and spiritual reflection, faith-based literature and other materials, and more. The Pastoral Care team recognizes people come from all kinds of faith journeys, which is why it tailors services and care to meet individual preferences and needs.

Chaplains dedicated to specific areas such as Emergency & Trauma Services and Oncology are also available. Senior Chaplain Carol E. Harris (pictured below) primarily serves the Kent Campus and supports Bayhealth’s Palliative Care team. Dr. Paul Isaacs is staff chaplain for Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus and works closely with the critical care units there. The chaplains are supported by more than 20 on-call clergy and lay pastoral volunteers and are available 24/7. “We’re always looking for more volunteers, and we recently held a very successful recruitment event,” said Chaplain Harris. Pastoral Care also provides services outside the inpatient setting. “The relationship with

Pastoral Care doesn’t end in the hospital; we continue to offer support after discharge, and it’s not uncommon for a patient’s family to reach out to us after they return home,” explained Chaplain Isaacs. “We have officiated many funerals, and even weddings.” The chaplains have close relationships with Dover Behavioral Health and the VA Hospital, and they provide spiritual care at Bayhealth’s Outpatient facilities. Chaplains Harris and Isaacs expect the team’s role in outpatient care, as well as their relationship with Hospice and Palliative Care, to grow. They say this will align with an emerging nationwide trend focused on holistic care outside the inpatient setting. ■

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/PASTORAL-CARE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A LAY PASTORAL VOLUNTEER, CALL CHAPLAIN HARRIS AT 302-744-6147 OR CHAPLAIN ISAACS AT 302-430-5118.

NEED A DOCTOR? VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/FIND-A-DOCTOR OR CALL 1-866-BAY-DOCS (229-3627).

Our Community

Honoring a loved one can start with baby steps Footsteps for Maddie has been supporting perinatal and infant bereavement services at Bayhealth for the past year. The local nonprofit organization was created as a result of the vision of Christie Bonniwell, whose sister lost her daughter Madelyn in early 2018. “Shannon was only 23 weeks along when she went into labor,” said Bonniwell. “Maddie, as we call her, only lived for 16 hours.” Wanting to do something special to honor and remember Maddie, Bonniwell decided to host a 5K. While researching how to do that, she discovered establishing a nonprofit to support it and raise funds for others was the best approach. When Bonniwell reached out to Bayhealth Women’s Services Senior Nurse Manager Kathryn Starr Lynch, BNS, RNC-OB, she told her Bayhealth could use the money to help fund bereavement services for patients and families and the related training and education for staff.

with funds raised through its first annual 5K and a Gals That Give event. “We are enormously grateful for this generosity that honors Maddie,” said Chuck Desch, Bayhealth Foundation Director of Development. “The Bonniwells’ passion and drive will help other families in similar situations receive support in their time of need.” “Shannon, Christie and their family approached the unexpected

death of Maddie as a time to come together and honor her short life,” said Lynch. “Their efforts give hospital staff a chance to support women and families who have been touched by the unexpected loss of a baby.” Footsteps for Maddie is planning other fundraisers to support Bayhealth’s bereavement services, including the second annual Footsteps for Maddie 5K Run/ Walk on Oct. 13, 2019, at Killens Pond State Park. ■

Since then, Footsteps for Maddie has made two generous donations to the Bayhealth Foundation

HEALTHWAVES FALL 2019

Nonprofit Org. US Postage

640 South State Street Dover, DE 19901

PAID Wilmington, DE Permit No. 1669

Starting healthy changes shouldn’t be limited to the month of January each year. Instead, Mondays offer you a chance to start fresh and hit the reset button. With Bayhealth’s healthy living campaign #Motivated, you’ll get tips and take part in contests to win fun swag like water bottles, ear buds, gym bags, and more, like team members Toshi Reynolds (pictured left) and Merylyne Domingue (pictured right) have won. Be part of a community that is working to make simple changes like drinking more water, practicing mindfulness, walking, trying new healthy foods, and more. Find motivation and start feeling better.