times WINTER • 2016
Regional West Medical Center Received The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Key Quality Measures
Where are we going and how do we get there? Cover C over Story...
J John Mentgen, FACHE Regional West Health Services President and CEO R
Regional West’s history centers around developing and expanding high quality health care services, including acute care services, that allow patients to receive the care they need, close to home. Our goal is to continue to be the regional acute care referral center for our patients and communities and provide key services for our patients, from primary care to acute care services.
and pediatric services for the region; offering a full complement of surgical and related services; and even assisting to enhance resources to help cancer patients who are in need; our goal is to continue to be the regional acute care referral center for our patients and communities and provide key services for our patients, from primary care to acute care services.
Ninety years ago, this was a community hospital, built by local citizens and today, it’s a regional acute care referral center and the only ACS certified Level II Trauma Center west of Kearney, as an example.
The skill, talent, compassion, and commitment of those who provide care at Regional West are exceptional. Over the past 10 years, our quality of care has been nationally recognized by The Joint Commission and The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer; The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; The American College of Surgeons Level II Trauma Designation, HealthGrades and several others.
We believe we are able to do this in large part due to the caliber of our providers and staff. We continue to focus on providing excellent patient care services to those in need and focus on high quality patient care outcomes and patient safety. By continually focusing on our patient’s needs, we believe families and neighbors have access to quality primary and specialized care close to home. That’s one of the many things I appreciate about Regional West. Our providers and staff focus on making a difference in the lives of the patients we are privileged to serve. We are able to use our advanced technology to care for patients, sometimes providing lifesaving interventions right here in our region. From traveling the panhandle to personally instruct emergency service personnel in lifesaving patient care techniques; offering primary and family care services locally and in the region; offering obstetric, new baby
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We believe that if we continue to improve and enhance patient care, and focus resources on the services most needed by the people we have the privilege to serve, we’ll continue to have the opportunity to become a destination for quality health care services for patients in our region. As we strive to achieve and improve the highest patient care and patient safety outcomes and focus on the needs of our patients and their families we will be improving the health care services for our region and communities we are privileged to serve. We believe this is a very important role for Regional West Health Services and are excited to be able to assist patients who need health care services in our region.
Regional West Recognized by Healthgrades™ for Patient Safety and Superior Outcomes Regional West Medical Center has been named among the top ten percent of U.S. hospitals for Patient Safety in 2015 by Healthgrades®, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. The award marks the first time Regional West has achieved Patient Safety Excellence and recognizes excellent performance in safeguarding patients from serious, potentially preventable complications during their hospital stays. Only three other Nebraska hospitals were recognized for Patient Safety by Healthgrades in 2015. “We are extremely honored to receive the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™ because it is a testament to the hard work, intensive training, and commitment of our employees in developing a culture of safety throughout the hospital,” said John Mentgen, President and CEO of Regional West Health Services. “This award confirms that patient safety is our highest priority.”
Patient safety measures how well a hospital prevents injuries, infections, and other serious conditions based on 14 standard patient safety indicators. The Patient Safety Excellence Award recognizes hospitals that have the lowest occurrences of potentially preventable patient safety events. These hospitals are in the top 10 percent in the nation for patient safety. In addition to the Patient Safety Award, Regional West Medical Center was also honored with two Five-Star Healthgrades ratings for the quality of its care. A FiveStar rating indicates clinical outcomes are better than predicted and the difference is statistically significant. For the third year in a row, Regional West received five stars for treatment of pneumonia. The rating is based on data from 2013 to 2015. The medical center also received a Five-Star rating for treatment of pulmonary embolism.
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Lifesavers Wanted We Only Need Your Time and Some Blood Chemotherapy patients know all too well that cancer treatment may lower their blood cell counts. Their doctors monitor their blood regularly to be sure they have enough white cells to fight infections, red cells to keep the oxygen flowing and prevent anemia, and platelets to help their blood clot. Unfortunately, one side effect of chemotherapy drugs is a reduction in one’s platelet count, which may cause bleeding. But platelets can be restored with transfusions from people who have donated blood. That’s one of the many reasons blood donation is a valuable, selfless gesture on the part of healthy people. According to the American Red Cross, a single platelet donation can provide enough platelets for a full therapeutic dose for a patient in need. Some platelet donations yield enough platelets for two or three therapeutic doses. By contrast, it takes four to six whole blood donations (the usual method of blood donation) to produce a single therapeutic dose. To increase the availability of platelets for all patients, especially chemotherapy patients, West Nebraska Blood Center recently invested in new equipment that increases the efficiency of platelet collection while reducing costs. The new “apheresis” system separates whole blood into its components — platelets, plasma and red blood cells ― as the blood is drawn. The main advantage of apheresis collections is that more than one dose of platelets or red cells can be collected from one donor per donation, thus reducing patient exposure to multiple donors. The only drawback is that the donation process takes longer using apheresis than whole blood donations ― about one and a half to two hours ― as compared to 20 minutes for traditional blood donation.
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The apheresis process takes longer because the donor’s blood passes through an instrument that is basically designed as a centrifuge. It separates and withdraws the blood components, then returns the remaining blood components to the donor. It’s a onestop process for platelet collection that collects the equivalent of 18 individual whole blood donations. The time factor hasn’t affected many donors. In fact, the desire expressed by several donors to give blood more often led to Regional West’s purchase of the equipment. The donor center staff is grateful for the many area residents who support and donate to the blood center regularly. “How many chances does a person have to help save another person’s life? In today’s hectic world, our blood donors take time out of their busy schedules to donate blood only for the satisfaction of helping other people. Donors don’t get paid and they will never know the person whose life was saved by their generous gifts. These acts of kindness and generosity are much appreciated by all of us at West Nebraska Blood Center, Regional West Medical Center, and our extended family of hospital partners in the panhandle,” said Randall Williams, MD, FASCP, medical director of West Nebraska Blood Center. Only five percent of eligible donors nationwide are blood donors. Although West Nebraska Blood Center has long list of dedicated regular blood donors, new donors are always welcome. Individuals with A+, B+, and AB blood types are encouraged to consider a platelet donation. For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, call West Nebraska Blood Center 308.630.2477. • Be in good general health and feeling well • Be at least 16 years old (with parental consent) • Weigh at least 115 lbs.
Regional West Medical Center Earns Top Performer Recognition from The Joint Commission In order to be named a Top Performer, a hospital must: Regional West Medical Center is one of only 1,043 hospitals in the United States to achieve The Joint • Achieve cumulative performance Commission’s 2014 Top Performer of 95 percent or above across all on Key Quality Measures®. This “We understand reported accountability measures; distinction is based on excellence what matters most to in accountability measure • Achieve performance of 95 percent patients at Regional West performance. Regional West is or above on each and every reported is the quality and safety not only meeting, but exceeding accountability measure with at least of the care they receive. national standards. 30 denominator cases; and That is why we have Regional West Medical Center • Have at least one core measure made it a top priority to was recently recognized for its set that had a composite rate of 95 improve positive patient achievement on the following percent or above, and within that outcomes through 2014 accountability measure measure set, achieve a performance evidence-based care sets: Pneumonia, Surgical Care, rate of 95 percent or above on all processes. Regional West and Perinatal Care. applicable individual accountability is proud to be named a measures. The award is a reflection of the Top Performer as it medical center’s commitment recognizes the knowledge, For more information about the to safety and to the 2015 teamwork and dedication Top Performer program, including National Patient Safety Goals. eligibility criteria, visit http://www. of our entire hospital staff.” We strive for: shorter hospital jointcommission.org/accreditation/ stays, fewer complications, quicker top_performers.aspx. John Mentgen, FACHE recovery, and fewer return visits President and CEO after receiving care.
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rYears of Experi u ence et O L Take
Care of Your
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nce in a Li fetime
Infants, toddlers, teenagers We specialize in caring for them all! Beginning with quality maternal care, Regional West offers a full continuum of health care for every stage of child development.
Pre-Admission Clinic The first step in delivery is the obstetric pre-admission clinic which is held with expectant parents after the 20th week of pregnancy. Parents can ask questions, tour the Birth and Infant Care Center, complete admissions paperwork and personally consult with the staff before a baby’s birth.
Birth & Infant Care Center The Birth and Infant Care Center is the region’s only birthing center staffed by board certified obstetricians and pediatricians. It has four labor and delivery rooms, three triage rooms, and a surgical suite for C-sections. Each of the eleven post-partum rooms features a private bathroom with bathtub and shower.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Families whose babies need higher levels of care will take comfort in knowing that they have access to the highest level of neonatal care in western Nebraska. Regional West’s NICU is a newly renovated eight-bed special care nursery located in the Birth and Infant Care Center that provides highly specialized care, around-the-clock for premature babies and critically ill infants who have conditions such as breathing disorders or infections.
Pediatric Care After your baby is born, Regional West is your community resource for exceptional, high quality pediatric services. Regional West Physicians Clinic-Pediatrics offers western Nebraska’s only board-
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certified pediatricians, physician assistant, and nurse practitioners to care for children from birth to 18 in and out of the hospital.
Ear, Nose and Throat Regional West Physicians ClinicEar, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck Surgery’s board-certified otolaryngologists and their staff provide specialized ear, nose and throat care for children in our Scottsbluff clinic and outreach clinics throughout the panhandle.
Family Medicine for Children Many families like to have a family medicine physician who knows and treats every member of the family, including babies and children. Regional West Physicians Clinic-Family Medicine provides care for children to adults, offering an opportunity to gain a medical professional who focuses on the health and well-being of your entire family. Inpatient Pediatric Care Regional West has the only team of pediatric-trained nurses in the panhandle available 24-hours a-day, 7 days-a-week for hospitalized children.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Pediatric psychiatry and psychology is provided by Mark Scanlan, MD of Regional West Physicians Clinic-Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.
Pediatric Physical & Occupational Therapy Karen Dunovan, PT, PCS, NDT, specializes in providing physical therapy for children at The Rehab Center. Hannetjie Papenfus, OT, specializes in providing occupational therapy for children at The Rehab Center.
Couple Travels 2,800 Miles to have Baby at Birth and Infant Care Center Even though Aleasha Francis and her husband Andre were living in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands when she found out she was pregnant, Aleasha was determined to have her baby at Regional West Medical Center — more than 2,800 miles away. And she did. The couple moved back to her hometown of Torrington, Wyo., and she returned to work as a neuromuscular therapist at Healing Touch Therapeutic Massage. Her husband, Andre, a biology and chemistry teacher, accepted a summer position at Eastern Wyoming College and enrolled in a solar energy course in Colorado, while they awaited the birth of Xidon. Aleasha’s desire to have her third child at Regional West’s Birth and Infant Care Center was based on the very positive experience she had when her son Zade was born there five years ago. His birth was much easier and more positive than the birth of her oldest daughter had been at a different hospital. “I was so impressed with the team that delivered Xidon at Regional West,” she said. “Everyone was so capable and friendly. They gave excellent advice on
breast-feeding and they’re on top of everything right away.” Although Aleasha loved the Virgin Islands, she longed to have her third child at Regional West knowing that the Scottsbluff medical center offered excellent perinatal and pediatric care. She returned to Torrington in May. When the baby arrived on July 7, Andre was equally impressed and quickly realized why his wife wanted to have her baby at Regional West. “When I saw the quality of care here, I was really impressed ― Dr. Bruner, Mary Tompkins, the nurses! They’re excellent!” he said. “I was also impressed with the security system so no one can come into the unit unless they are supposed to be here.” The Francis family said the distance they traveled to have a baby at the Birth and Infant Care Center was worth it. “I’ve been to many hospitals, but this unit is superb. It was beyond my expectations,” said Andre.
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Lymphedema Therapist Helps Patients Control and Cope with Swelling Crystal Link MOT, OTR/L, CLT Rehab Center Occupational Therapist
There is no cure for the swelling and discomfort of lymphedema, but specialized care for the chronic condition often associated with cancer treatment is available at The Rehab Center at Regional West. Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in arms or legs. It is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to lymph nodes, often due to cancer or cancer treatment. It results from a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling. Crystal Link, MOT, OTR/L, CLT, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and occupational therapist at the Rehab Center, helps patients manage the discomfort and disfigurement of swelling and fat accumulation related to lymphedema, edema, and lipedema. She is skilled in complete decongestive therapy of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema and other swelling conditions cause discomfort, impair the range of motion in arms and legs, and often a lack of confidence in one’s appearance. The goal of treatment is to decongest and maintain the reduction of swelling, and to prevent re-accumulation of fluid build-up. “It’s very rewarding because patients can visualize their progress and they feel more comfortable and more confident,” said Link. “We see immediate results with lymphedema therapy.” Link uses several types of therapy designed to promote lymphatic drainage, including compression bandaging, massage, physical interventions, and more. She develops home maintenance programs for individual
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patients and provides pre-lymphedema counseling for patients prior to mastectomy. Link is lymphedema certified through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy, and certified in custom compression garment measuring through Jobst and Medi. She holds a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks. For more information regarding lymphedema therapy or to schedule an appointment with Crystal Link, please call the Rehab Center at 308.630.1355.
Conditions Treated with Lymphedema Therapy Lymphedema is swelling caused by removal of or damage to lymph nodes, which prevents lymph fluid from draining properly. It is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment, but can also be caused by trauma, and infection. It is most common in the arm or leg but can occur in other parts of the body. Lipedema is a chronic metabolic disorder that causes an irregular and painful distribution of fat in the lower half of the body. It runs in families and occurs almost exclusively in women. The typical symptoms are a disproportionately large lower half of the body from the waist down to the ankles, resulting in large, column-like legs. Lipedemic fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise. Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissue. Mild cases may result from pregnancy, immobility or a reaction to medication. Edema may also be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, chronic venous insufficiency, or cirrhosis.
Members of Our Executive Leadership Team Brenda Forge Vice President of Human Resources Brenda Forge joined Regional West as the Vice President of Human Resources. She oversees the Human Resources Department, Education, and Occupational Health. Brenda holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Idaho and is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Forge was most recently at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho as the Vice President of Human Resources. There, she oversaw Human Resources, Education, Volunteers, Organization Development, Strategic Planning and Marketing/Communications. After 30 years with St. Joe’s, and a lifetime in Idaho, she welcomed the opportunity to move to a smaller community, but one that has a greater scope and breadth of health care services. “There’s a great community spirit here, both within the community and the hospital,” she said. “The level of service and outreach efforts to meet health care needs throughout the region is impressive.” Forge said she feels strongly about the importance of employee development and education. Her main goal is to help develop a workplace culture where employees are recognized for their individual gifts and contributions and feel supported so they can focus on patient care and customer service. “I want this to be a place where people grow personally and professionally, so together we can build a great team,” she said. Forge’s husband, Dan, is retired with 32 years of service with the Army Corps of Engineers as a Project Civil Engineer. They have three grown children that reside in Idaho.
David Holdt, MD, FACOG Obstetrician/Gynecologist President of Regional West Physicians Clinic Dr. Holdt is a board-certified West Physicians Clinic-Women’s OB/GYN with ith Regional R i lW Center and a Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Raised in Elgin, Neb., he is a life-long Nebraskan. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed his medical education and residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In 1982, he joined Loren Faaborg, MD, and Erny Bussinger, MD, at Western Nebraska OB/GYN Associates. The doctors soon changed the clinic’s name to “The Women’s Center” and began to transform the practice from a typical “OB/GYN office” to a women’s health clinic dedicated to providing a lifetime of complete women’s health care. In 2008, the clinic integrated with Regional West and was renamed “Regional West Physicians Clinic-Women’s Center.” Last summer, the staff reached a milestone in obstetrics care as it welcomed the 20,000th baby to be delivered by a Women’s Center provider. “It’s amazing how many lives have been touched in our clinic over the past 35 years,” said Dr. Holdt. As a member of the Regional West Board of Directors and former Chief of Medical Staff, Dr. Holdt has made a considerable investment of time in ensuring that Regional West offers the same level of care as the best hospitals in the country. In addition to his OB/GYN practice, he has served as president of the Regional West Physicians Clinic since 2008 and has been actively involved in physician recruitment. “The goal at Regional West is to bring people on board who have excellent clinical skills plus compassion and dedication to their patients. It’s a challenge and will take the best efforts of the clinic, the hospital, and the community. I have been fortunate to work with great teams at Regional West,” said Dr. Holdt. Dr. Holdt’s wife, Syl, is a registered nurse and two of his three children are physicians. HEALTHY TIMES
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Stroke Telemedicine
Speeds Diagnosis & Treatment With a Stroke, Time Lost is Brain Lost The quicker you spot the initial signs of a stroke, the faster stroke treatment can begin. And in order to reduce the risk of permanent damage or death, stroke treatment should begin immediately.
“Time is critical when caring for a patient with a stroke. Every second that lapses is literally brain cells lost,” said Alice Fillingham, MSN, RN, CEN, NP-C, Emergency Department Clinical Educator. “Patients should call 911 and go to an emergency department at the very first signs of a stroke. As time progresses treatment options decrease significantly.” A stroke is caused by a bleed in the brain or a blockage of a vessel in the brain. Stroke medical treatment is aimed at either opening the blockage or controlling the bleeding. That reality makes Regional West’s new stroke telemedicine program a great investment in the health of area residents. It provides 24/7 access to board-certified neurologists at HealthONE’s Stroke Center at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, Colo., and enhances the care provided by Regional West Emergency Department physicians and neurologists Yvonne Rollins, MD and Eric Kelts, MD. Telemedicine utilizes a computerized mobile “robot” known as the Collaborative Digital Online Consultant or CO-DOC. The robot has high-powered cameras that Denver-based neurologists operate to view the patient in the Regional West Emergency Department. The technology enables the doctors to conduct secure, real-time, fully interactive, consultations of patients who show signs of a stroke. The equipment is also being used for neurological consultations with physicians at Swedish Medical Center in Denver. Following diagnosis of a stroke, patients have access to a full spectrum of stroke care services at Regional West,
including use of “clot-busting” medications, vascular surgery, interventional radiology, neurosurgery, acute and outpatient rehabilitation, Home Care, and support groups. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you’ll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away.
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Face Drooping Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
Weakness A Arm Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
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Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly? Time to call 9-1-1 If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.
Think you are having a stroke? Call 9-1-1 immediately! 10
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2015
was a Great Year for Provider Recruitment
Our newest physicians
Aura Ardon, MD Physicians Clinic Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Amanullah Bilal, MD Physicians Clinic Nephrology
Kelly Coon, MD Physicians Clinic Hospitalist Service
Andrew Jahoda, MD Physicians Clinic Urology
Jonathan McNeely, MD Physicians Clinic Nephrology
Our newest family practice residents
Jennifer McOmie, MD Jonathan Roylance, MD Physicians Clinic Physicians Clinic Pediatrics Hospitalist Service
Michael Baule, DO University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Family Practice Resident
Natalie Nelson, MD University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Family Practice Resident
Our newest advanced practice clinicians
Jennifer Baer, APRN-NP Physicians Clinic Skin Clinic & Medical Aesthetic Center; Family Medicine, Gering
Brooke Borgman, AGACNP-BC Physicians Clinic Pulmonology, Critical Care
Traci Ellis, APRN-FNP Physicians Clinic Family Medicine, Scottsbluff
Rebecca Bowman, DNP, APRN-NP Physicians Clinic Surgery, Vascular Diagnostics
Joshua Garza, PA-C Physicians Clinic Urgent Care
Kimberly Hafeman, PA-C Physicians Clinic Rehabilitation Medicine
Tiann Colwell, APRN-NP Physicians Clinic Women’s Center
Becky Kreman, PhD, APRN-NP Physicians Clinic Urgent Care Family Medicine, Gering
Did you know? Regional West offers a specialized outpatient wound and ostomy clinic for patients with chronic non-healing wounds. Treatment is available for diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, peri-stomal complications, and wound VAC dressing changes. Patients must have a referral from their primary care provider.
Healthy Times is published as a community service for friends and patrons of
Regional West Medical Center 4021 Avenue B Scottsbluff, NE 69361 308.635.3711 RWHS.org
Regional West Cancer Services offers opportunities to participate in clinical trials for cancer treatment. Regional West’s Vascular Access Team provides education and support to patients with PICC lines and their family members who assist in patient care.
Information published in Healthy Times is not intended as personal medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding specific or personal health concerns or questions.
The Village Pond
The Village at Regional West offers independent retirement living apartments through a simple lease with no entrance fees. Free tours are available by calling 308.630.2010.
Air Link celebrated its 20th year of lifesaving flights in November.
Comments, questions? Email Joanne.Krieg@rwhs.org. John Mentgen, FACHE Regional West Health Services President & CEO Julie Franklin Director of Marketing & Public Relations
The Diabetes Care Center offers monthly support groups for adults and a separate group for youth. Regional West offers easily accessible online patient education and medication information at regionalwestkramesonline.
4021 Avenue B | Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308.635.3711 l RWHS.org
Joanne Krieg Writer/Editor Contributing Photographers Ken Kurtz, Spectrum Photo Stenbakken Media