Celebrating Our First Year
New. And Always Will Be.
Letter From the President Dear Community Members, Just one year ago, on May 22, 2012, Marian Regional Medical Center’s new hospital opened its doors to the community and a new era of health care dawned in Santa Maria and throughout the entire Central Coast. The journey to build a new, state-of-the-art hospital began more than 16 years ago in response to the rapidly growing population of the Santa Maria Valley and ongoing advances in medical technology. In the 12 months since opening the new hospital, we continue to witness and hear of incredibly positive experiences for patients, their families and loved ones – all made possible with our new 191-bed, modern facility and the dedication of our skilled health care professionals. Since opening the new Marian Regional Medical Center, Marian’s patient admissions have increased by 10 percent, Emergency Department visits have increased by more than 30 percent, outpatient visits have increased by five percent and nearly 3,000 babies have been born. In addition, since opening the new hospital Marian has earned all-time high patient satisfaction scores and is currently ranked first in overall cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment throughout the entire Dignity Health system. Furthermore in March, Marian received the top award from Dignity Health for impressive patient experience results. In this commemorative first anniversary publication, you will learn about the remarkable transformation in patient care/service which has resulted in Marian’s patient satisfaction scores elevating to the top percentile among all Dignity Health hospitals. Additionally, you will also read about physician accomplishments, newly-opened outpatient centers, investments in the latest in advanced technology, recent hospital accolades and countless ways in which the new hospital has improved the overall “patient experience.”
Marian has been a local leader in the rapidly-growing field of the “patient experience” – defined as the sum of quality and service interactions, shaped by an organization’s culture, which impacts patient experiences across the continuum of care. At Marian, we strive to provide outstanding and compassionate patient care and service throughout every aspect of a patient’s and their family’s hospital experience. Although Marian is the newest hospital on the Central Coast, health care is about more than a new building. Marian remains committed to providing our patients and community with exceptional medical care today and every day. This promise means we will continue to recruit highly trained nurses, health care professionals and physicians from the nation’s most prestigious medical schools and premier medical centers. Marian also remains committed to investing in advanced and innovative technologies and the most effective treatments for the health of all patients. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for your continued support of Marian Regional Medical Center. We are privileged to provide for the health care needs of the Santa Maria Valley and look forward to serving you and your family’s health care needs now and into the future. Sincerely,
Charles J. Cova President and CEO Marian Regional Medical Center
Celebrating Our Significant Firsts
More than 1,000 community members gathered to celebrate at the new hospital Blessing & Dedication on March 7, 2012.
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he vision to build Marian Regional Medical Center’s new, state-ofthe-art health care facility began more than 16 years ago and in just three years, construction crews worked tirelessly to complete the magnificent building that stands today. Since opening on May 22, 2012, staff members continue to observe the countless ways in which the new hospital is positively impacting our patients, their families and our community. The new hospital was strategically designed to enhance patient healing, comfort and safety with all private patient rooms, the latest in lifesaving technologies, an expanded Emergency Department, a 21-bed Newborn ICU and spacious and comfortable birthing suites. Over the past 12 months, Marian has earned all-time high patient satisfaction scores. Throughout the entire Dignity Health system, Marian is currently ranked first in overall hospital environment cleanliness/quietness and is also ranked third in the system for overall positive patient experience. In the Emergency Department, Marian has seen an increase of nearly 1,200 patient visits per month. Emergency Department patients are placed in an exam room just moments after arrival and on average are seen by a provider in less than 15 minutes. Marian staff cheers for Fidenzio “Bruno� Brunello, the first patient moved into the new Marian Regional Medical Center on May 22, 2012.
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Celebrating Our Significant Firsts A common favorite feature for patients is the new hospital’s private patient rooms – offering privacy clinically shown to enhance the healing process. Patients no longer need to hear of a difficult diagnosis or have these difficult conversations about treatment and care plans in a twopatient room. The private patient rooms also feature room-in capabilities for loved ones of patients; making each and every patient’s stay at Marian a more pleasant and ultimately a more comfortable experience. Marian may be the newest hospital on the Central Coast, but to us, health care is about more than a new building – it is a promise to provide our community with exceptional medical care today, tomorrow and every day. This includes recruiting physicians and specialists from the best medical schools and medical training programs in the country. It’s about investing in the newest, most innovative treatments and technology to heal patients young and old. At Marian, we will continue to
Pictured above are the first twins born at the new hospital, Hudson and Zoe Petersen. Hudson and Zoe’s parents are Jake and Zinnia Petersen of Lompoc. The new hospital’s first twins were born on May 29, 2012, at just 33 weeks gestation and spent their first month in Marian’s Newborn ICU.
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reinvent ourselves and are committed to providing the safest and most healing environment for our patients and their families. Every building has a story. From those who had a vision, to those who built it and thousands of people have had a role in bringing this magnificent building to life. The one-year anniversary of the new hospital is not only a celebration of the many milestones we’ve achieved since the completion and opening, but also a celebration of the future of health care for the Santa Maria Valley and entire Central Coast. Marian can build all of the facilities we want, but it is the skills, training, competency, and the compassion shown by employees, physicians and volunteers, day-in and day-out, that sets Marian apart from other hospitals. The new Marian Regional Medical Center stands for our promise to provide unparalleled patient care for our community and because medicine never stands still; neither will we.
Marian Recognized with “Quest for Excellence” Award
Telemetry registered nurse Jennifer Jackson interacts with a patient.
Marian Regional Medical Center honored with Dignity Health’s top patient experience award In March, Marian Regional Medical Center was presented with Dignity Health’s top honor of the Quest for Excellence Award in recognition of Marian’s outstanding results with the patient experience. Marian is consistently rated as one of the top performing hospitals throughout the Dignity Health system for patient experience. The Quest for Excellence Award honor is a direct result of the commitment all Marian employees, physicians and volunteers have made to continuously improving patient and family centered care. Patient feedback is very important since it helps us identify opportunities for improved patient/family experiences. Patients provide feedback to us via surveys, letters, discharge phone calls and talking with us during their stay. Marian has taken this feedback and has implemented changes, which have earned the hospital outstanding patient satisfaction survey results.
Marian Regional Medical Center embraces Patient and Family Centered Care by partnering with patients and families to determine the best plan of care. Patient and Family Centered Care is: •
Involving the patient, their family and friends is all aspects of care
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Educating and sharing knowledge with patients and their loved ones
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Collaborating and preserving a team approach
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Being sensitive and respecting any non-medical, spiritual needs and/or preferences
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Providing patients with free flow and accessibility of information
All patients are also encouraged to appoint a Care Partner to collaborate in their care. Care Partners are appointed loved ones of a patient who are welcome to be present at any time during the patient’s hospital experience.
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Pat, Mike and Tim Griffin
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Photo courtesy of Santa Maria Times
are the first triplets born at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hospital, Marian Regional Medical Center’s predecessor, on Halloween night in 1945. Below, the Griffin triplets pose in front of the new hospital at the blessing and dedication ceremony on March 7, 2012.
Perinatal Medical Director Recognized for Obstetrics Safety Innovation Dr. Laurence Shields Accepts Top Honor of Norman F. Gant Award for Best Research
The award is given for the paper that is deemed most likely to reduce maternal mortality and/or morbidity. Dr. Shields’ findings suggest implementation of hospital-based comprehensive maternal hemorrhage protocols will reduce utilization of blood products and improve patient safety. The study involved 20,890 deliveries and was performed at 31 Dignity Health hospitals with birthing centers. “The comprehensive hemorrhage protocol study clearly shows that by following a standardized approach along with a dedicated hemorrhage cart immediately available, the amount of blood products needed is significantly reduced as well as the severity of maternal hemorrhaging,” explains Dr. Shields. “Less blood loss translates to reduced maternal morbidity, reduced hysterectomies and reduced utilization of precious blood bank resources. Unfortunately, in child birth maternal hemorrhage is a common problem and this is clearly a relatively simple and effective way to improve maternal safety.”
Dr. Laurence Shields reviews an ultrasound with sonographer Bonnie Urias at the Dignity Health Perinatal Center.
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ne in every 300 births nationally has the possibility to be a massive maternal hemorrhage case, and if incorrectly diagnosed or a delay in treatment occurs, maternal hemorrhaging can be fatal for mother or an unborn baby.
The protocol was developed and implemented at Marian in 2009. This innovative method was later adopted by all Dignity Health hospitals with obstetric services. In addition, Marian’s Maternal & Newborn Center received Dignity Health’s 2010 Values in Action Award, the health care system’s highest distinction for exemplifying the organization’s Core Service Value of Excellence, for developing the comprehensive maternal hemorrhage protocol.
Dignity Health Perinatal Center Director Dr. Laurence Shields was recently honored with the Norman F. Gant Award for spearheading the development of a standardized maternal hemorrhage protocol that significantly reduces blood loss during deliveries and resulted in a 45-percent drop in birth related hysterectomies. He received the award at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual conference in San Francisco. Dr. Laurence Shields is a Maternal/Fetal Medicine Specialist and in addition to his title as Medical Director of the Dignity Health Perinatal Center in Santa Maria, he is also the Medical Director of Perinatal Safety for Dignity Health. Working with Coordinator of Perinatology Services Marilyn Propst, RN, Perinatal Educator Kathy Smalarz, RN, Dr. Lester Reffigee and Dr. Ted Burdumy, Dr. Shields developed standardized guidelines for hospital caregivers to begin lifesaving care for laboring mothers experiencing a maternal hemorrhage. The protocol, a logarithm of blood loss and an obstetrics cart were designed specifically to hold everything needed to treat delivery hemorrhaging.
The Dignity Health Perniatal Center Team.
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Making Miracles Happen
Brittany Moomey reaches into her two-day-old daughter’s NICU incubator.
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ne of the most exciting aspects of the new Marian Regional Medical Center is its modern, state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) offering the latest in advanced technology and monitoring equipment and an interdisciplinary team of medical experts. Marian’s Newborn ICU treats the area’s youngest and most vulnerable patients. One of these special patients is Baby Ellie Moomey. Baby Ellie came into the world on August 11, 2012 at just 25 weeks of gestation and weighing only one pound, 15 ounces. She is Marian Regional Medical Center’s youngest and smallest birth-weight baby ever to be discharged. “She was so small, she could fit in the palm of my hand,” recalls Brittany Moomey, baby Ellie’s mother. “It was so surreal to see our little girl in such a fragile state, and we were extremely concerned about what the uncertain future held for her.”
After a routine prenatal doctor’s appointment, Brittany’s physician realized that she could go into preterm labor at any moment. Brittany was immediately admitted to Marian’s eight-bed Antepatum Unit for highrisk pregnant patients who require hospital monitoring prior to delivery. There, Brittany’s and unborn Ellie’s condition was monitored 24 hours a day. Just three days after admission, Brittany went into premature labor – 15 weeks before her scheduled due date. 7
Baby Ellie’s father, Staff Sergeant James Moomey, was reassigned to Vandenberg Air Force Base in January 2010 and, shortly after relocating to their new home in Lompoc, the young couple experienced a devastating miscarriage. Following the loss of their first pregnancy, James was deployed to Kuwait for the majority of 2011. When they learned of their second pregnancy after his return to the States, both husband and wife were overjoyed to begin their long-awaited family. Although they knew the pregnancy would be considered high-risk, they never thought that their little girl would battle a collapsed lung and need to depend on life-saving neonatal technology and medical expertise for weeks on end to survive. Fortunately for the Moomey Family, Marian’s Maternal & Newborn Center team is staffed with physicians from the nation’s most esteemed medical schools and the highest trained nursing professionals who specialize in high-risk deliveries and remain committed to improving the health and well being of Marian’s smallest patients. In addition, Marian’s 21-bed NICU is equipped with the latest in state-of- the-art, life-saving neonatal technology. “Babies born as early as 25 weeks and weighing less than two pounds, as Ellie was, face some challenges and must overcome hardships,” explains Mary Richards, RN, Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist and Marian’s NICU Director. “Our job is to guide families through this difficult
process and provide the highest level of medical care to achieve the best outcomes possible. There is no greater reward than seeing our critically-ill infants thrive and improve to the point where they are healthy enough to go home. Being a part of this amazing process is emotional – emotional for the family and emotional for the staff. But when our patients succeed, we succeed, and the gratification of helping families is beyond words.” Baby Ellie spent her first three months of life in Marian’s NICU and Brittany and James spent countless hours in Marian’s 21-bed unit where the staff supported the family every step of the way, from family care conferences about Ellie’s progress to lactation consultations and even emotional support. The new parents say they are grateful for the expertise, compassion and care shown by all Marian’s Obstetrics and NICU staff and developed a strong bond with their nurses and physicians. “If parents find themselves in the frightening situation of having their new baby in a NICU, as we did, you can’t ask for a better team of professionals. The NICU nurses and all the staff are top of the line,” confides James. “Marian’s NICU caregivers have truly become an extension of our family. There were many days we arrived to the unit in tears and fearful of uncertainty, but due to their care and support, we left with smiles.” On November 20, 2012 baby Ellie was discharged from Marian’s NICU and made it home just in time for her first Thanksgiving. As she was discharged, proud parents Brittany and James hugged and thanked Marian’s NICU staff members who had become their second family. The new parents then went home with their healthy baby girl, describing the experience as bittersweet and worth the wait.
“Ellie is doing fantastic – she is sitting up by herself and starting to crawl. She loves to lie on her back and lift up her feet when we ask her where they are. She also loves to stand with support. She is truly doing exceptionally well and she is just delighting us with each new milestone she reaches.” — Brittany Moomey, Baby Ellie’s mother
Baby Ellie Moomey, eight months, smiles during a visit with Marian NICU nurses, physicians and staff.
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Investing in Advanced Technology
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arian Regional Medical Center is committed to offering the community the latest in state-of-the-art technology and is often the first facility on the Central Coast to invest in the most modern and innovative surgical, imaging and treatment technologies. Due to our commitment to the community, patients don’t need to travel out of the area to experience technologies that not only enhance comfort and reduce treatment times, but also produce superior patient outcomes. Some of Marian’s advanced technologies include:
da Vinci® Robotic Surgery System
Varian’s TrueBeam Linear Accelerator
This state-of-the-art robotics technology offers surgeons the ability to perform complex procedures using a minimally invasive approach resulting in less pain, smaller scars and shorter recovery times for patients. Marian is proud to be the most experienced facility in the Tri-County Area with the highest number of performed Single-Site da Vinci® surgeries where surgeons operate through one small incision in the navel which results in a virtually scarless procedure.
The TrueBeam Linear Accelerator is a newly advanced technology is located at Mission Hope Cancer Center and represents an exponential leap forward in the speed, power and precision of radiation therapy. This highly sophisticated technology delivers radiation at a faster dose rate than most conventional linear accelerators, which translates into shorter treatment times for patients, even cutting treatment periods up to 50 percent. The TrueBeam features a 4D imaging system and respiratory gating which improves accuracy to under a millimeter and reduces radiation exposure to patients.
Stealth Surgical System The Stealth System is a computer-guided surgical navigation system using 3-D imaging and sophisticated instruments to perform complicated neurosurgeries for back and spine. This technology results in smaller incisions, greater accuracy, reduced surgery time and faster recovery.
128-Slice CT Scanner GE’s state-of-the-art, 128-slice LightSpeed low–dose CT Scanner and ASiR™ lowdose technology—cuts radiation exposure up to 50 percent and gives greater accuracy and enhanced diagnostic capability. 9
GreenLight Laser GreenLight Laser Therapy uses a laser to remove enlarged prostate tissue. The benefit of GreenLight over the traditional surgical treatment is that it’s less invasive, patients experience fewer side effects and shorter recovery times.
Marian Officially Receives Level III Trauma Center Designation Severely injured patients no longer need to be transferred out of the area for expert trauma care In April of this year, Marian Regional Medical Center proudly announced that the hospital officially received designation approval from the County of Santa Barbara’s Emergency Medical Services Agency as a Level III Trauma Center. Level III Trauma Center Designation reflects the expertise of MRMC’s experienced medical staff and high level of trauma care provided to severely injured patients.
“With the opening of the new, state-of-the-art hospital and expanded Emergency Department, Marian now has the facilities necessary to meet the increased demand required for trauma patients,” explains Charles J. Cova, Marian President and CEO. “To earn trauma center designation, Marian had to demonstrate the high level of care provided to patients by our expert surgeons, facility physicians and highly-skilled health care professionals. Trauma center designation will improve medical care for all Marian patients by providing patients with access to top-notch specialists and ultimately elevating the quality of care for all.”
Marian has recruited and organized a team of experienced specialists including expert trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, emergency physicians and nurses who are skilled in trauma services. “No one expects a crisis and when seconds count, Marian’s Trauma Services Team is prepared for the unexpected with advanced life-saving technology and the highest level of clinical services provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” says Dr. Joseph D. Centeno, Marian Trauma Services Medical Director. “Over time, Marian has transformed from a community hospital to a large, regional medical center providing for the complex, dynamic and ever-changing environment of trauma medicine.”
Joseph Centeno, M.D. Medical Director, Trauma Services
Lisa Abeloe, RN Trauma Services Coordinator
To obtain Trauma Center Designation, Marian had to achieve strict standards and demonstrate that the facility is staffed and equipped to provide comprehensive, life-saving trauma care. As a designated Level III Trauma Center, Marian has resources to specialists for emergency resuscitation, surgery and intensive care for trauma patients. In addition, designated Level III Trauma Centers have transfer agreements with Level I and Level II Centers that provide back-up resources for the care of exceptionally severe injuries.
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Emergency Services
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arian Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Services team stands ready, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to all minor, moderate and major injuries and illnesses. Emergency Department patients are treated by residency trained, Board certified physicians and nurses highly skilled in meeting the needs of patients with medical emergencies.
The new hospital’s Emergency Department features 32 exam rooms (including three spacious trauma rooms) and specific areas for different acuity levels – offering a “fast track” for urgent care (non-emergency) and a critical area for patients. The new hospital’s expanded Emergency Department and “fast track” system allows for Emergency Department staff to effectively treat and release patients in a reduced amount of time. Patients who utilize health care services at the new hospital’s Emergency Department have access to the latest in lifesaving technology, the hospital’s comprehensive laboratory services and the Emergency Department’s dedicated imaging services including a 64-slice CT scanner (featuring a special stroke and cardiac package) and a digital radiology room.
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• Patients are immediately evaluated and triaged by a nurse upon arrival • Patient registration is completed without delay at the bedside • 85% of Emergency Department patients are seen by a provider in less than 15 minutes of arrival
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Marian Heart Center’s Continued Excellence
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leader in cardiac care since its inception in 1993, the Marian Heart Center serves as a trusted resource for the community. Featuring state-of-the art cardiac catheterization labs and a cardiac surgical suite, the Marian Heart Center offers an environment designed to meet the special needs of each patient. The Marian Heart Center’s team of experienced cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, cardiologists, skilled nurses and a team of other speciallytrained health care professionals specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of heart disease.
Marian is a designated STEMI Center Marian Regional Medical Center received STEMI Center Designation from Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency due to the hospital’s expert training in cardiac care and specialty equipment needed to treat ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) type of heart attack, which is caused by sudden, total blockage of a coronary artery.
Our specialties include: • Prevention and Wellness programs in collaboration with Marian Health and Wellness Center • Acute Cardiac Care with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) response protocol in collaboration with Marian Chest Pain Emergency program; focusing on rapid diagnosis of chest pain and expedited treatment of coronary syndromes and heart attacks • Cardiovascular Care, offering a range of programs for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, adult congenital heart disease, peripheral and vascular disease • Diagnostic Services through non-invasive imaging and advanced diagnostic procedures • Interventional Cardiology including angioplasty, PTCA technologies, and coronary stents; also, access to the latest minimally invasive treatments • Complimentary online HeartAware Risk Assessment
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• Surgical Procedures • Cardiac Rehabilitation
The Heart Center is ranked among the top 10% of health facilities nation wide for all cardiac care measures of quality.
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Larry Lavagnino,
one of Santa Maria’s longest-serving mayors
Marian Saved My Life Eleven years ago I had quintuple bypass surgery, but I’m alive today because of the highly skilled surgeons and cardiac team at Marian Regional Medical Center. I feel so very fortunate that the best in medical care is here at the new Marian Regional Medical Center. — Larry Lavagnino, Santa Maria Mayor 2003–2012
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The Sonnabend Family
Dr. Steven Sonnabend with wife and breast cancer survivor, Tami, and their children, Noah, 10, and Hana, 7.
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Paying Forward the Gift of Hope Tami Sonnabend’s inspiring journey of cancer patient to cancer patient mentor As a fitness instructor and yoga enthusiast, Tami Sonnabend has always strived to maintain her physical strength and health. On September 4, 2011, just one day after her and her husband’s eleventh wedding anniversary, her physical, mental and emotional strength was challenged when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She remembers the day she found a “little lump.” Her husband, Dr. Steven Sonnabend, a radiologist at Marian Regional Medical Center, suggested she get an ultrasound. He thought it was probably a cyst, especially since she was only 41 years of age, but as he performed the ultrasound on his wife he knew immediately that it was much worse as the ultrasound revealed a tumor. In the midst of the most difficult time in their lives, the Sonnabends knew where to turn for medical care, support and comfort – Mission Hope Cancer Center, the first integrative cancer care facility in the region. “Tami’s cancer diagnosis and path of treatment was the most frightening thing I’ve ever been through,” explains Dr. Sonnabend. “To imagine that I may potentially lose my wife, my best friend, the mother of my children; it just shook me to my core. As a physician, I trusted the expertise of my colleagues at Mission Hope Cancer Center to care for my wife. I knew that the technology and resources at large metropolitan centers are no better than here. In addition, I knew they would support her, treating her as family and the human side of medicine is just as important as the science and technology aspects.”
“It was such a blessing that I didn’t need to travel hours by car or fly across the country for expert physicians and the best in care,” explains Tami. “I felt such exhaustion during treatments; I couldn’t imagine having to travel to another area. If I would have gone to a big city facility I would have received the same treatment, but not the same exceptional love.” At the start of Tami’s cancer journey, Marian Cancer Care connected Tami with a very special mentor who offered support in the form of understanding and hope. This fellow breast cancer survivor and dear friend of Tami’s is Kristen Alexander. Kristen helped Tami in a way that physicians could not. She offered first-hand advice and shared her inspirational cancer experience with Tami, which provided much comfort and hope to Tami. Just as she was guided by Kristin, Tami is now a yoga instructor and mentor to more than a dozen cancer patients and caregivers who participate in her yoga exercise class at Mission Hope Cancer Center. “Mentorship was a true gift that I received at a time when I needed it most,” recalls Tami. “I feel this is all part of God’s plan and now I want to give this empowering gift of hope to other cancer patients. I want to share how healthy and happy I am now; to show them that they too will get through this. Ultimately, I want to thank the many angels at Mission Hope Cancer Center who helped me. Now my angels are the women I mentor – they keep me going and keep me looking forward.”
After a biopsy and MRI, the Sonnabends were told it was stage two breast cancer and within a week, Tami began chemotherapy treatment. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, Tami is now cancer free. In addition to her supportive family, she credits her health and well being to her many “angels” at Mission Hope Cancer Center who cared for her all while remaining close to home.
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Marian Surgeons Perform Hospital’s First Surgery for Removal of Rare Adrenal Gland Tumor
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n late 2012, just as Alex Ochoa, 31, was preparing for his long-awaited vacation, he began experiencing strange symptoms of extreme perspiration, high blood pressure and nervous shaking. After seeing his primary care physician, he was referred to endocrinology specialist Michael Lai, M.D., who diagnosed Alex with a rare adrenal gland tumor – a diagnosis that is one of only 300 adrenal gland cancer cases diagnosed in the United States each year. “I was experiencing extremely strange symptoms of constant sweating and was constantly anxious – I just knew something wasn’t right,” recalls Alex. “With my blood pressure at 197 over 122 I was literally on the brink of having a heart attack or a stroke.” David Maccabee, M.D., F.A.C.S, and Daniel Oh, M.D., F.A.C.S., performed Alex’s Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy surgery, which was the first surgery of its kind, performed at Marian. Due to Marian Regional Medical Center’s recruitment of expert surgeons and investments in the most advanced surgical and medical technology, Alex was able to have the unusual tumor surgically removed in his home town of Santa Maria and was not forced to travel out of the area. Previously community members
Patient Alex Ochoa of Santa Maria meets with surgeon Dr. David Maccabee following the surgical removal of an adrenal gland tumor.
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diagnosed with this rare tumor were transferred to regional medical centers in metropolitan cities such as Los Angeles or the Bay Area. The sophisticated Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy procedure involves three to five small incisions to insert a video chip camera. The insertion of the camera allows for an image of the abdomen to then appear on monitors making it possible for the surgeons to see the adrenal gland(s). Then surgical instruments are inserted through long ports to remove one or both adrenal glands. “For this type of surgical procedure, patients are commonly sent out of small rural towns to larger tertiary centers, but patients on the Central Coast now have access to the latest laparoscopic equipment, surgical technology and high-level care at Marian which allows for treatment closer to home,” explains Dr. Maccabee. “Ultimately, procedures done locally tremendously benefit a patient’s recovery process and even cut down on patients’ expenses associated with travel.” Following the procedure, Alex’s health quickly improved and he is now healthy and happy. “I didn’t know little old Santa Maria could perform surgeries just like big city hospitals can – it’s amazing,” says Alex. “Although it was frightening to be diagnosed with cancer, I feel so fortunate that my physicians and surgeons were able to diagnose and remove my tumor. Now I feel back to my old self.”
Marian Breast Imaging Center Receives Prestigious Mammography Services Award for Excellence
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arian Regional Medical Center is proud to announce that the facility’s Breast Imaging Center was recently awarded prestigious designation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the largest imaging accrediting body in the United States. The award is granted by the ACR to breast imaging facilities providing the highest practice standards of the radiology profession for quality and safety in stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, ultrasoundguided breast biopsy and mammography services. Rigorous peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by boardcertified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, determined that the Marian Breast Imaging Center has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs. “As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, Marian is honored to receive this distinction for the delivering the highest level of breast imaging quality and safety for our community,” explains Charles J. Cova, Marian Regional Medical Center President/CEO and Vice President of Dignity Health Operations. “This award recognizes the Marian Breast Imaging Center’s long history of innovation and excellence – offering patients the most advanced mammography technology, breast biopsy equipment, skilled health care professionals and expert physicians from the nation’s top medical schools.” In addition, the Marian Breast Imaging Center continues to be rated as a five-star facility according to a national patient satisfaction survey, placing the Center in among the very best in the nation for providing excellence in patient service and the latest in digital technology and state-of-the-art stereotactic imaging.
Marian Breast Imaging Center Supervisor Kathleen Schroeder, Radiology Technician, stands with the Center’s new MultiCare Platinum Prone Breast Biopsy technology. This advanced technology is the latest advancement in stereotactic biopsy equipment and is the ideal system for characterization of calcifications, masses and architectural distortions.
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Introducing the Marian Sleep Center
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uality sleep is essential to maintaining good mental and physical health.
The Marian Sleep Center opened in spring of this year and provides patients with a comfortable, safe and supportive sleep lab environment featuring the latest in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. At the Marian Sleep Center our expert specialists diagnose sleep disorders and work with patients’ physicians to treat the condition and improve patients’ health. The Marian Sleep Center team consists of sleep medicine experts and is led by Medical Director Dr. Barry Feldman, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. The friendly and knowledgeable clinical staff includes board certified pulmonologists, expert respiratory therapists and experienced technologists. At the Marian Sleep Center, patients have peace of mind knowing that our staff of highly trained specialists is there for you. Total patient comfort is of central importance at the Marian Sleep Center. Our three beautiful, newly constructed sleep rooms are spacious and are specially-designed to provide patients with a restful night’s sleep. In addition to being equipped with the latest in diagnostic tools and technology, each private room is also furnished with a queen size bed and cable television to provide patients with a home sleeping environment experience.
Common Sleep Disorders Millions of men and women of all ages suffer from sleep disorders. Some common examples of sleep disorders include:
Sleep apnea
Brief periods of inability to breathe while sleeping.
Insomnia
Chronic inability to sleep, or to remain asleep.
Narcolepsy A syndrome characterized by sudden, uncontrollable urges to sleep. Individuals with narcolepsy may fall asleep dozens of times in a day, with the duration of each attack ranging from a few minutes to several hours.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Uncomfortable or painful leg sensations resulting in constant leg movement that prevents sleep. Those who have trouble sleeping because of a sleep disorder can have difficulty dealing with school, work and relationships when awake. To arrange a sleep test at the Marian Sleep Center or for questions, call
1-888-444-0411.
All it takes is one night to diagnose a lifetime of better sleep.
Barry Feldman, M.D. Medical Director of Critical Care & Marian Sleep Center
Dr. Robert Hinds, pulmonologist, consults with a patient at the new Marian Sleep Center.
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Marian Embarks on the Future of Family Medicine as a Teaching Hospital Marian begins family medicine residency program Research recently published in the Annals of Family Medicine estimates that the United States will need more than 52,000 new family medicine physicians as the population grows and ages. With a shortage of family medicine physicians expected across the nation in the coming years, Marian Regional Medical Center is doing its part to ease the anticipated shortage on the Central Coast by instituting the Marian Family Medicine Residency Program. The Program’s affiliation with the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine is expected to be official in the coming weeks. The Program’s mission is to provide resident physicians with the full spectrum of the family medicine specialty all while promoting a scholarly environment that fosters a balance of personal and professional growth and enhances patient health. Family medicine residents and medical school graduates, who have already received their doctorate degrees and are completing their specialty training, are expected to begin at Marian in July of 2014.
a variety of settings, our residents will receive training to provide the whole spectrum of primary care services. The Marian Family Medicine Residency Program will offer residents a diverse experience in primary care medicine and the program’s intimate size will allow for tailored training to meet the individual needs of each resident.” In early May, a state-of-the-art physician practice, titled the Dignity Health Family Medicine Center, opened on the Marian campus. The Dignity Health Family Medicine Center cares for patients of all ages and the facility will be the teaching site for the program’s physician residents. Residents will learn by caring for their own panel of patients under the supervision of practicing faculty physicians. Specialty physicians at Marian will be involved in training the program’s resident physicians to provide care for infants, children, adults and the elderly.
The Marian Family Medicine Residency Program is led by Program Director Dr. Richard McClaflin and Director of Medical Education Dr. David Oates. Dr. Richard McClaflin is an experienced family medicine physician who comes from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine where he was an Associate Professor and the Associate Chair of the Department of Family Medicine. “As a teaching hospital, it is crucial that Marian remain at the forefront of the latest medical developments, be technologically up to date and offer a program that is built on a solid foundation of clinical science,” explains Dr. McClaflin. “Since family medicine physicians must be broadly trained and have the competencies required to practice in
Dr. Richard McClaflin interacts with a patient at the Dignity Health Family Medicine Center.
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Volunteers Achieve New Service Milestones
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Volunteer Spotlight — Pam Von Bieberstein
“We’re extremely proud of our volunteers, an extraordinary group of people who willingly share their time, talents, and inspiration. They are an integral part of the day-to-day operations of the hospital,” said Ami Padilla, Manager of Marian Volunteer Services. “And they touch the lives of Marian patients, families, and staff each and every day.”
“I love my role in nursing support as well as my role as a training lead for new volunteers,” said Pam. “It’s so rewarding getting to be around all of the babies so much. It makes my volunteer experience so meaningful to see the unconditional love for these new little lives.”
ecord numbers of volunteers are serving in more ways than ever before at the new Marian Regional Medical Center. With the transition into the new hospital in May of last year, the needs for volunteers expanded to include new service opportunities and extended hours. The growing need to fill the additional roles and the additional hours meant new volunteers were needed, and the response so far has been wonderful.
Pam moved to Santa Maria in April 2012, and because she was new to the area and didn’t know many people in the community, she decided to volunteer at Marian. She gives her time as a Nursing Support Volunteer on the third floor of the new hospital, which houses the Maternal and Newborn Center and the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, in addition to serving as a training lead on the third floor.
Through her service, Pam demonstrates the dedication typical of the volunteers at Marian. Each volunteer exemplifies the organization’s core service values of dignity, justice, stewardship, collaboration, and excellence in their service to others, and each plays an invaluable role in the overall care of Marian’s patients and families. There are many opportunities to serve as Marian continues to grow into other areas of the hospital. Patient escorts, hospitality, and nursing support remain the three greatest areas of need, but many other options exist. Opportunities are available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and anyone interested in serving is welcome to contact Marian Volunteer Services. To learn more about volunteering at Marian, call the Volunteer Services office at (805) 739-3520 or go online to MarianMedicalCenter.org/ volunteer
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am of Angles: my MRMC Te to er tt Le n Ope orway into through the do As I stepped lobby, in less t y Departmen nc ge er Em e th myself, a ok me to orient time than it to e counter from behind th young woman chair. From el needed a whe asked me if I ven a level gi as w forward I that moment ggested I d care that su of attention an ergency Em tient in the was not, was the only pa rly ea cl ry hich I ve e. os Department, w a cl e relativ ted as if I was and I was trea woman stayed of one young The small deed wing days. I hout the follo with me throug ness office esented a busi pr re e sh ve belie ted my look of I think she no d an n tio nc fu she asked gned because concern as I si I said that . was a problem again if there ing to set go ly was definite e ur nt ve ad is th ed back in, Later, she popp st wanted me back a bit. d off shift an ju g in go as w e said sh little words, ck.’ Those two lu d oo ‘g y sa to out of her way l act of going and the specia r compassion, from her inne to speak them my mind. in and gently floated warmly care remained vel of nursing Overall, the le my stay. ut gh througho impressively hi ful, including lp he d cordial an Ever yone was am members. d custodial te the dietar y an Thank you, Gar y Alessi Santa Maria While Lisa, our fa mily member, wa s in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) the staff wa s the most compassionate lov ing group of prof essionals that anyone could ask to care for their lov ed one. After complimentin g a CCU physician on his staff, he said that this is what they were paid for. I kindly corre cted him by tellin g him that treating is what th ey are paid for, bu t caring for the patient was op tional. The staff that took care of Lisa did so with the utmost profes sionalism. One family membe r commented that he felt he was in a five-star hotel and that th e hospitality was the best he ha d ever witnessed in a hospital. There were severa l nurses, respirato ry therapists, cleaning staff, va let service and ot hers who purposely went ou t of their way and showed such benevolence . It humbled our family and made this ag onizing journey so mewhat bearable. We are truly blessed to ha ve a medical facility like Marian Regional Medical Center and a staff who de monstrates altruism while caring for patient s. Please accept our family’s appreciation for all that was done for Lisa. Sincerely, Lisa Asencio’s Fa mily
Letters of Appreciation to go to our son’s flew to California I d an , de au Cl back to Illinois. My husband, r we bought for him ca a ive n to dr to d an wedding and had to be take tically as my husb t as dr go d we ge r an te af ch s ur Plan about a half ho t en rtm ur pa yo De r y fo g but praise the Emergenc to provide nothin is felt r st te ju let e is W . Th th . into town nine days wi s. ff we spent those ed sta ne e y th m d d an an s ity facil care for hi e “extra mile” to xt few days ever yone went th l personnel the ne ita sp ho e th m fro ained lls ca d de calls Clau expl We receive ring one of these du would d he an e e, rg m ha ho r sc di after 0 miles from ou 20 2, ’t sn ain, wa l Ag . ita spital again that if the hosp had to be in a ho he if ian. ian ar ar M M at to ntact with come back ose we came in co th all to u yo k an a big th
To the Ped iatric Dep artment S taff: Addy and her family want to th you so mu an ch for all your kindn k thoughtfu ess, lness and most of all positive su your pp in the hosp ort during Addy’s st ay ital. We m iss all of yo u! Love, Addyson a nd the rest of the Lopez Family PS – Addys on is doin g very well !
Sincerely, June McCool Claude and Mar y Ridge Farm, IL
In December of 2012 I was admitted to M for the birth of arian my daughter. I would like to moment to co take a mmend one of your labor and nurses: Ms. B deliver y rittany Box, R N, for her exce in ever y decisi llence on and action. Ms. professional an d confident. Sh Box was very e promptly an accurately asse d ssed the situat ion and took ef action. Ms. B fective ox demonstra ted the standa that Marian is rd of care noted for. The care my daug and I received hter from Ms. Box was profession knowledgeabl al, e and excellent in ever y aspect My husband an . d I were so im pressed with care we receiv the ed from Ms. B ox that we wan commend her ted to for her compa ssionate servic e. Sincerely, Leslie Crouse Santa Maria
Frequently, Marian Regional Medical Center and its departments, staff and physicians receive heartwarming letters of thanks from patients, their family members and caretakers. We are very touched by these kind words and appreciate the time and effort community members make to reach us. We encourage community members to provide any feedback about their care and hospital experience since it helps identify areas we excel at and opportunities of improvement. To share your hospital experience, please mail your letters to:
in the Emergency My grandmother was seen the hospital. We had the to d itte adm Department and the services of Registered honor and privilege of having three-day period. Due a r ove Nurse Janessa Sanders other’s condition and to the nature of my grandm mber was a bit tense. her age of 93 each family me nner as well as her ma Janessa’s excellent bedside fort during a difficult com a h suc technical skills was you for the excellent service and emotional time. Thank and their family members. you provide to your patients Sincerely, Christy Best Santa Maria
Marian Regional Medical Center ATTN: Administration 1400 E. Church Street Santa Maria, CA 93454
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The Tau Monument The Tau Monument serves as a tribute of gratitude to the healing ministry of the Sisters of Saint Francis for their visionary leadership and dedication as the founders of Marian Regional Medical Center. The monument features the Tau Cross, a symbol of faith, love and newness, on all three sides along with statues of Saint Francis (the founder of the Franciscan Order), Saint Clare (who followed Saint Francis) and Mother Magdalen Damen (the Foundress of the Sisters of Saint Francis).
Scan here or visit www.supportmarianmedical.org to donate online.
Completed form can be sent to: Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation 1400 E. Church St. Santa Maria, CA 93454 For questions or more information please call (805) 739-3595 All gifts to the Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation are eligible for tax deductions to the fullest extent of the law. Tax ID # 95-3818027
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