Cousins, Born Hours Apart, Give Family a Double Bundle of Joy

64 Pages·2012·19.58 MB·English

Martha Jefferson
magazıne
SPRING 2012
Birthday Surprise
Cousins, Born Hours
Apart, Give Family
a Double
Bundle of Joy
PLUS: Convenient Comprehensive Cancer Care | Cardiac Devices that Save Lives
Creating the Ultimate Patient Experience
{ PRESIDENT’S LETTER }
Our Employees —
The Embodiment of
Our Caring Tradition
Martha Jefferson W
Magazine, established
February 2006, is a
publication of e’ve now been in our new hospital for a little more than six months, and the feedback
Martha Jefferson
we continue to receive is gratifying. People are commenting on the beautiful facility, the
Health Services,
a community original art gracing the walls and the wonderfully landscaped grounds with the breathtak-
healthcare system
including Martha ing views. For the first time in decades, we can say we have more than enough parking in
Jefferson Hospital
our enclosed parking garage, and patients have noted the easy access to the new facility off I-64 and Route 250.
and Martha Jefferson
Medical Services. We have also been in the news a lot recently due to the advanced technological capabilities we now have.
Questions or
Martha Jefferson has some sophisticated medical technology rarely found in community hospitals, and we continue to
comments regarding
any material in this stay on the cutting edge of new technology. In addition, we have been successfully expanding our strong medical staff
publication should be
directed to the Office with new primary care physicians and specialists who have been trained at some of the top programs in the country.
of Public Relations,
But what brings me the most satisfaction are the positive comments I consistently hear about Martha Jeffer-
500 Martha
Jefferson Drive, son’s employees and volunteers. From the very start of the planning process for our new facility, our number-one
Charlottesville,
VA 22911. goal was to preserve and carry on Martha Jefferson’s Caring Tradition. I agree with others who say that our new
building is wonderful, and I recognize that our technological resources are impressive — but without a team of
MARTHA people who truly care for the people they serve, all of that would mean very little.
JEFFERSON
HOSPITAL Again and again I am impressed by the endless grace and numerous acts of kindness performed by Martha Jef-
PRESIDENT
ferson employees that I’ve both witnessed and heard about from others. It’s reassuring to me to know that what
Jim Haden
made Martha Jefferson special in our previous location is still firmly a part of who we are in our new facility.
EDITORS
Michael Cordell Obviously when somebody comes to the hospital, they’re looking for the best outcomes possible. They
Jenn Downs
want excellent physicians who have access to the most effective technology available. But at Martha Jefferson we
CONTRIBUTORS believe that how we treat people is just as important a part of delivering quality healthcare. Treating everyone
Diane DiCarlo
with compassion and respect has an impact on medical outcomes. And viewing each person as an individual, not
Karen Doss Bowman
Cathy Link just as a medical condition, is an integral part of the caring and healing process.
Lauri Wilson
And I’m not just talking about providing highly personalized care to our patients — even though they are, of
PHOTOGRAPHY
course, our number-one priority. I’ve seen our staff go out of their way to do whatever they could to provide fam-
Dominique Attaway
Cramer Photo ily members and friends of our patients with the support they need and the amenities they deserve. I’ve also had
Frank Crocker
physicians visiting our hospital tell me about the excellent support and assistance the staff and volunteers provide.
Luca DiCecco
Natalie Krovetz Our Caring Tradition is truly embodied in everything we do, every single day.
Jack Looney
Susan Parmar
Anna Pulliam
Andrew Shurtleff
James E. Haden
DESIGN President
Picante Creative
C O N T E N T S
s p r i n g 2 0 1 2
page
14
f e a t u r e s
14
All for One
Martha Jefferson is making it easier
than ever before for cancer patients
to receive the best and most convenient
comprehensive cancer care.
We’ll show you our new cancer center
and share its many benefits.
22
Birthday Surprise
Two sisters share their story of surprise
as they both deliver baby boys just hours
apart at Martha Jefferson. Hear what the
hospital means to them and the journey
they’ve shared so far with their little ones.
32
The Long Goodbye
Thousands of people suffer from
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in
our community. Hear one woman’s
inspiring story of motivation,
compassion and love for her mother.
On the
Cover
30
22 Calendar Pull-Out
C O N T E N T S
s p r i n g 2 0 1 2
d e p a r t m e n t s
{ PRESIDENT’S LETTER } Inside Cover
3
{ THE BEST MEDICINE }
The Longest Journey Begins with 440 Steps
4
{ PRAISEWORTHY }
5
{ NEW FACES }
6
{ THE CARING TRADITION }
How May we Help You? Going Above and
Beyond to Create the Ultimate Patient Experience
8
{ CAREGIVERS }
Practice Makes Perfect. New Simulation Center Gives
Nurses Invaluable Access to Continued Learning
11
{ CLINICAL EXCELLENCE }
Like Clockwork. Device Clinic Keeps Hearts
Beating to a Healthy Tune
18
{ COMMUNITY }
Helping Those Most in Need
28
30
28
{ HEALTH AND WELLNESS } 8
Save your Skin. Enjoy the Outdoors
While Minimizing the Risk of Skin Cancer
30
{ EAT WELL, LIVE WELL }
Meals by the Numbers
38
{ PHILANTHROPY }
Nursing at Martha Jefferson Hospital. 44
A Critical Strategic Imperative
60
{ BOARD PERSPECTIVE }
A Progress Report on Martha Jefferson’s
Push for Top Performance 21

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| Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012
{ THE BEST MEDICINE }
The Longest Journey
Begins with 440 Steps
BY MICHAEL CORDELL
T
o say I’m not an avid exerciser is as accurate as for “your body mass is immense.” I mentioned I was thinking
saying I’m not an orangutan. I’m not making of trying to lose a few pounds this year, figuring Joe would say,
any sort of value statement when I say I’m not “Oh, you don’t need to lose weight.” Instead he said, “Con-
an exerciser (or an orangutan, for that matter); gratulations!” with such enthusiasm and gusto, you’d have
it’s simply not who I am. Truth be told, in a lot thought I’d just told him I was thinking of quitting heroin.
The next step was to attach to my belt a bright blue,
of ways I’m more similar to the latter than to
glow-in-the-dark pedometer (“pedometer” being Latin for
the former — especially when I’m out
“fashion faux pas”). What is it about exercise equipment and
on the dance floor.
bright colors? Have you looked at running shoes lately?
Take the popular sport of running. They all look like they were designed to be worn by
I don’t run, but it’s not because I’m lazy; neon-clad superheroes.
I just pride myself on having strong time The next step was, well, to start taking steps. By
management skills. Even a good runner, the end of the first day, my pedometer registered the
for example, finds it challenging to run a number 440. While I’m in reasonably good shape, I
marathon in less than three hours, whereas obviously knew I hadn’t walked 440 miles, which
I make significantly better time driving that meant I must have walked 440 yards, the same as
same distance in my car (unless, of course, walking the length of four football fields, plus a
I’m on the D.C. Beltway, in which case the couple of side trips to the conces-
runner might have a slight advantage). sion stand for popcorn and a
I have similarly valid reasons for not basket of nachos with cheese.
partaking in other forms of exercise. Lifting I felt that wasn’t bad for a first
weights? They’re too heavy. Treadmills? day’s effort. I also felt hungry
They make me sweat. StairMaster machines? for nachos.
They make me feel like Sisyphus, but without But then I learned I had
the rock. simply taken 440 steps. Was that
Then Martha Jefferson started a even possible? It takes me 60 steps
voluntary three-month walking program for to walk to the bathroom and back
staff called “Martha in Motion.” Departments from my office, and I make that trip
formed teams and tracked how far they maybe five times a day, so there’s 300
walked collectively as a sort of competition.* The program steps right there. The remaining 140 steps were just enough
was allegedly conceived as a way to promote a healthy to get me to my car and back. Did I actually need to become
lifestyle (apparently someone at Martha Jefferson read an more active?
article — no doubt in some obscure Scandinavian journal — Over the past few weeks I’ve become much more aware
that claimed exercise was good for you, and decided not to of how far I walk. And I’m now thinking maybe there’s
wait for further research on this question). something to be said about this whole crazy exercise fad
More than 800 employees signed up for Martha in after all, even about something as simple and relaxing as
Motion. Keep in mind, Martha Jefferson employs approxi- walking. I feel better, I’ve lost weight, and I’m now averaging
mately 1,600 people, which means we had at least 50 percent more than four miles a day. And while I’m still confident I
participation. Did I mention it was voluntary? And involved could cover that same distance much quicker in my car, I’m
exercising? Incredible. Despite my better judgment, I was learning that perhaps there’s more to life than just figuring
peer-pressured by colleagues to join their team. out ways to get there faster.
My first step was to have Joe Connor, the wellness *This magazine went to press before the Martha in
coordinator at the hospital and the culprit who organized this Motion program concluded. Check our next issue for more
madness, measure my BMI, which apparently is the acronym details about the overall results.
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spring 2012 | www.marthajefferson.org | Martha Jefferson |
{ PRAISEWORTHY }
A w a r d s
W
e are proud to print the following
excerpts of letters received from patients
MARTHA JEFFERSON GOES GREEN!
regarding recent healthcare experiences
Martha Jefferson has been awarded LEED® certification
at Martha Jefferson Hospital. These
letters remain anonymous, as Martha by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Jefferson takes great strides to protect Martha Jefferson is excited to be doing
the privacy of community members.
its part for our patients, staff and the
greater community.
During December 2011, my husband and I visited
Martha Jefferson Hospital for outpatient surgery.
We were very impressed, not only with the design
and cleanliness of the new facility, but also with
the consistently professional, caring and friendly
Martha Jefferson Accredited by
attitudes of every employee with whom we had
contact. We consider ourselves very fortunate to Commission on Cancer
have this conveniently located facility within a
relatively short driving distance from home. Martha Jefferson Hospital is pleased
— January 2012
to announce that it has been recog-
nized by the American College of
I just want you to know that the care I have
Surgeons Commission on Cancer for having a Comprehen-
received has been outstanding! From the very
beginning, when it was determined I had a lump sive Cancer Program.
in my right breast, I have known only compassion, Among the reasons Martha Jefferson received this
concern and kindness from all those involved. award are the analysis of outstanding outcomes as well
Along the way, every procedure was explained,
as active outreach programs for prevention and early
and while a few [of the procedures] weren’t all that
detection (see calendar on page 30 for upcoming screen-
pleasant, I appreciated their expertise and how
ings). Our facilities, technology and specialized staff also
smoothly each was done. I will be undergoing
radiation therapy, and I will not mind at all making continue to give us an edge.
these daily trips to Martha Jefferson. For more information on the Cancer Care Center at
— November 2011 Martha Jefferson, and the services we provide, see story on
page 14.
During several previous outpatient proce-
dures and my recent treatment for lymphoma,
I have been impressed with the good care,
kindness and efficiency of all the staff at Martha Martha Jefferson recently received reaccredita-
Jefferson Hospital. My oncologist, Dr. Robert
Pritchard, proceeded promptly with setting up tion of its postgraduate pharmacy residency
testing to determine my type of lymphoma and
program. Being able to provide a residency pro-
the type of treatment. With his kind assurance of
a good outcome and that I would feel better after gram demonstrates that Martha Jefferson is a
treatment started, my chemotherapy proceeded
leader in the pharmacy profession and follows
quickly without fear. Indeed, my first infusion
eliminated my pain, and after six treatments my established best practices. We’re honored to be
lymphoma was in remission. The careful attention
a training ground for future pharmacists!
to my progress and control of medications kept me
from being sick and minimized side effects during
treatment. The great care of Dr. Pritchard and the
staff at Martha Jefferson gave me back my life.
— November 2011
@
Have an experience at Martha Jefferson you would like to share? Email your thoughts to [email protected].

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| Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012
{ NEW FACES }
Martha Jefferson is pleased
to welcome the following
Congratulations Residency: Tufts New England Medical
to Betsy Collins, new physicians into the Center (Boston, MA)
hospital community.
a childbirth Fellowship: Beth Israel Deaconess
To get connected with one of our Medical Center, Harvard Medical
educator at Martha
School (Boston, MA)
physicians, or for more information on
Jefferson, and Dr.
any doctors at Martha Jefferson, please
Dr. Ben Messinger
Gordon Morris, a call Health Connection at (434) 654-
Betsy Collins medical oncolo- 7009 or 1-888-652-6663. The physician Pain Management
referral line is a free service that can Charlottesville Pain
gist with Martha Jefferson Medical
help you find a physician who fits your Management Center
Oncology Associates. Both Collins
individual needs. Medical School:
and Dr. Morris were recognized West Virginia University
by The Daily Progress on its annual Dr. James Freeman (Morgantown, WV)
“Distinguished Nephrology Residency: University of
Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
Dozen” list. Martha Jefferson
Nephrology Fellowship: University of Virginia
Collins has been (Charlottesville, VA)
Medical School:
a compassionate, University Medical Clinical Interests: Interventional pain
understanding Center (Jackson, MS) therapies, radiofrequency ablation
techniques, spinal cord stimulation
resource for new Residency: Virginia Com-
and focus on wellness
monwealth University (Richmond, VA)
moms and dads Dr. Gordon Morris Personal Interests: Spending time with
Fellowship: Virginia Commonwealth
for more than 20 years, and Dr. my four children, fly fishing, cycling
University (Richmond, VA)
and farming
Morris has been like family to many
Clinical Interests: Nephrology,
patients for more than 25 years. hypertension and kidney stones Dr. Sharon Meth
Personal Interests: Hiking, painting and Internal Medicine
watching the Saints play football
Blue Ridge Internal
Facebook Feedback Dr. Stephen Gunther Medicine
Medical School:
Orthopedic Surgery
I toured your facility online, and it Tufts University
Martha Jefferson (Boston, MA)
was excellent. You’re planning for the
Orthopedics
future, and the way you have set up Residency: University of
your patient rooms is impressive. As a Medical School: Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
patient, I can totally appreciate what Dartmouth Medical Clinical Interests: General internal
you have done. School (Hanover, NH) medicine, preventative medicine and
Residency: George management of acute illnesses
Thank you everyone at Martha Jefferson Washington University Hospital
Hospital for the loving personal care, as (Washington, DC) Personal Interests: Spending time with
family, hiking and traveling
well as the excellent medical attention
Fellowship: Prince of Wales Hospital
given to my mom these past few days.
(Sydney, Australia)
First Class, all the way!!
Clinical Interests: Sports medicine and
Martha Jefferson Hospital extends
shoulder, elbow and knee surgery
its condolences to the families of the
Personal Interests: Biking, kayaking,
following physicians who have recently
“LIKE” skiing, golf and playing tennis with my
passed away. The work each of them
MARTHA JEFFERSON wife and twin boys
did will always be appreciated and
ON FACEBOOK
and get updates Dr. Rodney Jamil remembered by those at Martha Jef-
and insights on the ferson Hospital and by the individuals
Hematology/
latest health news, and families that they each touched.
Oncology
treatments and
Dr. Bill Pollard
technologies at our H.O.P.E.
Dr. Austin Sydnor
new hospital. Medical School:
Georgetown University Dr. Walter Copley McLean
School of Medicine
(Washington, DC)
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spring 2012 | www.marthajefferson.org | Martha Jefferson |
{ THE CARING TRADITION }
Martha Jefferson Goes Above and Beyond to Create the Ultimate Patient Experience
HOW MAY
WE HELP
painted in warm colors and artwork displayed in nearly every
space — among many other features — the new Martha
Jefferson was thoughtfully conceived to make life brighter,
easier and more pleasant for our patients while they heal. In
YOU?
addition, a number of new practices and services were put
into place to enhance the overall caregiving environment.
S TAKING TIME FOR ONE-ON-ONE
Research and testing have demonstrated that the more time
pending time in a hospital, whether as a patient or visi- a nurse or doctor spends with a patient in the hospital, the
tor, probably isn’t how anyone would choose to pass better that patient’s visit will be. Not only will more face-to-
the time on a given day. The healing process can be a face contact make patients feel that they are getting more
challenging time for patients and loved ones alike, and personalized attention, but one-on-one time also gives them a
— understandably — hospitals aren’t often thought better chance to understand the illness they have, what may
of as warm, homey places in which to recuperate. With have caused it, and the treatment options available to help
Martha Jefferson’s long-standing commitment to The Car- them get better.
ing Tradition, we know there’s far more involved in the quality of At the new Martha Jefferson, the caregiving team of
a hospital stay than simply receiving top clinical care and achieving nurses, doctors, physical therapists and dietitians is more
the best possible outcomes. So when we set out to design the new involved and present during a patient’s stay than ever before.
Martha Jefferson, we set out to rethink completely what is possible For instance, each room includes a bedside computer station
in the patient experience. that allows nurses to exchange information directly with the
In designing the new facility, planners made tremendous efforts patient. Patients can ask questions of the nurses and provide
to change the preconceptions of the past, paying attention to every feedback on their care during these exchanges, which nurses
last detail and creating a community hospital that would be com- can then enter directly into a patient’s digital record, right
fortable and welcoming to all. With exclusively private rooms, walls there in the room.

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| Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012
“Having the personal connection is For several years, the executive feedback we can get, so we’re excited to
a very important part of the process for team has been visiting staff for safety be able to meet many of them and hear
our patients,” said Faye Satterly, director walks as a way to learn about potential how things have been going. We know
of Planetree and cancer services. problems that may arise, and subse- we’re going to hear the good and the
The private rooms also facilitate quently address and find solutions bad, but having a complete picture really
communication among doctors, patients for those problems. The new patient does help us do our job better.”
and families, providing ample room for walks are an extension of that safety Recently during one of the execu-
all concerned parties to be involved in program — and another way to receive tive team’s rounds, a patient noted that
treatment discussions. While perhaps valuable feedback. the wires on the headboard of the
seemingly a minor detail, the extra space The administrative team members patient bed tended to become tangled
actually can have a big impact, allowing take turns making visits and will work easily, due to the way they were set up.
everyone to be involved as the plan of closely with nurses to make sure the Although the wires didn’t directly affect
care develops. patients they visit with are well enough the patient’s care, the Martha Jefferson
“Our goal was to create an environ- to have a short chat. staff is now looking into the matter to
ment that allowed for comfort and “We understand that some of our see what improvements can be made
enhanced communication,” said Satterly. patients are very ill, and we will always to correct the problem. The case serves
“Having the involvement of all members make sure that their care comes first,” as an excellent example of how patient
of the team is crucial to delivering the stated Kuida. “We also know, however, feedback can lead to tangible improve-
best possible outcomes for our patients.” that their opinions are some of the best ments in the patient environment.
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able to improve. Serving our patients is
our No. 1 goal, and they know best how Standing at the Ready
we can improve.” welcome patients and help them out
From the moment a patient arrives at of their cars when they first arrive.
Martha Jefferson, one of our primary Once inside, patients and visitors alike
The Guest Services desk is goals is to make them feel right at can get quick access to whatever they
staffed 24 hours a day, seven home. And to make sure we are meet- may need — whether it’s a special
days a week. Concierge Services ing every need a patient may have, the food they’ve been craving, a TV that
hospital has established a new Guest needs to be fixed, or just a few direc-
can be reached Monday through
Services Department to serve as a tions — with one easy phone call to
Friday, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., and
one-stop call center. 654-7001.
Saturday and Sunday,
“We are here to help with whatev- “Although our goal is to provide
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
er our guests may need,” said Martha the best possible outcomes for all
To contact Concierge Services, Hunter, director of guest services. “It’s our patients, we also know that the
simply dial 654-7001, or 7001 our goal to make every stay as pleas- little things about their stay do help
from an in-house extension. ant as possible.” to make a difference in their heal-
The work of Guest Services ing,” said Hunter. “Certain foods and
begins even before a patient enters comforts of home can do wonders for
the hospital, with the friendly Martha people, and we’re here to make sure
Jefferson valet staff members who that those things can fall into place.”
{ CAREGIVERS }
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

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| Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012