MediQuick is growing again with a new location to open on 680 South Main Street in Cheshire in fall 2011.
About The Cover: Patient and Doctor at MediQuick.
Focus is a tri-yearly on-line publication of MidState Medical Center. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Address them to lfaria@midstatemedical.org. If you would like to subscribe to the Focus Newsletter please give us your email address.
Two years ago our MediQuick Urgent Care Center moved to its current location on Pomeroy Avenue in Meriden. While we knew that the services provided at MediQuick were well recognized and were an asset in the community, we never expected the exponential success that followed the center’s relocation. The residents of Meriden and those in surrounding towns have come to rely on MediQuick for quality, convenient care during times when they have urgent medical needs and may not be able to get into their doctor’s office. In response to the growing number of patients utilizing MediQuick, last summer we extended MediQuick hours for even greater convenience.
As a result of tremendous success in Meriden and the desire to bring this valuable service to another one of the communities we serve, MidState is pleased to announce that it will be opening a second MediQuick facility in Cheshire in the fall. MediQuick Cheshire will be conveniently located just north of Cheshire High School off of Route 10. Patients will receive the same type of care they have come to appreciate at MediQuick Meriden.
In this issue of Focus, you’ll get to know more about MediQuick and the services provided there. I am confident that our new location will be just as successful as our original – not only because it is a place to find excellent medical care when you need it, but also because our warm, friendly staff does a wonderful job of making the experience a positive one.
Lucille A. Janatka - President & CEO
Editor / Feature Writer: Pamela Cretella|Photos: Chuck Kuhn, Rick Harrington|Executive Editor: Lynn Faria
When MidState’s MediQuick relocated two years ago to its location on Pomeroy Avenue in Meriden, one could hardly imagine the success the urgent care center would realize. Since then, MediQuick Meriden has seen an increase in patient visits and satisfaction, as well as a reduction in wait times. Now, MediQuick is growing again with a new location to open on 680 South Main Street in Cheshire in fall 2011.
"We are committed to our service area in Cheshire and to fulfilling a need for urgent care there and in the surrounding communities. Urgent care is a burgeoning area of medicine across the country, and our local
communities are no exception. There is a trend right now where patients are looking for prompt, quality care without an appointment, and MediQuick is certainly equipped to provide those services," said Walter Kupson, DO, medical director of MediQuick.
MediQuick Cheshire boasts a 2,400 square space complete with six state-of-the-art exam rooms. The central location right off of Route 10, expansive parking, and many of the same staff patients have come to know at MediQuick Meriden are just a few reasons that make it the optimal place for quick, efficient, and expert care, says Brad Stevenson, RN, MediQuick team leader.
MediQuick Cheshire will operate in the same fashion as MediQuick Meriden, seeing patients for a variety of minor illnesses and injuries. This includes anything from a sore throat or flu-like symptoms to minor sports injuries, sprains, strains and cuts. The care a patient can find at MediQuick is typically a bit more advanced than what can be handled by a traditional walk-in center; for example, MediQuick provides stitching and suture removal, splinting, basic onsite laboratory testing and even onsite x-ray services. MediQuick also sees patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics, another feature that makes MediQuick unique.
With the exception of life-threatening conditions, patients needing care for all of the above reasons can avoid the emergency room and feel comfortable knowing they can receive quality care – in less time and in a more economical way. In fact, recent statistics show that 40-60% of all emergency room visits can be handled by an urgent care center. Still, it is important to emphasize that true emergencies should be treated as such; patients experiencing shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or chest pain are three classic examples of cases that should be treated at an emergency room.
The staffing model at MediQuick is proof that MidState’s urgent care center is a cut above the rest. At MediQuick Meriden, patients can find family practice physicians and registered nurses who have decades of experience in emergency room care. "Almost all of the staff in Meriden’s location have had a very long career in the field, and the same type of service longevity will be brought to Cheshire," said Stevenson. "We will be rotating our staff in Meriden and integrating them into the Cheshire community."
The warm, friendly staff is just one of the reasons MediQuick Meriden has realized tremendous success over the years. Established over 20 years ago at a location on Paddock
Avenue, MediQuick has a long-standing history in the Meriden community for excellence in patient care. It was in 2009, after MediQuick relocated to a brand new space at 61 Pomeroy Avenue, that its accomplishments really began to soar. Since that move, MediQuick Meriden has seen a significant annual increase in census and has still maintained the ability to care for patients efficiently and promptly. Patients can expect to be in and out in about 45 minutes.
"We are really focused on customer care, and our patients recognize this. We have dedicated our team to building a culture of caring and friendliness. Our wait times are something we are especially proud of; however, if there is ever a situation when a patient has to wait, say they’re waiting for lab results, we tell the patient how long the wait is and why they are waiting," said Dr. Kupson.
Patient-centered treatment coupled with the expertise the staff has in urgent care have resulted in extremely high patient satisfaction rates. The doctors and nurses receive constant feedback from patients about their
good experience at MediQuick, and they also proactively seek out that feedback to make improvements in the patient experience. "Our patients are our priority, and I believe our outstanding reputation in the community is due to our willingness to listen to our patients and respond to their needs," said Stevenson.
People’s busy schedules and a shortage of primary care physicians can make access to health care services for unexpected illnesses and injuries difficult and time-consuming. The success of urgent care as a specialty has filled this gap and served patients well when they need treatment, especially after traditional business hours. Stevenson proudly put it, "Urgent care is the fastest growing field of medicine, and it’s about time."
MediQuick Cheshire is expected to open its doors in early fall. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. seven days a week and on holidays.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams, non-invasive diagnostic imaging exams of soft tissue, bone and muscles, have become one of the fastest growing types of medical diagnostic tests. With Midstate Radiology Associate’s recent installation of a MAGNETOM® Aera 1.5T Open Bore MRI system, patients can now experience faster, more comfortable exams.
The addition of this new MRI scanner at the hospital will expand access to diagnostic imaging that supports a complete range of clinical applications. The MAGNETOM Aera offers doctors an array of diagnostic possibilities and provides patients with a more comfortable experience. It also offers superb image quality that may be used for a wide range of medical needs – from orthopedic and sports-related injuries to breast cancer testing – and can help physicians make quicker, more accurate diagnoses.
The MAGNETOM Aera boasts a large 70 centimeter open bore, the tube-like structure of an MRI machine where the patient lies during the imaging process, and can provide access for patients up to 550 pounds. Additionally, the system’s ultra-short bore can help to alleviate concerns of claustrophobia since many exams can be performed with the patient’s head outside of the bore.
This type of MRI is the first of its kind in the New England area, and only the 20th such MRI scanner to be installed in the United States.
Neuroscience, or the study of the nervous system, is a complex field of medicine that often involves the thoughtful integration of a variety of services. Over the last year, MidState has realized the importance of offering comprehensive neuroscience services to the patients it serves across central Connecticut. “Across the nation and in our community especially, we’ve seen an enduring need to provide more neurology services,” said Patricia Giannelli, APRN-BC, Neuroscience service line leader.[View Full Story]
Neuroscience, or the study of the nervous system, is a complex field of medicine that often involves the thoughtful integration of a variety of services. Over the last year, MidState has realized the importance of offering comprehensive neuroscience services to the patients it serves across central Connecticut. “Across the nation and in our community especially, we’ve seen an enduring need to provide more neurology services,” said Patricia Giannelli, APRN-BC, Neuroscience service line leader.
“We have a relatively high incidence rate of neurologic conditions, such as stroke, for example, with many of these conditions becoming chronic and requiring a life time of care.”
To that end, MidState has brought together a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and support staff dedicated to providing the highest standards of care for neurologic disorders, and is pleased to formally announce the creation of its Neuroscience Program.
The Neuroscience Program is comprised of several integrated programs of excellence in neurology that include already existing programs for stroke, sleep, balance, and general neurology, and will further develop programs geared towards neuro-oncology, headaches and pain management. MidState currently has a well developed and highly reputable stroke program that has earned accreditation from both the Joint Commission, as well as the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Since its inception, the program has grown tremendously and continues to offer outstanding care based on several measures of quality. In addition, MidState has had dedicated sleep and balance programs for several years.
“The extension of our current services is part of our efforts to establish a strong continuum of care, taking into account inpatient and acute care, long-term care, outpatient services, and preventive care in the form of education and outreach to the general public and others in the medical community,” said Giannelli.
With the addition of two new neurologists – Mamme Dankwah, MD and Justin Montanye, MD – and a host of other providers who will be equipped to handle a variety of patient concerns, the Neuroscience Program at MidState offers many opportunities for evaluating and treating patients with a broader spectrum of neurologic conditions, including neuro-testing, neurosurgery, vascular issues, and later as the program develops, neuromuscular disorders.
Many opportunities for growth are on the horizon, most notably the offering of Headache Clinics in late summer by Dr. Montanye. As Giannelli put it, “This is an exciting time for neurology at MidState, and we are thrilled to be able to provide a greater level of care to our patients.”
The Neuroscience Department is located in Suite 221 at MidState’s main campus on Lewis Avenue. Patients with general neurology and neuro-oncology needs can schedule an appointment by calling 203-694-8550.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly known by the acronym COPD, is one of the most common lung diseases affecting nearly 12 million Americans. Those suffering from COPD have difficulty breathing, and as a result, often struggle to complete daily activities and feel short of breath. With proper education and some helpful tips, people living with COPD can experience some relief from their symptoms and greater ease carrying out the activities they enjoy. MidState recently launched a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program to assist those in central Connecticut suffering from COPD.[View Full Story]
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly known by the acronym COPD, is one of the most common lung diseases affecting nearly 12 million Americans. Those suffering from COPD have difficulty breathing, and as a result, often struggle to complete daily activities and feel short of breath. With proper education and some helpful tips, people living with COPD can experience some relief from their symptoms and greater ease carrying out the activities they enjoy. MidState recently launched a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program to assist those in central Connecticut suffering from COPD.
The program opened its doors on June 28, 2011, under the leadership of medical director/area pulmonologist, Richard Smith, MD; manager, Nancy Merkouriou, RT; respiratory therapists Mary Barrows, RT and Jeanne Rocha, RT.
In the program, patients receive education on how to best manage COPD and improve their quality of life, as well as participate in strength training exercises and other monitored activities that build endurance and stamina. Guest speakers on relevant topics, such as medication management and relaxation techniques, will also be part of the program.
“We had many requests from patients who were looking for this type of education from MidState, and we are so thrilled to be able to offer this program and proud to be serving our respiratory patients and the community,” said Merkouriou.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program operates out of the current Cardiac Rehabilitation office, located in Suite 213 on the hospital’s second floor. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Patients interested in participating in the program will need a referral from their physician. For more information, see our website at midstatemedical.org.
MidState has made new strides in lung care with the introduction of endobronchial ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) offers a minimally invasive approach to sampling lymph nodes and nodules under real-time view, a procedure that was once much more invasive and posed more complications for the patient.[View Full Story]
MidState has made new strides in lung care with the introduction of endobronchial ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) offers a minimally invasive approach to sampling lymph nodes and nodules under real-time view, a procedure that was once much more invasive and posed more complications for the patient. Endobronchial ultrasounds are typically performed on patients who require a diagnosis for abnormal lymph nodes and/or lung cancer staging. EBUS can also be used in the diagnosis of benign diseases, such as sarcoidosis or histoplasmosis.
In an endobronchial ultrasound, a modified bronchoscope with ultrasound and biopsy capabilities is safely inserted into the airway. Blood vessels are identified with Doppler to allow safe biopsy of adjacent nodes or masses. EBUS is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia; however, it is considered an outpatient procedure. Often a standard bronchoscopy is performed at the same time with a different scope, streamlining the diagnostic process for patients. The Pathology team remains in the room at the time of the procedure to provide rapid diagnosis. When needed, a traditional outpatient operation, known as a mediastinoscopy, can be performed under the same anesthetic to obtain more tissue. The patient leaves the operating room with all the information needed to direct further care. MidState is the fourth hospital in the state to offer the ability to perform all of these procedures in one encounter.
“EBUS utilizes state-of-the-art technology to expand the range of minimally invasive diagnostic procedures for thoracic disease. This is a wonderful option for patients who require this type of procedure, and I am pleased to be able to offer it to my patients at MidState,” said thoracic surgeon, Cole Bordner, MD.
Volunteers provide invaluable assistance and support to all areas of MidState Medical Center. As many patient services are growing and expanding, new volunteer programs have been created to ensure a positive patient experience and promote customer satisfaction.
Volunteers are needed in the nursing units to assist patients with meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Special training is provided for those accepted into this special “Meal Mates” volunteer program. There is also high demand for volunteers in our newly expanded Emergency Department in both clinical and non-clinical areas.
Book Cart volunteers visit patients daily, offering free books and magazines as well as friendly conversation. These volunteers are also trained as “Fall Prevention Safety” volunteers who check bed and chair alarms to ensure they are in proper working order and encourage the patient to use the call button to “call before you fall” .
Patients at MidState are treated to relaxing “Soft Touch” hand rubs and foot rubs by well-trained MidState volunteers. If you are interested in this very specialized volunteer role, there will be training in the technique of “soft touch” in the fall.
Pet Therapy visits are very well received by our patients, even our staff! If you have a Therapy dog that is certified and registered with a national pet therapy organization, please consider joining our popular Pet Therapy program.
Exceeding customer expectations with integrity, caring, excellence, and safety is our priority at MidState Medical Center. If you have a few hours to spare and have excellent customer service skills, please contact the Volunteer Office at 203-694-8275 or e-mail MidStateVolunteers@midstatemedical.org.
Get ready for a Venetian masquerade ball! This year the MidState Auxiliary, together with MidState Medical Center, will host the Moonlight in Venice Gala on Friday, September, 23 at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville from 7 p.m. until midnight. The biennial gala is one of the hospital's signature fundraising events, raising nearly $100,000 to benefit MidState programs and services.
"The MidState Auxiliary whole-heartedly supports the gala. It's a major fundraising event for the hospital and a wonderful evening for the community and staff to enjoy. It provides the opportunity for them to feel connected to the hospital," said Geraldine Meoni, past-president of the Auxiliary and co-chair of this year's gala.
This year's Venetian theme puts a new twist on an always one-of-a-kind event. Themes from past galas include the 1950s inspired Swing and Sway Gala and jazz filled Moonlight Blues Gala.
The opulent Moonlight in Venice Gala will showcase the charming culture of one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities. In true Venetian form, the lavish evening will feature cocktails, a gourmet sit-down dinner, silent auction, and dancing to the musical entertainment of Bock & Blue. Tickets for the event are $175 per person, or $350 per couple.
"We hope the theme is fun and interesting. We looked at photographs of galas that took place in Venice, Italy, and were inspired to select this as our theme," said Meoni.
Formal dress is required, but black tie is preferred. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Tina Fabiani in the Development Office at 203 694 8744, or email tfabian@midstatemedical.org.
It was a warm, beautiful day perfect for a golf tournament on June 20th, when the MidState Medical Center Auxiliary hosted its 27th Annual Golf Tournament. The event was held at the Farms Country Club in Wallingford, and as in year’s past, was sold-out with a full field of 144 players.
In addition to a day of golfing, players were treated to a delicious lunch on the deck, as well as a dinner in the evening. Lucille Janatka, president & CEO, Gail Millerick, director of Development & Volunteer Services, and Auxiliary member, Jan Vocola, all said a few words and thanked everyone for their support. William Cofrances, Senior Vice President of PMA Management Corporation of New England, graciously announced the tournament’s winners.
The Auxiliary appreciates the generosity of all who contributed to this very important fundraiser and would like to extend a special thank you to this year’s sponsors and to the Golf Committee for once again helping to organize this very successful event.
The glycemic index is a measure of how your body responds to foods that contain carbohydrates. The glycemic index of a particular food is measured by how much it raises blood glucose levels compared to a reference food—usually glucose or white bread. A food with a high glycemic index raises blood glucose levels more than a food with a low glycemic index.
Determining the glycemic index of a food is not as easy as it sounds. Many factors come into play, like ripeness (for example, ripe bananas have a higher glycemic index than unripe), how a food is cooked, and what else is eaten along with the food. Generally speaking, foods that are high in fiber have a lower glycemic index, and foods that are highly processed have a higher glycemic index.
Below are examples on how some common foods compare:
The glycemic index can be helpful in fine-tuning your food choices. For example, if you want to eat a high glycemic index food, like a ripe banana, balancing your meal with a low glycemic index food, like steel-cut oats, can help to keep your glucose levels in check. But monitoring the glycemic index of your food choices should not take the place of eating a variety of healthy foods. It is also important to remember that portion size plays a role in managing blood glucose.
Even though knowing the glycemic index of a food might help you predict how your blood glucose levels will respond, it may not be the answer to all your dietary questions. For one thing, the numbers listed above are not set in stone. The glycemic index of a food will be different for each person who eats it, based on their activity level, age, and how quickly the food is digested. Accounting for all these different factors can be complicated, and health professionals agree that patients are less likely to stick with complicated meal plans. So, while the glycemic index might be helpful, it probably will not be the only consideration.
Previous Page Next storyWhen the air gets dry, nosebleeds are more likely to occur. Children are the most susceptible. Fortunately there are easy tips for handling your children's nosebleeds.
In most cases, a nosebleed occurs because the tiny vessels inside the nose have broken. This type of nosebleed, called an anterior nosebleed, occurs because the blood flows out of the front (or anterior) part of the nose.
These types of nosebleeds are usually not serious and generally stop by themselves or require only simple steps to stop the bleeding; they rarely require medical attention. Anterior nosebleeds are almost always a result of an irritation inside the nose caused by several factors, including:
Posterior nosebleeds, on the other hand, are much less common and occur when the blood flow comes from deep inside the nasal cavity and moves down the back (or posterior) of the mouth and throat. They are usually a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure, hemophilia, or other bleeding disorders. Blood-thinning medicines can also cause posterior nosebleeds.[Continue Reading]
While a growing number of Americans are seeking treatment for high blood pressure (hypertension), many remain unaware they have it. High blood pressure is a leading cause of life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
Blood pressure is the force with which blood is pumped out of the heart. Hypertension occurs when blood moves through the arteries at a higher-than-normal pressure. It is recorded as two numbers—the systolic pressure (top number) reflects the heart beating, while the diastolic pressure (bottom number) reflects pressure when the heart is relaxing between beats.
In 2003, a prestigious report called “JNC7” recommended blood pressure targets for Americans. In general these targets were set lower than had been proposed by a national advisory panel. Before JNC7, readings below 140/90—measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)—had been considered normal. According to JNC7 recommendations, normal blood pressure is below 120/80. The report also identified pre-hypertension as a reading from 120/80 to 140/90, recommending lifestyle improvements to prevent blood pressure increases in persons who are pre-hypertensive. These lower blood pressure recommendations were aimed at identifying individuals at risk for hypertension earlier, in order to prevent or delay the disease.
Hypertension is a very common diagnosis among Americans. Although the cause of most cases of hypertension is not known, things like alcohol consumption, older age, and obesity are risk factors. Weight reduction has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Other highly beneficial practices include adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat diary, reducing alcohol and sodium, and engaging in daily exercise.
Many people will need to take two or more medications to achieve complete control of blood pressure, although sometimes these can be given as a single “combination pill.” Following the recommendations above (especially increasing exercise and reducing salt and weight) will help to ensure maximum drug effectiveness. Most people can take blood pressure drugs with few side effects and have an excellent prospect of improving the length and quality of their lives. With discipline and careful monitoring, you and your doctor can work together to appropriately manage and treat hypertension.
Previous Page Next storyWhen most people think of wound care, they typically think of treatment for conditions like diabetic ulcers, pressure sores or bad burns. What many don’t realize is that non-healing wounds can come about for a variety of other reasons, even when a seemingly minor injury or accident occurs. Take Donna Rackie, for example. The 45 year-old Wallingford resident never thought that a fall on the ice in the dead of winter would result in weeks of treatment and therapy.
“A lot of wounds are created by accidents and injuries, many times in people who have underlying conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation, or obesity. Once an injury occurs, the wound goes from being an accidental wound to one being driven by these underlying, pre-existing conditions. Then these turn into chronic wounds,” said wound care specialist Zeb Ali, MD.
Donna had somewhat of a similar experience. She was picking up her daughter from a middle school dance on February 25, 2011, when she slipped and fell on the ice as she got out of her car. She fell in an awkward position and her right leg slid under the car door, which in effect, “ripped the skin right off of my shin,” she says. “I had a big hole that looked like it was eight or ten inches across.”
She immediately went to the emergency room and got stitches, where she was also advised to
Read Moreschedule a visit with MidState’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center, to see if there were any other steps that needed to be taken for the management of her wound. Donna, in fact, had been to the center before. Living with rheumatoid arthritis and being on prednisone for nearly 15 years, Donna was more susceptible to injuries to the skin.
Donna began seeing Dr. Ali every Thursday for treatment. He explained that circulation on the shin bone is not optimal, and that the flap of skin that covered her wound might need to be cut off to prevent infection. They waited two weeks to see how the wound progressed, but eventually Dr. Ali was right; removal was necessary.
“Dr. Ali talked me right through it and one of the nurses, Eileen Dow, came in and held my hand. She was so good.
She kept saying ‘you can do it’ and ‘almost there.’ He took out the stitches and cut off the dead skin. He was very fast and very good. Their support was incredible. They were totally optimistic.”
Following Donna’s procedure, she began 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) which took 8 weeks. HBOT is quite effective in treating non-healing wounds. It is a treatment in which the patient breathes in 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This high concentration of oxygen is proven to speed the healing process, improve circulation, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, and even fight certain types of infection.
“They told me I was a perfect candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. I needed to be in the chamber five days a week for two hours at a time. It was totally brand new to me. I had heard of the
Back Read Morechamber, but didn’t know much about it. But they were so good to me, and took any fear I had right away,” said Donna. After 40 sessions, Donna’s blood circulation and oxygen levels were quite improved and remained at an optimal level. Next would be a procedure similar to a skin graft, but instead of using the patient’s own skin, a synthetic skin derived from human skin would be used, a product known as Apligraf®.
“Apligraf® has been around for at least a decade. We’ve had extremely good healing rates with it.
The reason we use it is because it’s a completely painless, non-surgical procedure. No incision is needed, and we can do it right in the office. It can take literally one minute to put on. It comes in a sterile dish shipped by the manufacturer. We prepare the wound and clean it, and then place the Apligraf® on and bandage it,” said Dr. Ali.
The Apligraf® is low-maintenance. Patients do not have to worry about changing any dressing themselves. They simply come into the center once a week for the first three weeks to have their bandage changed.
According to Dr. Ali, “The very interesting thing about Apligraf® is that it actually takes pain away. Once the Apligraf® is on, patients will notice a significant decrease in pain.”
Donna says her Apligraf® procedure went smoothly and her wound is now less than a centimeter. “They did a phenomenal job. It is amazing how these wounds can be managed with new methods instead of just bandages and antibiotics.
Dr. Ali was right on the ball and knows exactly what he is doing. It gives me peace of mind to know they did such a good job.”
BackMassExcellence is Massachusetts' only statewide Baldrige-based organizational assessment, and organizational award program modeled after the national Baldrige Performance Excellence Program that was created by Congress to teach leaders how to run their organizations in a manner that enables a good work culture while building competitive and economically sound organizations.
In today’s age of ever-changing health care technology systems and the advent of electronic medical records, the only way to stay ahead of the curve is to keep pace with all that technology has to offer for increasing efficiencies in health care and making care delivery better for patients.
Read story Read storyMidState Medical Center is pleased to announce it is the Gold level recipient of the prestigious MassExcellence Award. MassExcellence is Massachusetts' only statewide Baldrige-based organizational assessment, and organizational award program modeled after the national Baldrige Performance Excellence Program that was created by Congress to teach leaders how to run their organizations in a manner that enables a good work culture while building competitive and economically sound organizations. Receiving a Baldrige-based award is quite a prestigious honor.
Representatives from MidState received the MassExcellence Award on Tuesday, May 10, at the Massachusetts State House in Boston where they had the pleasure of meeting elected officials, member companies and event sponsors.
MidState’s award was presented by executive director Laurence Smith. Cindy Russo, senior vice president of Operations and Gary Burke, director of Strategic Organization Development, accepted the award on behalf of MidState. Russo later delivered remarks on the lessons learned through MidState’s experiences on the journey of excellence.
Several years ago, MidState won two state-level Baldrige awards, making MidState the only hospital in Connecticut to have ever accomplished such a feat. The MassExcellence Award is MidState’s highest level of achievement in organizational excellence thus far.
In today’s age of ever-changing health care technology systems and the advent of electronic medical records, the only way to stay ahead of the curve is to keep pace with all that technology has to offer for increasing efficiencies in health care and making care delivery better for patients. In the last five years, MidState has proven to accept this challenge, and for the second consecutive year, has been named one of the Most Wired hospitals in the nation for excellence in information technology.
MidState has been participating in the Most Wired survey for over 5 years. The survey, administered in cooperation with the American Hospital Association, McKesson Corp., and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, recognizes hospitals for achievements in 4 key areas, including: infrastructure, business and administrative management, clinical quality and safety, and the care continuum. This year, MidState excelled in several areas, particularly related to information transfers through data systems, our wireless/enterprise-wide networks, medical imaging and independent physician-office electronic medical records.
“These accomplishments are especially important because they align with the government’s current objectives for ‘meaningful use’ in the field of information technology. By aligning with the ‘meaningful use’ objectives, we can ensure that MidState is following best practices when it comes to information technology in health care, practices that ultimately benefit the quality and safe care of our patients,” said director of Information Services, Jennifer Comerford.
This accomplishment will be featured in an upcoming issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.
Next story Back to cover
Infinity Circle Members - 2010 Donor Recognition Event & Pinning Ceremony
(L-R, Front Row): Gail Pyun, Margarete Stanchick, Ann O'Brien and Arlene Hamelin
(L-R, Middle Row): Kyum Pyun, MD, Arthur Weiss, DPM, Madeline Bossidy, Cynthia Decker, Marjorie Potter and James Hamelin
(L-R, Back Row): Dawn Papallo, Richard Papallo, Jennifer Gordon, Lynn Faria, Gail McCormack, John Neff, Barbara Kaplan and Hal Kaplan, MD
Leave a lasting legacy that will benefit patients and families for generations to come by remembering MidState Medical Center in your will. Your bequest, whether small or large, will help ensure that our community hospital will have the financial strength and technological capability to provide outstanding care to the patients of tomorrow.
By naming MidState Medical Center in your will, you will become a member of the Infinity Circle, a unique program designed to help build MidState’s endowment fund. Bequests that are directed to the hospital's endowment fund generate income, which provides the economic stability on which we now rely. Just as the legacy of others has made a difference for individuals in our care today, your legacy will ensure financial strength, technological capability and medical excellence for those in our care tomorrow. Once we are made aware of your plans, bequests are recognized in many ways:
MidState is privileged to boast a growing number of Infinity Circle Members who all share a deep rooted commitment to the hospital and a passion to giving back.
