News from Steward Health Care

St. Elizabeth’s Completes 1,000th Robotic-assisted Prostatectomy

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Milestone achieved with newest da Vinci system

BRIGHTON, MA—May 18, 2012—Yesterday, Ingolf Tuerk, MD, and his team completed their 1,000^th robotic-assisted prostatectomy at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. Tuerk, chief of Urology, director of the Robotic-assisted Surgery Program at St. Elizabeth’s and professor of Urology at Tufts University School of Medicine, reached this milestone in just three years at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, making him and his team the most prolific team who uses the da Vinci Surgical System in New England.

“St. Elizabeth’s is quite proud of Dr. Tuerk and his team for ensuring shorter hospital stays, less blood loss and less pain for 1,000 patients and families,” said John Polanowicz, president of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. “Thanks to the dedication of this team, our expertise, experience and excellent outcomes in robotic-assisted prostatectomies is unmatched.”

Patients who undergo robotic-assisted prostatectomies with the da Vinci Surgical System experience less pain, less blood loss, fewer incisions and fewer complications when compared to open surgery or traditional laparoscopic surgery, according to many studies. Additionally, patients have shorter hospital stays and resume normal activities much faster with robotic-assisted prostatectomies when compared to traditional open or laparoscopic procedures.

“Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have choices of treatment, and clearly they are choosing St. Elizabeth’s and robotic-assisted prostatectomy because of all the benefits that come with this minimally invasive approach,” Tuerk said. Tuerk has completed more than 3,000 prostatectomies during his career, including several hundred traditional open procedures and laparoscopic procedures.

St. Elizabeth’s recently purchased the da Vinci Si Dual Console Surgical System, which Tuerk used to complete this milestone procedure. This new system expands the surgeon’s capabilities, enabling increased dexterity and sharpened precision for improved surgical performance. The second console allows another surgeon or surgeon in-training to participate in cases under the direction of Tuerk, one of the world’s leading robotic surgeons.

With two active da Vinci Surgical Systems, surgeons at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center have mastered this minimally invasive surgical procedure to provide patients with minimally invasive robotic surgeries for urologic, gynecologic and cardiothoracic procedures.

About St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center

St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, a Thompson Reuters Top 100 Hospital, is a major academic medical center affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine. Areas of medical excellence include cardiology, neurosciences, bariatric surgery, women’s health, high-risk obstetrics, bone and joint health, hematology/oncology, pulmonary medicine and emergency medicine. St. Elizabeth’s is a member of Steward Health Care, which is the second largest health care system in New England. Visit St. Elizabeth’s online at StewardStElizabeths.org.

About Steward Health Care

Steward Health Care is the largest fully integrated community care organization and community hospital network in New England. Headquartered in Boston, Steward is the third largest employer in Massachusetts with more than 17,000 employees serving more than one million patients annually in 85 communities. Hospitals in the system include Saint Anne’s in Fall River, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, Morton Hospital and Medical Center in Taunton and Quincy Medical Center. Other Steward Health Care entities include Steward Medical Group, Steward Hospice and Home Care, Laboure College, and Por Cristo. Further information is available at www.steward.org.

Holy Family Hospital Announces Free Skin Cancer Screening

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Holy Family Hospital is offering FREE skin cancer screenings on May 22, 2012 from 3 pm to 5 pm at Holy Family Hospital’s Cancer Management Center, 70 East Street in Methuen, Mass.

Public Health Commission Health Forum at St. Elizabeth's on May 16

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

BOSTON – St. Elizabeth's Meduical Center is hosting a meeting with representatives from the Boston Public Health Commission in partnership with Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center, the Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force, and the newly formed Allston Brighton Health Collaborative to discuss health status of Allston Brighton residents. The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, at the Seton Auditorium of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, located at 736 Cambridge Street, Brighton.

The first in a series of citywide health forums this year, the Allston Brighton meeting is a platform for people living and working in the community to discuss health issues specific to the neighborhood. Participants will learn about the findings of the latest Health of Boston report and will have the opportunity to discuss key health issues affecting their neighborhood. The Commission, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center, the Allston Brighton Substance Abuse Task Force and the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative are interested in working collaboratively with residents, businesses, community agencies, faith-based institutions, elected officials, and others to develop creative ideas that will help build a stronger, healthier Allston Brighton.

“This dialogue presents a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to brainstorm new ways to address health challenges,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “Everyone has a role to play in making our neighborhoods healthier.”

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be eligible to enter a drawing for gift certificates to local businesses. Light dinner and translation services (ASL, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese) will be provided at no charge. Free parking with validation in GARAGE B. Residents of all ages, providers, organizations, youth groups, parents, seniors, and concerned local leaders are welcome to attend. If you require special accommodations, please RSVP to ABHealthCollab@gmail.com or 617-779-6578. For more information, contact Pam Jones at 617-534-7195 or pjones@bphc.org or Nancy Allen at ABHealthCollab@gmail.com or 617-791-3993.

Entrepreneur, athlete and inspirational author to headline Good Samaritan Medical Center Cancer Survivor Celebration: “Stronger in Mind, Body and Spirit”

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Nearly 40 years after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a deadly type of bone cancer, Jothy Rosenberg has founded eight high-tech startups, obtained his doctorate, authored four books and has a new reality television series in the works.
At age 16 Rosenberg’s right leg was amputated above the knee. Three years later the cancer claimed one of his lungs. Facing probable death, he mastered skiing on one ski and - finding himself very much alive despite an expected fatal outcome- took on other challenges over the years, including competitive swimming, long distance biking, marriage and raising three children.

Rosenberg, of Newton, will be the keynote speaker at Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Cancer Survivor Celebration: “Stronger in Mind, Body and Spirit.” The event will be held on Saturday, June 9 from 1-3 p.m. at the Old Colony YMCA, 445 Central St. in Stoughton.

The annual program celebrates the patients of the Good Samaritan’s distinguished Comprehensive Cancer Program. The afternoon will include a luncheon. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Psi Iota Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Steward DoctorFinder at 1-800-488-5959 by June 6.

“We appreciate Jothy’s participation at our Cancer Survivor Celebration,” said Dr. Rohini Sakhuja, chairwoman of the Good Samaritan Cancer Care Committee and chief of the Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. “Facing extreme odds, he persevered and has led a full and inspirational life. His story shows how medicine is helping people with cancer and how they, too, can achieve their dreams.”

Rosenberg is the technical director and principal investigator of BAE systems, a computer science research company. He has founded several high-tech firms, worked as a computer science professor at Duke University as well as authored four books.
Rosenberg’s book “Who Says I Can’t” focuses on his story of survival.

“This book is about what effect suddenly becoming disabled and hearing you have zero chance of survival has on someone’s personality and how one can not only survive, but also fight back, recover, and thrive,” Rosenberg states on his website, whosaysicant.org.

“This is not a ‘cancer book.’ Those are written when the survival is new and fresh and the experience is raw. Instead, this book, written with more than a 38-year perspective, is about human perseverance, adaptability, and strength aimed not solely at those dealing with cancer or amputation but at everyone who at some point in their lives will inevitably have to deal with some sort of knock-down or major setback,” he states.

Rosenberg is also the host of an upcoming new reality TV series also called “Who Says I Can’t.” He is frequently tapped as a motivational speaker and has also appeared on the Today Show and Fox and in articles in USA Today and the Boston Globe.

About the Good Samaritan Comprehensive Cancer Program
Good Samaritan Medical Center has received several awards for its Comprehensive Cancer Program. In the spring of 2011, the program received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, one of three programs in Massachusetts to receive this national honor, following the medical center’s 2010 program survey. In December of 2010, the American College of Radiology-American Society for Radiation Oncology awarded a three-year accreditation to Good Samaritan’s Radiation Oncology Center.

In the spring of 2010, the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer awarded a three-year approval with commendation for Good Samaritan’s Comprehensive Cancer Program. Good Samaritan earned all eight available commendations – the highest possible rank- indicating the high quality of the cancer program, the caliber and expertise of staff and outstanding compliance with providing prevention and early cancer detection programs.

For more information go to: www.stewardhealth.org/cancer-care

Morton Hospital Wound Center to Offer Free Foot Screening

Mon, 7 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

The Center for Wound Healing at Morton Hospital will offer a complimentary foot screening on Wednesday, May 16 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. This screening is recommended for patients with: diabetes, current wounds of the foot, foot deformities and vascular compromise to the lower extremities. The event is free and open to the public, and walk-ins are welcome.

Kwende Smith, DPM, will conduct comprehensive musculoskeletal, dermatological, neurological and vascular assessments of the foot. In addition, a certified Orthotist will be on site from The Orthotic & Prosthetic Center to provide information on orthotics, custom fit shoes, and foot and ankle braces.

The Center for Wound Healing is located at the main hospital campus on 88 Washington St. in Taunton, on the first floor of the hospital directly across from the Cafeteria. The Center offers comprehensive wound care services, including optimal patient management to facilitate wound healing, advanced local wound care products and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

For more information, please contact the Center for Wound Healing at (508) 828-7780.

Radiation Risk: Fact and Fiction - Free Public Lecture May 22

Tue, 1 May 2012 00:00:00 EDT

The Center of Cancer Systems Biology at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, is pleased to announce its Spring Free Public Evening Lecture: "RADIATION RISK: Fact and Fiction" by Dr. Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff. The lecture will be held Tuesday, May 22, at 7pm at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center.

Dr. Barcellos-Hoff is a Professor in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Cell Biology at NYU Langone Medical Center. Her research goal is to understand how tissues integrate information across multiple scales of organization and to use this information in modeling critical events in carcinogenesis. She is the lead author on a recent Letter to the Editor of the Science journal on "Low-Dose Radiation Knowledge Worth the Cost" in response budget cuts proposed for the Department of Energy's Office of Science.

The Center of Cancer Systems Biology is looking forward to welcoming you to this lecture.

Holy Family Hospital Debuts Educational Documentaries “Type 2 Diabetes: Sound the Alarm”

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Heriberto Reynoso of Lawrence, MA and Sebastian Amenta of Salem, NH share their personal experiences in taking charge of this disease and their lives. Watch the videos online.

Holy Family Hospital Honors 12 Volunteers with the President’s Call to Service Award at Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Award recipients have given more than 4,000 hours of service each to Holy Family.

Norwood Hospital Launches Innovative Knee Surgery

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Those suffering from knee pain have a new surgical option available at Norwood Hospital – MAKOplasty^® Partial Knee Resurfacing. Norwood is one of the first hospitals in Massachusetts to offer this new, minimally invasive procedure for treatment of early- to mid-stage osteoarthritis.

Norwood Hospital joins the nation’s two highest-ranked hospitals for joint replacement surgery, the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minn., as well as 78 other hospitals nationwide, in providing this state-of-the-art knee replacement surgery alternative. More than 7,100 MAKOplasty^® procedures have been performed across the country since 2006.

MAKOplasty^®is powered by the RIO^® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System that was designed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The robotic arm and a 3-D virtual patient specific visualization system allow surgeons to perform partial knee resurfacing with more precision than ever before. The procedure requires a smaller incision than a traditional total knee replacement and also spares healthy bone. Also, there is less wear or loosening of the implant due to more exact alignment and positioning. Many patients return to an active lifestyle with a more natural feeling knee within weeks of surgery.

“MAKOplasty allows us to treat patients with knee osteoarthritis at earlier stages and with greater precision. Because it is less invasive and preserves more of the patient’s natural knee, we expect patients to have relief from their pain, gain back their knee motion, and return to their daily activities more quickly,” said Douglas Bentley, MD, of Norwood Hospital, who performed the first surgery on a 42 year-old patient.

“Precision is key in planning and performing partial knee surgeries,” said Susan Chabot, MD, chief of orthopedics at Norwood Hospital. “For a good outcome you need to align and position the implants just right. Precision in surgery, and in the pre-operative planning process, is what RIO can deliver.”

For more information about MAKOplasty^®, please visit www.steward.org/MAKOplasty. For an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who offers the surgery, please call Steward DoctorFinder at 800-488-5959.

About Norwood Hospital

The 264-bed Norwood Hospital, provides emergency, cardiology, advanced surgical, endoscopic, psychiatric, OB/GYN and Children’s Hospital Boston pediatric services and is a member of Steward Health Care. Information about Norwood Hospital’s programs and services is available at www.Norwood-Hospital.org.

About Steward Health Care

Steward Health Care is the largest community-based accountable care organization and community hospital network in New England. Headquartered in Boston, Steward has more than 13,000 employees serving more than one million patients annually in 85 communities. Hospitals in the system include Saint Anne’s in Fall River, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, Morton Hospital in Taunton and Quincy Medical Center. Other Steward Health Care entities include Steward Physician Network, Steward Home Care, which also provides hospice services, Labouré College, and Por Cristo. Further information is available at www.steward.org.

Andrew Davis named President of Carney Hospital

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Today, Steward Health Care System LLC (Steward) announced that Andrew Davis will assume the role of President of Carney Hospital effective May 7, 2012.

“Andrew is an experienced hospital leader with a strong track record of success,” said Josh Putter, Chief Operating Officer at Steward. “He is the ideal person to implement the Steward integrated care model in Dorchester and position Carney for the future.”

Prior to joining Steward, Davis was the Chief Executive Officer of Davis Regional Medical Center in Statesville, NC. Previous, he acted as Chief Executive Officer of Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet, NC. Davis also served as the Chief Operating Officer at a hospital in NC and the Chief Financial Officer at a hospital in AR. Davis holds a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA from Troy University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the talented and dedicated staff at Carney Hospital,” said Davis. “I am looking forward to working with them to make Carney the hospital of choice for residents of Dorchester.”

About Steward Health Care
Steward Health Care is the largest fully integrated community care organization in New England. Headquartered in Boston, Steward is the third largest employer in MA with more than 17,000 employees serving more than one million patients annually in 85 communities. Hospitals in the system include Saint Anne’s in Fall River, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, Morton Hospital and Medical Center in Taunton and Quincy Medical Center. Other Steward Health Care entities include Steward Medical Group, Steward Hospice and Home Care, Laboure College, and Por Cristo. Further information is available at www.steward.org.

CONTACT:

Chris Murphy
Steward Health Care
617-419-4729
christopher.murphy@steward.org

Kimberly Bassett named President of Morton Hospital

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Today, Steward Health Care LLC (Steward) named Kimberly (Kim) Bassett President of Morton Hospital. She replaces Maureen Bryant, who recently left Morton to join a hospital system in Chicago.

“Kim has extensive experience in both clinical and administrative hospital operations,” said Josh Putter, Chief Operating Officer at Steward. “She is invested in providing world class healthcare in the local community and I am confident that she will provide excellent leadership at Morton.”

Prior to joining Morton, Bassett was employed by Health Management Associates (HMA), a national hospital management company, for more than twenty-two years. While at HMA she served in various clinical and administrative roles, including her most recent position as CEO of St. Cloud Regional Medical Center, in St. Cloud, Florida. Prior to that, she was the CEO of Fisherman’s Hospital and Keys Medical Group in Marathon, Florida. Bassett’s previous administrative roles include Chief Nursing Officer at Lower Keys Medical Center, in Key West, Florida as well as charge nurse in the Emergency Department and a House Supervisor. Prior to her management positions, she was a Critical Care Nurse in Open Heart and Surgical Intensive Care Units at facilities in Missouri, Florida and Virginia. Bassett earned her Masters of Business Administration in 2003 from the University of Miami, Florida. nShe holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Registered Nurse certification and became a certified Risk Manager in 2004. She has served as a trustee on the Board of the Florida Keys Community College and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“Morton is the focal point of health care in the Taunton community,” said Bassett. “A major part of my role will be to strengthen our ties to the community and ensure that the residents of Taunton are aware of the exceptional quality of care that is delivered by the caregivers at Morton Hospital.”

About Steward Health Care

Steward Health Care is the largest fully integrated community care organization and community hospital network in New England. Headquartered in Boston, Steward is the third largest employer in MA with more than 17,000 employees serving more than one million patients annually in 85 communities. Hospitals in the system include Saint Anne’s in Fall River, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, Morton Hospital and Medical Center in Taunton and Quincy Medical Center. Other Steward Health Care entities include Steward Medical Group, Steward Hospice and Home Care, Laboure College, and Por Cristo. Further information is available at www.steward.org.

CONTACT:

Chris Murphy
Steward Health Care
617-419-4729
christopher.murphy@steward.org

4/18/2012

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

No Description

St. Elizabeth's Sports Medicine Rally April 21

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

BC Championship Hockey Trophies, Boston Cannons and Boston Breakers at Oak Square Y Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BRIGHTON - St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center is proud to announce becoming the Official Hospital of the Boston Breakers of the Women’s Professional Soccer League Elite and the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse for the 2012 seasons. St. Elizabeth’s also is the Official Hospital of Boston College Athletics.

St. Elizabeth’s is hosting a rally for all three teams on Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Oak Square Y, 615 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135:

Soccer and Lacrosse Skills Sessions with the pros: Members of the Breakers and Cannons will be on hand to work with participants on their skills in soccer and lacrosse on the playing fields adjacent to the Y from 11 a.m. to noon.
Inside the Y, St. Elizabeth’s Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy staff will be providing:

ACL Injury Prevention Program – Learn exercises and techniques to prevent injuries through strengthening, stretching, plyometrics and agility.
Foot and Ankle screening: For anyone having any foot or ankle issues.
Stretching tips and demonstrations.

St. Elizabeth’s Sports Medicine Rally, YMCA Gymnasium, noon to 1 p.m.:

Celebrate the amazing run of BC’s Championship Hockey Team. The Eagles won this year’s Beanpot Tournament, Hockey East League Championship and the NCAAs Frozen Four College Hockey Championship. All three trophies, plus Baldwin, the school’s popular mascot, and team cheerleaders.
Meet the players and coaches of the Boston Cannons as they begin the 2012 season as defending league champions.
Meet the players and coaches of the Boston Breakers as they prepare to open their season in Somerville’s Dilboy Stadium.
Autographs and photos!
Enter the St. Elizabeth’s Sports Medicine Drawing to win free tickets to Breakers and Cannons games, team gear and specially autographed items.

For more information and chance to win free Cannons and Breakers tickets, visit: http://www.stewardhealth.org/St-Elizabeths/Services-and-Clinical-Centers/Orthopedics/Sports-Medicine-Rally

Holy Family Hospital Cancer Center Earns Three-Year Accreditation and Outstanding Achievement Award

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Currently, one of only 9 hospitals in MA to garner this level of commendation from the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC).

May 1: "From Speaking to Reading: Promoting Your Child’s Literacy Development"

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Saint Anne's Hospital's Rehab Services' family education series to offer valuable info about promoting reading skills in children with different learning styles