/marybridge/rss/news News RSS Feed en-us Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:27:30 PDT Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:27:30 PDT /marybridge/news/44 PRESS RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseWednesday, July 25th, 2008Contact: Jennifer AalgaardPhone: 253.219.1715Email: jennifer.aalgaard@goodsamhealth.org PUYALLUP, WA- Physicians and staff at MultiCare\'s Good Samaritan Hospital are pleased to announce Mary Bridge Pediatric Care at Good Samaritan, a partnership between Good Samaritan Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center. Through this partnership, children and their parents will be connected to the area’s most trusted children’s hospital with enhanced access to quality pediatric care in the greater Puyallup and East Pierce County community. Beginning in September, the newly expanded pediatric unit at Good Samaritan Hospital will benefit from having pediatric hospitalists on staff. The Mary Bridge Inpatient Pediatric Service will provide physician coverage for the Good Samaritan pediatric department, the special care nursery, and be available for consultation. The Mary Bridge team brings the philosophies and strengths of pediatric expertise and services to Good Samaritan. This partnership will make it possible for more children to receive inpatient pediatric care closer to home while keeping connected to their local pediatricians and providers every step of the way. “This is a very exciting time to be a part of MultiCare Health System, as we work to ensure the highest quality care for every member of our community!” says Ronn Goodnough, RN, Manager of Inpatient Pediatrics at Good Samaritan Hospital. “The new unit will have a family-centered atmosphere, featuring a family area, playroom and computer access.” Mary Bridge pediatricians staffing this program function as an extension of a child’s primary care provider, offering on-site personalized care to hospitalized children. They also serve children who do not have a pediatrician available for their hospital stay. This service is offered to all patients as well as referring community providers, regardless of their hospital privileges. Our collaborative program keeps the primary care provider updated throughout a child’s inpatient treatment. This is especially beneficial for providers in outlying communities or those not able to leave their busy office practice to make hospital rounds. Upon discharge from the hospital, a child is returned to the care of their pediatrician along with a discharge summary and follow-up phone call from the hospitalists. This pediatric hospitalist program mirrors the established program at Mary Bridge in Tacoma and the partnership formed with Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, in 2007. /marybridge/news/43 MultiCare Express connects you to a new kind of health care convenience. Now you can walk in to your local Rite Aid and be seen by a MultiCare Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) for all kinds of medical care, as well as sports physicals, certain immunizations and laboratory tests.Then fill a prescription and pick up other medications or medical supplies you need, all with a single trip. Most visits are $59 and covered by most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.Get more information at www.multicareexpress.org. /marybridge/news/42 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT:Todd Kelley (253) 403-1716 (TACOMA) –MultiCare Health System Chief Operating Officer George J. Brown, MD, has announced he will leave MultiCare to become the President & CEO of Legacy Health System in Portland, Ore. Dr. Brown will leave MultiCare by the end of July. Dr. Brown joined MultiCare in 1998 as Vice President of Acute Care Services & Facilities, overseeing all hospital operations of Tacoma General Hospital, Allenmore Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. In 2005, Dr. Brown was promoted Chief Operating Officer, overseeing clinical operations across MultiCare Health System. Before coming to MultiCare, he served as Commanding General of Madigan Army Medical Center, lead agent for Region 11 of the U.S. Army, and Commander of the Army Western Regional Medical Command at Fort Lewis. He retired from active military service in February 1999. During his tenure at MultiCare, Dr. Brown was actively involved in the effort to restore Level II adult trauma care to Tacoma in 2000. Dr. Brown also led projects that brought new operating rooms to Tacoma General and Mary Bridge in 2004 and helped establish Tacoma General as the first hospital in the South Sound to offer robotic-assisted surgery for prostate and gynecological procedures. And, in 2005, the newly expanded Mary Bridge Children’s Health Center opened. In 2007, MultiCare’s electronic health record system was expanded from the outpatient clinics to Tacoma General Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Allenmore Hospital, providing a single, electronic health record for MultiCare patients. “Over the last ten years, we have grown and successfully implemented many initiatives that improve health care services to our community,” said MultiCare President and CEO Diane Cecchettini, RN. “Dr. Brown has been a catalyst for many of these initiatives, and I commend him for his many contributions over the last 10 years. We wish him well in his new endeavor.” ### MultiCare is a leading-edge, integrated health organization made up of four hospitals, numerous primary care and urgent care clinics, multi-specialty centers, Hospice and Home Health services, and many other services. A not-for-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington since 1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response to community needs. Today we are the area\'s largest provider of health care services, serving patients at 93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston counties. /marybridge/news/41 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Todd Kelley, (253) 403-1716 (TACOMA) -- More than 500 cyclists will pedal 172 miles over three of Washington’s mountain passes, Snoqualmie, Blewett and Stevens, to benefit victims of child abuse and neglect. The 17th annual John L. Scott Foundation Courage Classic Bicycle Tour, a three-day cycling adventure, will begin Saturday, August 2, 2008, and benefits the treatment and recovery of child abuse victims; including those who have suffered sexual abuse, physical assault and domestic drug abuse exposure. Riders raise a minimum of $400 each in pledges and the proceeds go to the Rotary Endowment for the Intervention and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect at Mary Bridge Children\'s Hospital. Proceeds also benefit the Children’s Trust Foundation. The ride begins on Snoqualmie Ridge and riders cross Snoqualmie Pass to Suncadia Resort near Cle Elum. The following day, Sunday, August 3, riders cross Blewett Pass and enjoy the Bavarian atmosphere of Leavenworth. On the final day, Monday, August 4, riders will continue over Stevens Pass and finish in the town of Skykomish. There are many special activities along the way. On Saturday evening, riders will be treated to their own jazz festival at Suncadia Resort. On Sunday, riders spend the evening in scenic Leavenworth. \"Many riders comment on how well fed they are during the ride,\" said MultiCare Director of Special Events Michael Shields. \"The Rotary Clubs involved provide excellent food along the route, including a spaghetti feed, baked potato bar and banana splits. Many riders even comment they gained weight during the ride.\" The 2008 Courage Classic is sponsored by the John L. Scott Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Pierce County, Alaska Airlines, Milgard Windows and United Parcel Service. In addition to sponsoring the event, Alaska Airlines has also formed the largest team of more than 80 riders from across the Western United States. Collectively, the team has already raised more than $32,000 through fundraisers and rider pledges. For more information, call (253) 403-4374 or go to www.courageclassic.org. ### About MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is part of the MultiCare Health System. MultiCare is a leading-edge, integrated health organization made up of four hospitals, numerous primary care and urgent care clinics, multi-specialty centers, Hospice and Home Health services, and many other services. A not-for-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington since 1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response to community needs. Today, MultiCare is the area\'s largest provider of health care services, serving patients at 93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston counties Courage Classic by the Numbers First Ride: 1992 Money donated by riders since 1992: $4.9 million Number of riders: 500+ Child Abuse Intervention Department at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Sexual assault examinations: 393 Physical assault examinations: 81 Home visits 691 Support group contacts: 100 Forensic interviews: 287 Case reviews: 486 Funding from the Courage Classic paid for those examinations. /marybridge/news/40 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT:Todd Kelley 253-403-1716 MultiCare to Give High School Students Hands-On Nursing ExperienceFifth Annual Nurse Camp Enrolls More Than 100 Students (TACOMA) – MultiCare Health System will kick off the fifth annual Nurse Camp on Tuesday, July 29 with more than 100 students representing 47 high schools throughout Pierce, south King and Thurston counties. The physicians and staff at MultiCare will open their clinics and hospital units for students who are interested in learning about careers in nursing and health care. The 2008 Nurse Camp is co-sponsored by the Washington Health Foundation and Pfizer. Throughout the four-day program, students will shadow professional health care providers as they care for patients in the emergency department, intensive care, surgery, inpatient units and other patient care areas at Tacoma General Hospital, Allenmore Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center. Students will use the daVinci surgical robot and learn other surgical skills such as stapling, suturing and scrubbing. One of the most popular activities is performing a “skittlectomy” where students remove candy from a mannequin using minimally-invasive surgical tools. Students will also earn their CPR certification during Nurse Camp. “This unique hands-on experience encourages students to consider pursuing a career in health care,” said Liesl Santkuyl, MultiCare Community Outreach Liaison. “MultiCare employees are thrilled to pass on their passion for quality patient care and help students learn about exciting careers in health care.” New in 2008, students will hear about issues facing nursing today, such as the ongoing nursing shortage. On Friday, August 1, the students will present potential solutions to a panel of VIPs, including two legislators who happen to be nurses, Washington State Senator Rosa Franklin and Washington State Representative Dawn Morrell. The students will also have the opportunity to visit with college-level students and health care instructors at Tacoma Community College, Clover Park Technical College and a new partner, the University of Washington, Tacoma. For more information, or to enroll in the next Nurse Camp, please call 253-403-1401. ### MultiCare is a leading-edge, integrated health organization made up of four hospitals, numerous primary care and urgent care clinics, multi-specialty centers, Hospice and Home Health services, and many other services. A not-for-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington since 1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response to community needs. Today we are the area\'s largest provider of health care services, serving patients at 93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston counties. /marybridge/news/34 See the June issue of South Sound Magazine for profiles of several MultiCare physicians who were named in the article, “Eight doctors who make a difference.” The article featured several South Sound physicians who make a positive impact with their patients, the community and the world. MultiCare affiliated and employed physicians featured include: Dr. George Tanbara, Co-Founder, Pediatrics Northwest Dr. Brian Kott, Interventional Neuroradiologist, TRA Medical Imaging at Tacoma General Dr. Donald Mott, Medical Staff Consultant at Good Samaritan Dr. Champ Weeks, Urologic Surgeon with MultiCare Dr. Glenn Tripp, Medical Director of the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics and Neurodevelopment Center at Mary Bridge Several other physicians nominated for the distinction were also mentioned: Dr. Ronald K. Woods, Chief of Mary Bridge/Swedish Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Dr. Chris Stefanelli, Director of Pediatric Cardiology, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Katherine Cleveland, PA, Mary Bridge/Swedish Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Patti Fuchs, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Wendy Jacobs, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Lynne Nelson, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Mary Kessler, RN, Hematology/Oncology, Covington MultiCare Clinic Dr. Lauren Colman, Oncology, Gig Harbor MultiCare Medical Park Dr. Gregory Popich, Orthpedic Surgery/Sports Medicine, Pacific Sports Medicine Dr. Min-Chun Chen, MultiCare Regional Cancer Center Anne Flynn, OTR, MultiCare Adult Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Karen Perz, PT Program Coordinator, Vestibular & Balance Clinic, MultiCare Neuroscience Center Dr. Mario Alinea, MultiCare Occupational Medicine Paul Brimhall, Program Manager, MultiCare Transfusion-Free Medical and Surgical Program Dr. David Embrey, Program Research Coordinator, Children’s Therapy Unit, Good Samaritan Hospital Congratulations to our winners! Magazines are available at local newsstands or go to www.southsoundmag.com. /marybridge/news/18 Tuesday, April 22, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT:Todd Kelley (253) 403-1716(TACOMA)—MultiCare Health System is increasingly closer to the goal of raising $25 million to expand and build new Emergency Departments (EDs) for Tacoma General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. The goal of the campaign amount represents about one-third of the total cost of the new building. Generous lead gifts pledged from board members, employees and physicians have raised total commitments to The Emergency Services Campaign to more than $16 million so far. The expansion will be housed in a new building, named the Milgard Pavilion in recognition of combined $5 million gifts from the James Milgard Family Charitable Fund and the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation. The new emergency departments are expected to be completed in early 2010. The physicians have also responded with a donation of over $1 million and the employees of the MultiCare Health System have raised over $1.4 million. \"The support given by our Boards, employees and physicians has been remarkable,\" said Sara Long, Vice President of Philanthropy for MultiCare Health System. \"It is particularly inspirational, given that those closest to our mission know how very important emergency services are to our community and how critical it is that we expand our facilities.\" The Need for New Emergency Departments Originally built in the early 1980’s, the current Emergency Departments are severely overcrowded, too small and inadequately designed to meet today’s needs and the needs of patients in the future. Designed to accommodate 40,000 patient visits annually, last year the two EDs handled almost 70,000 patient visits, a 42 percent increase over its design capabilities. This situation will only get worse as the population continues to grow. The need for new, expanded, and better-designed facilities is magnified by the population growth of middle and senior age groups that require more health care than other residents. For example, by 2014 the population of MultiCare’s primary service area aged 45 to 64 is projected to grow 32 percent, while the population aged 65 and older is projected to grow 29 percent. This aging of the population will require MultiCare to dedicate an increasingly significant portion of its facilities and services to the treatment of chronic diseases and disorders that affect the elderly. The two hospitals need to upgrade and acquire advanced medical technology to ensure they can meet patient needs with the latest diagnostic and treatment capabilities. In addition, facility improvements are important for attracting and retaining expert physicians and other medical personnel. The Plan for the New Emergency Departments Designed with the input of MultiCare doctors and nurses, the new Emergency Departments and an Express Care Center (ECC) will be more than five times the size of the existing Emergency Departments, expanding from its current combined 13,000 square feet to 73,500 square feet. The Emergency Services Campaign MultiCare Health System is a locally-based and governed not-for-profit health care organization. It operates cost-effective, efficient, and high-quality hospitals, but financial pressures do exist. The projected cost of constructing and equipping the two new Emergency Departments and Express Care Center is $72 million. The project will be funded through a combination of cash reserves, operations, and debt, leaving a shortfall of $25 million to be raised from community support. \"We are very encouraged by the progress of the campaign so far,\" Folsom said. \"Our community has responded favorably and we are well on our way to building Emergency Departments that will serve our community’s growing needs now and well into the future.\" Campaign co-chairs John Folsom, Bill Philip and Jane Taylor join the Board of Directors of the MultiCare Health Foundation and Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation in launching The Emergency Services Campaign to approach area residents, businesses and foundations for philanthropic support. The Future of Emergency Care The new, much-larger Emergency Departments and Express Care Center will meet the needs of our community now and well into the future. They will provide medical personnel with the capacity to treat the increasing number of adult and pediatric emergency and urgent care patients more quickly and efficiently while providing a comforting and healing environment for patients and their families. \"The vitality of our community depends upon the health of its citizens, said MultiCare Health System Board Chair and Campaign Co-Chair John Folsom. \"One of the most important community services is the availability of quality emergency services, close to home.\" /marybridge/news/20 Monday, April 21, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT:Todd Kelley (253) 403-1716 (TACOMA) – MultiCare Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Diane Cecchettini, RN, has received the CEO IT Achievement Award for 2008 from Modern Healthcare Magazine and the Healthcare Information and Management System Society (HIMSS). Ms. Cecchettini was only one of three CEOs nationally to receive the recognition and the only CEO in Washington State The award recognizes healthcare CEOs who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to using information technology to advance their organizations’ goals. A five-judge panel consisting of two CEOs chosen by Modern Healthcare and three chief information officers chosen by HIMSS selected Ms. Cecchettini and two others out of 37 nominees. \"Diane’s vision of an ideal patient experience is to create a seamless, easy, valued, and sustainable continuum of health care that enhances the experience of both the patient and the provider,\" said Florence Chang, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. \"Technology is one of the core strategies that MultiCare uses to fulfill that vision, and the investment in those technologies not only changes the way we deliver care but makes health care better, safer, and more convenient for the patients in the communities we serve.\" Ten years ago, MultiCare Health System became the first health system in the south Puget Sound to implement an electronic health record (EHR) for patients at its ambulatory clinics in Pierce and south King Counties. In 2007, MultiCare implemented this leading edge technology at Tacoma General Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Allenmore Hospital, providing a single, electronic health record for all MultiCare patients, whether they are seen in a clinic or a hospital. MultiCare is now one of few health systems in the nation to have system-wide electronic health records. Called MultiCare Connect, the system allows immediate, secure access to a single, comprehensive health record each time a patient visits a MultiCare hospital or doctor. \"A health record reflects a lifetime of health care for a patient, including immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, surgeries, lab reports, x-rays and more,\" said MultiCare Chief Operating Officer George J. Brown, M.D. \"This wealth of immediately accessible, secure information helps our physicians assess patients’ needs in order to provide them with the best possible care.\" In addition to the EHR, MultiCare has recently made investments in radiology, imaging, and voice recognition software. With the new Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) a radiologist can read and access images from any computer at any time through a secure web portal. The voice recognition software improves turnaround time of transcribed reports and is another step toward our goal of a film-less radiology system. # # # MultiCare is a leading-edge, integrated health organization made up of four hospitals, numerous primary care and urgent care clinics, multi-specialty centers, Hospice and Home Health services, and many other services. A not-for-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington since 1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response to community needs. Today we are the area\'s largest provider of health care services, serving patients at 93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap, and Thurston counties.