LMH Connect Newsletter Winter 2015 by LMH Health

connect Lawrence Memorial Hospital

First-class culinary culture at LMH

In this issue Fit Assist motivates former stroke patient Midwives work collaboratively with Lawrence OB/Gyn Specialists Your award-winning community hospital Winter 2015

Room service First-class culinary culture takes hold at LMH

Andy Theroff, executive chef at LMH, with fresh produce used to create meals. PHOTO BY JASON DAILEY

When it comes to first-class culinary service or fresh, locally grown ingredients, hospital cuisine doesn’t typically come to mind. But at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, the dining services staff is strengthening that association. As the next step in a gradual change-up of the dining experience at LMH, a customizable room service system, called Kitchen Connect, replaced traditional patient food service in mid-November. “A guest service representative visits patients in their rooms and takes their orders via iPad,” says Carla Wiederholt, a registered dietician and patient experience manager for Unidine at LMH. “So we’ve moved to hotel or restaurant-style cooking instead of before, when it was like a tray line with pre-determined meal times.” The iPad automatically calculates nutritional information to ensure that the meal of choice meets the patient’s needs, and upon approval, their selection is instantaneously routed to the kitchen, where chefs prepare meals from scratch. “So they get their food fresh, made-to-order and when they want to eat it,” Wiederholt says. “That’s a huge satisfier.” This recent upgrade is the latest within the culinary culture at LMH. The catalyst for these improvements came in fall 2013, when the hospital began its partnership with Unidine. As a food service provider that emphasizes nutritional, holistic approaches to healthcare food, Unidine began working with LMH to improve many facets of the dining experience. “We abandoned what our industry basically calls ‘can to pan,’ where they open a can, put it in and heat it up,” says Wiederholt. “Now it’s all made from scratch in the kitchen.” In a hospital environment that prides itself on cultivating patient health, nutritional aspects take first priority. With dieticians and culinary experts collaborating on meal plans, LMH and Unidine create food that is healthy and tastes good. They emphasize good fats and whole grains, so the food has a higher nutrient density. “In other words, more bang for your buck,” Wiederholt says. With Unidine’s help, dining services also has progressed in its delivery of meals with locally grown ingredients. In addition to bread from M & M Bakery in Lawrence and produce from Kansas farms, LMH developed its own rooftop garden that during the growing season supplies herbs and vegetables for the kitchen. This commitment to local, fresh products is one way LMH keeps its food healthy, but portion control also is essential. Unidine has addressed both portion control and nutrient density in its “Oh So Good” program, which provides food that is made at the hospital and designated by a green “Oh So Good” sticker, which signifies that it meets certain nutritional guidelines. Beyond addressing health, wellness and taste at LMH, Unidine is also focused on the community. The company flew six executive chefs to Lawrence for the 2014 Hearts of Gold Ball, where they provided dinner for the LMH Endowment Association’s black-tie event. —by Margo Bogossian and Molly Norburg

Dine and learn: Senior Suppers

On the third Tuesday of each month, senior adults from the community are invited to dine and socialize with their peers at Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s Senior Suppers. For just $5.50 you can enjoy a healthy three-course meal, beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a free, short educational program presented on a health or wellness topic directed toward senior health issues at 6 p.m. Presentations are provided by LMH-affiliated physicians and other community health care professionals. Brought to the community by LMH Dining Services/Unidine and LMH Community Education, Senior Suppers began in May and were an instant hit. Sometimes as many as 75 guests have attended. “We have heard overwhelmingly positive comments about the food and seminar itself,” said Aynsley Anderson, community education coordinator. “We love to see our guests making new friends while gaining information that will benefit them.” The monthly topic is announced each month in the Lawrence Journal-World or by visiting the LMH website. Space for the suppers is limited so reservations are requested by enrolling at lmh.org, by calling 785-749-5800 or by sending an email to connectcare@lmh.org.

2 For more information, visit www.lmh.org/wellness/events/

Center offers help for managing diabetes Diabetes affects nearly 30 million Americans each day, and that number is growing. To manage this chronic condition that requires long-term treatment, patients diagnosed with diabetes must commit to thorough education and control of the disease. “Diabetes is the seventh leading killer in the U.S.,” says Dr. Sherri Vaughn of Total Family Care, noting that 9.3 percent of our population is diabetic. “It’s a huge issue — not just locally, but nationally.” At LMH, providers work with patients, such as Lawrence resident Amy Tharp, 46, to manage their conditions. Since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 20 years ago, Tharp has battled the frustrations that can accompany the condition. “It’s never ending. It doesn’t matter what you do. You can do everything perfectly, be eating right, be checking your blood sugars, but if you are sick or you’re stressed out, your sugars will be sky high and you’re just trying to figure out: OK, I’m eating right, I’m doing all these things, why are my sugars so high? It’s frustrating,” she says. Avoiding ebbs and flows in willpower can be difficult, Tharp says. But she has found that she tends to do better when working closely with providers at the Diabetes Education Center. Three certified diabetes educators — an advance-practice nurse, a registered nurse and a dietician — work at the center to support the rising numbers of diabetics in the community. “Looking at the statistics, we know that the number of people with diabetes is going up,” says Pat Hohman, RN, of the Diabetes Education Center. Patients referred to the center by LMH endocrinologist Dr. Amanjot Lehil and other physicians typically need education or support following a diabetes diagnosis. Through small-group, in-depth classes, patients learn about disease management and complications, as well as the importance of diet, carbohydrate counting and glucose monitoring. Over the long term, patients work with their physicians and the center to monitor their disease. “If you have a good control of diabetes, you decrease your chances of complications,” Dr. Lehil says.

In 2014, Lawrence Memorial Hospital added a piece of technology to help inpatients who are diabetic. The EndoTool uses information about patients — such as age, weight and disease severity — to determine how much insulin a patient should receive. This computer-guided blood-glucose management system also predicts and adapts future doses. The LMH Endowment Association financed this $30,000 equipment purchase. Dr. Marc Scarbrough, an LMH hospitalist, says the EndoTool has helped staff members help patients. “We’ve demonstrated that it controls sugars quickly and effectively,” he says. “I think it’s been a really valuable addition to provide guidance for the nurses instead of us guessing. It’s been a good tool for patients who need an insulin drip.”

At your service: Endocrinologist joins LMH staff Lawrence Memorial Hospital can now tout the arrival of a full-time endocrinologist. Dr. Amanjot Lehil recently chose LMH for his first full-time position in the field of endocrinology. “Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the related glands, which includes conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems and adrenal problems, and also things like osteoporosis,” Dr. Lehil says. As a branch of internal medicine practitioners, endocrinologists work to correct or alleviate health problems brought on by hormonal imbalances. Patients may be referred to an endocrinologist for a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, thyroid issues, metabolic or cholesterol disorders, osteoporosis and secondary hypertension. By bringing his expertise to LMH, Dr. Lehil is contributing to LMH’s determination to provide high-quality health care at the local level. Dr. Lehil, who recently finished a two-year fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Kansas, was attracted to the specialty during his internal medicine residency. “Endocrinology really requires understanding of the functioning and regulation of hormones in the body,” he says. His contribution to the hospital should enhance holistic medical care, especially in the field of diabetes treatment. Nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population are people with diabetes. “The endocrinology part is really another piece that has been missing to make this a complete medical facility. I think it’ll be a resource our community has been lacking for a while now,” says LMH hospitalist Dr. Marc Scarbrough, head of the glucose control committee at LMH. The LMH Diabetes Education Center and the Lawrence endocrinology clinic collaborate to ensure that patients with diabetes receive an optimal, wellrounded approach to managing their conditions. “Education is an integral part of the treatment for diabetes,” Dr. Lehil says. “I enjoy developing long-term relationships with patients with chronic medical conditions like diabetes. I find it very rewarding.” LMH is equally excited to offer his endocrinology expertise to Lawrence. “We’re just really thrilled that Dr. Lehil is here, not just from a diabetes perspective, but also for treatment of thyroid disorders and osteoporosis,” says Dr. Sherri Vaughn, a physician with Total Family Care. “It’s a great asset to have that expertise here.” Lawrence Endocrinology Clinic is located at 1130 W. 4th Street, Suite 3200. The phone number is 785-505-5885. —by Margo Bogossian and Molly Norburg

Your dollars make a difference! Visit www.lmhendowment.org or call 785-505-6134

Pulmonary experts help patients breathe easier During Terri White’s initial visit to Dr. Amanda Gudgell at Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists, Dr. Gudgell admitted White to the hospital because of her severe respiratory symptoms. White had been coughing heavily for some time, and was short of breath, but other doctors hadn’t been able to pinpoint the problem. After being admitted to Lawrence Memorial Hospital in January 2011, White was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as COPD. She continues to see Dr. Gudgell periodically and attends pulmonary rehabilitation every Tuesday and Thursday. “When you get to be my age and you lack the breath, there is not a lot you can do,” says White, who is 58. This is why pulmonary rehab is so important. Patients are monitored as they exercise on a treadmill and stationary bike. These exercises help patients more efficiently use what oxygen their bodies do take in. White says that sometimes just walking is difficult, and even doing things around the house such as laundry can be a challenge. “The goal is to keep going,” says White. “Sometimes it’s hard, and then you see your grandkid’s face and you say, ‘oh it’s not that hard.’”

Terri White and Dr. Gudgell

Many years ago, Dr. Lida Osbern, medical director of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Sleep Center and pulmonologist at Reed Medical Group, had a patient who appeared to be dying. This particular patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had previously decided against heroic life support Dr. Osbern and had lost consciousness during a stay at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Dr. Osbern received a call at home from hospital nurses about what to do next.

“I wasn’t aware of any articles about this yet, but I said, go over to the sleep lab and get one of those CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and just put it on her and see whether it makes any difference,” Dr. Osbern says. She also thought this might be the time for the woman’s family to say their goodbyes. When Dr. Osbern arrived in the patient’s room, her family members already were in the room. As Dr. Osbern walked toward the bed, the patient took off her sleep-machine mask and said, “Hello Dr. Osbern. Your hair looks nice today.” Everyone was shocked. Dr. Osbern explains that her patient’s diminished lungs couldn’t push out sufficient amounts of carbon diox-

White tries to keep busy. She bowls on Tuesdays, and is going to start playing bingo. She travels each fall to California to see her two sons. Traveling can be difficult for patients with COPD, because they often need to take oxygen with them. White was impressed with Dr. Gudgell, because she took the time to fill out the paperwork in order for White to take her oxygen on the plane. “I have never met a doctor that cares so much about a person and gives her time and energy to help you. She’s awesome, and the nurses there are great,” White says.

Dr. Gudgell is one of three pulmonologists at Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists hired by LMH. “When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters,” says Dr. Charles Yockey, another of the three. Shortness of breath may be caused by heart problems, anemia or lung problems. Common diagnoses are COPD and asthma. During the first visit to Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists, the staff measures the patient’s pulmonary function. The results, which are computed as the patient is being tested, are sent across the hall for a pulmonologist to read. On the same day as the patient’s visit, the results are shared with the patient’s primary care physician. The pulmonologists also talk with the patient about his or her travel history, occupational history and family history — all of which can potentially help diagnose lung disease. “We get to know our Dr.Yockey patients really well,” Dr. Yockey says. —by Margo Bogossian

ide. Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the patient’s blood made her sleepy, which is referred to as “CO2 narcosis.” “Back then, it was usually a herald of impending death,” says Dr. Osbern. “The CPAP really helped her blow off the carbon dioxide and wake up. Now it’s common practice to use CPAP or BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) for such situations.” At the time, the overlap between sleep medicine and pulmonary medicine was not routine. “Machines originally meant for sleep apnea, CPAP or BiPAP, now are first-line therapy to help patients through a bad spell of COPD as well,” Dr. Osbern says.

NEW VP OF NURSING GETS BACK TO KANSAS ROOTS

Nikki Rivers joined the executive staff of Lawrence Memorial Hospital in August as vice president of nursing. A native of Plainville, Kansas, Rivers has nearly 25 years of experience in surgical nursing and nursing management roles in Oklahoma and Texas. She most recently was vice president for surgical services for the Seton Healthcare Network in Austin, Texas, a role which included oversight of surgical services for 10 hospitals. She joined Seton Healthcare in 1998 and held previous positions as director of surgical services, director of finance, senior director of nursing, and regional chief nursing officer. She also worked in surgical services for Tulsa Regional Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. Rivers started her career at Plainville Rural Hospital as a licensed vocational nurse. She completed licensed practical nurse training and then earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Barton County Community College. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Oklahoma in Norman and a master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma City University. At LMH, Rivers is responsible for guiding nursing care to achieve the highest patient outcomes for quality, safety and satisfaction. She is happy to be back in Kansas with her family: husband Jason and two children, Sammy, 9, and Tate, 7. Rivers enjoys cycling, swimming and running. She is a big sports fan, especially of KU basketball.

Rivers

PHOTOS BY JOHN YOUNG, LAWRENCE JOURNAL WORLD

DocTalk We welcome these physicians who recently joined Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s medical staff.

Phillip Harvey, DDS

Patient climbs Mount Everest, one step at a time, at LMH From taking his first steps after his brain aneurysm four years ago to climbing Mount Everest, Rick McNabb has done it all at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Yes, you read that right — he climbed Mount Everest at LMH, step by step, up a stairwell at LMH. Each one-way trip, from the lower level to the fourth floor, totaled 92 steps. The amount of time for each trip up the stairs and then back down on the elevator depended on McNabb’s energy level. “I always timed myself, just to see if I was improving or maintaining the time it took for earlier trips,” McNabb says. “I needed McNabb, also pictured above with Waugh to walk anywhere from 600 to 1,000 stairs (nearly every day). That kept me right on track.” He started the challenge on June 19 and planned to “climb Everest in 100 days.” That’s 49,724 steps. He actually finished his quest with one day to spare — on Sept. 24. On the 100th day, he tacked on a few more stairs, so he completed a total of 50,000 steps. “Setting this kind of goal is kind of outrageous,” McNabb said. Along the way up the stairs, McNabb attracted some financial sponsors who pledged to donate for each step he climbed. McNabb donated funds to 4SquareAthletics, an athletic/ leadership organization that has programs to serve local youth. McNabb participates in Fit for Life, which invites Lawrence community members to work out in the Therapy Services gym. Typically, people who participate in this program have completed physician-ordered therapy and want to continue exercises. The program is split into two groups. The first, Fit1, is a group of independent exercisers. The second, Fit Assist, pairs volunteers with exercisers to help set up equipment correctly and stay with the exerciser throughout their workout to ensure their safety. After his stroke, the left side of McNabb’s body had no sensation. McNabb completed his post-stroke, physician-ordered therapy at LMH, but he was determined to do more. He wasn’t able to do all of his workouts alone, so he turned to the Fit Assist program. During his Everest challenge, his Fit Assist volunteer — Jerry Waugh — climbed the stairs with McNabb a few days a week. In June, when McNabb took the first step toward his Everest goal, he spent anywhere between 12 and 15 minutes on one trip up four flights. Now, he can move up those stairs in less than three minutes. “It’s nuts!” he says. “And awesome.” And just to show that he’s committed to climbing, McNabb decided he’ll try to ascend the equivalent of the highest summit of each of the seven continents — about 243,624 stairs at LMH. He’s hopeful he can continue to inspire more people to walk past the elevator and take the stairs. —by Margo Bogossian

Fit Assist always needs more volunteers. Interested? Call 785-505-3141.

In June, Dr. Phillip Harvey joined his father, Dr. Joe Harvey, and the practice partners of Lawrence Oral Surgery. He is board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and was a major in the U.S. Air Force. He earned his medical degree in 2005 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, and completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He and his wife, Kim, have five children. Dr. Harvey enjoys hunting and fishing, and watching his children play sports. Lawrence Oral Surgery 308 Maine | Lawrence, KS 66044 785-843-5490 | www.oralsurgerykansas.com

Khylie McGee, MD Dr. McGee came to the LMH Emergency Department in June from the Department of Emergency Medicine at Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, Texas, where she was chief resident. Dr. McGee completed her internship at the Texas A&M University hospital. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a bachelor’s degree in 2010 and with a medical degree in 2011. She is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. McGee enjoys reading, baking, trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Lawrence Emergency Medicine Associates www.lemadoctors.com

Michael Mulhern, MD, PhD Dr. Mulhern, an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery, laser procedures, diabetes management, glaucoma, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye and routine eye care, joined Lawrence Eye Care Associates in August. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Kansas. He earned his PhD in 2008 and his medical degree in 2010, both from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he also completed his internship in internal medicine. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Sarah Kurien, have three children. Lawrence Eye Care Associates 1112 W. 6th St., Suite 214 | Lawrence, KS 66044 785-841-2280 | www.lawrenceeyecare.org

The Dennis family with LMH nurse Shannon Stanwix, RN PHOTOS BY LUCINDA NEWBY

switched to LMH when they learned that the hospital had certified nurse midwives. “So I looked at Lawrence Memorial and was excited when I found out they had midwives, because it is the best of both worlds,” says Elise Dennis. “You get to be in a hospital setting, so if something did go wrong, which rarely happens, you would have that fall back, but then you also get the midwife care where you don’t have to have any intervention. So it worked out perfectly for us, and we couldn’t have been happier.” The Dennises chose natural childbirth after doing their own research. Says Karen Honn, certified nurse midwife, “Our most important goal is to provide our patients with a type of delivery they prefer which takes place in a safe environment, whether it is completely natural or assisted by other techniques.” Says Emily Fox, another LMH certified nurse midwife, “We also allow time in our schedules for education, to make women experts in their healthcare.” Women are welcome to bring their partners and children to appointments. That way, the midwives get to know the women’s families. Between this and longer appointment times, the midwives form close relationships with their patients. Lawrence OB/Gyn Specialists. Those “It is so rewarding to really bond with physicians support midwifery and also are those patients and get to know them, and not available 24/7 if complications arise. just be there for that very short little amazing “A lot of women in this area go to other part of their life experience,” Pray says. communities outside of Lawrence to have This type of bond with patients is one midwifery services. By allowing midwifery in of the reasons all three LMH certified nurse our hospital, women can come here to deliver midwives, previously labor nurses, chose to their babies knowing that they can get the become midwives. same thing right here in their community,” Certified nurse midwives also handle says Pam Pray, a certified nurse midwife, general women’s health care which includes one of the three midwives on staff. annual OB/Gyn visits, birth control and When Sloane was welcomed into this routine gynecologic concerns. world by her parents, Connor and Elise Dennis is pleased with her decision to Dennis, and their families, it was Pray who switch to LMH. delivered her. “We would use Lawrence Memorial and The couple did not start their care at one of the midwives again in a heartbeat,” LMH. They had decided early on to do she says. “We were really happy with our natural childbirth, and originally chose an experience. We would do it all over again the OB/Gyn in Kansas City for their care. They exact same way.”

In July, Sloane Dennis was delivered at Lawrence Memorial Hospital by a midwife. Yes, a midwife. At our community hospital. The first certified nurse midwife started at LMH in October 2012, but it was not until last spring that LMH had three midwives on staff. Three is a magic number: It means the hospital can offer midwifery care to women 24/7, guaranteeing a midwife at delivery for women who want one. In addition, the midwives work collaboratively with physicians at Sloane Dennis

Is there a baby in your future? Visit www.lmh.org/care-treatment/womens-health/family-birthing-center/

5 Questions

with Dr. Thomas Marcellino

Years with Mount Oread Family Practice: 6 Specialties: concussion care, family practice, colonoscopies Education: medical degree in 2005 from University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita; board-certified in family medicine Age: 35 Family: daughter, Larson, 7; son, Thomas, 6; wife, Whitney 1. Why did you become a physician? Mainly because of my grandpa. He was a physician for 40 years in McPherson, and I just saw the impact he had on the people and the town. I loved biology and nature, and after a biology degree at KU, it was a natural progression to keep studying and try to have that same impact he was able to have. 2. What’s the best part of your job? It’s so rewarding when you actually make a difference — getting someone to quit smoking, or finding a major disease and catching it before it becomes bad. But also the prevention and education aspects, educating people to lead healthier lives. 3. What’s important for your patients to know about you? I’m flexible, meaning that I’m there to work with them. I’m not a dictator. If they don’t want to take medications, we’ll find another way. 4. If you weren’t a physician, what would your work be? I would probably be studying jaguars in the Amazon. I just love doing stuff outside. Like the rainforest, nature. I want to be outside, working with my

hands, working with nature. Or I’d be a professor at a med school or a professor of biology. I’d have to go back and get my PhD, which would obviously take quite awhile. 5. Tell us about your love of snakes. I grew up with snakes in the house. My dad was a herpetologist; he was an expert in snakes and was president of the International Venomous Snakes Society. He had giant pythons and alligators at our house, and the passion just budded from there — being outside, catching snakes, bringing them into the house as a young boy. My mom would find them loose around the house, and she was pretty good about it. She’d say, “Tommy, your snakes are down here on the washing machine.” So now it’s just fun to get out and look for them, photograph them and teach my kids about them. I also enjoy teaching people about the venomous snakes of Kansas and how to avoid being bit. I do snake shows at my kids’ schools. I’ll bring in snakes, and I’ll talk about safety around them and what to look for in the wild. When I was training at Mayo Clinic, I did a giant snake presentation at the Mayo Clinic facility and brought in the different types of rattlesnakes from Arizona. I did a presentation on desert safety and a lot of the people there were interested and asked questions. I own a few pet snakes, nothing venomous. When we had a baby, my wife made me get rid of the venomous ones. —by Molly Norburg

Baldwin City clinic expands Major changes are underway at Family Medicine of Baldwin City, one of six primary care facilities affiliated with Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Years of planning and months of construction resulted in a larger, renovated clinic. Bonnie Cramer, MD, Kevin Hughes, MD, and their staff offer a wide range of on-site services, including primary care, laboratory services and basic X-rays. The desire to develop and supplement this level of care served as a driving force for the clinic’s renovation. Barb Karr, director of family practice at LMH, says the motivation for the upgrade is two-pronged. “With daily use, the carpet, paint, etcetera, can become quite tiresome,” Karr says “But it’s also motivated by the fact that these are two very busy individuals, and this is a great opportunity for us to show the community that we want to be there for them, that we have space for them and that we need to have room for them.” The clinic, which originally featured six exam rooms, a laboratory and an X-ray area, received a significant upgrade during renovations. The expansion, made possible by the acquisition of a neighboring office space several years ago, offers an improved reception area, three exam rooms, a

dedicated procedure room, two new offices and another nurses station, as well as an expanded break room for staff. Karr says the upgrade should enhance the efficiency of the staff and improve the experience for the patient. The overhaul was completed in phases to ensure that the practice could continue to meet the needs of patients. Once the clinic has adjusted to the improved workflow, Karr says they will explore new possibilities, such as the addition of mid-level providers and monthly visits from LMH specialists. “One thing we tried to keep in mind when we did this renovation is, what does Baldwin mean to this practice, and what do we mean to Baldwin?” Karr says. This translates into a comfortable space that reflects the personality and tradition of Baldwin City. Fall colors and the maple leaf, an important symbol for the community, are incorporated into the design. “This is just another reflection of the clinic being a central piece of the community and then also LMH’s investment in the community,” Karr says. Family Medicine of Baldwin City is at 406 Ames Street in Baldwin City.

Looking for a physician? Check out www.lmh.org/providers/

PUTTING THE SPECIAL INTO SPECIAL EVENTS

Hundreds turned out for this fall’s Penny Jones Golf Tournament and Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance, both sponsored by Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association.

325 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044

LMH: Creating the best community hospital in the country The Joint Commission awards LMH ‘Top Performer’ for third year in a row The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States, announced in November that LMH has been recognized as a 2013 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®. The hospital was recognized for its achievement for treating heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. LMH is one of only 314 hospitals to achieve the Top Performer distinction for the past three consecutive years. LMH President and Chief Executive Officer Gene Meyer says, “We understand that what matters most to our patients is the quality and safety of the care they receive. I am proud LMH has been named a Top Performer because it recognizes the knowledge, teamwork and dedication of our entire hospital and medical staff.” “Delivering the right treatment in the right way at the right time is a cornerstone of high quality health care,” says Mark R. Chassin, MD, president and chief executive officer of The Joint Commission. “I commend the efforts of Lawrence Memorial Hospital for their excellent performance on the use of evidence-based interventions.” LiveWell Lawrence applauds LMH commitment to culture of health In November, LiveWell Lawrence recognized LMH with its Culture of Health Action Award. The honor was one of five awarded to community organizations for demonstrating their commitment to LiveWell’s goals to eat healthy foods, be physically active and live tobacco free.

LMH was recognized as a founding and active member of WorkWell Lawrence and for providing support to breastfeeding moms, adopting a tobacco-free campus policy that includes e-cigarettes, promoting drinking water as a healthy beverage, maintaining a workplace CSA, offering wellness education classes, and providing healthier food options for employees and patients. The award also noted LMH is rolling out interactive software that puts its employees in charge of their health and health outcomes. LMH among ‘Most Wired’ for fourth consecutive year Hospitals & Health Networks magazine has once again named LMH among its “Most Wired” hospitals. 2014 marks the fourth year in a row that LMH has received this national recognition for embracing change and pursuing tomorrow through technological integration throughout the hospital and its affiliated practices. State breastfeeding coalition recognizes LMH with award Also in November, the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and its Business Case for Breastfeeding program awarded LMH its Silver Level Breastfeeding Employees Support Award. The award recognizes businesses that provide support services to their nursing employees, to include education as well as the time and space for employees to nurse and/or pump breast milk at their workplace. LMH received the award for

providing a pumping room, allowing employees flexible time to pump and for instituting a policy of breastfeeding support. ‘100 Great Community Hospitals’ list again includes Lawrence Memorial For the second year in a row, LMH was named among “100 Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review. Again in 2014, LMH was the only Kansas hospital on Becker’s nationwide list, which is based on community hospitals’ accolades, quality and service to their communities. LMH was compared to other hospitals in the nation with fewer than 550 beds and minimal teaching programs. The Becker’s Hospital Review team selects hospitals based on rankings and recognition from a variety of industry sources. In announcing the 2014 list the team stated, “The hospitals [on the list] have continually worked to provide the quality of care and the experience patients deserve and expect.” Your donation is important Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association supports the hospital by providing funds for special programs and equipment. Your donations to LMH Endowment Association make it possible for LMH to attract the best, the brightest and the most compassionate people to deliver top-notch health care. Your gift of any size is key to the hospital’s ability to care for you, your loved ones and your neighbors. An envelope is enclosed for your convenience.

connect

is published by Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The information in this newsletter is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. To have your name added to or removed from this mailing list, please call 785-505-3315. Gene Meyer | President and CEO, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Editorial Board | Sheryle D’Amico, Janice Early, Caroline Trowbridge, Sherri Vaughn, MD, Kathy Clausing Willis

Lawrence Memorial Hospital • 325 Maine Street • Lawrence, KS 66044 • 785-505-5000 • www.lmh.org