David Broderick, Imgaing Manager and Betty Textor, Mammography Technologist with the 1-year old Digital Mammography Machine.
DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY CELEBRATES ITS FIRST YEAR: ENHANCED IMAGES ARE
It’s been one year since the Digital Mammography Equipment was implemented at St. John’s, and it’s getting rave reviews. "We are getting better images which can be manipulated to visualize abnormalities in the breast tissue," commented Betty Textor, Mammography Technologist at St. John’s. "Since the images are digital, they can be enhanced to make them more clear. I am so pleased with the new system that I have never had one regret." Bev Pezzelle is very thankful that St. John’s brought Digital Mammography to Libby. "Sir Francis Bacon once said, ‘Knowledge is power’. St John’s hospital, by realizing the need for and acquiring digital mammography has given the entire community the gift of knowledge and power to make informed medical decisions," she stated. "Due to this machine and a professional and caring medical staff, I was able to be proactive rather than reactive to a potentially serious finding. The early detection of possible cancer provided me with valuable time to research the findings, learn about treatment options, and become an active partner in my medical decisions. I am thankful for this equipment and the positive impact it has had on my life as well as that of my family. Without early detection that changes were taking place, the result could have been much more serious at a later date." According to Dr. Stephen Becker, Radiologist at St. John’s, the Mammography equipment is earning its keep. "I have no question that we are globally seeing more and detecting more in earlier stages. Anyone who has seen the old technology side-by-side with the new will never question the value of this new technology," he said. "For the 20+ years that I have been with St. John’s, I have always been impressed by the way the Administration and the Board of Trustees keep abreast of the changes in healthcare technology, and act on those changes on behalf of our patients and community." "The true testimony of the importance of this new technology comes from the response we've seen from the CMS Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services," added David Broderick, RT and Imaging Department Manager. "I've never seen such a huge leap in reimbursement offered by CMS for the same modality. This screams validation when national insurance is willing increase their reimbursement to cover the increased cost for the exams—–this equipment is just that good, and insurance and government providers recognize that."
Jeanie Gentry, Dr. Steve Becker, Karen Edwards, and Tom Thompson with their fire starter awards. Not pictured: Robert O'Rourke and Gary Spencer
FIRE STARTER AWARDS SPARKED AT ST. JOHN’S
Libby, MT – St. John’s Lutheran Hospital recently awarded six fire starter awards to people, or groups of people who have gone above and beyond for the organization in the past year. "The fire starter award, admittedly, did not begin at St. John’s, but is a continuation and expansion on a tradition suggested by The Studer Group. The Studer Group is an organization which focuses on pushing hospitals to be the very best that they can be, and they are the group leading St. John’s Lutheran Hospital down it’s very own Journey to Excellence," commented Bill Patten, CEO of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital. This year’s fire starter awards were broken out into two categories - lifetime achievement awards and individual project awards. "The lifetime achievement awards were given to individuals who have given decades of service to St. John’s and exemplify the special character of our employees and physicians. The individual awards were given to people or groups of people who, over the past year, have completed specific projects that so clearly rise above and beyond that selecting them for recognition was an easy choice," expanded Patten. Two lifetime achievement awards were presented this year. The first one went to Chef Tom Thompson in recognition of his dedication and creativity in providing excellence in every culinary experience at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital. Chef Thompson has been employed at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital for 23 years. The second lifetime achievement honor was awarded to Dr. Stephen Becker in recognition of his service as our radiologist, and his leadership on the Hospital Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board, and the Medical Staff. Dr. Becker has worked as the sole radiologist at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital for 21 years. The first of four individual project awards was given to Gary Spencer, SJLH Board of Trustee Member in recognition for his leadership and determination in acquiring the land for the new hospital. The second went to Jeanie Gentry in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and diligence as a Health Information Exchange of Montana (HIEM) Board Trustee representing St. John’s Lutheran Hospital. The third award was presented to Robert O’Rourke and the Cardiopulmonary Department in recognition of their accomplishment in obtaining Sleep Lab Accreditation. The fourth and final award was present to Karen Edwards and the Operating Room Module Team in recognition of their dedication in implementing the OR Meditech Module. "It gave me great joy to present these six individuals with Fire Starter Awards. They are a very hard working group of people who have truly proven themselves, as well as their dedication to our organization and it’s Journey to Excellence," concluded Patten.
ST. JOHN’S HIRES NEW LABORATORY MANAGER
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital recently welcomed Roger Riddle as the newest member of their management team. Riddle, an eight-year military veteran, has been hired to fill the Laboratory Manager position. Riddle holds a Medical Technologist Licensure and a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Montana State License. He earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State College, and has enjoyed a productive career in healthcare ever since. Riddle has worked in healthcare, specifically in the laboratory field for 26 years, and comes to St. John’s from Jackson General Hospital in Ravenswood, West Virginia where he was the Chief Technologist. "My goal for the Laboratory Department at St. John’s is to promote a total quality attitude, and the process of ownership of the Laboratory, as well as the hospital, by the entire Laboratory staff. I know that I have a great staff, and I will work with them to ensure that they continue to do everything in their power to make this laboratory and this hospital great," stated Riddle. Jeanie Gentry, Vice President of Allied Health at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital is ecstatic to have Riddle on board! "Roger has the perfect background for this position. He has almost 30 years of lab experience in a hospital a little larger than St. John’s. He is a hands-on person who isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and work hard!" Riddle comes to Libby with his wife Linda who is an Early Childhood Development Teacher. Together, they have three children – Craig (25), Eric (17), and Bethany (16), and one grandson – Roger.
HOSPITAL ADDS NEW HIGH-DEFINITION LAPAROSCOPY TOWERS TO SURGERY DEPARTMENT
The surgical team at St. John’s recently celebrated the arrival of new high-definition laparoscopy towers and equipment. "We continually strive to keep our services and equipment at the highest level possible," said Karen Edwards, RN, and Surgical Department Manager at St. John’s. "When we look to improve, we always focus on what needs to be done to make the patient’s experience better and/or safer." According to Edwards, the patient benefits from the new equipment because the surgical team will be more precise and efficient. "Now, with high definition, all the stress from visual strain is reduced for the surgeons and first assistants. Seeing the patient’s anatomy in greater detail is an enormous benefit to the entire surgical team. We can see the surgical procedure more clearly on the screen, and better anticipate what instruments will be needed, making the entire procedure more efficient. The less time the patient is under anesthesia and in the Operating Room, the better. Local surgeon, Dr. Lance Ercanbrack has been performing laparoscopic surgeries at St. John’s for many years. "Laparoscopic surgery minimizes the trauma to the body caused by traditional open surgery," commented Dr. Ercanbrack. "Smaller incisions have resulted in fewer postoperative problems. Laparoscopy has proven to result in less pain, dramatically reducing the need for strong pain medications and the drowsiness, fatigue and unsteadiness that accompany these medications." In a personal note of appreciation to the hospital Trustees for the purchase of the equipment, Dr. Ercanbrack noted, "The new towers and high definition screens allow me to visualize anatomy much better during my laparoscopic procedures, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, and colonoscopies. In fact, I am already finding more abnormalities on colonoscopies with the new high-definition equipment." The new equipment will improve all areas of the surgical specialties at St. John’s including Orthopedics, Urology, Gynecology, and General Surgery.
The G.R.E.A.T. Committee with Cahty Wolfe, SJLH Vice President of Nursing Services
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GIVE "HOPE" TO CHEMOTHERAPY PATIENTS AT ST. JOHN’S
Hope comes in many forms, but for Chemotherapy patients at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, hope comes wrapped up in a little blue bag these days. Thanks to the compassion of a group of local high school students known as the G.R.E.A.T. Committee, chemotherapy patients at St. John’s now receive "Great Hope Bags" when they come in for treatment. Following in the footsteps of Tracy Anderson of Marysville, WA, a breast cancer survivor and creator of "Heart Love Bags & Baskets", area high school students provide chemotherapy patients with blue bags that contain several comfort items for these patients. Each bag made by the G.R.E.A.T. Committee includes a hand stitched hat for head warmth, lip balm, antibacterial lotions, thank you cards, pens, chocolate, book marks, spiritual literature, prayer cards, informational literature about cancer and treatments, hard candies, and magnet from the American Cancer Society. The G.R.E.A.T. Committee is a small group of students that strives to build strong community relationships through their volunteer actions, as well as creating a fun and safe environment in the high school for students to interact. Their name comes from the Libby High school slogan which ties all of it’s goals into one of the five letters of the word GREAT, including specific goals under each of the following headings – graduation, responsibility, enthusiasm, attitude, and try. "We do many different things throughout the year including dances and movie nights, as well as basketball, chess, dodge ball, and badminton tournaments. The G.R.E.A.T. Committee also organizes several fundraisers and benefits to raise money for cancer and other groups fighting cancer such as Wings," stated Levi Neubauer, member of the committee. The good will of this young committee doesn’t end there! Neubauer continued, "In the next year, we plan to release a batch of bags every three months, and these new bags will contain everything that is in the current bags, as well as ginger herbal teas, bandanas, puzzle books, and more! Some of the items in these bags have been donated to the committee for this specific use, but several of the items were purchased from the G.R.E.A.T. Committee’s general fund." According to Linda Matthews, RN, OCN at St. John’s, the bags have lifted the spirits of many patients already. "I received 19 ‘Great Hope Bags’ from the G.R.E.A.T. Committee. I have already passed out 12 of those bags, and it has definitely put a big smile on the faces of my cancer patients. They can’t get over the fact that young people are taking such a positive and active role in helping cancer patients."
Helen Peterson was the lucky winner of an "Aging in Place" home evaluation after St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Occupational Therapist, Cindy Sullivan spoke about "Aging in Place" at the Montana Athletic Club. Aging in Place is a national movement to provide education and resources to help seniors remain in their homes for as long as they possibly can.
The graduating class of 2026 and their proud families.
ST. JOHN’S CELEBRATES THE BABIES BORN IN 2008
It’s just not a party without a bunch of smiling babies! On June 18, 2009, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital hosted their annual "Moms & Babes" birthday party to celebrate the birth of all the babies born at St. John’s in 2008. Over 45 moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, and friends celebrated with the birthday boys and girls. According to KC Hoyer, Marketing Manager at St. John’s, the birthday party is part of an on-going effort by St. John’s Hospital to give back to the community, and to stay in contact with those who choose St. John’s for their healthcare services. "Because of our size, we have the unique opportunity to become involved with our patients beyond the hospital doors," commented Hoyer. "We realize that it is a choice for new parents to come to St. John’s for their health care services, and we want them to know that we appreciate the confidence they have in the care we provide." The party, complete with cake, ice cream, and presents, also served as a setting for new parents to get to know one another. "Our care doesn’t stop after our new parents leave the hospital," added Hoyer. "We understand the pressures that new parents face, and wanted to create a setting where the new parents and babies would have a chance to meet each other and mingle; a common ground to re-celebrate the birth of their children and bond with each other."
Caught Ya Caring Winners - SJLH Acute Care and Obstetrics Departments
ST. JOHN’S ACUTE CARE/OBSTETRICS NURSING DEPARTMENT WINS THE "CAUGHT YA CARING" AWARD
At an all staff meeting on June 10, 2009, the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Acute Care/Obstetrics Nursing Department received their first Caught Ya Caring quarterly patient recognition award. "The Caught Ya Caring program was created to give patients and their visitors an avenue to recognize individual hospital staff members and physicians for care that they feel is above and beyond the call of duty," stated KC Hoyer, Marketing Manager at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital. "Since the program started in July of 2008, we have had over 300 certificates turned in recognizing outstanding care. We realize that our patients have a chance to recognize our employees through the patient satisfaction surveys that are sent out after the patient has left the hospital; however, we wanted to give our patients, as well as their families and friends, a chance to give on-the-spot recognition to our employees who have gone above and beyond. And, we want them to be able to do this while the experience is still fresh in their minds. These are the type of awards that our employees relish the most." Each quarter, the SJLH Marketing Department gives out an individual award to the employee who received the most Caught Ya Caring Certificates for the quarter, as well as a department award to the team who collectively received the most certificates. For January, February, and March of 2009, the individual winner was Candy Cummings from the Surgery Department. "I was very surprised when my name was called. St. John’s Lutheran Hospital is all about welcoming and making the patients and visitors feel comfortable. I am just glad I can do my part to make St. John’s a great place," stated Cummings. This quarter, three departments were acknowledged for a job well done. In 3rd place was the Emergency Room/Prompt Care Department, in 2nd place was the Rehabilitation Department, and the big 1st place winner was the Acute Care/Obstetrics Nursing Department. "I am so proud of my staff for the great job that they are doing. Patient approval and recognition are the greatest rewards that we can receive as nurses, and we are thrilled that we our making our patient’s stay at St. John’s a pleasant experience," stated Riki Cochran, RN, Acute Care Manager at St. John’s. Cummings was awarded $25 in Libby Bucks for her individual awards, and the Acute Care/Obstetrics Nursing Department was awarded $50 in Libby Bucks for their team’s accomplishment. – 06-09
ST. JOHN’S CEO EARNS TOP HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT CREDENTIAL
Libby, MT – William D. Patten Jr., MA, BS, MT (ASCP) FACHE, and Chief Executive Officer at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. ACHE is an international professional society of more than 30,000 healthcare executives who lead our nation’s hospitals, healthcare systems, and other healthcare organizations. "Because healthcare management ultimately affects the people in our communities, it is critically important to have a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization," says Thomas C. Dolan, PhD, FACHE, CAE, president and chief executive officer of ACHE. "By becoming an ACHE Fellow and simultaneously earning board certifications from ACHE, healthcare leaders can show that they are committed to providing high-quality service to their patients and community." Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 7,500 healthcare executives hold this distinction. To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits, and demonstrating professional/community involvement. Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years. – May 2009
Employees at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital enjoyed an entire day giving hospital tours to 2nd grade students from Asa Wood, Troy Elementary, Kootenai Valley Christian School, and the Seventh Day Adventist School. Special displays were set up so that the students could learn more about what goes on inside the hospital in hopes to help alleviate the fear of hospital visits. Some of the departments that the students visited included Imaging, Short Stay Surgery, and the Emergency Room. Pictured – Frank Lucas, Imaging Technologist with St. John’s Lutheran Hospital explaining various x-ray images to the second graders. If you are interested in scheduling a hospital tour please call KC Hoyer 293-0106.
ST. JOHN’S RECOGNIZES DEDICATED EMPLOYEES
As part of hospital week, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital recognized employees who have demonstrated their dedication to the organization through longevity. All St. John’s employees who were recognized received a certificate of appreciation, as well as a St. John’s Lutheran Hospital lapel pin with a gem to represent their anniversary year.
St. John’s employees recognized for 5 years of service to the organization, and receiving a gold plated pin include Lori Benson, Charles Braun, Machelle Brossman, Adale Chew, Penny Coles, Dr. Jana Hall, Brandon Huff, Eryn Jenkins, Andrea Jordan, Keven Keefer, Terri McCann, Marvin Mickelson, Dale Mohr, Anne Nicks, Becky Sarbaum, Daryl Smail, Laurie Thom, Cindy Williams, and Andy Williamson.
Employees recognized for ten years of service to St. John’s and receiving a ruby stone in their pin were Amy Cady, Annie Ford, Eric Kapan, Nicole Kapan, Julie MacDonald, Dr. Joseph Nicoletto, Dr. David Neumann, Dr. Mark Heppe, and Joleen Steiger.
Employees receiving an emerald stone in their pin for their 15 years of service were Pamela Kroschel, Patti Winslow, and Cindy Eggleston.
And finally, employees who celebrated their 20-year anniversary at St. John’s and received a diamond in their pin this year included Nathan Elliot and Karen Stickney.
Hospital Jean’s Day Takes Off for WINGs
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital finished off the annual 2009 WINGs Week by holding a Jeans Day fundraiser for the cancer assistance organization. The employees of St. John’s Lutheran Hospital were given the benefit of wearing Jean’s for a donation of their choice. This year, the employees donated over $500 to this worthy cause. WINGs is a grass roots organization that provides cash support for people in Northwest Montana who are being treated for cancer. The cash grants cover transportation, meals, and lodging expenses, things that can add a lot to the cost of having cancer and are not included under insurance coverage for treatment. Since 1997, WINGs has raised and distributed over one million dollars to people in need. "This year our employees reached an all-time high for donations to WINGs for our annual jeans day. We are very proud of our employees for stepping up to the plate, and giving from their own pockets to help out area people in need," stated KC Hoyer, Marketing Manager at St. John’s. "The communities of Libby and Troy are known for their support of this program, not only monetarily, but in program volunteer time as well. It takes a combined effort, and our communities really shine when it comes to helping others."
Senator Tester visits St. John's Lutheran Hospital's Operating Rooms.
On Saturday the 18th, Senator Jon Tester stopped by for a quick visit to St. John’s Lutheran Hospital; it was the first time he had toured the facility. "I found it an interesting paradox giving a tour of the facility in which I have such pride while actively talking about the problems we face with space and infrastructure," noted Bill Patten, CEO at St. John’s. After he completed the tour, Senator Tester met with the Trustees of St. John’s, as well as local physicians and hospital staff. In his discussion, Senator Tester made two important points concerning the new hospital project. (1) He said he does not question the Board’s decision to build a new facility versus renovating or adding a wing, and (2) he said that he would fight to find ways to get us the funds we need. "Keep in mind that we didn’t receive any promise or guarantee – but a positive step forward is the only way to look at this visit," added Patten. Patten spent the week of April 27th in Washington DC lobbying for the new hospital project. He met with representatives from Senator Baucus’ and Tester’s offices and from Representative Rehberg’s office, as well as Representative Rehberg himself. Patten said that all three meetings were successful, and that he left Washington knowing that the efforts for the new hospital in Libby will be given serious consideration. The two senators won’t have their appropriation requests finalized for several more weeks; however, Representative Rehberg has submitted a request for $20,000,000 for the new hospital, although he noted that actually receiving such a large appropriation would be unlikely. According to Patten, the funding for the new hospital is moving forward. "Even while we are doing all of this lobbying, we continue to look at our options to borrow all or part of the money, aside from the hospital Foundation’s fundraising goal of $1,500,000. Along the way, we are also looking at HUD 242, USDA, Montana Facility Finance Authority, and others," said Patten. "We are taking a conservative approach to funding this project. Our trustees have a strong sense of fiscal responsibility to our hospital and to our community. We are taking our time because our priority is to select the most appropriate funding sources--those that will keep our hospital financially solvent. We have to be diligent about the course we take because we aren’t just building for today, we are building for the future of healthcare in our area."
SJLH Obstetrics Nurse Riki Cochran with Mom and Baby Boy #15!
A BUNDLE OF BABY BOYS BORN AT ST. JOHN’S!
Libby/Montana – The St. John’s Lutheran Hospital Obstetrics Department has been busy for the past month and a half…busy with boys, that is! From February 17 through April 4, 2009, St. John’s has delivered 15 baby boys in a row! But the fact that they’re boys is about all that these bundles of joy have in common! There are no two same names in the group, and none of them actually share a birthday. Collectively, these little tykes weigh 92 pounds, 13 ounces, and are 248 ¼ inches long! As it turns out, all five of the obstetric physicians, Drs. Camber, Rice, Cuskelly, Colson, and Hall, were involved in the birth of at least one of the boys. "The chance of either sex being born 15 consecutive times in a row is 2 to the 15th power. That means there is a 1 in 32,768 chance of such an occurrence! It is almost unbelievable that this has happened," stated Dr. Gregory Rice, M.D. Riki Cochran, RN, St. John’s Acute Care Manger added, "In the year 2025, we’re going to have ourselves one heck of a Libby Logger Football team! There really is no explanation for the number of baby boys that have been born here in the past month, and a half. It must be something in the water!"
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