Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 CareNotes High Five Guiding RICN 45th Anniversary and Principles Community Baby Shower Delivering high Conemaugh quality patient care Memorial Medical Center celebrates the Supporting physicians 45th anniversary of its Regional Intensive Creating excellent Care Nursery (RICN) workplaces for our on July 19, 2019. employees The unit offers care for premature and ill Taking a leadership role newborns through in our communities medical, surgical, and pulmonary care. Photos on page 13 Ensuring fiscal The Level 3 RICN at Conemaugh Memorial opened its doors responsibility on July 19, 1974, becoming the only local intensive care unit for newborns between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. The original In this Edition location of the RICN was the fifth floor near central supply in the M-building and was supported with financial funding from HHS EVS Team, page 2 the former Conemaugh Auxiliary. In 2001, the RICN gained a new, large space in the Clinical Pavilion on the fifth floor. The CNO Announcement, page 3 space includes two large areas with 16 licensed beds, two guest lodging rooms for parents, a lounge including breast Extra Mile Award, page 4 pumps, storage, and monitoring equipment. Conemaugh’s RICN takes care of babies born at least 23 weeks of gestation. Congressman Visit, page 5 To be discharged from the unit, babies must be 35 weeks gestation, be able to eat on their own, gaining weight, and Dept Achievements, page 7-9 must be able to sustain their own body temperature outside of the isolette. Conemaugh Memorial’s Level 3 unit has an MRI Safety Week, page 11 experienced team with members who specialize in the care of this special patient population. The care team includes 2019 Graduates, page 14-16 neonatologists, registered nurses, unit clerks, neonatal nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case worker, speech Community Outreach, page 17 therapist, and occupational therapist. Advances in technology have played a significant role in the care of ill and premature Regional Comparison, page 18 newborns. With technology and advances in prenatal care, newborns are able to go home more quickly and with better outcomes and development during their childhood years. Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Events and Announcements
Crossroads Cafe Conemaugh Nason Digital Menu Summer Hours The menu is now available on the intranet, Snack Bar: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 2 pm located under Bulletin Board - Gift Shop: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm Crossroads Cafe (Memorial). Protecting Patient Privacy • Remember to sign out of computers when accessing patient information. • Do not share passwords for applications that access patient information. • Be sure that any written documentation has only the patient’s information contained including discharge instructions and prescriptions • Do not share patient information through casual conversations. Patients have not given permission for this, you do not know who your colleagues will pass the information to next, and you never know who might overhear. HHS EVS Management Conemaugh Memorial welcomes new members of our Environmental Services team from HHS. These gentlemen will be overseeing all Environmental Services operations and can be contacted for any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
Lucas Migneault Luke Askew Brian Dukery Kyle Rountree Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Operations Manager [email protected] 7 am - 6 pm 7 am - 6 pm 1:30 - 11:30 pm (814) 534-9725 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (814) 534-5734 (814) 534-5753 (814) 534-5752 Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Appoints Chief Nursing Officer Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center announced the appointment of Jelden Arcilla, MBA, BSN to the role Chief Nursing Officer for the 537-bed hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Unit, Level 3 Regional Intensive Care Nursery and staff of approximately 1,120 nurses and allied health professionals. As an administrative leader the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) plays a vital role within any hospital, and at Conemaugh Memorial the CNO is responsible for maintaining and advancing clinical and patient standards of care, introducing new nursing strategies, organizing and directing the operation of nursing services, staff development and retention, and nursing budget development and management. Arcilla, originally from Pennsylvania, is well-prepared for the role and joins the Conemaugh family from Phoenix, Arizona where he served most recently as the VP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at HonorHealth in Phoenix, a Level 1 Trauma Center and teaching hospital. Jelden has experience in a variety of hospital settings from rural / critical access hospitals to large tertiary hospitals and health systems. Over his career, Jelden has led various expansions, operationalized new service lines, and integrated facilities while delivering exceptional patient care. He received his Master of Business Administration from Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City, Utah and his Bachelor of Science - Nursing at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. “We’re thrilled to welcome Jelden to the team at Conemaugh Memorial,” says William Caldwell, CEO Conemaugh Memorial. “We had several excellent candidates for this key position within our health system, and Jelden Arcilla stood out in terms of the breadth and depth of experience he’s going to bring to our patient care and our mission to Make Communities Healthier.” Arcilla served as a combat infantry medic in the United States Army and he is passionate about improving wellness and financial literacy throughout the community. Arcilla says about joining Conemaugh Memorial, “It’s great to be back home but more so an honor and privilege to be a part of the Conemaugh legacy, joining the team that will lead the organization and ensuring sustained success and service for generations to come.’” Continuing Education Opportunities
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Supporting Physicians
The Extra Mile Award recognizes physicians who routinely give of themselves to enhance the lives of individuals within Conemaugh Health System, patients, families, and the community.
The award is given to a current physician each month by the Physician Recognition Team.
June 2019 Recipient Congratulations, Dr. Matt Perry! Emergency Medicine
To view nominations and videos for our recipients, visit www.conemaugh.org/ExtraMileAwardWinner.
To nominate a physician for the Extra Mile Award, or to learn more, visit www.conemaugh.org/ExtraMileAward.
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 Annual GME Welcome Picnic Graduate Medical Education hosted its annual picnic for current and incoming residents from all programs. The picnic is an opportunity for residents, faculty, and senior leaders to network and get to know each other. Welcome, new residents!
Congressman John Joyce Visits Conemaugh On July 2, Congressman John Joyce (PA-13) visited Conemaugh Memorial to begin a discussion with hospital and Graduate Medical Education program leaders about an initiative to help enhance rural health care in Cambria County. The meeting was one of four with hospitals across Pennsylvania’s 13th District regarding his “Home Grown Health Care Initiative.” The purpose of the meeting was to bring together deans from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and hospital leaders to discuss an expanded partnership that would bring more LECOM students to Conemaugh Memorial for medical training. Visit to Conemaugh Nason Congressman Joyce also visited Conemaugh Nason and provided information on legislation regarding prescription drug costs and the Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act of 2019. This bill would curb the use of tactics employed by brand drug manufacturers that often delay generic medications from accessing the market. The Congressman also discussed the labor crisis in Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and the bipartisan bill introduced by the Congressman. The bill seeks to expand the H-2A Visa Program that will allow farmers to hire more temporary foreign born workers. Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Delivering High Quality Patient Care
Active Shooter Training
Ensuring patient, visitor, employee, and community safety is a priority at Conemaugh. On June 15, Conemaugh Memorial hosted an active shooter training drill to trial processes for a potentially life-threatening situation on campus or in the community. Numerous departments at Conemaugh Memorial and several community first responder teams volunteered their time to be actively engaged in committee meetings, planning sessions, and the live demonstration. Victim participants were dressed in fake blood and wounds to simulate actual injuries that were assessed at the scene and then in the Emergency Department. The drill was well executed thanks to the team collaboration and leadership by Storm Nagle, Pre-Hospital Services Manager. Additional drills will be held in the future to further prepare employees in the event of an actual incident. Thank you to everyone who participated!
REMINDER: Plain Language Codes The use of plain language codes at all four Conemaugh hospitals is now in effect. Please see page 10 for a full list of code verbiage.
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
One Year of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services July 11, 2019 marks one year that Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center has been providing pulmonary rehabilitation services to patients. The pulmonary rehabilitation staff has treated 18 patients during its first year of service, and currently has 13 new patients enrolled. Conemaugh’s pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed for patients who experience lung problems including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung Photo (L-R): Barbara Irvin, RRT, CPFT, Jill Walker, disease, lung cancer and lung cancer surgery, BS, RRT, and Kathy Heinrich, Medical Secretary lung volume reduction surgery, before and after lung transplantation, and occupational lung disease. Each patient’s circumstances are different, so outcomes vary by patient. A common theme among patient feedback is that they are able to do more daily activities with less shortness of breath. Education classes are also provided to assist patients in better managing their chronic or acute condition. Sessions include information about medications, oxygen therapy, nutrition and weight management, breathing retraining, importance of exercise, strategies for managing breathing problems, and symptom assessment and knowledge for when to seek medical assistance. The program offers classes three days a week for eight to 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s need. Conemaugh Nason Heart Accreditation Conemaugh Nason Medical Center has earned full accreditation for compliance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) program. The accreditation was awarded by Corazon (corazoninc.com). The Joint Commission has also given the seal of approval as evidenced by an on-site survey completed June 6, 2019. PCI is a procedure to place a stent to open blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup. The accreditation survey focused on ensuring that Conemaugh Nason follows guidelines established by the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention to assist patients. PCI procedures are conducted in Conemaugh Nason’s new cardiac catheterization lab which opened earlier this year. To date, the cardiac team at Conemaugh Nason has completed nearly 700 procedures in the lab. The lab is supported by four experienced interventional cardiologists, technicians, and nursing staff. “Our experienced and talented cardiologist and staff are on call 24 -7 to respond quickly for life threatening emergencies” said Michelle Buttry, Chief Nursing Officer. “Thanks to the implementation of our cardiac catheterization lab and our team providing a robust service, we are able to treat patients right here at home,” said Tim Harclerode, Chief Executive Officer of Conemaugh Nason. “We can quickly treat patients in emergency situations, as well as perform scheduled procedures. We are so pleased to offer this service to our local residents, and we are seeing great patient outcomes.”
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 Conemaugh East Hills Designated as ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Conemaugh East Hills has been designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy). Peer-review evaluations, conducted in each breast imaging modality by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field, have determined that this facility has achieved high practice standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs. Women’s imaging services at Conemaugh East Hills include 3D and digital mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, MRI, CT, and DEXA scan for osteoporosis. To schedule an appointment for imaging services, call (800) 999-9675. Conemaugh Meyersdale Announces Senior Life Solutions Partnership Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center is pleased to announce a partnership with Senior Life Solutions. Senior Life Solutions Office is located in suit LL03 near the medical center’s dining room in the lower level. Aging brings many joys – more time with family and freedom in retirement – but our older years can also bring difficult life transitions including the loss of loved ones and stresses of age-related health concerns. Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults over the age of 65 struggling with symptoms Photo (from left): Beverly Haines, RN, Program Director, Aileen Reiber, Office of depression and anxiety often related to aging. Individuals Patient Coordinator, (standing) Mary Alice may benefit from the program if they are experiencing any Emert, LCSW, Program Therapist of the following common indicators or triggers: recently experienced a traumatic event, lost a spouse or close family member, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, loss of energy, feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks, or feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Following an individual assessment, participants meet three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community. “I’m very excited to introduce Senior Life Solutions to Somerset County,” said Heather Smith, Conemaugh Meyersdale’s CEO. “This program will fill a major need here. Providing our seniors with access to a caring team of mental health professionals will certainly be beneficial to our rural, aging population.” For more information, call Conemaugh Meyersdale’s Senior Life Solutions at 814.972.6903. Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 Conemaugh Memorial Earns ACC Cardiac Catheterization Lab Accreditation with PCI The American College of Cardiology has recognized Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients who come to a cardiac cath lab for care, including diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. Conemaugh Memorial was awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who come to the cardiac cath lab. Percutaneous coronary intervention is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack. Hospitals that have proven exceptional competency in treating patients who require cardiac catheterization have standardized their assessment process for patients before undergoing catheterization to ensure quality and patient safety. They ensure that care in the procedure room for sedation, infection control, radiation safety, universal protocol, and time out procedures is fully coordinated; and have mastered the appropriate transfer to a cath recovery unit to better monitor and track complications, enhance physician-to-patient communication, patient family communication, discharge instructions and follow-up information. Hospitals receiving Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation with PCI from the ACC must take part in a multifaceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care; developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of cath lab patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to improved patient outcomes. “It is with great pleasure and honor that we recognize the Cardiovascular Service Line, Department of Emergency Medicine, and Pre-Hospital teams on this achievement,” said Kerri Tononi, Executive Director of Conemaugh Memorial’s cardiovascular service line. “Each and every day, our dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and other care providers work hard to achieve excellence in the care of patients.” Conemaugh Meyersdale 3D Mammo Accreditation Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center’s 3D Mammography Program was recently recognized by Administration for earning accreditation from the American College of Radiology. Picture (L-R): Rana Boyce, Joann Minnick, Sara Paul and Ryan Weaver.
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Switch to Plain Language Codes The hospitals of Conemaugh Health System switched to standardized Plain Language Codes effective July 1, 2019. The common and frequent use of emergency codes by hospitals to communicate during life-threatening emergencies routinely segregates hospital staff from patients, visitors, and first-responders during emergencies by providing each group with a different level of information regarding the threat. The use of standardized codes will increase transparency and promote the safety of patients, hospital employees, and visitors. Currently, Pennsylvania does not have a statewide standardized emergency codes system, according to Thomas L. Grace, RN, PhD, Principal Consultant, Emergency Preparedness, of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). However, Grace said HAP’s emergency preparedness staff has encouraged facilities to consider use of plain language announcement in place of codes. Over 25 hospital associations have recommended standardized codes and definitions for healthcare facilities in their states. In addition, there is a national trend toward standardizing hospital emergency notification codes as recommended by the Joint Commission. Hospice and Palliative Tobacco Treatment Care Certification Specialist Certification Brittany Friedman, RN, Congratulations to Jodi Good Samaritan 4 Noon from Conemaugh successfully passed the Memorial CT Scan. Hospice and Palliative Jodi has completed Nurse Certification the Tobacco Treatment exam and can now Specialist Training use CHPN for Certified Program offered by Hospice and Palliative Duke Cancer Institute Nurse following her and UNC Health. This name. The certification certification is needed is valid for four years. for the lung cancer Congratulations, Brittany! screening program. Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
MRI Safety Week July 22-28, 2019 is MRI Safety week. It is recognized by the MRI community in remembrance of Michael Colombini. For the past 18 years, the MRI community of Physicians, Technologists and Physicists, along with healthcare governing bodies (FDA, JCAHO), the ISMRM, SMRT and medical device companies have worked to improve MRI Safety. The American Board of MRI Safety was created to assist in this safety education effort by credentialing Radiologists (MRMD), Physicists (MRSE) and Technologists (MRSO) as Board Certified Safety Personnel. Additionally, there were the release of two white papers from the American College of Radiology (ACR) on MRI Safe Practice Guidelines. Annually, Conemaugh staff is required to complete MRI Safety training. The MRI staff at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center receive additional safety training that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements outlined in the MRI Safe Practice Guidelines from the ACR. This education ranges from the proper screening of patients, MRI contrast, burn prevention, proper positioning of patients, safe access of patients and non MRI staff in the MRI suite and much more. About Michael Colombini Michael was a 6 year old boy from New York, who had fell and hit his head. Due to symptoms related to the fall, a CT Scan of the head was ordered and an incidental benign brain tumor was found. Michael underwent surgery to remove the tumor and his prognosis was good. The day after his surgery, Michael was getting a post-operative MRI exam. While the anesthesia team was getting Michael ready for the MRI, he experienced some difficulty breathing. A physician had asked for some help and asked for oxygen to help with his breathing. At this time, the MRI staff was dealing with a problem in the equipment room and was not aware of what was happening. A nurse who had just arrived into the MRI suite and heard the request from the physician, grabbed an oxygen tank that was sitting underneath a cart in the patient holding area and brought it into the room. Before anyone could realize it, the oxygen tank was pulled into the MRI scanner like a missile and struck Michael in the head. Michael died two days later on July 29, 2001 from this injury.
Conemaugh Nason Attends APIC Conference Julie Russell from Conemaugh Nason attended the 2019 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) National Conference. LifePoint staff included (photo, L-R): Monica Baxter, St. Mary’s, AR; Jackie Danielsen, Colorado Plains, CO; Debbie Ellison, Raleigh General, WV; Nancy Edwards, RGH, WV; Dawn Canterbury, Logan Regional, WV; Erin Nichols, Watertown, WI; Brittani Webb, STRHS, Lawrenceburg, TN; Julie Russell, Conemaugh Nason, PA; Teresa Daniels, Bourbon, Clark Regional, KY
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 Arts for Healing Group Tour Arts for Healing participants recently toured Conemaugh East Hills to view the art work displayed in the building. Kelly Wilson, Senior Art Consultant, ARCH Design states: “There were several different factors that were considered during the artwork selection process at Conemaugh East Hills. The goal was to provide a calm and healing environment where the artwork not only accented the interior finishes and reflected the local landscape, but also made a statement, particularly in the waiting areas. There is evidence that supports the healing / calming aspects of nature imagery when viewed by individuals in healthcare settings. Nature inspired imagery in blues, greens and beiges were selected in different formats including photography, abstract prints and representational prints on several different substrates.” The tour was conducted by Barbara Duryea, Clinical Support Manager and Rita Haldeman. Haldeman is a directory artist with the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for the Artist-in-Residence program. For further information about Conemaugh’s Arts for Healing program, please contact Barbara Duryea at [email protected]. Conemaugh Nason Hosts Occupational Health Open House
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 RICN 45th Anniversary and Community Baby Shower
More photos at www.facebook.com/Conemaugh Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Creating Excellent Workplaces for our Employees
School of Nursing Poster Presentations
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 Congratulations Class of 2019! Creating Excellent Workplaces for our Employees Conemaugh School of Medical Technology held its annual graduation ceremony on June 14. Students graduated with a Conemaugh School of Medical Technology Certificate and are eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Science Exam given by the American Society of Pathologists Board of Certification. Congratulations to the graduates: Andrew Chunko, Nichol Dienes, Garret England, Leah Ann Fetsko, Patrick Ford, and Lauren Walker. Five of the MLS students have accepted employment at Conemaugh’s lab. School of Medical Technology Awards The 1889 Foundation has awarded the Medical Laboratory Science Scholarship to Lauren Walker and Amber Wozny. Lauren and Amber are Medical Laboratory Scientist students in the Conemaugh School of Medical Technology. Scholarship requirements include demonstrating excellence in academic performance in the pursuit of Medical Laboratory Science, demonstrating excellence and proficiency in clinical performance, and professional behavior. Both will be a future colleagues in Conemaugh’s Clinical Laboratory. Congratulations, Lauren and Amber!
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019 Conemaugh School of Nursing Class of 2019
Starting from top, L-R: Laken Anderson, Katlyn Bailey, David Brendlinger, Sarah Brilhart, Ondrea Burns, Kaitlyn Castello, Cara Cekada, Maura Chandler, Kaylee Chilcote, Paige Close, Lindsey Crist, Madison Estep, Taylor Gruss, Zack Hafer, Kacey Haluska, DaShauna Hardison, Megan Hart, Brandie Hartwiger, Heather Hockenberry, Alyssa Hughes, Samantha Kelly, Karina Kindya, Cynthia Kist, Kaitlyn Knorr, Alexis LaBuda, Brandon Laney, Lana Lee, Ann Mangiafico, Cody McDonald, Kirsten Michaels, Emily Mihalacki, Allison Miller, Tiffany Miller, Katilynne Moss, Lauren Nguyen, Vanessa Orris, Stephanie Punchak, Maygan Rice, Andrea Ridenour, Aaron Rieg, Brittany Rinker, Amy Romus, Shannon Schenk, Casey Schreyer, Noelle Shay, Amber Smith, Cassandra Smith, Katie Snoeberger, Amanda Sojak, Alana Somerville, Patricia Tew, Jakob Vasil, Krista Walker, Scott Walsh, Brooker Wilson, Nicole Wilt, Presley Yutzy, Bridget Zada.
Paige Close Brandie Katilynne Moss Meyer and Hartwiger Outstanding Sally Bloom Margaret Student Nurse Award Class Nestor, RN Award, Evelyn Valedictorian Student Frye, RN/Boyd Spirit of the Pink Service Award Lingenfelter Cross Award Humanitarian Award
Presley Yutzy Taylor Gruss Zack Hafer Karen Walker Elaine E. Behe Sally Jordan Stringent, RN, and William Nursing Communication L. Hughes Leadership & & Health Award Class Management Teaching Award Salutatorian Award
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Taking a Leadership Role in Our Communities
Conemaugh Cancer Center Donations Conemaugh Cancer Center received donations from the 1889 Foundation and Spangler Subaru. The 1889 Foundation donated Leukemia and Lymphoma Society nightlights and Subaru donated 80 blankets, both to be given to patients in cancer treatment. Thank you for your donations for our patients!
Conemaugh Miners Arts for Healing Lunch and Learn The 2019 Arts for Healing Conemaugh Miners Medical Center hosted a lunch and residencies are now in session learn for community members and staff. Ronna Yablonski, at the Conemaugh East Hills. Executive Director, Cambria County Drug Coalition Supervising artist is Rita Haldeman and Jeannine McMillan, Strategic Planning Manager, from the Southern Alleghenies Conemaugh Health System educated those in attendance Museum of Art. For further about the Mission of the Drug Coalition, Drug Coalition information about Arts for Healing success and Healthcare Committee success please contact Barb Duryea at [email protected].
Conemaugh.org Conemaugh Health System Employee Newsletter July 2019
Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility
Regional Comparison Healthcare providers continue to provide services in a challenging environment and Western Pennsylvania hospitals are no exception. The majority of hospitals in our area, with the same insurance companies and the same types of patients, are losing money on providing care. Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania provides us with quarterly reports on 61 hospitals in our region. Volumes and Income continue to decline, with 57% of hospitals losing money on providing services (see below). Conemaugh is meeting our income targets, but we have to continue to look for ways to improve and expand services, while controlling costs. When hospitals lose money on operations it makes it harder for them to pay their bills (for staff, physicians and supplies) and also makes it hard for them to invest in updated equipment and facilities. All of us have a part to play to keep Conemaugh financially strong, so we can keep providing quality care to our patients.
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