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October 24, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Opens Sleep
Disorder Center
Program Will Help Diagnose and Treat Ever-Increasing Sleep
Problems
October 22, 2006
Kenyan runner wins Get Moving Tucson
10-mile race; nearly 1,500 people participate in annual event
September 25, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Nurse Leader, Peggy
MacMacken, Named as a Finalist in 2006 Nursing Spectrum
Excellence Awards
September 13, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Announces Plans
to Build Carondelet Neurological Institute
September 8, 2006
Carondelet Health Network and Footprints
Support Group Announce Fifth Annual "Walk to Remember"
September 6, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Announces Leadership
Changes
September 1, 2006
CARONDELET HEALTH NETWORK ACQUIRES MAJORITY
INTEREST IN TUCSON HEART HOSPITAL
August 30, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Honored as Top
Employer by AARP
August 29, 2006
2nd Annual Get Moving Tucson
August 21, 2006
New CEO of Carondelet Medical Group-
Carondelet Health Network Welcomes Walter Davis
August 16, 2006
MedCath Corporation
Enters Definitive Agreement to Sell Interest in Tucson Heart
Hospital to Carondelet Health Network
August 4, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Wins American
Business Award
July 30, 2006
Carondelet Health Network’s St. Mary’s
Hospital Receives Prestigious Cardiology Award from American
Heart Association
Carondelet Health Network Recognized for
Impact and Contributions to Tucson
July 28, 2006
Carondelet Appoints New Executive Director of
Ambulatory Services
June 20, 2006
MedCath Corporation Agrees to Sell Interest
in Tucson Heart Hospital to Carondelet Health Network
June 15, 2006
100K Lives Campaign Alive and Well at
Carondelet
June 1, 2006
Carondelet Purchases Land to Build Hospital
in Sahuarita/Green Valley
May 31, 2006
RNs Achieve their Dream of Attaining their
BSN degree
May 16, 2006
Congressional Candidate Patty Weiss to
Keynote Postpartum Depression Awareness Week Event
May 9, 2006
St. Joseph’s Hospital Celebrates Nurses’
Week in Storybook Style
May 1, 2006
Healthcare for All - Focus of Community
Forum on May 4
April 26, 2006
Community-Wide Free Stroke Screening
Available on May 6, 2006
March 30, 2006
For Your Health: Important Information for
Men and Women
March 29, 2006
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
Bariatric Surgery Program Informational Seminars and Support
Groups
Community-Wide Free Stroke Screening
Available on May 6, 2006
March 28, 2006
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital Launches
Bariatric Surgery Program
March 14, 2006
Diabetes: The Next Generation of Treatment
Carondelet Health Network Facilities Go
Tobacco-Free on March 20th
March 6, 2006
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital Opens
State-of the-Art Dialysis Unit
February 28, 2006
Painful Kidney Stones Dissolve
January 16, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Nurses Honored As
Arizona Nurses of the Year by “March of Dimes”
January 12, 2006
State-of-the-Art Surgery Centers Open
January 10, 2006
Carondelet Health Network Receives “2005
Employer Excellence Award” from Arizona Nurses Association
Carondelet Health Network Using
Robotic Technology To Treat Prostate Cancer
“State of the Art” Da Vinci S Now Available St. Joseph’s and St.
Mary’s Hospitals
Tucson, Arizona – December 18, 2006 - A new surgical
procedure for prostate cancer patients is now available at
Carondelet Health Network’s St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s
Hospitals. Surgeons are now able to perform minimally invasive
prostate surgery using robotic technology. The equipment is
called The Da Vinci S, the latest robotic surgical equipment.
According to Dr. Eugene L. Park, “Laparoscopic robotic
prostatectomy (LRP) is a less invasive surgical treatment for
patients suffering from prostate cancer. The Da Vinci S robotic
platform allows a surgical team to accomplish extremely precise
surgery through small incisions.”
The surgeon operates the fine robotic instruments from a
surgical console, which provides three dimensional imagery and
magnification of the surgical field. An assisting surgeon is at
the patient’s side in close communication with the surgeon. As a
result, the surgeon not only has better visualization for very
delicate anatomy, but also increased surgical dexterity for the
more difficult aspects of the procedure.
For the patient facing a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer,
the potential advantages are numerous. Whereas traditional
prostate surgery is associated with significant blood loss and
the potential for transfusion, LRP causes little blood loss.
Recovery for the patient is potentially quicker, with a hospital
stay lasting usually just one or two nights. The need for a
catheter is greatly reduced, usually 7 days instead of 2 to 3
weeks. Patients also have improved urinary control and sexual
function as compared to the traditional surgery.
“I recently had a patient on the day after surgery,” says Dr.
Park, “take no narcotic pain medication, have normal bowel
function, and was discharged within 24 hours of surgery. Every
patient is different, of course, but these kinds of results make
me very enthusiastic about the technology.”
According to the Center for Disease Control, a man has a 1 in
6 chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer in his
lifetime, and in men over 45 it is the fifth leading cause of
death. Men with prostate cancer often have no symptoms. If
symptoms occur, they include: blood in the urine, frequent
nighttime urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, pain or
burning while urinating, the inability to urinate, or constant
pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs. These can be
symptoms of other illness as well.
Men over the age of 50, those with symptoms, or those over
the age of 40 with a family history of prostate cancer should
talk to their health provider about prostate cancer screening.
The choice of treatment options depends on the patient’s medical
history, overall health, and the stage of the disease.
Carondelet Health Network is offering free informational
lectures on this new treatment option. To attend an information
lecture, to learn more about this technology and/or to locate a
physician near you, log on to
www.carondelet.org/robotics.
Back
Arizona Department of Health Services
presents Carondelet Health Network with a Certificate of
Excellence
Tucson, Ariz. (Nov. 16, 2006) – The Arizona Department of Health
Services Office of Tobacco Education & Prevention today
presented Carondelet Health Network with a Certificate of
Excellence for its work in making its hospitals tobacco-free and
for encouraging others to quit using tobacco.
“The certificate tells people that Carondelet Health Network
is committed to helping tobacco users in Arizona to quit and to
maintain healthy lifestyles,” said Louise J. Strayer, director
of the Health Care Partnership at the University of Arizona, a
program funded by the Arizona excise tobacco tax through the
Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Tobacco
Education & Prevention.
The certificate presentation coincided with Carondelet Health
Network’s one year anniversary of launching a Tobacco-Free
Initiative at all three of its hospitals and most of its
facilities. Carondelet’s hospitals – St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s
in Tucson, and Holy Cross Hospital in Nogales, Ariz., all became
tobacco-free in March 2006.
Tucson Heart Hospital, which became part of the Carondelet
Health Network on Sept. 1, launched its drive to become
tobacco-free today, which also is the national Great American
Smokeout day. The heart hospital will become officially tobacco
free on March 17.
“Carondelet Health Network is dedicated to its tobacco-free
initiative,” said Odette Bolano, chief executive officer of St.
Mary’s Hospital. “This means availing our resources and our
communications to helping our employees and our patients to
refrain from using tobacco on our campus, or to assist them to
make the commitment to quit use of tobacco. The certificate we
received today acknowledges our continuing effort.”
Strayer and Mary Gilles, M.D, assistant professor for the
Department of Psychology and medical liaison for the HealthCare
Partnership, said the state office wanted to recognize
Carondelet Health Network because of its extensive efforts in
assisting employees with ending tobacco use through education,
referrals to state-funded cessation resources and by providing
reimbursements to employees who opted to use medication therapy
to help quit tobacco.
Gilles also said the state department recognized Carondelet’s
efforts at educating medical personnel and its encouragement of
the medical community to emphasize a system-wide approach to
tobacco treatment for patients.
“Really, what they did was address the recommendations from
the Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guidelines,” Gilles
said. “And they included all of the Arizona tobacco control
resources in that effort.”
To assist employees interested in quitting tobacco use,
Carondelet accessed and promoted state supported cessation
resources, such as the Arizona Smokers’ Helpline, and Pima
County Tobacco-Free Ways, along with offering medication therapy
reimbursement.
According to a fact sheet produced by the Arizona Smokers’
Helpline, St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s hospitals both were among
the top five locations in Arizona referring people to the
helpline. The helpline received a total of 387 referrals between
July 1 and Sept. 30 through a fax referral program.
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Carondelet Foundation names Chief
Operating Officer
Tucson, Ariz. - (Nov. 14, 2006) – Carondelet Foundation, the
fundraising organization that advances the mission of Carondelet
Health Network, has appointed Pamela Doherty to the newly
created role of Chief Operating Officer.
Doherty, a long-time Tucson resident, will be instrumental in
launching an ambitious fundraising campaign to assist in
supporting the member hospitals of the Arizona Carondelet Health
Network, which includes St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s
Hospital in Tucson; the recently-acquired Tucson Heart Hospital
on the city’s northwest side; and Holy Cross Hospital in
Nogales, Ariz.
Doherty was most recently the Executive Director of the
Center for Planned Giving for the Community Foundation for
Southern Arizona, a position she held for four years. From 1993
to 2002, she worked for Carondelet Foundation as Coordinator of
Annual Giving; Manager of Major Gifts, and as a Director.
“It’s such a pleasure to know Pamela is returning to
Carondelet,” said Jannie Cox, the Foundation’s Chief Executive
Officer. “Pamela’s tenure as executive director of the Center
for Planned Giving has given her a breadth of knowledge that
will be a vital asset to Carondelet Foundation.”
A search committee comprised of nine Foundation trustees
conducted a national search for the position, reviewing more
than 100 candidates. Doherty was selected from among four
finalists after extensive interviews with both Foundation staff
and members of the Carondelet Health Network’s senior
leadership.
“Pamela stood out from the other candidates because of her
passion for what Carondelet Foundation does,” said Terri
Campbell, a Foundation trustee who also served on the search
committee. “Her experience in marketing and advertising and her
skills in fundraising complement really well her education and
experience in public health.”
Doherty holds a master’s degree in Public Health from the
University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree in Speech
Communications from State University of New York at Genesco. She
also is a Certified Fund Raising Executive, and has extensive
training in philanthropy.
She is a member of the National Committee on Planned Giving,
and was named the Outstanding Fundraising Executive in 2000 by
the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
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Carondelet Health Network Opens Sleep
Disorder Center
Program Will Help Diagnose and Treat Ever-Increasing Sleep
Problems
Tucson, Arizona – October 24, 2006 – Quality sleep is a critical
part of every human life. But, according to the National Sleep
Foundation, approximately 70 million people in the United States
are affected by a sleep problem; and an overwhelming majority of
those disorders go undiagnosed and untreated.
Carondelet Health Network is proud to announce the opening of
its first Diagnostic Sleep Center at St. Mary’s Hospital. A
second Carondelet Sleep Center will open at 6296 East Grant Road
in late November 2006. The program is offered in partnership
with Total Sleep Diagnostics, a national company specializing in
the treatment of sleep conditions and accredited by the Joint
Commission of Accreditation of Hospitals Organization (JCAHO).
The Need:
In 2005, the National Sleep Foundation found that 75% of adults
surveyed reported experiencing at least one symptom of a sleep
problem a few nights a week or more within the past year.
Those consistent problems can lead to sleep deprivation and
chronic sleep disorders; costing Americans over $100 billion
annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, and
property and environmental damage (National Sleep Foundation).
Quality Sleep strengthens the immune system, rejuvenates the
body, and consolidates learning and memory; while poor sleep
patterns weaken work performance, increase irritability, and
reduce alertness. Many people who suffer with anxiety,
depression, diabetes, obesity, stroke and cardiovascular
problems are found to have shown symptoms of a sleep disorder as
well.
The Mission:
The physicians, technicians and staff of the Carondelet Health
Network Sleep Centers are dedicated to improving patients’
health through increased awareness, exceptional patient care,
accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The centers will
provide sleep study data on individual patients referred by
physicians. Disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless
leg syndrome, and narcolepsy can be diagnosed.
Patients are encouraged to speak directly to their primary
care physician if they feel they suffer from a sleep disorder.
Log on to www.carondelet.org/sleep if you have questions or would like
to learn more about the services we
provide.
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Kenyan runner wins Get Moving Tucson
10-mile race; nearly 1,500 people participate in annual event
TUCSON, Ariz., Oct.22, 2006 – Duncan Kibet, a runner from Kenya
now training in Oro Valley, and Amy Hastings, from Tempe, Ariz.
were the mens’ and womens’ winners of the Second Annual
Carondelet/ Lennar Get Moving Tucson 10-mile event held Sunday.
The 10-mile race, sponsored by the Carondelet Health Network
and Lennar Homes, began at St. Joseph’s Hospital on the city’s
eastside and ended at St. Mary’s Hospital on the westside.
Nearly 700 runners finished the 10-mile race, along with another
approximately 800 people who participated in a 5K run and a 5K
Family Fitness Walk.
“Carondelet is a system of four hospitals, but our main goal
is keeping people healthy,” said Jannie Cox, chief executive
officer and vice president for public policy at Carondelet
Foundation. “It was a joy to see the commitment people have to
their own health and fitness. We are happy to lead an event like
this because health is what Carondelet is all about.”
The Carondelet Foundation advances the mission of the
Carondelet Health Network through fund-raising programs and
planned giving. The Foundation serves Carondelet’s four
hospitals in southern Arizona along with the inpatient,
outpatient and community-based services that make up Carondelet
Health Network.
Runners came from several states and worldwide locations,
such as Kenya. Local walkers included Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup,
the honorary race chairman, as well as Sally Jeffcoat, chief
executive officer of Carondelet Health Network.
Kibet, a first-time entrant in the event, took first place
with a time of 48:32; second place winner, Kyle Goklish, a
University of Arizona alumnus, had a time of 48:42. Goklish
placed third in last year’s event.
Amy Hastings, who also ran in the event for the first time,
took first place womens’ with a time of 57:12. Second place went
to Paula Morrison, last year’s winner, with a time of 60:36.
“We had a great competitive race and a great day for families
at Carondelet,” said Randy Accetta, race director and president
of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners. “I loved watching everyone
challenge themselves while running across Tucson, from the
youngest children in the 5K to the runners who were their 80s .
“The whole event helped heighten awareness about health and
fitness in Tucson,” he said.
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Carondelet Health Network Nurse
Leader, Peggy MacMacken, Named as a Finalist in 2006 Nursing
Spectrum Excellence Awards
Tucson, Arizona – September 25, 2006 – Peggy MacMacken, RN,
MS, CNAA, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient
Care Services at Carondelet Health Network’s St. Joseph’s
Hospital in Tucson, has been named as a finalist in the 2006
Nursing Spectrum Excellence Awards.
The awards, sponsored by NurseWeek and Nursing Spectrum
magazines, recognize nurses nationwide who are leaders in the
healthcare industry, through their work in advancing patient
care and strengthening nursing as a profession. MacMacken is the
only nurse in Southern Arizona nominated in the category of
“Advancing and Leading the Profession”.
NurseWeek.com says of MacMacken’s nomination:
MacMacken has risen through the ranks to become a
motivating force for nursing as vice president of patient care
services at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson, Ariz.
She has gained recognition for mentoring hundreds of students,
nurses, and other health care providers. MacMacken is the Chair
for the Tucson Chapter of the American Heart Association’s
Community Council, where her work as co-chair for the 2004-2005
Heart Walks resulted in record-breaking years for fund-raising.
She became Chief Nursing Officer during a time of hospital
transition and brought education, support, and sensitivity to
nursing issues. Her team-building skills assure that nursing is
“at the table” for decision-making concerning patient care.
“Peggy is a role model for others and her success exemplifies
the results of hard work, dedication and tenacity in setting and
achieving her goals,” said Wes Colvin, Chief Executive Officer
of Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, and a longtime colleague.
“She started at St. Joseph’s 38 years ago working as a nursing
assistant to put herself through nursing school. Among other
positions, she has worked as a medical surgical nurse, nursing
unit director, and clinical nurse specialist, to name just a few
of the positions she has held; Peggy has excelled in each. Her
skills, mentorship of others and compassion for all earn her
tremendous respect from staff, subordinates and colleagues.”
MacMacken, who holds a Masters Degree in Science and a
Certification in Nursing Administration, Advanced is a finalist
in the Mountain West Region. All finalists will be honored at
the Nursing Excellence Awards in Las Vegas on September 29,
2006. Each of the six category winners that night becomes a
finalist for the national Nurse of the Year Award. “It is an
extraordinary honor to be nominated by my colleagues for this
prestigious award,” MacMacken said. “My long career in nursing
has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and
professionally. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to
work with an amazingly talented community of nurses who have
been an inspiration to me over the years.”
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Carondelet Health Network Announces
Plans to Build Carondelet Neurological Institute
Tucson, Arizona – September 13, 2006 – Carondelet Health
Network is proud to announce plans are underway for
establishment of the Carondelet Neurological Institute.
The Carondelet Neurological Institute is being developed as a
comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, state-of-art, tertiary
neurological delivery system. The Carondelet Neurological
Institute will be available to Southern Arizona residents 24
hours/7 days week and will be staffed by specially trained
neuroscience physicians and employees. The development of the
Carondelet Neurological Institute is a multi-phased plan which
will begin with construction of a dedicated 42-bed neuroscience
unit and comprehensive patient care center on the campus of St.
Joseph’s Hospital. Completion of the 42 bed unit is projected
for late 2007. Plans also include offering technologically
advanced minimally invasive procedures, Neurosurgery, Brain
Tumor Clinic, Movement Disorders Clinic, Epilepsy Clinic,
Rehabilitation and a Certified Stroke Program.
The Neurological Institute will be funded with a combination
of funding from Carondelet Health Network and a capital campaign
being developed by the Carondelet Foundation. Carondelet
Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 fundraising division of Carondelet
Health Network.
Carondelet Health Network is historically recognized as a
healthcare provider that has responded to the unmet needs of the
community through the creation of meaningful partnerships
committed to providing high quality and innovative care. The
goal of the Carondelet Neurological Institute is to provide care
for residents throughout Southern Arizona whose needs are not
currently being addressed.
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Carondelet Health Network and
Footprints Support Group Announce
FIFTH ANNUAL “WALK TO REMEMBER"
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Tucson Children's Memorial Park
In Honor of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
Tucson, Arizona – September 8, 2006 - On Saturday, October 7,
2006, parents who have experienced the heartbreaking death of a
baby from miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or newborn
death will join hands at 10:00a.m. in a "Walk to Remember" at
Children's Memorial Park. The ceremony will commemorate these
special babies.
"Pregnancy loss and infant loss are two of the most
misunderstood deaths experienced,” said Mina Rose, R.N.C., of
St. Joseph’s Hospital, who organizes the Walk and created
Footprints, a community-wide, perinatal support group and
program for parents. "The hopes, dreams, plans, love and
anticipation for these children are very real and the Walk
enables parents to celebrate the lives of their babies while
providing a healthy outlet for the grieving process.”
The Walk has been greeted with strong enthusiasm throughout
the community since its inception in 2002. The 1st year, the
Walk attracted about 100 participants, in 2004 over 150 and in
2005, the numbers grew to over 250 grieving parents and their
families.
The focus of the Walk to Remember is parents coming together
to honor the babies that will forever remain a part of their
hearts and lives. The short ¼ mile walk is not a fundraiser but
is in commemoration of the steps these babies will never take. A
Celebration of Life Ceremony follows the Walk and is a time for
families to share their baby’s name and any words they may want
to convey.
Family and friends of bereaved parents are encouraged to
attend as a show of support that these babies are not forgotten.
As in years past, T-shirts commemorating the celebration and to
honor and remember the lives of the children will be distributed
to all participants. A balloon release will end the ceremony.
In 2003, according to the most recent statistics from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stillbirths,
pregnancies over 20 weeks gestation, occur in 1 in every 200
pregnancies; and miscarriages, pregnancies under 20 weeks
gestation, occur in confirmed pregnancies 15-20% of the time.
The National Stillbirth Society says more than 26,000
pregnancies end in stillbirths each year. There are over 25,000
newborn deaths, death within the 1st 28 days of life, per year
in the United States.
“Grief at the death of a newborn, or a baby who has died
during pregnancy, is generally not acknowledged or accepted as
the major life event that it is. Parents are expected to move on
and pick up the pieces of their lives fairly quickly. The baby
is quickly forgotten by others; leaving the parents alone in
their grief. The subsequent isolation may create difficulties in
the expression of feelings, which can unnecessarily prolong the
time of grieving,” said Rose. Footprints Parent Support Group is
a self-help support group that provides a comforting and healing
environment where parents can share their experiences, thoughts
and feelings. In the free monthly meetings and at the event,
parents learn that the deeply felt, long-lasting feelings they
are having are normal. They gain a sense of wholeness when they
realize that their pain and grief is not unique, but rather is
something which many bereaved parents feel. "Through listening
to other parents, you find the strength to heal and grow and
begin to rebuild your life," Rose explained.
Footprints Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday
of each month at 7:30 pm, at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church,
Calvin Hall, 3809 E. 3rd Street. For more information, please
call (520) 873-6590.
The Spanish speaking support group and program: Huellas meets
the first Monday of each month at 7:30 pm in El Rio Neighborhood
Center, 1390 W. Speedway, Room C100. For more information,
contact facilitator Jennie Ramos (520) 906-3271.
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Carondelet Health Network Announces
Leadership Changes
(Tucson, Arizona-September 6, 2006) Carondelet Health Network
today announced senior leadership changes as a means of
supporting the network’s growth plans in the southern Arizona
region.
Over the last few months, Carondelet Health Network has
announced various expansion projects to meet growing demand and
community need. These projects include building a replacement
hospital in Nogales; acquiring majority interest in the Tucson
Heart Hospital and purchasing land in Sahuarita to build a
78-bed acute care hospital.
President and CEO Sally Jeffcoat stated, “It is our mission
to provide for the health care needs of our community; to
embrace the whole person in mind, body and spirit; and, to serve
all people with dignity. I am extremely pleased that at
Carondelet, we have highly experienced and compassionate
healthcare executives who are familiar with the needs of our
community, and who have both the operational strengths and the
strategic vision to deliver on our mission and strategic goals.”
Leadership Announcements effective October 1, 2006
Wes Colvin will assume the role as Chief Operating Officer,
Carondelet Health Network. Colvin has served as St. Joseph’s
Hospital CEO since 1998. Prior to this, he served as network
Vice President, Clinical and Specialty Service and also served
as CEO for St. Mary’s Hospital for two years. Colvin holds a
Bachelors of Arts degree from Arizona State University, a
Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona and an
MBA from the University of Phoenix.
This move triggers other significant leadership moves at
sister facilities St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
St. Mary’s CEO, Greg Angle will assume the role of CEO, St.
Joseph’s Hospital. Angle brings approximately 20 years of
healthcare experience in investor owned and non-profit health
organizations. He joined Carondelet in 2000 and has served as St
Mary’s Hospital CEO for six years. Prior to joining Carondelet
Health Network, he served as administrator, Seton Medical Center
in Austin, Texas. Angle holds a Masters degree from the
University of Arizona and a Masters in Health Administration
from Arizona State University.
St. Mary’s Chief Operating Officer Odette Bolano, moves into
the CEO spot at St. Mary’s Hospital. Ms. Bolano joined the St.
Mary’s Hospital senior leadership team as COO in 2005. She
brings approximately 20 years of nursing and operational
management experience to Carondelet. Prior positions included
CEO, Doctors Hospital of Dallas and numerous senior management
positions with HCA including Chief Operating Officer/ Chief
Nursing Officer at the Conroe Regional Medical Center in Conroe,
Texas. Ms. Bolano holds a Masters in Health Administration and
is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Rich Polheber, Holy Cross Hospital CEO, will continue to lead
the strategic and operational initiatives for the growing
Sahuarita and Santa Cruz communities. Polheber has served as
Holy Cross CEO for seven years also served as Chief Strategy
Officer for Carondelet. Previous positions include serving as
CEO, Page Hospital, and Senior Vice President for Health
Partners of Southern Arizona and Administrator of Tucson Medical
Center.
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CARONDELET HEALTH NETWORK ACQUIRES
MAJORITY INTEREST IN TUCSON HEART HOSPITAL
TUCSON, Ariz., September 1, 2006--Carondelet Health Network
announced today the successful completion of a transaction to
acquire majority interest in Tucson Heart Hospital.
On August 14th, 2006, Carondelet announced that MedCath and
Carondelet had entered into a Definitive Agreement whereby
Carondelet would acquire MedCath’s 59 percent interest in Tucson
Heart Hospital. The process was initiated on June 20th when
MedCath and Carondelet announced the signing of a letter of
intent for the transaction. Effective August 31, 2006, this
transaction was successfully completed resulting in Carondelet
ownership of approximately 79 percent of the Tucson Heart
Hospital.
Founded in 1997, Tucson Heart Hospital is a 58-bed, hospital
providing comprehensive heart care for the Tucson community.
Tucson Heart Hospital has 350 employees and 200 credentialed
professionals on the medical staff. Services offered at Tucson
Heart Hospital include emergency, specialized diagnostic,
non-invasive procedures and surgical services. Carondelet Health
Network is a comprehensive Catholic, nonprofit healthcare system
comprised of three acute care hospitals, totaling 733 acute care
beds, numerous outpatient facilities, and a sixteen multi-site
location primary care Carondelet Medical Group. At the core of
Carondelet Health Network’s mission is a sound belief that
healthcare is a healing ministry and it is the work of dedicated
employees, medical staff, partners and community stakeholders
that make this mission a reality.
According to Sally Jeffcoat, President and Chief Executive
Officer, “We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with
Tucson Heart Hospital since 1999. We look forward to welcoming
the employees and medical staff to the Carondelet family and to
exploring innovative ways of continuing to deliver the highest
quality care to our community.” Ed Myers commented, “This is a
significant milestone for Tucson Heart Hospital as we position
ourselves for the future. The integration of Tucson Heart
Hospital into the Carondelet Network allows us to more fully
realize our vision of offering comprehensive cardiovascular care
within an integrated delivery system.”
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Carondelet Health Network Honored as
Top Employer by AARP
Tucson, Arizona – August 30, 2006 – For the second year in a
row, AARP has named Carondelet Health Network as one of the Top
50 Employers in the United States for workers over 50.
“AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50” is an annual
recognition program that acknowledges companies and
organizations whose best practices and policies for addressing
aging workforce issues are roadmaps for the workplaces of
tomorrow.
AARP recognizes that a growing number of American employers
are developing progressive workplace policies and practices that
are meeting the needs of an aging workforce. AARP is once again
recognizing Carondelet for the non-profit healthcare system’s
outstanding and innovative programs and services for its
employees, especially those over 50.
Sally Jeffcoat, CEO of Carondelet Health Network, noted that
“We value the experience and contributions of our older workers,
so we have initiatives to attract, develop, promote, and retain
these valued associates. Many of our associates who are 50+
appreciate our flexible work schedules, onsite college programs
for nurses, tuition reimbursement program, and pre-retirement
planning assistance. As a result, we are proud to have
associates with many years of service.”
According to AARP, by 2014, nearly one-third of the total
U.S. workforce (32%) will be age 50 or older, up from 27% in
2005. As the proportion of younger workers continues to decline,
attracting and retaining the mature, experienced worker will
become increasingly critical for employers who seek to retain a
competitive edge in today's marketplace.
At Carondelet Health Network, 36% of the total workforce is
over 50, as well as 58% of the management staff and 76% of the
executive staff.
A major part of Carondelet’s mission is to encourage all
employees to value older staff members’ experience and
contributions by providing continued opportunities and
challenges to all staff members over 50.
This year, Carondelet is being recognized for a number of
innovative employee programs including its:
- Seasonal Worker Program, which allows nurses to live and
work in Tucson for a few months out of the year
- Innovative recruitment practices, which have received
recognition from local and state human resource management
associations
- Competitive benefits packages, including tuition
reimbursement so associates can develop new skills
- Free, on-site college programs that allow nurses to earn
an associate, bachelors or masters degree
- Flexible work schedules for those who want to work a
limited number of hours, which is attractive to many
retirees.
For more information about this award or to secure interviews
regarding the award with representatives of Carondelet Health
Network or AARP, please contact Leticia Ramirez
Back
2nd Annual Get Moving Tucson
Tucson, Arizona – August 29, 2006 – Carondelet Health Network
and Lennar Homes are proud to announce the 2nd Annual Get Moving
Tucson 10-mile Run and 5K Run/Walk to take place on Sunday,
October 22, 2006.
The Carondelet/Lennar Get Moving Tucson 10-Mile Run and 5K
Run/Walk is one of the region’s most unique running events, for
many reasons:
- The 10-mile race begins at St. Joseph’s Hospital at 7:00
a.m. on October 22nd and crosses through the very heart of
Tucson, going west along Broadway and through downtown to
end at St. Mary’s Hospital.
- With a total prize purse of $3,000, it will draw some of
the finest regional, national and international runners as
participants. Last year’s top finishers were from Kenya,
Uganda, and Ethiopia.
- Get Moving Tucson is the Arizona State 10-mile
Championship Race and a part of the Southern Arizona
Roadrunners Desert Grand Prix.
- At the inaugural race in October 2005, more than 1800
people participated: 700 registered to run in the 10-mile
race and more than 1000 ran or walked along the shorter
course. 200 volunteers helped the event run smoothly from
start to finish.
Runners, walkers, and families can also participate in a
shorter 5k (3.1 mile) timed race, and non-competitive Family
Fitness Walk, beginning and ending on the St. Mary’s campus.
Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup will participate as an honorary starter
for the race.
Following the event and awards ceremony, participants,
supporters and families are invited to a Fitness Fair on the
grounds at St. Mary’s Hospital, with such activities as jumping
castles, climbing walls, arts and crafts, massage therapy, and
more.
The 2006 event will be produced by the Southern Arizona
Roadrunners and sponsored by Carondelet Health Network, Lennar
Homes, Diet Pepsi, Chase Bank, United Rentals, 92.9 The
Mountain, The Running Shop, Fleet Feet, Spa One, Morrison
Healthcare Food Services, Clear Channel Outdoor, Tucson
Lifestyle, Tucson Newspapers, Cox Communications, Tucson Parks
and Recreation Department, and the Tucson Downtown Alliance.
For more information on this event, go to
www.carondelet.org/GetMovingTucson_2006 or contact Race
Director, Randy Accetta at
president@azroadrunners.org. For additional sports and
health related story ideas in connection with the race, contact
Media Consultant Lisa Contreras,
lmcontrerasaz@yahoo.com
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 New CEO of Carondelet Medical Group
Carondelet Health Network Welcomes Walter Davis
Tucson, Arizona – August 21, 2006 – Carondelet Health Network is
proud to announce Walter B. Davis has accepted the position as
Chief Executive Officer of Carondelet Medical Group. Mr. Davis
joins Carondelet Health Network following a successful tenure as
Vice President of Physician Services for Washoe Health System in
Reno, Nevada.
Mr. Davis has 20 years of medical group practice and health care
management experience. He received his MBA in 1998 from the
University of Redlands in California.
Walter B. Davis took the reigns from Carondelet Medical Group’s
retiring Executive Director, Dan Topp, in July.
Carondelet Medical Group was established in 1995. Currently, CMG
continues to grow, with over 70 physicians, in 16 locations, and
a team of highly trained nurse practitioners and physician
assistants. The physicians of Carondelet Medical Group are board
certified, primary care practitioners and specialists who
understand the importance of listening to patient concerns and
work to preserve patients overall wellness. CMG specialties
include: family medicine, preventative medicine, geriatrics,
internal medicine, minor office surgery, orthopedics, podiatry,
rheumatology, gynecology, and women’s health.
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Carondelet Health Network Wins
American Business Award
Tucson, Arizona – August 4, 2006 – Carondelet Health Network was
recently honored with a national Stevie® Award for Best Human
Resources Organization at The 2006 American Business Awards in
New York City.
Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars” by the New York Post
(April 27, 2005), The American Business Awards are the only
national, all-encompassing business awards program honoring
great performances in the workplace.
The American Business Awards honor companies of all types and
sizes and recognize outstanding performances in the workplace.
This year, over 1,500 nominations were submitted in more than 40
categories including Best Overall Company, Best Executive, and
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program.
Finalists were selected by business professionals nationwide
during two months of preliminary judging. Members of the Awards'
Board of Distinguished Judges and Advisors and their staffs then
selected winners from the list of finalists.
Carondelet Health Network Human Resources was honored as Best
Human Resources Organization; recognized for the innovative
programs it has set up to address the shortage of health care
workers and to attract and retain high-quality staff.
“We are proud to report that last year we were able to increase
our number of hires, and we reduced overall turnover from 25.2%
to 19.8% and RN turnover from 20.5% to 14.3%”, said Linda
Werbylo, Carondelet Health Network’s Vice President of Human
Resources.
Some of the initiatives Carondelet has implemented include:
- An Accelerated BSN program is a fast-track program for
nursing students to gain the education to become registered
nurses. Carondelet Health Network partners with the
University of Arizona to provide the faculty and education
to these students at no cost to them, and then hires them as
nurses within the hospital system.
- A partnership with Grand Canyon University whereby
Carondelet associates can pursue their BSN degree onsite at
any of the three campuses at no charge to them. The program
has 110 RNs participating.
- Several events designed to thank current Carondelet
associates for their hard work, including a “CHN Day at the
Movies” and an annual picnic at a water park for Carondelet
associates and their families.
Details about The American Business Awards and the list of
Finalists and Stevie® Award winners are available at
www.stevieawards.com/aba.
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Carondelet Health Network’s St.
Mary’s Hospital Receives Prestigious Cardiology Award from
American Heart Association
Recognized in July’s U.S. News and World Report “Best
Hospitals” Magazine
Tucson, Arizona – July 31, 2006 - Coronary Heart Disease is the
#1 killer in America. According to the American Heart
Association, within one year after a recognized heart attack, 25
percent of men and 38 percent of women will die!
What can be done to change those statistics? According to the
AHA, local hospitals need to “Get with the Guidelines” and
Carondelet’s St. Mary’s Hospital is receiving prestigious
recognition in this month’s U.S. News and World Report’s “Best
Hospitals” Magazine for doing just that!
Each year, The American Heart Association/American Stroke
Association recognize an elite group of U.S. Hospitals’
Cardiology Programs, like St. Mary’s Hospital, for their success
in ensuring continuous quality improvement of heart attack
treatment and prevention. Get With The GuidelinesSM (GWTG) is
the premier hospital-based quality improvement program for the
American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association
which empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat
patients with in accordance with the most up-to-date guidelines.
Following the “guidelines” set out by the AHA/ASA, means
guaranteeing treatment teams follow specific protocols while
discharging patients, sending them home knowledgeable about how
to prevent another heart attack and encouraged to build a
stronger, healthier lifestyle for themselves. It closes the gap
between in-hospital and post-discharge patient care.
This year, Carondelet’s Health Network’s St. Mary’s Hospital,
has been awarded an Initial Performance Achievement Award. The
AHA’s “Get with the Guidelines” protocols are an integral
component of the entire Carondelet Health Network mission for
the care and transition of cardiac care patients Carondelet’s
St. Joseph’s Hospital also strictly adheres to the recommended
protocols.
St. Mary’s is being recognized for consistently using its
arsenal of tools to inform, empower and educate patients
suffering from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) before they are
discharged. Evidence-based studies demonstrate that many
patients with CVD do not receive optimal preventive therapy
before being discharged from the hospital. The hospital setting
has been identified as the "teachable moment" whereby patients
have demonstrated higher post-discharge compliance to therapies
as they relate the therapies to their event.
Back
Carondelet Health Network Recognized
for Impact and Contributions to Tucson
Receives Corporate Impact Award from American Heart Association
Tucson, Arizona - July 31, 2006 – Carondelet Health Network is
the proud recipient of this year’s Corporate Impact Award from
the Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Heart Association.
Dot Walker, Executive Director of the SOAZ chapter of the
American Heart Association says, the award is presented in
recognition of “Carondelet Health Network’s numerous local
initiatives, all tailored toward impacting heart health and
wellness in Southern Arizona.”
According to Walker, some of the initiatives recognized include:
- Carondelet Health Network as the first healthcare
organization in Southern Arizona to implement a 100% Tobacco
Free Policy at all of its facilities, including St. Mary’s
Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, as
well as the 15 medical group offices, imaging centers, and
other ancillary facilities. Carondelet administrators and
medical staff felt the effort was vital to promoting the
health of patients, visitors, associates, volunteers,
medical staff and the public.
- Carondelet St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Hospitals focus
on heart health and wellness through the implementation of
the AHA’s widely recognized “Get With The Guidelines”
program. An effort that earned Carondelet St. Mary’s
nationwide recognition this month from the national American
Heart Association.
- A commitment by St. Mary’s Hospital to provide all of
their associates with vital information about cardiovascular
health through the R.E.A.C.H. program. R.E.A.C.H. stands for
Risk Evaluation and Cardiovascular Health program. The
program targets women, in particular, and includes an
education session, lab work, risk questionnaire, and
consultation.
- A community outreach program at St. Joseph’s Hospital
called Woman to Woman: Heart to Heart, inviting associates
and community members to learn about heart disease and
strategies to reduce stress. The program includes lectures
over breakfasts and afternoon teas, so women can also learn
heart healthy recipes.
Carondelet Health Network’s continued commitment and
consistent support for the Tucson American Heart Walk, bringing
in more than 1,000 walkers the last 2 years and raising close to
$200,000 in contributions to the Heart Walk for the AHA.
Carondelet was also #4 of the top 10 Heart Walk Teams in the
entire Pacific/Mountain region this year.
“The American Heart Association and the American Stroke
Association are proud of their corporate partnership with
Carondelet Health Network,” says Walker, “and sincerely
appreciate the impact Carondelet has had on the health of the
Tucson community.”
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Carondelet Appoints New Executive
Director of Ambulatory Services
TUCSON—July 28, 2006. Carondelet Health Network recently
appointed Andrew B. Cosentino as Executive Director of
Ambulatory Services. As a member of the senior leadership team,
Cosentino will oversee network-wide cardiovascular and
ambulatory care services.
Previously Cosentino was Vice President of Cardiovascular
Partnership Development with the Tucson Heart Hospital and
Carondelet Health Network, a position he held since June of
2005. From 1999 until June of 2005, Cosentino was Administrator
of Palo Verde Hospital, a division of Tucson Medical Center. He
has worked at Tucson Medical Center for 18 years in various
leadership positions including the Director of Outpatient
Services, Director of the Orthopedic Product Line and Manager of
the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.
Cosentino serves on the community board of the American Heart
Association, on the board of Trustees of the Tucson Medical
Center Affiliated Credit Union, and on the Behavioral Health
Committee for the Arizona Hospital Association.
Cosentino received his Bachelor of Science degree from the
University of Iowa; certificate in Physical Therapy from the
University of Iowa College of Medicine and a Masters in Business
Administration from the University of Phoenix.
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MedCath Corporation Agrees to Sell
Interest in Tucson Heart Hospital to Carondelet Health Network
CHARLOTTE, N.C.and TUCSON, Ariz., June 20, 2006--MedCath
Corporation (Nasdaq: MDTH) and Carondelet Health Network jointly
announced today that the two parties have entered into an
agreement, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions,
which will result in Carondelet Health Network purchasing the
58.8 percent of the Tucson Heart Hospital owned by MedCath.
Currently, Carondelet Health Network owns 20 percent of the
facility and physician partners own 21.2 percent. At the
conclusion of this transaction, Carondelet will own 78.8 percent
of the heart hospital.
Founded in 1997, Tucson Heart Hospital is a 58-bed, hospital
providing comprehensive heart care for the Tucson community.
Carondelet Health Network ownership of the Tucson Heart Hospital
resulted from a 1999 transaction. Carondelet Health Network is a
comprehensive Catholic, nonprofit healthcare system comprised of
three acute care hospitals, totaling 733 acute care beds,
outpatient facilities, and a fifteen multi-site location
Carondelet Medical Group. MedCath, headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., is a healthcare provider focused on the diagnosis and
treatment of cardiovascular disease. Upon completion of the
pending transaction, MedCath will own interest in and operate
eleven hospitals in eight states with a total of 667 licensed
beds.
In making the announcement, Ed French, President and CEO of
MedCath said, “MedCath and Carondelet Health Network, in
collaboration with physician partners, have for the past several
months evaluated the strategic direction of the Tucson Heart
Hospital in the context of strengthening the network
relationship with Carondelet Health Network. We jointly
concluded that the full integration of Tucson Heart Hospital
into the Carondelet Health Network would strengthen the heart
hospital’s ability to meet the community’s growing healthcare
needs.”
Sally Jeffcoat, President and CEO of Carondelet Health Network
said, “The integration of Tucson Heart Hospital as a member of
our health network will enhance our mission to serve the needs
of the community, provide comprehensive services and outreach
through the integration of our clinical programs, resources and
facilities. We value our historical partnership with Tucson
Heart Hospital, and are enthusiastic about working with our
partners, employees and community physicians to continue to
provide exceptional heart care to our community.”
In speaking to the strategic value of this transaction, French
adds, “Our national development pipeline is robust. This
transaction will strengthen our balance sheet and
diversification efforts in other existing properties and new
properties to facilitate a growth strategy to which we committed
earlier this year.”
Terms of the transaction are not disclosed pending completion of
a Definitive Agreement, satisfaction of customary closing
conditions and closing, which are expected to take place within
90 days.
MedCath Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a
healthcare provider focused on the diagnosis and treatment of
cardiovascular disease. MedCath focuses on the serving the
unique needs of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Upon completion of the pending divestiture of its ownership in
Tucson Heart Hospital, MedCath will own interests in and operate
eleven hospitals with a total of 667 licensed beds, located in
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio,
South Dakota, and Texas. In addition, MedCath provides
cardiovascular care services in diagnostic and therapeutic
facilities located in various states.
www.medcath.com
Carondelet Health Network, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a
Catholic, nonprofit healthcare system dedicated to responding to
the healthcare needs of Southern Arizonans. Founded by the
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Carondelet facilities
include Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital and Carondelet St.
Joseph’s Hospital (both awarded “100 Top Hospitals”), Carondelet
Holy Cross Hospital in Santa Cruz County, and the 75 physicians
and care providers at 15 Carondelet Medical Group locations.
Carondelet Health Network has provided healthcare services for
more than 125 years, is dedicated to Healthcare That Is Safe,
Healthcare That Works, and Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind.
Carondelet Health Network is a member of Ascension Health. More
information is available at
www.carondelet.org.
Parts of this announcement contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
Although MedCath believes that these forward-looking statements
are based on reasonable assumptions, these assumptions are
inherently subject to significant economic, regulatory and
competitive uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult
or impossible to predict accurately and are beyond our control.
MedCath’s actual results could differ materially from those
projected in these forward-looking statements. MedCath does not
assume any obligation to update these statements in a news
release or otherwise should material facts or circumstances
change in ways that would affect their accuracy.
These various risks and uncertainties are described in detail in
“Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations- Risk Factors and Forward
Looking Statements” in MedCath’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006. A copy of this
report is available on the Internet sites of the Securities and
Exchange Commission at
http://www.sec.gov.
Back
 100K
Lives Campaign Alive and Well at Carondelet
Carondelet Health Network hospitals (St. Mary’s Hospital, St.
Joseph’s Hospital, and Holy Cross Hospital) have joined 52 other
Arizona hospitals as participants in the Institute for
Healthcare Improvement’s 100,000 Lives Campaign. Nationwide, the
campaign’s goal is to save or extend the lives of 100,000
patients through the implementation of six evidence-based
practices that can improve patient care.
The 55 participating Arizona hospitals, which represent 75 per
cent of the state’s licensed hospital beds, have voluntarily
committed to implementing programs and procedures around these
care-improvement strategies:
- Create a 24-hour rapid response team for
life-threatening medical emergencies
- Prevent medication errors through medication
reconciliation a process that tracks patient medications
from admission to discharge
- Administer aspirin and beta blockers to patients
hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
- Prevent bloodstream infections (BSI) related to the use
of central intravenous catheters by using a “bundle” for
central lines that includes a series of evidence-based
processes
- Avoid surgical-site infections (SSI) through the
properly timed delivery of preoperative antibiotics
- Avoid ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by
implementing the VAP “bundle,” a series of steps that in
combination result in better outcomes
On June 14, 2006, hospitals nationwide celebrate the first 18
months of the 100,000 Lives Campaign’s implementation. A banner
at each of our hospitals announces our commitment to this
initiative.
Although the campaign’s adoption in Arizona actually began in
September 2005, under the leadership of the Arizona Hospital and
Healthcare Association (AzHHA), Carondelet Health Network (CHN)
implemented its rapid response teams in March and April 2005.
The team includes experienced critical care nurses and
respiratory therapists who bring their expertise to the bedside,
working with the nurses who have identified a patient in early
crisis. At around this time, CHN began implementing the Central
Line and VAP bundles. CHN is already close to achieving the goal
of administering aspirin and beta blockers to 100% of patients
who need them and have no contraindications.
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Carondelet Purchases Land to Build
Hospital in Sahuarita/Green Valley
Tucson, Arizona - June 1, 2006 - As part of its commitment to
the residents of southern Arizona, Carondelet Health Network (CHN)
has completed the purchase of property for the development of a
regional hospital and medical services campus in the Green
Valley/Sahuarita area, announced Sally E. Jeffcoat, President &
CEO of Carondelet Health Network.
“The decision to build a hospital in Sahuarita/Green Valley
is an important aspect of CHN’s comprehensive regional
healthcare approach,” Jeffcoat explained. “ We are committed to
providing access to quality care throughout southern Arizona.”
Sahuarita Mayor Charles Oldham added, "Carondelet's land
purchase today is a major achievement for the future of
Sahuarita. I am glad that the process is proceeding and it will
result in a much needed hospital facility and service to the
community. On behalf of Sahuarita and the greater community, I
would like to welcome Carondelet and convey our gratitude for
coming to the Town." “Rancho Sahuarita is excited to bring
Carondelet’s medical services and employment opportunities to
the town of Sahuarita. Our partnership with Carondelet will
greatly enhance the quality of life of our residents”, said Bob
Sharpe, Managing Partner of Rancho Sahuarita.
The new campus is situated on the corner of Sahuarita Road
and La Villita in the heart of the planned Sahuarita town
center. The medical campus will include a state of the art
78-bed hospital providing acute care, basic diagnostic and
imaging services, surgical services with three surgical suites
as well as an emergency center. The Sonoran Institute is
involved in the campus plan to ensure that the integrity of the
desert is maintained throughout the development and construction
of the facilities.
The phased campus development project will begin with the
construction of a Carondelet Medical Group office and outpatient
services within 24 months. Construction of the hospital is
slated for 2010 with occupancy scheduled for 2011. The cost of
the project is estimated at $62 million; with funds secured
through a combination of Carondelet capital allocation and
philanthropy.
Carondelet began pursing a strategy to build a hospital in
collaboration with the Town of Sahuarita and the Green Valley
Coordinating Council late last year. A feasibility study was
conducted which determined that the area could support an acute
care hospital as well as inpatient and outpatient services to
match the population growth along the I-19 corridor. Cort
Chalfant, Senior Vice-President of the Rancho Sahuarita
Companies praised the cooperative process that led to
Carondelet’s move to the Sahuarita area.
“Carondelet’s acquisition today of land within our future
town-center area represents a high-water mark in public-private
cooperation. Without the close partnership that the Town of
Sahuarita, Rancho Sahuarita and Carondelet engaged in over the
past fifteen months the opportunity to bring Carondelet’s
full-service medical facilities to the Sahuarita-Green Valley
area would not have been possible”.
Carondelet has provided medical services in this area for
nearly 20 years, from urgent care services to a full range of
imaging, diagnostic, rehabilitation, outpatient nursing
treatment and hospice care through the Carondelet Medical Mall
at Green Valley and the Carondelet Medical Group physicians
offices.
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RNs Achieve their Dream of Attaining
their BSN degree
Tucson, Arizona - May 31, 2006 - 87 Carondelet Health Network
(CHN) RNs who never thought they would have the financial
resources or time to dedicate to achieving their Bachelor of
Science in Nursing degree will receive their diplomas at a
Convocation and Pinning Ceremony on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 at
Most Holy Trinity Church 1300 N. Greasewood, nine additional RNs
will graduate at a ceremony at Holy Cross Hospital in Nogales at
3:00pm that afternoon.
Carondelet Health Network and Grand Canyon University joined
together in 2005 to provide the RN to BSN program. The
partnership is unique in southern Arizona; CHN is the only
hospital system that offers the program. Fran Roberts, Dean of
Grand Canyon University College of Nursing, praises CHN for
wanting to support the best nursing care for their patients.
Studies show the more education a nurse has the higher the
quality of care. “It is extremely rare for a Hospital Network to
provide full tuition benefits for an RN to BSN program.
Carondelet is certainly a leader in the field, their commitment
to the program evidences where their heart is in caring for
patients in the community,” Roberts said. “We saw the RN to BSN
program as a recruitment strategy to help CHN attract qualified
RNs who had a desire to advance in the nursing field”, said
Linda Werbylo, Vice President of Human Resources. “All three of
our hospitals are strongly committed to quality patient care and
we saw our partnership with Grand Canyon as an opportunity to
increase the number of degree prepared professionals at the
bedside.”
“We quickly found that the RN to BSN program would be a welcome
benefit for our current associates, many of whom never thought
they would be able to advance in the field because of the
financial commitment and time involved” said Lynda Gallagher,
RN, manager of CHN Staff Development. “The RN to BSN program
helps with retention of our associates. It shows them that we
are committed to them as individuals and professionals.”
To qualify for the program, associates must be a diploma
graduate or have an Associate’s degree as well as an
unencumbered RN license. Candidates should have completed 83
lower division credits. CHN pays the tuition for the 45 upper
division credits that lead to the BSN degree. The investment in
each student is approximately $12,500. Classes are held in the
evenings at one of the Carondelet hospitals. Associates are
asked to make a two-year commitment to CHN upon graduation from
the 18-month program.
Mario Lluria, RN nurse manager of the Burn and Wound unit at
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, took advantage of the RN to BSN
program. He has been a nurse with St. Mary’s for the past ten
years. Lluria shares, “ The program show that CHN values its
associates enough to invest money in advancing our education and
raising our level of our professionalism. I had always planned
to continue my education but put it off, when CHN put the
resources at my fingertips, I could not say no to the
opportunity. A degree from Grand Canyon University is highly
regarded in the nursing field.”
The RN to BSN is just one of the ways that CHN is committed to
helping solve the nursing shortage in our community. The program
helps assure that we have the qualified nurses needed to care
for the community.
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Congressional Candidate Patty Weiss to
Keynote Postpartum Depression Awareness Week Event
Tucson, Ariz.- May 16, 2006 - Patty Weiss, democratic candidate
for Congress for District 8, will be the keynote speaker at an
event marking “Postpartum Depression Awareness Week” to be held
at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Governor Janet Napolitano and Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup has
recently declared May 14-19, 2006 as “PostPartum Depression
Awareness Week” in Tucson. Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital will
mark the week with a ceremony from 2:30-4:00 pm Friday, May 19,
at the Hospital’s Auditorium, 350 N. Wilmot.
It happens more often than you think-a new mother has just given
birth to a delightful baby, and everyone is ecstatic. Everyone,
that is, except the mother. Postpartum Depression affects up to
25 percent of new moms, according to Carole Sheehan, RN,
facilitator of the Postpartum Depression Support Group and
author of a new report based on interviews of women affected by
this disorder.
“Postpartum depression is among the most common and debilitating
mental disorders affecting women. But of course, it affects more
than just the mom. It affects her brand new baby, her other
children and spouse,” said Ms. Weiss. “ I applaud Governor
Napolitano and Mayor Walkup for their proclamations focusing
awareness on Postpartum Mood Disorders, and I am delighted to be
part of the St. Joseph's Hospital program celebrating those
proclamations.”
Another speaker at the event is Mrs. Marana, Catherine
Rodriguez, who is competing in the Mrs. Arizona pageant. Ms.
Rodriguez is sharing her personal experience with postpartum
depression to educate women and men about the resources
available for those suffering from that disorder.
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St. Joseph’s Hospital Celebrates
Nurses’ Week in Storybook Style
Tucson, Ariz.- May 9, 2006 - Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital is
celebrating Nurses Week May 8-12, 2006 with a storybook
theme-Alice “RN” in Carondeland.
All hospital units as well as common areas are decorated based
on the Alice in Wonderland theme to impress the judges during
the “Bribe the Queen of Hearts” decorating contest. Other events
include:
- Cheshire’s Massage Palace, offering free massages for
the staff.
- Un Birthday Party
- Madd Hatter’s Tea Party
“We have a dedicated and caring nursing staff at St. Joseph’s
Hospital,” said Ginny Goldner, RN, one of the organizers of the
week’s events. “This allows us to celebrate our wonderful
caregivers and associates in a fun and creative way.”
Awards ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, May 10 starting at
12:00 pm in the St. Joseph’s Auditorium. The Master of
Ceremonies is Bobby Rich of 94.9 Mix-FM.
The week culminates on Saturday, May 13, 2006 with the Fab 50
Gala event hosted by the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation and held
at the Doubletree Hotel.
Carondelet Health Network is proud to have 11 nurses recognized
as Fabulous 50 nurses by the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation. They
are:
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
Teri Hess; Connie Impraim; Susan Patania; Lori Regehr; Robin
Shepherd; Stephanie Speidel.
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital
Steve Arthur; Maggie Chivington; Julie Nelson; Patricia Plog
Carondelet Hospice and Palliative Care
Sharon Fitzpatrick
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Healthcare for All - Focus of
Community Forum on May 4
Tucson, AZ - Carondelet Health Network will host a community
forum on healthcare issues that face all Arizonans on Thursday,
May 4, 2006 at the Westin La Paloma, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, from
9am to 1pm. The forum is free and open to the public.
May 1-7 is “Covered the Uninsured Week”, a week that raises
awareness of the 46 million Americans who do not have health
insurance including the nearly one million people in Arizona who
are uninsured. The forum will provide our community with a voice
in addressing the uninsured and the cost and quality of
healthcare throughout the country.
This meeting is one of many being held across the country to
engage individuals in the process to find solutions that will
lead to healthcare that works for all Americans. Community
members are encouraged to take part in this historic discussion;
information will be gathered by the Citizens Health Care Working
Group, who will compile a citizens’ action plan that the
President and Congress are required by law to consider as they
work to make healthcare work for all Americans.
Participants will receive information on the nation’s
healthcare system, including problems related to cost, quality,
and access to care. Four questions will be considered by the
group: what healthcare benefits and services should be provided;
how should healthcare be delivered; how should it be paid for;
and what trade-offs should the American public be willing to
make in either benefits or financing to ensure access to
affordable, high quality healthcare coverage and services.
Participants will share their ideas in focused small group
discussions about ways to improve the healthcare system. The
forum is interactive and inclusive; each participant will have a
voice and a vote in recommendations that the Tucson forum
provides to the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group.
Participants include business leaders, healthcare providers,
insurance companies, government
representatives, community resource organizations and private
citizens. Carondelet Health Network is committed to facilitating
and supporting efforts to provide solutions to issues related to
access care. For more information, call 873-5024.
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Community-Wide Free Stroke Screening
Available on May 6, 2006
Tucson, Ariz. - April 25, 2006 - A free stroke screening will be
held at various locations in Tucson on Saturday, May 6, 2006.
The “Stroke Check” is sponsored by the American Heart
Association and the American Stroke Association, in conjunction
with the following health organizations: Carondelet Health
Network’s St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s hospitals; El Dorado
Hospital; University Medical Center; Tucson Medical Center;
Northwest Medical Center; and UPH at Kino Hospital.
Testing—which will be held from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.—is FREE to
all participants and does not require an appointment. The
average testing time is 45 minutes to one hour. Those planning
on having blood glucose or blood cholesterol tested should not
eat or drink prior to the test. Medications may be taken with a
small amount of water.
Locations and testing locations are as follows:
EASTSIDE:
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, 350 N. Wilmot Road – testing
will be done in the outpatient clinic to the right of the main
entrance. The following tests will be provided: Oxygen Level;
Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification; Height, Weight and BMI;
Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure; Blood Cholesterol; Risk
Assessment and Medical Counseling; Balance testing.
El Dorado Hospital, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd. The following test will
be provided: Oxygen Level; Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification;
Height, Weight and BMI; Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure;
Blood Cholesterol; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
WESTSIDE:
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, 1601 West St. Mary’s Road, in
the Outpatient Rehab Unit with entry through the main entrance
on the east side of the hospital. The following testing will be
provided: Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification; Height, Weight
and BMI; Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure; Blood
Cholesterol; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
University Medical Center, 1501 N. Campbell will be testing in
dining rooms C, D, E, and F which are located inside the
cafeteria. The following testing will be provided: Oxygen level;
Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification; Height, Weight and BMI;
Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure; Blood Cholesterol; Risk
Assessment and Medical Counseling
CENTRAL:
Tucson Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Road–testing will be done
in Marshall Auditorium, on the East side of the hospital. The
following testing will be provided: Oxygen level; Pulse; Risk
Factor Modification; Height, Weight and BMI; Carotid Bruits
Check; Blood Pressure; Blood Cholesterol; Carotid Dopllers; Risk
Assessment and Medical Counseling.
SOUTHSIDE:
UPH Kino Hospital, 2800 East Ajo Way–testing will be done in the
Neurology Clinic on the north side of the hospital. The
following test will be provided: Oxygen Level; Pulse; Risk
Factor; Modification; Height, Weight and BMI; Carotid Bruits
Check; Blood Pressure; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
NORTHWEST:
Northwest Medical Center, 6200 N. La Cholla Blvd.–testing will
be done in classrooms A through the main entrance on the 1st
floor. The following test will be provided: Oxygen level; Pulse;
Risk Factor Modification; Blood Pressure; Height, Weight and
BMI; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
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For Your Health: Important Information
for Men and Women
Tucson, Ariz. - March 30, 2006 - Carondelet Health Network
presents, “ For Your Health” a free community education forum
designed for men and women who want the latest information on
issues that commonly affect their health. The program will give
participants the opportunity to ask physicians questions about
diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle
WHAT: “This Isn't Your Mother's Bladder Tack" Dr. David Mainman-Desert
Bloom Obstetrics & Gynecology. If you are experiencing bladder
problems you are not alone, uterine and vaginal prolapse affects
more women then you know. Dr. Mainman will discuss what prolapse
is and the latest solutions for this common condition.
and
"Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy" or the enlarged prostate gland, a
very common condition in men over 50 years of age. - Dr. Leon
Smith-Harrison, Southwestern Urology. While its symptoms can be
inconvenient, uncomfortable and even embarrassing, the good news
is that it is not life threatening and it is treatable. Dr.
Smith-Harrison will discuss what BPH is and its complications.
WHEN: Thursday April 20, 2006
From 6:30 – 8:30pm
WHERE: Randolph Park Center
200 S. Alvernon Way Building 2
WHO: These common conditions affect men and women of all ages
but particularly those over 50.
The program is tailored for women who are coping with or at risk
for vaginal and uterine
prolapse and men who are coping with or at risk for an enlarged
prostate.
REGISTRATION FREE: Refreshments will be served
FLYER: Download Now (Requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Questions : Contact the Carondelet Health Network Physician
Liaison at 872-7038
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Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
Bariatric Surgery Program Informational Seminars and Support
Groups
Tucson, Ariz.- March 29, 2006 - Carondelet St. Joseph’s
Hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Program announces the following
support groups and information seminars intended for those
considering bariatric surgery as well as for those who have
undergone the surgery.
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Bariatric Program Informational Seminars
April 1, 2006
Bariatric Informational Seminar
St. Joseph’s Hospital Auditorium
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
April 22, 2006
Bariatric Informational Seminar
St. Mary’s Hospital
Heritage Room
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
April 29, 2006
Bariatric Informational Seminar
Oscar Yrun Community Center
3020 E. Tacoma Street
Sierra Vista, AZ
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Bariatric Program Support Groups
Meetings are held at St. Joseph’s Hospital at 350 N. Wilmot Road
from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
April 15, 2006 4th Floor Rehab Conference Room
May 6, 2006 4th Floor Rehab Conference Room
June 3, 2006 Auditorium (located in the Basement)
July 1, 2006 Auditorium (located in the Basement)
August 5, 2006 Auditorium (located in the Basement)
September 2, 2006 Auditorium (located in the Basement)
October 7, 2006 Auditorium (located in the Basement)
November 4, 2006 Auditorium (located in the Basement)
December 2, 2006 Auditorium (located in the Basement)
December 23, 2006 Holiday Get Together
Auditorium (located in the Basement)
For more information contact Karen Baumann, RN, at (520)
873-5472.
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Community-Wide Free Stroke Screening
Available on May 6, 2006
Tucson, Ariz.-March 29, 2006-A free stroke screening will be
held at various locations in Tucson on Saturday, May 6, 2006.
The “Stroke Check” is sponsored by the American Heart
Association and the American Stroke Association, in conjunction
with the following health networks: Carondelet Health Network’s
St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s hospitals; El Dorado Hospital;
University Medical Center; Tucson Medical Center; Northwest
Medical Center; and UPH at Kino Hospital.
Testing—which will be held from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.—is FREE to
all participants and does not require an appointment. The
average testing time is 45 minutes to one hour. Those planning
on having blood glucose or blood cholesterol tested should not
eat or drink prior to the test. Medications may be taken with a
small amount of water.
Locations and testing locations are as follows:
EASTSIDE:
• Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, 350 N. Wilmot Road – testing
will be done in the outpatient clinic to the right of the main
entrance. The following tests will be provided: Oxygen Level;
Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification; Height, Weight and BMI;
Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure; Blood Cholesterol; Risk
Assessment and Medical Counseling; Balance testing.
• El Dorado Hospital, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd. The following test will
be provided: Oxygen Level; Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification;
Height, Weight and BMI; Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure;
Blood Cholesterol; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
WESTSIDE:
• Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, 1601 West St. Mary’s Road, in
the Outpatient Rehab Unit with entry through the main entrance
on the east side of the hospital. The following testing will be
provided: Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification; Height, Weight
and BMI; Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure; Blood
Cholesterol; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
• University Medical Center, 1501 N. Campbell will be testing in
dining rooms C, D, E, and F which are located inside the
cafeteria. The following testing will be provided: Oxygen level;
Pulse; EKG; Risk Factor Modification; Height, Weight and BMI;
Carotid Bruits Check; Blood Pressure; Blood Cholesterol; Risk
Assessment and Medical Counseling
CENTRAL:
• Tucson Medical Center, 5301 E. Grant Road–testing will be done
in Marshall Auditorium, on the East side of the hospital. The
following testing will be provided: Oxygen level; Pulse; Risk
Factor Modification; Height, Weight and BMI; Carotid Bruits
Check; Blood Pressure; Blood Cholesterol; Carotid Dopllers; Risk
Assessment and Medical Counseling.
SOUTHSIDE:
• UPH Kino Hospital, 2800 East Ajo Way–testing will be done in
the Neurology Clinic on the north side of the hospital. The
following test will be provided: Oxygen Level; Pulse; Risk
Factor; Modification; Height, Weight and BMI; Carotid Bruits
Check; Blood Pressure; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
NORTHWEST:
• Northwest Medical Center, 6200 N. La Cholla Blvd.–testing will
be done in classrooms A through the main entrance on the 1st
floor. The following test will be provided: Oxygen level; Pulse;
Risk Factor Modification; Blood Pressure; Height, Weight and
BMI; Risk Assessment and Medical Counseling.
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Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
Launches Bariatric Surgery Program
Tucson, Ariz.- March 28, 2006 - Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
announces its new Bariatric Surgery Program, offering
comprehensive medical care for morbidly obese patients before
and after surgery. The Bariatric Surgery Team at St. Joseph’s
Hospital recognizes that clinically severe obesity is a chronic
disease that requires the medical expertise of experienced
clinicians who can provide long term success for the patient.
The team, lead by Medical Director Monte Schwartz, MD, works to
provide the bariatric patient with the best medical care, while
achieving lifestyle and weight loss goals. The team is comprised
of professionals in surgery, psychology, nutrition, medicine,
rehabilitation services and fitness.
“Surgical weight loss is not an easy, quick fix for obesity. It
is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to health,” said Dr.
Schwartz. “Dedication to proper diet, an exercise program, and
mental health is crucial to obtaining the best results after
surgery,” he added.
Some of the medical diseases that can result from severe obesity
include diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease,
sleep apnea, orthopedic problems, chronic lower back pain and
more.
“Bariatric Surgery, also known as gastric bypass surgery, is a
challenging undertaking and St. Joseph’s Hospital has the
experience and capability for handling the special needs this
process requires,” said Wes Colvin, CEO of St. Joseph’s
Hospital.
In preparation for the launch of the program, St. Joseph’s
Hospital has designated eight bed especially designed for
severely obese individuals, as well as special considerations in
patient rooms and in the waiting area. Support groups are
offered for those who have undertaken the surgery and those who
are considering it.
Monte J. Schwartz, MD is board certified by the American Board
of Surgery, and a member of the American Society of Bariatric
Surgeons and the Priestly Society of the Mayo Clinic. Before
relocating to Tucson, Dr. Schwartz practiced in Grinnell, Iowa
for three years, where he was Chief of Surgery, Director of
Bariatric Surgery, and Chair of the Cancer Teaching Conference
at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center. He performed more than
2,000 operations covering a very wide scope of practice.
More information may be obtained at
www.carondelet.org/swl or at
www.foothillssurgery.com.
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Diabetes: The Next Generation of
Treatment
Tucson, Ariz.- March 14, 2006 - Carondelet St. Joseph’s Diabetes
Care Center is sponsoring a conference on advanced treatment for
diabetes complications. The conference is designed for those who
want to learn more about the latest treatment for diabetes
complications and self-management strategies for better glucose
control, diet and exercise. The conference will give
participants the opportunity to ask experts questions about
treatment and lifestyle.
WHAT: Diabetes: The Next Generation of Treatment
WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2006, 8am - 4pm
WHERE: Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital Auditorium
(located in the basement)
WHO: The conference is designed for anyone who has
diabetes or is at risk for diabetes. Presenters include Dr.
Roland Kline, Dr. Eric Berens, Dr. James McCartan, Dr. April
Harris and Dr. Barbara Aung, as well as Carondelet Health
Network Certified Diabetes Educators.
FEE: Reservations are required. $10 includes
educational materials, continental breakfast and healthy lunch
REGISTRATION: Contact the Carondelet St. Joseph’s
Diabetes Care Center at 873-3968.
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Carondelet Health Network Facilities
Go Tobacco-Free on March 20th
Tucson, Ariz.- March 14, 2006 - Beginning Monday, March 20,
2006, no employees, patients or visitors to Carondelet Health
Network (CHN) and Carondelet Medical Group (CMG) facilities will
be allowed to smoke inside or outside the campuses.
CHN and CMG first kicked off the tobacco-free campaign in
November, allowing staff, patients and visitors time to prepare
for this momentous milestone. Administrators and medical staff
believe this initiative is vital to promoting the health of
patients, visitors, employees, volunteers, medical staff and
others.
“As leading healthcare providers and corporate citizens of
Southern Arizona, Carondelet Health Network and Carondelet
Medical Group are committed to establishing and promoting
wellness initiatives that support our mission,” said Sally E.
Jeffcoat, Carondelet Health Network CEO. “Providing a healthy
environment for patients, visitors, associates, volunteers and
physicians is an important part of our efforts. To help us
succeed, all of our facilities and grounds will be designated as
tobacco-free effective March 20, 2006,” she added.
The effort to eliminate tobacco use by CHN and CMG employees
while at work on CHN campuses has gone over well. CHN
associates, physicians and volunteers use tobacco, tobacco
cessation classes and aids have been offered free of charge
since November 2005 and a number of CHN associates have since
quit smoking or are in the process of doing so.
“This policy reinforces our commitment to health and wellness
given tobacco use and second-hand smoke are detrimental to
healthy living,” said Dan Topp, Executive Director of the
Carondelet Medical Group.
The facilities affected by the new policy are:
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital
All Carondelet Medical Group locations
Carondelet Health Network Offices
Carondelet Medical Group administrative office
Carondelet Hospice and Palliative Care
Carondelet Medical Mall at Rita Ranch
Carondelet Medical Mall in Green Valley
Casita Jose and Casita Maria
Butterfield Offices
St. Mary’s Imaging Center
Wound Healing Center
Villa Annex at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
The policy implies that tobacco use of any kind will not be
permitted in the buildings or on the grounds of these
facilities, in any vehicle on our grounds, or at any
office/program operated off-site by one of the facilities.
Signs will be placed strategically around hospital and
medical office facilities informing people, including visitors,
employees and patients, that tobacco products are not allowed
anywhere on property-inside and out.
Individuals seeking support in smoking cessations are invited
to call the Arizona Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-55-66-222 or
visit our web site for more
information.
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Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital Opens
State-of the-Art Dialysis Unit
Tucson, AZ - March 6, 2006 - Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital (CSM)
has opened the largest inpatient Acute Dialysis unit in Tucson
and one of the largest in Arizona. CSM was the first hospital in
the region to offer dialysis treatment in an acute setting over
30 years ago.
The new Dialysis unit includes 10 private patient bays featuring
the advanced technology of B-Braun dialysis machines. Each bay
includes a state-of - the-art Phillips cardiac monitoring system
and individual patient televisions. The unit offers a two to one
patient to staff ratio. All Technicians have successfully
completed the Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
Certification. The unit will treat an average of 12-14 patients
per day.
CSM along with its’ attending Nephrologists are celebrating 30
years of providing dialysis care to the community. Dr. David
Ben-Asher admitted the first dialysis patient to CSM in 1970.
Over the years the dialysis unit has been housed in a variety of
locations, including a closet. “The new unit gives our patients
and staff a state-of-the-art environment and the ability to
provide comprehensive care,” said Jeanette Tellez-Hopkins,
Manager of the Dialysis unit. Dr. David Ben-Asher praises CSM
leadership for continued commitment to providing acute care
dialysis services, “ St. Mary’s Hospital has demonstrated the
need for acute dialysis services in our community and has
invested the resources to ensure that patients receive optimal
care,” said Ben Asher.
CSM will hold an official Grand Opening and Blessing of the
Dialysis Unit on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 from 5-7pm on the 4th
floor of Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital located at 1601 W. St.
Mary’s Road.
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Painful Kidney Stones Dissolve
Tucson, AZ - February 28, 2006 - If you have ever had a
kidney stone, you may be familiar with the pain it may cause. A
new generation of treatment is now available at Carondelet St
Mary’s, that can help reduce the pain of passing a kidney stone.
The method-known as Lithotripsy- involves crushing a kidney
stone while inside your body. It is a non-surgical technique
that does not require an incision. During lithotripsy, shock
waves are directed through the body to the stone, which absorbs
the energy and is pulverizes into sand-like particles. These
particles can then be passed through the urinary tract.
CSM has introduced the new Lithotripter, Compact Delta II. The
advanced system combines technology with superior imaging
capabilities, communication and reporting functionality. The
integrated system delivers exceptional stone breaking ability
and offers treatment flexibility with a unique motorized therapy
head. The Compact II isocentric design allows both the shockwave
and imaging systems to revolve around a single point. This
ensures precise alignment of the targeting system and the
shockwave focus at all times. The new system ensures low
re-treatment rates with minimal side effects and shorter
treatment times.
“St. Mary’s Hospital has made a commitment to patient care by
dedicating resources to the purchase of the state of the art
Compact Delta II, said William Kuo MD, urologist.” Kalpesh
Patel, MD continues, "I have used a number of different
lithotripters over the last several years and this unit is quite
remarkable in its’ ability to fragment kidney and ureteral
stones. Hands down, it is the best one I have used to date and
it certainly blows away any other lithotripter in Tucson."
The addition of the Compact Delta II advances the continuum
urological of care offered at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital.
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Carondelet Health Network Nurses
Honored As Arizona Nurses of the Year by “March of Dimes”
Tucson, Ariz. - January 16, 2006 - Two Carondelet Health Network
nurses were among 14 nurses honored at the Second Annual March
of Dimes Arizona Nurses of the Year Awards.
Donna Zazworsky, RN, Manager of the Carondelet Diabetes Care
Centers for Carondelet Health Network was named “Community
Service Nurse of the Year.” Ms. Zazworsky directs in-patient and
out-patient care for diabetics and conducts exercise classes for
people with multiple sclerosis. She drove the establishment of a
recreation center for Tucsonans with disabilities, and helped to
establish the first-ever Girl Scout Nurses Badge Program.
Virginia “Ginny” Goldner, Director of Medical Surgical
Services at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital received the
“Innovation and Creativity Nurse of the Year” Award. Her “Ruby
Slippers” program reduced the rate of patient falls by
identifying patients at most risk by giving them red slippers to
wear, indicating to nurses that they needed special attention if
they were seen out of bed. Her innovation also extends to a
“SPA” for patients needing the Special Procedures Area, and
“Care Partners” who team nurses and families.
Carol Martin, Director of Perioperative Services at
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital was a finalist in the
“Research/Advancing the Profession” category.
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State-of-the-Art Surgery Centers Open
Tucson, Ariz.- January 12, 2006 - Carondelet St. Mary’s
Hospital, in partnership with a diverse group of community
physicians, has opened two state of the art Ambulatory Surgery
Centers. Carondelet Health Network has a 40% interest in the
venture while the physicians group holds the remaining interest.
- The Carondelet Foothills Surgery center is located at
2220 W. Orange Grove Road and can be reached at 877-5660.
- The Carondelet Silverbell Surgery center is located at
585 N. Silverbell Road and can be reached at 623-1600.
The two surgery centers provide convenient, cost-effective
care for patients, but also answer the increasing need for
medical services in fast-growing Pima County. Outpatient
procedures that can be performed in the new facilities will ease
the demand on full-service hospitals in Southern Arizona.
Features of the Carondelet Foothills Surgery Center:
- 14,000 sq. feet, offering five surgery suites with 21
recovery beds and adult and pediatric waiting areas
- Surgical specialties include: Orthopedics, Urology, ENT,
General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry and Neurosurgery.
Features of the Carondelet Silverbell Surgery Center:
- 14,000 sq. feet, offering four surgery suites with 21
recovery beds
- Surgical specialties include: ENT, Urology, Podiatry,
Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Gynecology, Neurosurgery and
General Surgery
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Carondelet Health Network Receives “2005
Employer Excellence Award” from Arizona Nurses Association
Tucson, Ariz. - January 10, 2006 - The Arizona Nurses
Association (AzNA) recently presented Carondelet Health Network
(CHN) with the “2005 Employer Excellence Award.”
CHN is the first Tucson hospital health system to receive the
award which is given annually to a hospital or hospital system
that exemplifies support of professional nursing autonomy,
demonstrates innovation in professional nursing practices, and
provides avenues for professional growth.
In her nomination letter, LeAnn Larson, RN, a nurse at
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital for the past eight years,
states: “nurses at CHN feel valued and appreciated, as each
facility has created a sense of family for its employees by
recognizing successes and providing support during difficult
times.” She goes on to add that “nurses at CHN feel cherished,
as nursing is celebrated in wonderful ways all year long, not
just during Nurses Week.”
According to the AzNA, the Employer Excellence Award is given to
a hospital or hospital system that:
- Has promoted the image of nurses and nursing throughout
the past year.
- Promotes professional autonomy through internal
structures which enhance nursing input into decisions and
operational policy formation.
- Supports nurses and nursing by providing equitable
mechanisms for delivery of nursing care (i.e. staffing and
scheduling, computerization of documentation, or like
mechanisms.
- Recognized those nurses who pursue excellence through
education and/or certification.
- Encourages nurses’ involvement in professional
organizations.
- Promotes collaboration and collegiality among
professionals.
- Demonstrates support for and promotion of nursing
research.
- Is a leader in the community in salary and benefits for
nurses.
“This is a great honor for Carondelet and it is especially
rewarding because we were nominated by one of our own nurses”
said Peggy MacMacken, RN, VP, Patient Care Services at
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital. “We are grateful for the
commitment to quality care demonstrated on a daily basis by our
nurses and are humbled by their ability to heal as well as
comfort,” she added.
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