Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Community Healthcare - (Page 52)

SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Mary Medical center Seal of approval W By Mary Fetsch GaininG the St. Mary Medical Center earns high marks for quality care hen Pastor Fred Lams of Grace Lutheran Church in Hobart chose St. Mary Medical Center’s Joint Academy to have his hip replacement, he knew his local hospital offered a great joint replacement program with friendly staff and skilled surgeons. He was a man of faith after all. Thankfully for Pastor Lams, the quality services of the Joint Academy are well-documented and recognized by organizations that analyze outcomes, methodologies and patient experiences, and only award recognition to programs that meet the highest standards. By those criteria, the Joint Academy, which has earned the Gold Seal of Approval for both knee and hip replacement, as well as designation as a Blue Distinction Center by Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is one of the very best joint replacement programs in the Chicago metropolitan area. “Leading organizations such as the Joint Commission or Blue Cross Blue Shield Association have a rigorous review of patient outcomes, quality and safety as well as the hospital’s approach to care,” says Amber Oliverio, director of quality and risk management at St. Mary Medical Center. Other specific organizations, such as the American College of Radiology and College of American Pathologists, provide accreditations that ensure the highest standards of care are provided in hospital services such as imaging and laboratories. centers across Indiana to receive accreditation for stereotactic breast biopsy,” says Jayesh Thakrar, M.D., medical director of imaging services at St. Mary Medical Center. “We’ve received accreditation for our CT scanner as well, with a special ‘Image Gently’ designation for providing low-level radiation that is appropriate for pediatric patients.” These accreditations are significant, adds Thakrar, because they demonstrate that the technologists who work with this advanced equipment consistently perform their important procedures at an exceptional level for each and every patient. “Knowing our team of professionals has this level of expertise helps instill confidence in our patients,” says Pete Dyba, director of imaging services at St. Mary Medical Center. “Our patients gain a little peace of mind knowing we’ve met the most stringent standards for quality in personnel, facilities and technology.” stroke Center of exCellenCe But beyond peace of mind, sometimes choosing a hospital with specific accreditations means the difference between life and death. In the case of patients experiencing a stroke, minutes count. Timely diagnosis and treatment can limit the amount of brain damage and risk of complications. St. Mary Medical Center’s Stroke Center recently earned the Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers in recognition of the hospital’s exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. “Achievement of certification signifies that the services we provide have the critical elements to achieve InstIllIng ConfIdenCe In our PatIents “St. Mary Medical Center Women’s Diagnostic Center is one of only a small number of hospitals and imaging 52 Vim & Vigor • Fall 2 011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
Community Briefs
Special: A Healthy Weight for Life
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
Cover Story: Carrie Underwood
Stay in Circulation
‘X’ Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
Before the Fall
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Catherine Hospital
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Mary Medical Center
SPOTLIGHT ON: Community Hospital
The Big Picture

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Community Healthcare