Latest News from CabellHuntington.org

ECCC presents Cancer Conference for Primary Care Physicians April 27

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and Marshall University JCESOM will present Hematology/Oncology Update for the Primary Care Physician, a one-day conference on Friday, April 27, 2012 in the Harless Auditorium on the campus of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital. The program was designed for primary care physicians, physician assistants, residents, medical students, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare providers interested in cancer patient management. The purpose is to educate healthcare providers regarding the diagnosis, treatment and management of hematology/oncology patients across the continuum of care and to provide a forum for interdisciplinary discussion of challenging hematology/oncology issues, including current research, best practice and clinical practice guidelines.

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™ and 4.5 contact hours will be provided for nurses by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Employees of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital may attend for free, but registration is required to guarantee availability of course materials and lunch. The cost for all others is $25.

The deadline for registration is April 16, 2012. For more information, please download the brochure or call 304-399-6551, e-mail cancerconferences@chhi.org or fax 304-399-6667.

Mike Ross donates $25,000 to Children’s Hospital project

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:32:53 -0800

Former West Virginia State Senator and Randolph County businessman Mike Ross recently donated $25,000 to the Children’s Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Ross, the President and CEO of Mike Ross, Inc., based in Coalton, WV, has supported advancing healthcare opportunities for children through past contributions throughout the state. His $25,000 donation to the Children’s Hospital project at Cabell Huntington Hospital has helped fundraising for the project to approach $11 million of the $12 million goal.

“When a child is sick, the entire family is affected,” Ross said. “I want to help provide families with a chance to stay close to home while their child is healing. This project will create a state-of-the-art facility to provide that opportunity for the southern part of our state, and I am proud to be able to support it.”

The Children’s Hospital project will reconstruct the fifth-floor Pediatric Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital and create a child-friendly environment and dedicated entrance for children that will make their hospital experience more friendly and welcoming.

“We are encouraged to have the support of someone like Mike Ross for our project because it shows the statewide impact our Children’s Hospital will have,” said David Graley, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation. “Mike Ross has shown through this extremely generous gift that he has a great passion for providing children the best possible medical care here in West Virginia.”

To learn more or become involved in the ongoing fundraising for this project, please contact Velma Workman in the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation at 304-526-6314 or velma.workman@chhi.org.

Low-cost screening for lung cancer

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The lung specialists at the Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program at Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center are now offering a low-cost and potentially life-saving opportunity for certain people to be screened for early detection of lung cancer. The National Lung Screening Trial has shown that a screening for lung cancer using a low-dose CT scan can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20 percent or more. Those who qualify and could benefit from this important screening include:

Patients between the age of 55 and 74 years old
Active smokers with at least a 30-pack per year history
Past smokers who quit the habit within the last 15 years

A nurse navigator will evaluate all patients to determine if they qualify for the screening. Patients who meet the criteria can receive a low-dose CT Scan at a reduced cost of $99 because most insurance companies do not cover these screenings.

This screening opportunity is offered by the Tri-State region’s only Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Program and Comprehensive Lung Nodule Program, working together to provide leading-edge care at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Please call 304-691-1689 to learn more.

Home Health earns national recognition for 6th consecutive year

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

For the sixth consecutive year, Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Home Health Department received recognition from HomeCare Elite as one of the nation’s Top 500 home health agencies. More than 12,000 agencies nationwide were considered for the award, and Cabell Huntington Hospital Home Health is one of only 30 programs in the nation -- and the only program in West Virginia -- to receive the award in each of the six years it has been awarded. Cabell Huntington is also the only hospital-based program to receive the honor in the Tri-State region.

Winners are ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvements and financial performance.

“The 2011 Homecare Elite winners demonstrate a commitment to providing patients with the best possible care while managing their business efficiently and effectively,” said Amanda Twiss, Chief Executive Officer of OCS HomeCare and Innerview. “This year, we updated our methodology to reflect industry focus and, based on this rigorous analysis, we congratulate Cabell Huntington Hospital on being one of the top home care agencies in the country.”

The agencies in the top 500 are already working on improving performance using CMS outcomes and process measures along with patient satisfaction score (HHCAPS).

“We are very happy about the fact that our patients are less likely to require a readmission to the hospital or a visit to the emergency department while being cared for by Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Home Health staff,” said Andra Hardin, RN, Director of Cabell Huntington Hospital Home Health. “This means that our goal of patients returning to their usual routines prior to their illness has been achieved.”

Cabell Huntington Hospital Home Health provides skilled nursing, home infusion, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social service and home health aide service in Cabell, Lincoln, Putnam, and Wayne in West Virginia. For more information, please call Home Health at 304-526-2075.

Huntington Federal donates $50,000 to Children’s Hospital

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

The Children’s Hospital project at Cabell Huntington Hospital received a $50,000 fundraising boost from Huntington Federal Savings Bank, a longtime Tri-State community supporter. Huntington Federal’s donation helps move the Children’s Hospital project closer to $11 million and nearer to the project goal of $12 million.

“Since we opened our doors in 1934, we have focused our business on caring for specific needs of our community neighbors,” said J. Maurice Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer of Huntington Federal Savings Bank. “This donation is an extension of our commitment to serving the needs of Huntington and the Tri-State. By supporting a great project like the Children’s Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital we are lending a helping hand to provide our community children with advanced care right here in Huntington.”

When completed, the Children’s Hospital at CHH will offer a child-friendly environment that will be comforting to children and their families, as well as a state-of-the-art facility for the region’s most comprehensive pediatric team.

“We have always seen the work of Huntington Federal throughout our community as they have assisted families fulfill their dream of homeownership by providing thousands of mortgages,” said David Graley, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation. “Now, they are helping us build the dream and move closer toward our goal to make our Children’s Hospital become a reality. For that, and for their decades of service to our community, we are extremely grateful.”

For more information about the Children’s Hospital project, please call 304-526-6314.

CHH Auxiliary Presents Another $100,000 to Children’s Hospital Project

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:50:25 -0700

During the annual volunteer luncheon, the Cabell Huntington Hospital Auxiliary presented hospital officials with a $100,000 check. Shown here are CHH Vice President & COO Glen Washington, Auxiliary Secretary Mozelle Medcalf, Auxiliary Treasurer Patricia Cromwell, Auxiliary Vice President Marian Tissenbaum, CHH Vice President & Foundation COO David Graley, CHH Vice President of Human Resources Barry Tourigny and Auxiliary President Brenda Perdue.

The Cabell Huntington Hospital Auxiliary supports the hospital through work and fundraising projects, including their Gift Shop and sales of books, jewelry, uniforms and other items throughout the year. This donation brings the Auxiliary’s total to $700,000, well ahead of schedule for their 10-year, $1 million pledge made in 2007.

Senior Moments focused on health and wellness of seniors

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:33:53 -0700

Local television on WSAZ-TV has taken on a healthier tone with the launch of Cabell Huntington Hospital’s “Senior Moments” series that will provide seniors with health tips, wellness information and opportunities to receive important health services. “Senior Moments” airs on WSAZ-TV each week to shine the spotlight on seniors who are living healthy, happy, productive lives – as well as doing some amazing things. The brief segments also share local seniors’ health secrets with viewers and provide tips for staying healthy, active and independent as long as possible. Exciting developments at Cabell Huntington Hospital will also be featured to highlight the unmatched level of seniors care and service in the region.

In addition to the weekly television segments, a jointly sponsored website at http://www.chhseniors.com/ has now launched as an Internet home for seniors’ health information and wellness opportunities available throughout the Tri-State region. Episodes of “Senior Moments” are available to view on the website along with health tools and much more information intended to help seniors stay focused on being active and healthy.

Cabell Huntington Hospital is the only hospital recognized in West Virginia as a NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) facility. With the support of the NICHE program, Cabell Huntington Hospital has established programs and services to benefit hospitalized older patients.

For more information about services for seniors at Cabell Huntington Hospital, please call 304-526-2695 or e-mail seniors@chhi.org.

Breast Centers at Cabell Huntington Hospital & the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center earn national accreditation

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:06:05 -0700

The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center (ECCC) Diagnostic Breast Center and the Cabell Huntington Hospital Breast Health Center have each been granted a three-year designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. These are the only breast centers in Huntington, WV with this accreditation.

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. The Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center Diagnostic Breast Center has two full-time breast surgeons and the Tri-State region’s only fellowship-trained surgical breast oncologist.

“The significance of the accreditation as a patient means that when you walk through our door, you and your family should feel assured that on each level, everyone is committed to providing you with the highest quality of care,” said Dr. Shawn McKinney, surgical breast oncologist at the ECCC Diagnostic Breast Center. “Our breast health program stands apart not only in its superior diagnostic, treatment and support services, but is distinct in providing a true team approach. It is rare to have such a committed and compassionate group of physicians, nurses, technicians, therapists and staff who consistently put patients first to give them the care they deserve close to home.”

During the survey process, the centers must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with any of the full spectrum of breast diseases. The standards include proficiency in the areas of leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease and offers patients access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services

• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options

• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options

• Quality breast health care close to home.

For more information about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, visit their website at www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.

CHH Named One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Hip and Knee Joint Replacement

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:58:47 -0700

A report released by HealthGrades, a national, independent hospital quality rating service, named Cabell Huntington Hospital one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement for 2012. HealthGrades today also announced the following additional 2012 clinical achievements for Cabell Huntington Hospital, which are all individual awards with separate criteria for each:

• Recipient of the Joint Replacement Excellence Award (Top 5% in the Nation)

• Ranked #1 in WV for Joint Replacement

• Ranked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Joint Replacement

• Five-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement

• Five-Star Rated for Total Hip Replacement

• Five-Star Rated for Overall Orthopedic Services

• Five-Star Rated for Spine Surgery

• Five-Star Rated for Back and Neck Surgery (except Spinal Fusion)

The HealthGrades report found that patients treated at 5-star rated hospitals experience a 73% lower risk of mortality and a 63% lower risk of complications compared to 1-star rated hospitals.

Additionally, CareChex, a hospital quality rating service of The Delta Group, has announced the following 2012 awards for Cabell Huntington Hospital:

• Ranked #1 in West Virginia for Excellence in Joint Replacement

• Ranked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Excellence in Joint Replacement

• Ranked in the Top 3% in the Nation for Excellence in Joint Replacement

• Ranked #1 in West Virginia for Excellence in Major Orthopedic Surgery

• Ranked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Excellence in Major Orthopedic Surgery

• Ranked in the Top 7% in the Nation for Excellence in Major Orthopedic Surgery

• Ranked #1 in West Virginia for Excellence in Spinal Surgery

• Ranked #1 in the Tri-State Area for Excellence in Spinal Surgery

• Ranked in the Top 6% in the Nation for Excellence in Spinal Surgery

“Patients today have a wide array options when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider,” said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades chief executive officer. “We commend Cabell Huntington Hospital for its superior quality and support of consumerism and transparency in the Huntington-Ashland area.”

“This does speak to the level of care and results that are being delivered to patients, and these ratings distinguish Cabell Huntington Hospital related to others,” said Bob Stahlsmith, Principal of The Delta Group. “They identify that there are consistent and repeatable outcomes that underscore patient safety and medical excellence.”

“These results are from the hard work of Cabell Huntington Hospital’s nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians, home health personnel, anesthesia, medical and surgical personnel, operating crew and all other paramedical personnel with whom the patients interact,” said Ali Oliashirazi, Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Surgical Director of the Mary H. Hodges Joint Replacement Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. “Patients and also the government are intensely looking at outcomes data. The most important aspect of your recovery is your outcome, and patients are willing to travel very far to have the greatest chance at the best possible outcome. This is one reason patients come to us from so far away.”

SeniorFest at CHH will offer FREE screenings and health information from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 1

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Everyone over the age 50 is invited to Cabell Huntington Hospital on October 1 for a free event that will feature screenings or information from nearly every hospital department.

SeniorFest will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the atrium of the Marshall University Medical Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Staff, nurses and physicians will attend events to showcase the care provided for seniors at Cabell Huntington in many areas including back and spine health, balance, diabetes, joint replacement and much, much more. Special games and activities are also planned and prizes will be awarded.

Additionally, speakers have been scheduled throughout the day to focus on the following topics:

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Women's Health
Linda Savory, MD, family physician at CHH Women's and Family Medical Center
10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Men's Health
James Jensen, MD, urologic oncologist and robotic surgeon
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Arthritis and Treatment Options
Ali Oliashirazi, MD, orthopedic surgeon

Free flu shots and Tdap immunization will also be provided by the Cabell-Huntington Health Department.

For more information or to pre-register for SeniorFest, please call Alisha Adkins at 304-526-2695.