http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/rss/news News RSS Feed en-us Thu, 23 May 2013 19:32:15 PDT Thu, 23 May 2013 19:32:15 PDT http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/219 What if you could prevent even one person from hearing the words “you have cancer”? Harrison’s March-April edition of Message from the CEO features information on Cancer Prevention Study #3 (CPS-3) from Scott Bosch, president and CEO of Harrison Medical Center. In this episode, learn how YOU can help researchers from the American Cancer Society better understand the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer, which will ultimately save lives. The study is open to anyone who: · Is between 30–65 years of age · Has never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancer) · Is willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys at home. Kitsap County residents have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in this third installment of a historic research study that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. The American Cancer Society and Harrison Medical Center are looking for 500 Kitsap County residents who are passionate about ending cancer and interested in participating. Register today for a cancer free tomorrow: www.cps3kitsapcounty.org. For more information, please visit www.cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer.org, or call 888-604-5888. This is your chance to make a real difference in the future of cancer prevention and treatment. Join us in supporting the American Cancer Society’s historic Cancer Prevention Study-3. To view the March-April edition of Message from the CEO, visit www.harrisonmedical.org. ### Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit 297-bed healthcare organization serving residents on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and in North Mason County. Harrison provides a full range of medical, surgical, labor & delivery, pediatric, level-three trauma emergency, urgent care, and primary care services across four campuses--Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, and Belfair—and nearly a dozen locations. Harrison offers a nationally recognized and award-winning cardiovascular program, 25-year accredited oncology program, comprehensive orthopaedic specialties, ICU, Sleep Center, rehabilitation, medical imaging, laboratory patient service centers, and much more. Learn about our many services at 866-844-WELL or www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/221 Bremerton, WA, March 14, 2013 YWCA of Kitsap County announces the 2013 Women of Achievement Honorees. Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of these extraordinary women in our community. The women will be honored Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the 24th Anniversary Women of Achievement Luncheon. Proceeds from the luncheon will directly benefit YWCA ALIVE Shelter Programs that provide supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Being honored this year are: Representative Sherry Appleton, WA State 23rd Legislative District Jackie Brown, Director, YWCA ALIVE Shelter Karen Carson, Program Director, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Bainbridge Island Shannon Childs, Vice President and Marketing Director, Kitsap Bank Mary Ellen de la Pena, Community Volunteer Sharon Fields, Lead Lab Assistant, Group Health Cooperative Peggy Howland, Community Volunteer Judge Anna Laurie, Kitsap County Superior Court Margaret Orn, RN, Harrison Medical Center Sam Schicker, Owner, La Fermata Restaurant Tamika Tiller, Community Volunteer Elaine Turso, Owner, Elaine Turso Photography The 24th Anniversary Women of Achievement luncheon will be held at Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside, 100 Washington Avenue, Bremerton WA. Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from Noon to 1:30PM. Cost is $60 per person and includes limited free parking. Reservations available now. For tickets and information please email Theresa at info@ywcakitsap.org or call 360.479.0522. # # # For more information please visit: www.ywcakitsap.org YWCA of Kitsap County serves over 6,000 Kitsap County residents each year. ALIVE Shelter Programs include the YWCA ALIVE Shelter, Support Groups, Children’s support, Parenting education, Legal advocacy, Home Plus - access to permanent housing, Case Management, Work First - welfare to work transition, ALIVE Family Services, WRAPS Professional Clothing Closet, Eli’s House & Tersha’s House - Transitional Housing. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/217 The Ruth Meyer Epstein Nursing Scholarship Fund at the Harrison Medical Center Foundation is offering multiple scholarships of varying amounts to aspiring nurses who are committed to improving their lives and their community through a career in nursing. The Fund offers scholarships for individuals accepted/enrolled in an accredited LPN, RN, BSN, or Master’s-level nursing program (pre-requisite course work does not qualify). Deadline for application is April 1, 2013. For more information and/or to download the application, visit www.harrisonfoundation.org . # # # Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital system offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/215 Impella® device enables collaboration of innovative technology, medical expertise Bremerton, WA -- Cardiac arrhythmias can be fatal when untreated. Ventricular tachycardia is one of those types of irregular rhythms. Randall (Randy) Peterson knows this, first hand. The daily effort of regulating his heartbeat was becoming an overwhelming and life-threatening task. “My ICD [internal cardiac defibrillator] had gotten to the point where it was firing daily, even multiple times a day,” Peterson recalled. “I just couldn’t enjoy life the way I’d envisioned it.” After a successful career in the Coast Guard, he and his wife, Mercedes, looked forward to trips on their sailboat throughout the Pacific Northwest. However, his worsening heart condition had put a stop to their plans. “I’d even put a sign on the boat ‘for sale’,” said Peterson. “I thought our sailing days were over.” To help Peterson and dozens like him each year, the cardiovascular team at Harrison Medical Center, led by electrophysiologist Nathan Segerson, MD, of Kitsap Cardiology Consultants, performed a successful mapping and ablation of an unstable ventricular tachycardia patient using the Impella left ventricular assist catheter. On February 6, 2013, Harrison was the first hospital in the Northwest (including Washington, Oregon, Western Montana, Western Idaho, and Alaska) to employ this type of dramatic, life-saving procedure using the Impella device. Collaborating with Dr. Segerson on this procedure were members of Harrison’s cardiothoracic surgery team, including cardiac anesthesiologist Chai Kanithanon, MD; cardiothoracic surgeons Chris King, MD and William Reed, MD; and cardiologist Satyavardhan Pulukurthy, MD. Randy Peterson was Harrison’s first patient to undergo this procedure, which enables patients to receive this state-of-the-art care close to home. “The rhythm abnormality this patient was suffering from was immediately life-threatening every time it occurred. Without the defibrillator shocking him back to life, he was near death multiple times per day,” said Dr. Segerson. “To be requiring ICD shocks so frequently is simply not a life worth living, and medication options had failed. Without an ablation procedure to prevent the electrical sparks from happening, the only recourse was to give up and let this heart rhythm problem take his life.” In order to create a map of and ablate the origin(s) of the dangerous arrhythmia, the electrophysiologist needs to sustain the heart’s rhythm for prolonged periods of time. This device, called Impella, is a highly advanced heart catheter that pumps blood out of the heart and to the body. It is inserted into the left ventricle (the heart chamber that pumps oxygenated blood to the body) to ensure proper blood flow while the physician creates a map of the electrical activity. The Impella device ensures sustained cardiac output during that time. This procedure would not have been possible without this supportive technology. “When medications fail, and when standard ablation approaches are not feasible (because of very severe and instant loss of blood pressure), prior to the availability of this technology we might have considered heart transplant. However, that approach is simply not practical for older patients or for patients with multiple health problems,” said Dr. Segerson. In the case of rapid ventricular tachycardia, the heart doesn’t pump a sufficient amount of blood out of the heart to maintain blood pressure and perfusion. The anesthesiologist, in this case Dr. Kanithanon, uses cerebral monitoring and other complex hemodynamic supportive measures to ensure adequate blood flow to the patient’s vital organs (including the brain) during this procedure. The combination of Harrison’s premier team of cardiovascular experts and these leading-edge technologies allowed Randy to have this progressive treatment done for what’s been a worsening, debilitating, and dangerous condition for many years. And, what’s the first thing Randy and his wife plan to do when he gets home? You guessed it: “I’m pulling that ‘for sale’ sign off my boat,” he boasted happily. # # # Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital system offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. Abiomed, maker of the Impella® cardiac assist device, (NASDAQ: ABMD) is a pioneer and global leader in healthcare technology and innovation, with a mission of recovering hearts and saving lives. The Impella device is the world’s smallest heart pump. To learn more about Abiomed, visit http://www.abiomed.com/. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/213 Scott Bosch took the helm of Harrison Medical Center as president and CEO in November 2004, undertaking a strong commitment to make Harrison the best medical center in the region. Collaborating with physicians, staff, volunteers, Harrison’s executives and Board of Directors, this leadership team focused on the organization’s mission of making a positive difference through outstanding clinical quality and great patient care. Amid a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, their work helped Harrison build nationally recognized cardiac and oncology care programs, and usher in a new era of award-winning orthopaedic care in our region. With a long history of civic service, Scott recently served as chairman of the 2012 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk and chairman for the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA), and currently serves on the board of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. We congratulate Scott on being named a finalist in Seattle Business magazine’s Leaders in Health Care Awards program and recognize the support he’s received from all levels of the organization to achieve this honor. This work continues to make enduring contributions toward improving the quality and affordability of healthcare throughout the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. A dinner ceremony is planned on February 28 at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle to recognize all finalists in Washington’s Leaders in Health Care Awards by Seattle Business magazine. For more information and tickets, visit http://seattlebusinessmag.com/seattle-event/leaders-health-care-2013 # # # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/211 February is Heart Month. At Harrison, it’s a time for us to let you know of simple ways that you can protect your heart. Harrison’s February edition of Message from the CEO features a brief tour of Harrison’s Heart & Vascular Center with Scott Bosch, president and CEO of Harrison Medical Center. He also lets the community know about the Million Hearts™ initiative, which aims to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. by 2016. This public-private partnership, co-led by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), brings awareness to heart disease and stroke prevention efforts. Finally, Mr. Bosch offers five ways to improve your heart health: 1. Challenge your family and friends to take the Million Hearts™ pledge at millionhearts.hhs.gov. 2. Get physically active for at least 30 minutes per day, most days of the week. 3. Know your ABCs: a. ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day, b. find out if you have high Blood pressure, c. also find out if you have high Cholesterol, and if you do, get treatment, s. and, if you Smoke, get help to quit. 4. Eat a heart-healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat. 5. Follow your doctor's prescription instructions. To view the February edition of Message from the CEO, visit www.harrisonmedical.org. ### Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit 297-bed healthcare organization serving residents on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and in North Mason County. Harrison provides a full range of medical, surgical, labor & delivery, pediatric, level-three trauma emergency, urgent care, and primary care services across four campuses--Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, and Belfair—and nearly a dozen locations. Harrison offers a nationally recognized and award-winning cardiovascular program, 25-year accredited oncology program, comprehensive orthopaedic specialties, ICU, Sleep Center, rehabilitation, medical imaging, laboratory patient service centers, and much more. Learn about our many services at 866-844-WELL or www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/209 At this time of year, lots of us are making personal New Year’s resolutions. At Harrison, it’s a time for us to let you know of our continued commitment to fulfilling our mission, vision and values in specific and meaningful ways. Harrison’s New Year edition of Message from the CEO features an update from Scott Bosch on a variety of expansion initiatives, our progress toward affiliation with Franciscan Health System and information about our newly launched patient experience initiatives. To view the January edition of Message from the CEO, visit www.harrisonmedical.org. ### Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit 297-bed healthcare organization serving residents on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and in North Mason County. Harrison provides a full range of medical, surgical, labor & delivery, pediatric, level-three trauma emergency, urgent care, and primary care services across four campuses--Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard and Belfair—and nearly a dozen locations. Harrison offers a nationally recognized and award-winning cardiovascular program, 25-year accredited oncology program, comprehensive orthopaedic specialties, ICU, Sleep Center, rehabilitation, medical imaging, laboratory patient service centers, and much more. Learn about our many services at 866-844-WELL or www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/207 Children who arrive at Harrison Medical Center in need of care each receive a special toy to help comfort them and calm their fears. These toys have been collected annually for the past 18 years through the generous efforts of a local motorcycle group. “When children come into Harrison, our team appreciates having an age-appropriate toy to give them,” says Patty Cochrell, RN – Senior Vice President, Quality, Operations and Chief Nursing Officer. “We’re grateful for these gifts; they comfort our littlest patients and often bring a smile.” ABATE of Washington North Kitsap Chapter has raised funds and collected toys in Kitsap county and surrounding area. "This year, we estimate well over $10,000 worth of toys being donated for the children who are patients of the medical centers." says Chris Varner, Jr., North Kitsap ABATE coordinator. What: Toy Run Benefits: All children who are patients When: Sunday, December 2, 9:30 am-3:45 pm Where: Harrison Silverdale, 1800 NW Myhre Road Who: ABATE of Washington, North Kitsap Chapter. For more info on joining this year’s Toy Run, call Chris Varner 360-307-9736. Routes: This year there will be two routes North All Star Lanes & Casino, Silverdale J-R Saloon (21 and over) Cloverleaf Sports Bar & Grill Papas A & C Tavern (21 and over) Tracyton Tavern (21 and over) Putters at Rolling Hills Golf Course South JRs Hideway Grill, Belfair Flotation Device Manchester Pub Wig Wam Pub (21 and over) The Garage/Romeos (21 and over) Putters at Rolling Hills Golf Course # # # Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit 297-bed healthcare organization serving residents on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and in North Mason County. Harrison provides a full range of medical, surgical, labor & delivery, pediatric, level-three trauma emergency, urgent care, and primary care services across four campuses--Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard and Belfair—and nearly a dozen locations. Harrison offers a nationally recognized and award-winning cardiovascular program, 25-year accredited oncology program, comprehensive orthopaedic specialties, ICU, Sleep Center, rehabilitation, medical imaging, laboratory patient service centers, and much more. Learn about our many services at 866-844-WELL or www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/205 In recognition of nurses whose extraordinary efforts stand out, recently the March of Dimes Washington Chapter held its tenth annual Western Washington Nurse of the Year Awards honoring nurses throughout the region. Four nurses from Harrison Medical Center were nominated among the 13 categories awarded at the November 15th event, held at Meydenbauer Conference Center in Bellevue. At the event, Patty Cochrell, RN, Senior Vice President of Quality, Operations and Chief Nursing Officer for Harrison Medical Center was recognized as the Distinguished Nurse of the Year. The Distinguished Nurse of the Year Award is awarded to RNs who have demonstrated leadership and expertise throughout their career in the areas of patient care, community service and advocacy. “Patty is an exceptional nursing leader with great vision and broad regional influence, and this recognition exemplifies her passion for nursing and her significant, genuine contributions to our patients and community,” said Scott Bosch, Harrison’s President and CEO. An excerpt from Patty’s nomination underscores her commitment to excellence in nursing and her commitment to community service: “Patty is a champion for nursing development…she has been instrumental for bringing advanced education to the peninsula. …She loves being a nurse. She makes a difference through her commitment beyond the work environment and community.” Harrison nominees and the categories in which they were nominated: Patty Cochrell – Distinguished Nurse of the Year Rebekah Mawrence – Leadership Denise Yager – Leadership Donna Rodger – Patient/Clinical Care “Our congratulations to Patty, Rebekah, Denise and Donna for this well-deserved recognition,” said Bosch. “Harrison is truly fortunate to have such an outstanding team of nursing professionals who provide outstanding clinical & compassionate care.” # # # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/203 Harrison Plans Expansion to Bainbridge Island Multi-specialty center and 24-hour urgent care facility to be constructed Harrison Medical Center and its medical group, Harrison HealthPartners, plans expansion to provide healthcare services on Bainbridge Island. The organization just completed a purchase agreement for a 2.5 acre property at the intersection of Madison Avenue and New Brooklyn, just off of highway #305. “This represents our commitment to extend access to Harrison for the Bainbridge Island Community,” said Scott Bosch, President and CEO of Harrison Medical Center. “Right now, Bainbridge residents have the furthest to go for 24-hour a day healthcare services. When our center opens, it will be just minutes away.” Harrison plans to break ground on the 13,000 square foot facility this spring. The location was selected because of its convenient access to other local services, as well as its proximity to area long term care facilities. Harrison’s Bainbridge location will feature 24-7 urgent care, and a medical clinic featuring a Harrison HealthPartners primary care clinic, along with other community-based specialty practice physicians. “Our mission is to make a positive difference in people’s lives and that is why we’re bringing Harrison to Bainbridge,” said Adar Palis, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Operating Officer, which spans leadership of Harrison HealthPartners. “Local residents need convenient access to exceptional healthcare and our goal is to do just that.” Harrison’s Bainbridge facility architects will be Coates Design, with construction by Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. The clinic and urgent care offices are expected to be open by late winter of 2014. ### http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/201 Scott Bosch Completes Term as Chair of Washington State Hospital AssociationSEATTLE - Scott Bosch, President and CEO of Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, was recognized for his leadership during the Washington State Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting last week. Bosch completed his term as chair of the association’s board of trustees. “Scott led the association well during a time of rapid change in health care,” said WSHA president Scott Bond. “We are lucky to have a leader of such integrity and courage in Washington State. We look forward to continuing to work with Scott to tackle big issues that impact the health of our communities.” Prior to serving as the association’s chair, Bosch was an officer on the board for four years. He now moves to the position of immediate past president. He also served on the board of the Health Work Force Institute, a WSHA affiliate program. Bosch took the helm as the president and CEO of Harrison Medical Center in 2004. Over the course of a 30 year career in health care administration, he served as the president of Banner Health’s Colorado region, where he oversaw nine hospitals in four states. Prior to Banner, he spent 13 years with the nonprofit Munson Healthcare System in Michigan. The Washington State Hospital Association represents all of Washington’s 97 community hospitals. The association takes a major leadership role in issues that affect delivery, quality, accessibility, affordability, and continuity of health care. It works to serve its members, increase access to health care, and improve health care quality. ### Release Date: October 16, 2012 Contact: Beth Zborowski, (206) 577-1807 or bethz@wsha.org http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/197 Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton has signed a non-binding letter of intent to affiliate with the Tacoma-based Franciscan Health System to expand services, improve the delivery and quality of care, and broaden access to services for individuals, employers and communities in the South Puget Sound and on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. Leaders of the two nonprofit health systems expect to complete the affiliation process by June 30, 2013. With an affiliation with Franciscan, Harrison will become part of an integrated health system in Washington state with nearly 11,000 employees, 2,000 medical staff members and projected annual net revenues of $2 billion. The affiliation will enable physicians and employees at Harrison and Franciscan to collaborate and innovate in order to improve the delivery of efficient and effective inpatient, outpatient and in-home care across a broad geographic region. “Harrison Medical Center and Franciscan Health System share similar cultures, values and goals,” said David Veterane, chair of the Harrison Medical Center Board of Directors. “We see this relationship as a way to expand the good work that has been done in our community for the past 95 years.” “We can enhance the services that we offer and build on the economies of scale that a larger organization can provide,” said Harrison Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Bosch. “In light of upcoming national reforms, this partnership helps ensure we keep our enduring promise of exceptional health care to the residents of the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and North Mason County.” Franciscan Health System Chief Executive Officer Joe Wilczek added: “An affiliation between our organizations will benefit the community for generations. Both Harrison and Franciscan have long traditions of service. Each provides health care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Our shared mission and values, as well as our shared commitment to excellence, will allow us to work together to better serve residents throughout the region.” The letter of intent is the first step in the affiliation process. The affiliation must be approved by both the Harrison and Franciscan boards and will be reviewed by the Washington State Department of Health and other regulatory agencies before taking effect. The integration of the two organizations is expected to take place over time according to a plan that will be developed during the next phase of the affiliation process. Affiliation discussions were prompted by the changing national and local health care environments, combined with the need to ensure that exceptional health care is available for residents of our community well into the future. This relationship will achieve that goal. Harrison entities that will be part of the affiliation with Franciscan include Harrison Medical Center campuses in Bremerton and Silverdale, Harrison’s Urgent Care Centers in Belfair and Port Orchard, Harrison HealthPartners medical group, and Harrison Home Health. The Harrison Foundation will remain independent. Harrison, which has about 2,400 employees, is the largest private employer in Kitsap County. It has a medical staff of more than 400 physicians representing 40 medical specialties. Founded in 1918, Harrison has evolved from a small community hospital into a regional medical center serving patients from Kitsap, North Mason, Clallam and Jefferson counties with locations in Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, Poulsbo and Forks. To learn about Harrison’s many health care services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. Franciscan Health System includes St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor; St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma; St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood; St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way; St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw; Franciscan Hospice House in University Place; and the Franciscan Medical Group network of primary- and specialty-care clinics in Kitsap, Pierce and King counties. Franciscan has 8,400 employees and 1,550 medical staff members representing nearly 45 medical specialties. The organization has served the community since 1891. Franciscan is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national non-profit health organization with headquarters in Englewood, Colo. CHI is the nation’s second-largest Catholic health care system. Franciscan online: www.FHShealth.org ### http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/199 What is happening between Harrison and Franciscan? Franciscan Health System and Harrison Medical Center have signed a letter of intent (LOI), a non-binding agreement to affiliate in order to improve access to high-quality healthcare services for residents of the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and North Mason County. Who is Franciscan Health System? Franciscan Health System includes St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma; St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way; St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood; St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw; St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor; Franciscan Hospice House in University Place; Franciscan Medical Group clinics and providers in Pierce, King, and Kitsap counties; and the Franciscan Foundation. Franciscan is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), a national nonprofit health organization with headquarters in Englewood, Colorado. The faith-based system operates in 19 states and includes 76 hospitals; 40 long-term care, assisted- and residential-living facilities; two community health-services organizations; two accredited nursing colleges; and home health agencies. In fiscal year 2011, CHI provided more than $612 million in charity care and community benefit, including services for the poor, free clinics, education, and research. With annual operating revenues of approximately $10.5 billion, CHI is the nation’s second-largest Catholic healthcare system. For more information visit Franciscan’s website at www.FHShealth.org. Why will Harrison affiliate with Franciscan? We see this relationship as a way to expand the good work that has been done in our community for the past 95 years. Harrison and Franciscan share similar cultures, values, and goals. Over the next eight months, we will work with Franciscan leaders to determine a future working relationship and organizational structure that would have the following benefits: · Increased Quality of Care Through affiliation, Harrison and Franciscan can increase quality for patients by sharing resources, best practices, and expertise. · Improved Access to Care By working together, Harrison and Franciscan will make it easier for patients to access healthcare across a broad array of services—including primary care, specialized care, research, and home health—on a scale that neither organization can achieve on its own. · Reduced Health Care Costs Harrison and Franciscan will collaborate to reduce costs by better organizing how care is delivered. For example, both organizations will work to create improved models for delivering care and managing chronic diseases. This will help make healthcare more affordable for government payers, commercial insurers, employers, and patients. · A Shared Electronic Medical Record Another key benefit of the affiliation will be a common electronic medical record that will connect Harrison and Franciscan facilities and physicians throughout our service areas to better serve patients and help improve their health. After Franciscan completes the installation of the Epic electronic medical record at its hospitals and clinics, Harrison will migrate to this platform, including the patient portal known as MyChart. · Leveraged Expertise Both organizations bring strength and expertise that, when combined, will benefit the communities we serve. · Enhanced Access to Capital Through affiliation with Franciscan and CHI, Harrison will have improved access to capital resources not typically available to stand-alone community hospitals. Does this mean Franciscan is buying Harrison Medical Center? No. This affiliation is not a sale of Harrison to Franciscan. The proposed affiliation structure will recognize that Harrison is a separate, secular (non-religious), nonprofit community medical center. Franciscan will become the sole member (parent company) of Harrison. Franciscan has committed to investing in Harrison’s growth and development, including facilities and information technology, to benefit both clinical quality and patient care. Will Harrison become a Catholic hospital? As part of the agreement, we will develop a structure in which Harrison continues operating as a secular (non-religious), nonprofit community medical center. How will the ethical/religious directives of a Catholic organization influence patient care in our community? Harrison’s current policies regarding abortion and assisted suicide are consistent with these directives. Other items will be addressed during the deliberative process. Harrison works diligently to ensure that we continue to respect and focus on the needs and dignity of our patients, while also honoring the personal and professional preferences of our excellent team of caregivers. What will happen to the Harrison employees as a result of this affiliation? After Harrison affiliates with Franciscan, it will be part of an organization with nearly 11,000 employees. It is too early in the process to know which services and functions may be consolidated. In terms of employee benefits, we expect Harrison employees to retain their current benefits. Over time, we will migrate to a shared benefits program. Throughout this process we have been committed to transparency and informing you as soon as we have information to share. We will continue to keep you informed as the affiliation moves forward. In August, PeaceHealth and CHI announced a partnership agreement which includes Franciscan. How will these organizations all be combined? How will Harrison fit within that structure? As announced in August, Franciscan and the Oregon facilities of CHI will be joined together with PeaceHealth, a system of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare services spanning Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, to form a new nonprofit healthcare organization that will serve the Pacific Northwest. It will be owned 50/50 by CHI and PeaceHealth. Harrison, as part of Franciscan, will be included in the new system’s Puget Sound network. Will Harrison retain its name? It is planned for Harrison to remain a part of our new name. The full name will be among many other topics that will be explored during the next phase of the affiliation process. Will Harrison HealthPartners become part of Franciscan Medical Group? This will be clarified during the deliberative process. To take advantage of shared expertise and resources, it is possible that Harrison HealthPartners may become part of the Franciscan Medical Group. What will happen to Harrison’s medical staff? Both medical staff of Harrison and Franciscan will remain separate, because the credentialing of each organization must remain distinct. Credentialing of medical staff is performed by separate community board of directors. What will happen to the local governance? Harrison will retain a community board of directors and have representation on the Franciscan board. Likewise, Franciscan will have representation on the Harrison board. Harrison’s community board of directors will provide local oversight, develop and recommend annual operating and capital budgets as well as provide credentialing of medical staff. Details around governance will be determined during the deliberative process. What will happen to Harrison’s Quality initiatives? We can further enhance our quality initiatives, build on the economies of scale that a larger organization can provide, and, in light of upcoming healthcare reform, ensure the continued provision of quality healthcare services to the residents of the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and North Mason County. Harrison and Franciscan are dedicated to working together to deliver on the promise of outstanding clinical quality, as well as great patient care. Are we insolvent or at risk of closing our doors? No. Our financial situation is excellent, and better than many peers in the state. Harrison continues to balance expense management while still investing in staff, equipment, facilities, and future operations. This work has led us to streamline our operations—specifically to improve our billing and collections cycle, implement house-wide process improvements, and eliminate waste throughout the organization. This work is essential to our continued success, through affiliation and beyond. What will happen over the coming months? This affiliation involves a process that is marked by three distinct phases: · Phase I, which spanned the past year, was to evaluate whether or not to remain independent or to affiliate. · Phase II is to garner a definitive agreement and ensure approval from the Harrison and Franciscan governing bodies, as well as to receive state and federal regulatory approval. · Phase III is to implement this decision and integrate the two organizations. In addition, during the affiliation process we plan to evaluate how together we can better serve our neighbors who live in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Key Peninsula, as well as in North Mason County, Kitsap County, and the Olympic Peninsula. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/195 Harrison Medical Center announces an agreement with four healthcare providers, Harrison, Advanced Medical Imaging, Olympic Radiology Associates, and The Doctors Clinic, to deploy a single-platform picture archiving communication system (PACS) across 17 outpatient imaging centers located throughout the Kitsap County Peninsula. This solution allows these imaging centers access to all relevant patient images and information through a data center hosted by Harrison Medical Center. “We are excited about this agreement because it provides a single, standard platform from which to securely share radiological images, such as CT scans and x-rays, among our local medical community,” says Ty Walker, the chief information officer at Harrison who led development of this project. This strategic configuration between Harrison Medical Center, Advanced Medical Imaging, Olympic Radiology Associates, and The Doctors Clinic, allows each organization to have access to necessary patient information through a virtual database, regardless of where it originated. The centralized archive will greatly reduce information technology (IT) cost infrastructure for the providers and improve access to the continuum of patient care. “Our shared PACS agreement gives easy, real-time access of diagnostic images that were done anywhere in our community. It is a necessary element to further our mission of providing exceptional patient care throughout the peninsula,” says Adar Palis, executive vice president and chief administrative officer (CAO) for Harrison. “We believe this type of partnership reflects the future of imaging,” says Mikael Anden, president of Sectra in North America, the provider of this technology solution. “Collaboration efforts like this enables reduced costs per exam and, more importantly, it allows greater access to vital patient information when providers need it most.” # # # Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. With more than 20 years in the business, Sectra develops and sells IT systems and services for radiology, women’s health, orthopaedics and rheumatology. More than 1,100 hospitals, clinics and imaging centers worldwide use the systems daily, together performing over 55 million radiology examinations annually. This makes Sectra one of the world-leading companies within systems for handling digital radiology images. Sectra’s systems have been installed in North America, Scandinavia and most major countries in Europe and the Far East. For more information, visit www.sectra.com. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/193 Video program features the Les & Betty Krueger Family Healing Garden Harrison’s September edition of the Message from the CEO features a discussion with Scott Bosch, CEO, and Stephanie Cline, executive director of Harrison Foundation about the soon-to-open Les & Betty Krueger Family Healing Garden at Harrison’s Bremerton Campus. Their discussion includes a virtual walk through the garden, including an up-close look at the works of art designed by renowned local artist, Lisa Stirrett. This garden provides a unique hospital environment for patients, families and visitors, physicians and Harrison staff. It has been designed specifically with tranquility in mind, giving all who enter a respite from the stresses ever present in a hospital environment. Funded entirely by charitable gifts, the garden brings together the very best in health care design and underscores Harrison Medical Center’s dedication to be a caring community. Garden features: 3,100 sq. ft. rooftop garden with three distinct spaces for visitors: a covered entry, a central “living room,” and a creative work space designed for active programming. Viewing access for patients waiting for out-patient radiation treatment in Radiation Oncology, as well as hospitalized patients and visitors on 3-North; Stairs/ramp to elevated work area offering rehabilitative opportunities; Art elements designed by local artist Lisa Stirrett, including the glass and leaping salmon in the water feature, as well as the garden’s inspirational “Tree of Hope;” and an, Interactive all-weather kiosk featuring messages of hope and healing for patients. To view the September edition of Message from the CEO, visit www.harrisonmedical.org. To support the healing environment with a charitable gift, or submit your own message of hope and healing, go to www.harrisonfoundation.org. ### Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/191 Video program to air on harrisonmedical.org home page Starting this month, Harrison begins a new video series, entitled Message from the CEO, to speak directly with our community about important information regarding healthcare in our local area. The purpose of this program is to create a platform from which to express our commitment to our mission, vision and the durability of exceptional health care for the greater Kitsap and North Peninsulas. “We stand at the threshold of a myriad of changes in the American healthcare landscape,” said Scott Bosch, CEO. “It’s important to talk about how Harrison is responding to these changes so our residents know that we will continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives for many years to come.” This first edition of the Message from the CEO discusses the Affordable Care Act and the things that Harrison is doing, right now to adapt to our new healthcare system. While the details of this important legislation will most definitely change, the premise of this important legislation is that it helps to ensure all Americans, over time. It is a complex process and will vary from state-to-state. The major shift is to change the way healthcare is financed. For the first time, American Healthcare is moving away from an acute care focus to a preventative care emphasis. Here at Harrison, we’ve not been sitting idly by; we’ve been active to adapt to these changes. We invite you to learn more by viewing the Message from the CEO at www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/189 Harrison Medical Center at work to ensure exceptional healthcare for our community Affordable Care Act reforms already underway The United States Supreme Court decision is hugely significant. But many of the reforms embedded in the law are already underway, particularly at hospitals. Hospitals will continue to improve care, focusing on increasing quality, creating efficiency across the continuum of care, and investing in health care information technology. Hospitals are also establishing and strengthening strategic partnerships or combining with other hospitals or other health care providers. These partnerships will lead to better coordinated care and allow the provision of care to people across a variety of settings for the full course of treatment. Here are just a few examples of the way Harrison Medical Center is addressing the needs of our community before the Affordable Care Act was in place: Harrison HealthPartners Primary Care Doc imbedded in Kitsap Mental Health Services. – In January, Harrison HealthPartners (HHP) began an innovative collaboration with Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) to provide primary medical care on site to a segment of their outpatient clients most at risk for medical problems due to their behavioral health issues. We have an internal medicine physician seeing patients once per week at KMHS. This care includes after-hours access to the on-call physician for primary care issues. By providing these patients with a primary care provider we expect to reduce use of the ED for non emergent problems and avoid inpatient admissions because they are being followed both for their medical needs and their behavioral health needs. Clinical data between the two systems can be viewed and shared as well. Additionally, KMHS was recently awarded a $1.9m, three-year CMS Innovation Grant that will include HHP participation. One goal is to place KMHS behavioral health specialists in HHP primary care clinics to assist our providers with the behavioral health needs of their patients. Again, the overarching goal is to reduce ED use and unnecessary hospital admissions. Emergency Department Committee – Called “Preventing Avoidable Emergency Dept Visits,” this group meets regularly to address very complex issues around mental health, substance abuse, socio-economic issues, access to primary care, patient education. This group is comprised of doctors, nurses, ED services, case management, social work and mental health. Community partners include Group Health, the Peninsula Community Health Services, pre-hospital (Fire Department); it will soon expand to include Kitsap Mental Health and other community partners. Accomplishments include developing ways to make appointments for patients in the ED when patients require follow up to ED care; we collaborate with Peninsula Community Health Services before person leaves ED to ensure patient has follow up; to avoid unnecessary repeat-visit to ED. Harrison ED case managers in the Emergency Department – When we identify patients with high utilization rates, we will work with these patients and help them get the right care in the right health care setting. # # # Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/187 Silverdale, WA – In a ceremony welcoming over 300 donors, volunteers, employees and area neighbors and supporters, Harrison Medical Center began work to expand our promise of exceptional healthcare with the construction of our state-of-the-art orthopaedic hospital. “We are extending Harrison's award-winning orthopaedic services and ensuring state-of-the-art orthopaedic and joint replacement surgery is now conveniently located in Kitsap County,” said David Veterane, Board Chairman. “It’s a great day for our community.” This three-story 54,000 square foot expansion will be adjacent to the existing campus. The addition to the Silverdale campus will flow seamlessly and provide even further improvements to the existing patient care facilities. Currently, about 30,000 patients are seen at this campus each year; with this location providing labor and delivery care in its mother-baby unit, a four-bed pediatrics unit, pediatric rehabilitation and surgical services. The development represents the next phase of Harrison’s master plan for the Silverdale campus that began with the opening of this facility in 2000. Right now, more than 2,000 orthopaedic surgeries take place at Harrison Medical Center and our current patient rooms and post-surgical rehab areas are just too small for orthopaedic patients,” said Scott Bosch, President and CEO of Harrison Medical Center. “The number of people needing orthopaedic care in Kitsap County will grow by another twenty per cent in the next five years. The new hospital will help these patients remain close to home for orthopedic and joint replacement surgery.” The Harrison Orthopaedic Hospital at Silverdale will feature: Four (4) large dedicated ortho designed operating rooms 16 ortho-dedicated pre- and post-surgical rooms State-of-the-art surgical systems specifically suited for orthopaedics Dedicated and certified orthopaedic surgical & nursing teams Spacious family and friends surgical waiting room 24 Private, single patient rooms; with capacity for 24 more in the future A large family room for patients and their loved ones to prepare for their return home Specially-designed rehabilitation gym and rooftop rehab trail # # # Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/185 Babies need time grow. While many mothers may want to deliver their babies sooner, research demonstrates the short and long term hazards of delivery prior to 39 weeks. Research also shows increased complications and costs for babies born before 39 weeks. Waiting until at least 39 weeks gestation is a great benefit for a healthy delivery and a healthy baby. Before launching our Safe Deliveries initiative in partnership with the Washington State Hospital Association in January of 2011, Harrison’s early elective deliveries averaged 31 percent, far above state peers. Last year, among babies born after 37 weeks and before 39 weeks, the proportion of babies born via induction or c-section with no medical reason plunged statewide to 5.4 percent by the fourth quarter of 2011, yet Harrison fared even better, reducing elective deliveries to 4.2 percent from July to December 2011, and performing even better from October to December 2011, at 2.6 percent. “We approached this issue as a team,” says Lauren Newcomer, director of Quality for Harrison Medical Center. “At our obstetrics meetings, we looked at the mounting research findings and decided to make a ‘hard stop’ to prevent elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks. Everyone is on board because everyone knows it’s the right thing to do for our babies.” There are special instances where an early birth is warranted; when the risk to the mother and the baby outweighs the benefits of waiting until full term. However, issues like pregnancy fatigue, having ‘done-it-before’ or convenience are ruled out as valid reasons to induce labor or schedule a cesarean section (c-section). Why a mom needs to go a full-term of pregnancy: 1. Important organs, like a baby’s brain, lungs and liver, get all the time they need to develop. 2. A baby is less likely to have vision and hearing problems after birth. 3. Babies born too soon often are too small. Babies born at a healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies born too small. 4. Babies can suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to eat after they are born. Babies born early sometimes can't do these things. # # # Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. Download 40 Reasons To Go The Full 40 http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/183 Seattle–The American Heart Association Puget Sound is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Bosch, President & Chief Executive Office of Harrison Medical Center, as the Chairman of the 2012 Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk scheduled for Saturday, October 20 at Seattle Center. As chairman, Bosch will lead the charge of bringing the Puget Sound community together in the fight against heart diseases and stroke. Bosch will also be the driving force behind the fundraising efforts for the Heart and Stroke Walk, which is expected to draw close to 10,000 participants and raise $1.6 million. Bosch took the helm of Harrison Medical Center as president and CEO in November 2004, launching Vision 2015, a bold commitment to make Harrison the best medical center in the region. With a long history of civic service, Bosch quickly immersed himself in the Kitsap community, serving many organizations including the Bremerton Rotary and the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce. In October 2011, he became chair of the Washington State Hospital Association. “We are pleased that Scott has accepted the challenge to lead our 2012 Puget Sound Heart & Stroke Walk,” said Rebecca Weaver, Executive Director for the American Heart Association Puget Sound. “His wealth of experience and influence as a business leader and outstanding corporate citizen will help elevate our lifesaving message and mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” Bosch will also be working with an Executive Leadership Team (ELT), who will play an important role in the success of the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk. Collaborating with Scott, the 2012 ELT includes the following people: Sarah Patterson, COO Virginia Mason Medical Center Marcel Loh, Executive Director, Swedish Medical CenterGubby Barlow, CEO, Premera Blue Cross (2013 Chair) Kent Fisher, VP, BoeingStephen Zieneiwicz, Executive Director, UW Medical Center Ric Spangler, CMO, First Choice Health Wilf Wainhouse, COO, Sellen Construction Rick Hermanson, CEO Hermanson Construction Mike Miller, Owner / Principal, Rice Fergus Miller Brian Kuske, Executive Director, Overlake HospitalRon Heller, President, Union Bank Fred Jarrett, Deputy Executive, King CountyJeff Galbraith, Partner, Slalom Consulting “It’s an honor to join with my colleagues to lead this event,” said Scott Bosch. “While we’ve made strides, heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more than 831,000 Americans every year. This event helps raise awareness and precious research and support dollars in the fight against heart diseases and stroke.” The Heart and Stroke Walk is an annual tradition that brings thousands of people together in raising funds to help the American Heart Association continue its efforts in public education and funding research to help experts better understand, prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. The majority of the funds raised at the Heart and Stroke Walk directly benefit the Puget Sound community in the form of research grants, community education programs and health care quality improvement initiatives. For information about the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk, visit pugetsoundheartwalk.org or call (206) 632-6881. ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/181 Bremerton, WA–Harrison Medical Center’s Palliative Care Program is a candidate to participate in the LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project, and receive funding through their Advanced Certification Program for Palliative Care award. This new certification is designed to recognize hospital inpatient palliative care teams that improve the lives of patients facing serious illness by providing exceptional patient and family-centered care. The LIVESTRONG foundation just announced that selection is made by a vote from the broader community. The organizations receiving the most votes within their regions will be awarded funds, technical support and training to obtain this important certification. Harrison is asking our community to cast a vote to support us in obtaining this certification. The online voting campaign begins Wednesday, March 7. Applicants with the top votes per region will receive a financial award of support to replicate and implement a sustainable program dedicated to supporting families fighting cancer. Finalists will also receive tools and resources from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the organization established in 1997 by the cancer survivor and champion cyclist to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action against the world’s leading cause of death. The LIVESTRONG foundation is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. Harrison Medical Center is one of dozens competing for the Advanced Certification for Palliative Care award. The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Palliative Care is designed to set standards and acknowledge hospitals providing state-of-the-art palliative care services that relieve symptoms and stress of serious illness and improve quality of life for patients. The Center to Advance Palliative Care will provide tools and training to 20 hospitals and cancer centers across the country to assist in their efforts to qualify for the Certification. If selected, Harrison Medical Center will use the awarded funds for Advanced Certification for Palliative Care. Palliative Care Services at Harrison started over two years ago to provide relief of pain, symptoms, and stress of serious illness, including cancer. Our goal is to address the needs of the whole person: his or her physical comfort, emotional and spiritual well-being, and to maintain a person’s dignity. The Palliative Care team at Harrison has helped over 800 patients to navigate through the healthcare system and develop a plan of care that supports their wishes. With the Advanced Certification for Palliative Care, Harrison will improve access to palliative care services for all those in our community as well as improve their quality of life during care. “We are thrilled and honored to be selected as a candidate for the Community Impact Project,” said Beverly JeffsSteele, the program’s Medical Director. “We share LIVESTRONG’s passion for inspiring and empowering people affected by cancer and look forward to working together to make a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families.” The 2012 Community Impact Project will offer nearly $1.4 million in implementation awards to 90 finalists. This represents the largest number of financial awards LIVESTRONG has granted in a single year in the history of the foundation. LIVESTRONG is committed to supporting community organizations in their efforts to help cancer survivors face the challenges and changes that come with cancer and has invested more than $70 million in community-centered organizations. Voting ends on March 23, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. CST. For more information about the LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project and to vote, visit http://vote.livestrong.org/. For more information about Harrison’s Palliative Care Program or the Harrison Foundation, visit www.harrisonmedical.org About LIVESTRONG/Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVESTRONG serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death. Created as the Lance Armstrong Foundation in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the organization is now known publicly by its powerful brand -- LIVESTRONG -- and is a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. Known for its iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG has become a symbol of hope and inspiration to people affected by cancer around the world. Since its inception, the organization has raised $450 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org. About Harrison Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/179 CHICAGO—Becker's Hospital Review has published its annual list of hospital and health system leaders under the age of 40. This list recognizes 25 men and women across the country who have spearheaded hospital initiatives, integrated state-of-the-art technologies and overseen hospital expansions while working determinedly to strengthen their organizations in the midst of economic pressure and healthcare reform. Given their accomplishments, these men and women are likely to achieve great things throughout their careers. To compile this list, Becker's Hospital Review accepted nominations and the editorial team conducted additional research on each individual listed. The online version of the list can be found here: 25 Hospital and Health System Leaders Under 40 Andre Boyd — Centerpoint Medical Center (Independence, Mo.) Barry “Skipper” Bondurant — Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton (Covington, Tenn.) Jim Brown — Memorial Hermann Sugar Land (Texas) Hospital Steven Burghart — Good Samaritan Medical Center (West Palm Beach, Fla.) Patrick Downes — Hialeah (Fla.) Hospital Greene Dustin — Emory Eastside Medical Center (Snellville, Ga.) J. Eric Evans — Lake Pointe Health Network (Rowlett, Texas) Alex Fernandez — North Shore Medical Center (Miami, Fla.) Gabrielle Finley-Hazle — North Shore Medical Center FMC Campus (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Stephen Garrison — TRMC Management (Austin, Texas) Tom Jackson — Emory Eastside Medical Center (Snellville, Ga.) Kevin Joseph — University of Cincinnati Health/West Chester (Ohio) Hospital Kirat Kharode — LibertyHealth System (Jersey City, N. J.) Ben Koppelman — St. Joseph’s Area Health Services (Park Rapids, Minn.) Brett Lee — Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Ashley McClellan — Medical Center of Lewisville (Texas) Robert Milvet — Preston Memorial Hospital (Kingwood, W. Va.) David Otatti — Florida Hospital Flagler (Palm Coast, Fla.) Adar Palis — Harrison Medical Center (Bremerton, Wash.) Carrie O. Plietz — Sutter Medical Center (Sacramento, Calif.) Matt Sogard — The Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (Denver) Winjie Tang Miao — Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance (Forth Worth, Texas) Nathan Tudor — Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital (Kenedy, Texas) Katherine Vergos — Ripon (Wis.) Medical Center Faraaz Yousuf — Good Samaritan Hospital (San Jose, Calif.) Note: There are never fees involved in the Becker's Hospital Review list process. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/177 Bremerton, WA-Harrison Medical Center is now offering patients on both of its acute care campuses at Bremerton and Silverdale in-room access to the soothing sights and sounds of The C.A.R.E. Channel. CARE is an acronym that stands for Continuous Access Relaxation Environment. The cost of installation and subscription to this first year of programming was donated by Harrison’s Mathis Guild. “We wanted caregivers and patients alike to have music in the hospital rooms,” said Lisa Phipps, President of the Mathis Guild, and a resident of Port Orchard. “The care team actually brought this to us, as the cost for the channel is outside the scope of operations this year. Our guild members feel this enhances Harrison’s mission of providing exceptional patient care. It’s the right thing to do.” Found on the hospital's televisions, The C.A.R.E. Channel features stunning nature imagery and original instrumental music. Operating 24-hours a day, it includes unique night-time programs. Whether day or night, the evidence-based programming has shown to support a healing environment. It promotes restfulness and sleep, a reduction in noise and stress, and it contributes to both patient and staff satisfaction. “The channel gives us one more item in our tool chest to help make a positive difference for our patients and their loved ones,” said Cindy May, Chief Nursing Officer for the 93-year old Medical Center. “Hospital stays have changed significantly since our first day of patient care in 1918. However, what remains constant is our dedication to exceptional healthcare. The CARE channel enhances our healing work going on inside Harrison.” As noted, the C.A.R.E. Channel was made possible by the Maurice S. Mathis Guild, a fundraising chapter of the Harrison Medical Center Foundation. The gift was funded through proceeds from its annual luncheon event. The 2012 fund raising luncheon will be held on Friday, May 4, at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club. Their goal is to fund hospital programs and services, like the C.A.R.E. Channel that make a positive difference to patients, their loved ones and the care team at Harrison Medical Center and fulfill their broader mission of providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about the Mathis Guild and the Harrison Foundation, visit their website at www.harrisonmedical.org/giving or call 360-744-6760. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/175 Bremerton, WA–Every night Nelson Monastrial works his shift at Harrison Medical Center, he delivers on an enormous promise: That of making a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional healthcare. Now that recognition extends to being honored as the outstanding nurse for patient/clinical care by the Western Washington Chapter of the March of Dimes.Nelson was nominated by one of his staff nurses here at Harrison. “I work the night shift with Nelson on a regular basis,” the nomination began, which underscored the staff member’s level of interaction with him. “I experienced the potent force that is Nelson Monastrial one night several weeks ago,” the nurse explained. Typically, afternoons and early evenings are very busy times on a nursing floor and on this one particular night, the admissions of several critically ill patients presented a daunting situation to even the most experienced of care staff. Yet, as the nurse explained, Nelson’s constant presence inspires his team. “Upon arriving on the unit to work I found (our team in) a situation struggling to cope with…late day shift admissions and transfers. Because of Nelson's familiarity with the staff, and his feel for the dynamics of staff on the floor he was able to immediately step in…(he) reassigned one of the patients and took another one himself… It was an extremely busy shift but all patients received excellent patient care and there was even time to address very complex family dynamics with one of our patients.” “Nelson has an amazing and innate gift to guide the floor without anyone even realizing he is doing this. In short, Nelson serves. He is an excellent example of what is finest about Harrison Medical Center… He touches patients, families and staffs lives in ways that they are mostly unaware of…Nelson has helped literally thousands of people who never knew him with his quiet fortitude and selflessness.” Nelson and seven others were nominated by their Harrison colleagues, representing the largest group submitted for consideration in this award in recent memory. They are: D’enne Boles Lois Brogan Pat Clemetson Lynn Ferrell Summer Fosdick Cherie Pittard Sylvia ThomasWe congratulate Nelson and his colleagues for this distinguished honor,” said Scott Bosch, CEO. “To me, it recognizes that our nursing teams at Harrison possess outstanding clinical skills and offer compassionate care daily. They live our mission statement and this truly makes a positive difference to the community we serve.” http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/173 For the past three years, Harrison Medical Center’s Board of Directors and Executive team has thoughtfully and deliberately considered how best to operate successfully and provide local healthcare services so crucially needed. Harrison remains financially sound and is poised well for the future.  However, the healthcare industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. The state’s budget crisis and reductions in federal Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates have cut across organizations of every size. National healthcare reform is expected to create even more change. As such, Harrison is considering how to ensure the future of this 93-year-old organization.  In Mid-October, these considerations led Harrison to retain a national consulting firm, The Camden Group, to guide the organization through an extensive process of evaluating whether remaining independent or partnering with a larger regional healthcare system will be of the most benefit to the community. As a result of those discussions, the Board of Directors has decided to issue a Request for Proposal to a number of other healthcare systems in late January. This proposal asks for an outline of what those systems are willing to do if affiliated with us to expand and improve healthcare services within our region. “Our charter calls us to investigate all viable options for maintaining healthcare services in our community,” says David Veterane, Harrison’s board chair. “Our residents must continue to have local access to clinically excellent and patient-centered care.”“Harrison balances expense management while still investing in staff, equipment, facilities, and future operations,” Veterane explains.  “As one of the few independent hospitals in Washington, we’ve taken the proper steps to remain a strong, vibrant organization, even during these difficult times.” One such effort includes retaining the Claro Group to implement operational improvements and to eliminate waste.“Our patients expect and deserve great quality and great service,” says Scott Bosch, President and CEO. “And as such, it’s our responsibility to explore all options, including consideration of partnering with a larger health system as well as how to control costs at all levels of the organization, to ensure exceptional local health and hospital care for our community far into the future.”  http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/171 Bremerton, WA–A stroke is a medical emergency. It happens when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked by a clot, or bursts. If the flow of blood is interrupted for more than a few seconds, then brain cells can die and cause permanent damage. Together, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in Washington. Genetic history and lifestyle factors contribute to your risk for stroke, and yet anyone can have a stroke. Harrison Medical Center treats over 650 stroke patients each year and with regional and state-level healthcare partners, has a specific action plan featuring critical elements proven to foster effective treatment and recovery. Harrison’s coordinated approach to stroke care recently earned the Medical Center the American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Bronze Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes Harrison’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations. “We commend Harrison for its success in implementing standards of care and protocols,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the national Get With the Guidelines Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “These care standards as well as education help prevent recurrent stroke and are critical steps in saving lives and improving outcomes for stroke patients.” “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost. The first hour after stroke symptoms start is critical,” said Dr. Robert Rubenstein, Harrison’s Stroke Program Co-Medical Director. “Our goal is to treat patients within that ‘golden hour’ to help ensure the best outcomes so we can reduce or even reverse the effects of a stroke.” Christine Wayman, RN, MSN, Harrison’s Stroke Coordinator, works with the Medical Center’s Stroke Committee and the Hospital’s Co-Medical Directors, Dr. Robert Rubenstein, Neurology and Dr. Adeel Seyal, Internal Medicine, to further Harrison’s Stroke Program. Nurses caring for patients on the Stroke Unit at Harrison are specially trained to assess, implement and evaluate care to meet the individual needs of each patient, with adherence to nationally recognized standards of practice that are shown to promote positive patient outcomes. “This award reflects Harrison’s partnerships that ensure exceptional stroke care in our community,” said Scott Bosch, Chief Executive Officer. “As the region’s largest acute medical care facility, it is both our responsibility and our privilege to care for our friends, neighbors, and family in the West Sound and North Peninsula.” After a stroke, education of the patient and family helps prevent recurrence. Harrison’s stroke team is adept at seizing opportunities for ‘teachable moments’ after a stroke, when patients and their loved ones are more receptive to education and help. Studies show that patients who learn how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second stroke. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A coordinated response A key element in Harrison’s stroke care response plan is coordination with Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers in the region. In collaboration with the EMS , Harrison Medical Center has developed a system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes notice from the EMS crew when a patient is being transported to the hospital and a team approach to providing rapid brain imaging scans to diagnose and make treatment decisions. “Every moment counts,” said Ms. Wayman. “If we are prepared to intervene the moment the patient comes through our doors, we can foster better outcomes for our patients.” Level II Stroke Center Another key element in stroke care is a coordinated approach to diagnosing and treating stroke patients. As part of the Washington State Emergency Cardiac and Stroke (ECS) system, Harrison has been designated as a Level II Stroke Center by the Washington State Department of Health. Harrison works closely with our EMS partners to promote effective and rapid response and treatment of patients in our region. “This system is based on the principles of getting the right patient, to the right place, in the right amount of time, said Dr. Seyal. “If we approach stroke care with these principles in mind, we can save lives and reduce disability. It’s all about providing exceptional care right in our own community.” The goal of the WA State ECS system is to improve emergency response and treatment for acute coronary syndrome, cardiac arrest, and stroke patients, reducing time to treatment and getting patients into a dedicated system of comprehensive care. Collaboration and treatment close by Harrison also partners with Harborview Medical Center’s Telestroke Program to allow 24/7 consultation with a vascular neurologist and access to University of Washington stroke experts. Along with real-time consultation, the organizations share education and research as well as evidence-based clinical protocols and practice guidelines to ensure constant innovation in care. Learn the FIVE signs of a stroke: 1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body 2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding 3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination 5. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause If you or anyone you know is having any of these symptoms—CALL 911! Stroke Facts According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting nearly a million people a year. Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability for Americans. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds. Someone dies of complications from a stroke about every four minutes. Most strokes are caused by a blood clot in the brain and area called Ischemic strokes. Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. # # # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/169 Toy Run plans largest ever donation of toys for Harrison's littlest patientsSilverdale, WA-Children who arrive at Harrison Medical Center in need of care each receive a special toy to help comfort them and calm their fears. These toys have been collected annually for the past 17 years through the generous efforts of a local motorcycle group. “When children come into Harrison, through our emergency department or our Pediatrics Unit, an age-appropriate toy is waiting for them on their bed,” says Cynthia May RN - Executive Director/Chief Nurse. “We’re grateful for these gifts; they comfort our littlest patients and often bring a smile.” ABATE of Washington North Kitsap Chapter has raised funds and collected toys throughout the county. “To date, we estimate a record $10,000 in toys for the hospital through this year’s Toy Run,” says Chris Varner, Jr., coordinator for this year’s Toy Run. What: Toy Run Benefits: Harrison Pediatrics Unit and Emergency Department When: Sunday, December 4 -- run begins at All Star Lanes, 9:00 am and concludes with the delivery of toys to Harrison’s Silverdale ED at 3:45pm. Where: Harrison Silverdale, 1800 NW Myhre Road Who: ABATE of WA (N. Kitsap Chapter) For more info on joining this year’s “Toy Run” call Margie Varner 360-307-9736, or Chris Varner 360-440-1344 http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/167 TUSTIN, Calif., Nov. 14, 2011–Performing cardiac catheterizations through the radial artery is proven to make exams safer for patients while frequently reducing post-procedure hospital stay times. To conduct radial interventions from both the right and left side, Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, Wash., installed three InfinixTM-i vascular X-ray systems from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. The Infinix-i’s virtually unlimited positioning options and freely floating monitors simplify intervention, allowing Dr. Satyavardhan Pulukurthy, interventional cardiologist, Harrison Medical Center, to use radial access for nearly 100 percent of his cases. “The radial approach revolutionized our practice, as it reduces complications and improves patient recovery time,” said Dr. Pulukurthy. “The C-arms of Toshiba’s Infinix-i systems easily move in any direction, creating optimal imaging angles and putting clinicians in the ideal position for radial interventions on either side.” Harrison Medical Center uses three different Infinix-i systems, including Toshiba’s Infinix DP-i dual plane system. Designed to perform both cardiac and vascular procedures in one room, Infinix DP-i features dual C-arms – one with an 8" x 8" flat panel detector for cardiac and one with a 12" x 16" flat panel detector for peripheral – enabling Harrison Medical Center to perform any type of intervention with one system without moving patients between rooms. “The Infinix-i is today’s most efficient cath lab, relating to all aspects of cardiac care and working with clinicians to improve patient diagnosis and treatment,” said Stephen Bumb, director, X-ray Vascular Business Unit, Toshiba. “Harrison Medical Center’s radial approach to interventions is a perfect example of how Toshiba’s vascular X-ray systems are designed for today’s healthcare environment, making exams easier and safer for patients and less costly for the facility.” About Harrison Medical Center Founded in 1918, Harrison has evolved from a small community hospital into the region's busiest medical center. Our not-for-profit organization cares for patients from Kitsap, North Mason, Clallam and Jefferson counties, with locations in Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair and Poulsbo. Harrison boasts an impressive range of specialties, services and programs, provided by a staff of 2,300 and a medical staff of 415. Approximately 90 percent of our physicians are board-certified, a figure that ranks well above the national average. About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. For more information, visit the TAMS website at www.medical.toshiba.com. About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation has been providing medical products for over 80 years. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba. About Toshiba Toshiba is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products, spanning digital products, such as LCD TVs, notebook PCs and hard disc drives; electronic devices and components, such as semiconductors; social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 490 companies, with 203,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.3 trillion yen (US$77 billion). http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/165 Scott Bosch, President & CEO of Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, has been elected Chair of the Washington State Hospital Association. As Chair, Bosch will preside over the Board of Trustees and lead the hospital association’s work for the coming year. “We are proud to have Scott Bosch providing leadership to our association,” said Scott Bond, president and CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association. “He has proven himself to be a valuable member of our board and executive committee. Scott leads with vision, courage, and heart. During this turbulent time in our state’s economy, that is the kind of leadership we need to ensure continued access to high quality health care across Washington.” The Washington State Hospital Association is the membership association of all 97 hospitals in Washington State. The association takes a major leadership role in issues that affect delivery, quality, accessibility, affordability and continuity of health care. It works to improve the health status of the residents of Washington State. It also engages in public policy advocacy with legislators and regulators on behalf of the hospitals of Washington State. Accepting the chair position, Bosch said, “It is my honor to take the helm as your chair for the coming year. I have been amazed at the courage shown by Washington hospital leaders – administrative leaders, board leaders, and medical leaders – in working together for the betterment of the patient. We have recognized that we’re all in this together. We are all infinitely stronger when we work together and collaborate.” Bosch has been an officer of the hospital association for several years, previously serving as the Secretary-Treasurer and as Chair-Elect. Bosch also served on the board of the Health Work Force Institute. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/163 Roger K. Eagan, MD, FACP, FCCP, a pulmonary and sleep specialist practicing in Bremerton and Poulsbo, has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the society of internists. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine, the specialty of adult medical care. Dr. Eagan was elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. Dr. Eagan is affiliated with Kitsap Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine and Harrison Medical Center’s Sleep Disorders Center. He is certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine and critical care medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, and member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Washington State Medical Association. The American College of Physicians is the second-largest physician group in the United States. Membership includes more than 132,000 internists, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internists are specialists in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illnesses in adults. View a video featuring Dr. Eagan’s tips about “Sleep Apnea: Recognition, Diagnosis & Prevention.” http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/161 Linda Streissguth, AICP, joined Harrison Medical Center’s board of directors in August 2011, bringing a vibrant background of community service experience. She has built a strong reputation meeting the needs of customers, communities, and commerce interests throughout Kitsap and surrounding counties. She’s the former chair and a current member of the City of Bremerton Planning Commission, vice-chair of the Bremerton Housing Authority board of commissioners, and a board member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Streissguth, a Bremerton resident, currently serves at the manager of Local Government & Community Relations at Puget Sound Energy (PSE). She’s been with PSE and its predecessor, Puget Sound Power & Light, for 30 years, involved with marketing, conservation, real estate, land planning, and community services. Streissguth’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a certificate in Management Studies, and a Washington state certificate in Real Estate. She’s also earned a certified planner designation from the American Institute of Certified Planners. She has served on more than a dozen local and state teams, advisory boards, associations, committees, councils, summits, and programs. Learn about Harrison Medical Center’s board of directors. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/159 A nine-week Understanding Grief series will be hosted by Harrison Medical Center beginning Sept. 14. This series is designed to provide education and support for adults grieving the death of a loved one. Participants meet with others who have experienced a similar loss and explore ways to cope with the changes. The group will focus on the general task of grieving, consider ways of providing self-care, and create an environment for mutual learning. Group sessions are informal, supportive, and informative. It is recommended that those who wish to participate wait at least three months after the loss of a loved one before they begin this type of intensive grief work. The curriculum is similar to that used by Hospice of Kitsap County. Each session builds on materials from the previous sessions, so attendance to all nine is highly encouraged. Registration is required. What: Understanding Grief (nine-week session)When: Wednesdays beginning Sept. 14; 3:30 to 5 pmWhere: Claremont East, 2707 Clare Ave., BremertonRegister: 360-744-5618 or palliativecare@harrisonmedical.orgCost: FreeMaterials: $15 for book used during the series Learn more about Harrison's Bereavement Services and other grief resources at http://www.harrisonmedical.org/home/bereavement. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/157 Harrison Medical Center has earned designation as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement® by Regence BlueShield in Washington. This means that Harrison has met objective, evidence-based thresholds for clinical quality after a rigorous evaluation process. Only 13 hospitals in Washington state have earned this designation for quality care. Harrison is the only Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement® serving the Kitsap, Olympic, and Key peninsulas, as well as Mason County. According to the BlueCross BlueShield Association, the selection criteria (clinically meaningful measures) used in designating Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement® were developed in collaboration with expert physicians and medical organizations. Medical facilities voluntarily submit clinical data to establish they meet selection criteria, which include: an established knee and hip replacement program, performing required annual volumes for certain procedures (e.g., at least 100 total hip and total knee joint replacement surgeries [primary and revision] per year, with a minimum of 25 each total hip and total knee replacements); an experienced knee and hip replacement surgery team, including surgeons with board certification, subspecialty fellowship training, and required case volumes for knee and hip replacement procedures; an established acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency care and a full range of patient support services; full accreditation by a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-deemed national accreditation organization; a comprehensive quality management program; pre-operative patient education; processes that support transitions of care; clinical outcomes that meet objective thresholds, such as complication rates and length of stay, for specific procedures. A list of the specific selection criteria for the Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement® is readily available to the public. For more information about this important designation, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction. Learn more about The Orthopaedic Alliance on the Peninsula at www.theorthoalliance.com. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/155 Take a little time out of your busy life to reconnect with yourself. This inspiring workshop will re-energize your life and restore your passion for your work. Learn what self-care tools can support and sustain your health. When you’re actively focused on your well-being and your work, you can care for yourself and those around you with renewed dedication, empathy, and compassion. · Presentations by healthcare providers and advocates · IslandWood’s beautiful grounds and trails: www.islandwood.org · Free complementary therapy services by Harrison Medical Center practitioners, such as chair massage, aromatherapy, and guitar and harp music RENEWAL FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Saturday, Sept. 10, 20119:30 am to 2:30 pmRegistration and grounds open at 8:30 amIslandWood4450 Blakely Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Registration$ 25—includes a healthy buffet lunch provided by IslandWood Catering RSVPOnline at http://www.harrisonmedical.org/home/calendar/5797360-744-6760 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE Presentation 1 Mindfulness Tools and Techniques for Renewal in Everyday LifeShannon McKee, MSW, LICSW and Art Biggert, BSN, RN9:45 amShannon McKee, MSW, and Art Biggert, BSN, both of Bainbridge Island, will present and teach simple mindfulness skills and exercises to help move out of automatic pilot-mode and renew your mind, body, and spirit every day at work, home, or school. Presentation 2 Shifting Your Health Mindset: The First Step Toward Health EmpowermentCezanne Allen, MD, Evidence Based coach & Physician Development coachwww.cezanneallen.com10:45 amDr. Cezanne Allen, a Bainbridge Island personal and professional life coach, describes two fundamental human mindsets: focusing on problems you don’t want or focusing on creative outcomes that you do want. She’ll explore thoughts, feelings, and actions from each of these orientations, and challenge you to think more deeply about your mindset, offering practical suggestions towards a more empowered approach for your health and your life. Presentation 3 Renewal and FoodChris Grams, DC, chiropractorhttp://drchrisgrams.com11:45 amChange yourself one bite at a time. Dr. Chris Grams, a Bainbridge Island chiropractor, will guide a lively discussion on food and how it is an intricate part of our daily lives. Food is tied into how we celebrate life, as well as how we comfort, reward, and punish others and ourselves. Research now is discovering how the foods we eat affect our moods, immune system, and has a direct influence with the expression of our genes. Keynote Presentation Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, RN1:15 pmBe inspired by Miss America 1988, Kaye Lani Rae-Rafko Wilson, RN. The first registered nurse to be crowned Miss America, Kaye Lani has used her celebrity to improve the nursing profession, hospice programs, and critical healthcare issues. She has prepared numerous public service announcements, participated in fundraising activities for nursing scholarships, and addressed a U.S Congressional subcommittee on nursing issues. Kaye-Lani works to renew a sense of pride in both the nursing and allied health professions and to strengthen their mission in caring for patients and each other. Her continued commitment to make a difference in the lives of AIDS and cancer patients strengthens her message. She also is the executive director of Gabby’s Ladder, a bereavement program for children and their families (www.gabbysladder.org). http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/153 Fred Barrett of Allyn joined Harrison's board of directors in May 2011. For 30 years, Fred has successfully developed market-driven software products and services for both start-up and established companies. Fred founded Allyn Technology Group, Inc., a company that's leading innovation in supply chain visibility and energy smart grid technologies for business and residential electric customers. He is an active Rotarian and serves as board president for both the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center and the North Mason Education Foundation. Fred Barrett biographyA hands-on technology leader with more than 30 years of experience developing market-driven software products and services, Fred Barrett is responsible for guiding the technology direction and standards of Allyn Technology Group. Highly experienced in startup businesses, Barrett has a unique blend of technology, sales and marketing experiences in Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer, E-Commerce, and Supply Chain technologies. His vision and execution skills across the corporate domain enable early market entry and solid technology foundation. Prior to Allyn Technology Group, Barrett co-founded RFTrax, Inc., a hardware/software technology company focused on Supply Chain visibility and high-value asset management and tracking in 2001. Barrett led the company’s technology initiatives, positioning the products for inclusion in US Department of Homeland Security’s “Operation Safe Commerce” container security initiatives, and other international supply chain pilots. Mr. Barrett co-developed and received a patent for “inter-modal telemetry and monitoring solution” which is now in use by major corporations (U.S. Patent #7135976). RFTrax was acquired in 2005 by Fairfield Industries, Sugar Land, TX. Barrett continued to lead product development and marketing efforts enabling the company to secure clients such as BNSF, Olin, MSA, US Postal Service and others through the completion of his contract in April, 2007. Barrett is also a founder and principal in AscentIQ, Inc., a software technology platform enabling faster integration of RFID, GSM, GPS, MODBUS, Satellite and related Smart Sensor systems into energy utilities’ data and telemetry initiatives. Throughout his career Mr. Barrett has been involved in a number of start-up companies, helping to formulate product and market strategies, lead technology development, grow sales, and position for additional investment and/or acquisition. Companies include: Magic Solutions (acquired by Network Solutions), Asymetrix Entertainment (acquired by Oceans Software), IXA (acquired by Savvis Telecommunications), and Applied Microsystems (IPO). Mr. Barrett lives in Allyn, WA and is an active Rotarian, current member and past Trustee of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce. Barrett is also Board President of the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to education, research and preservation of wild salmon, and Board President of the North Mason Education Foundation. Learn about Harrison Medical Center’s board of directors. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/147 I recently had a remarkable week. One of the most meaningful and enjoyable parts of my job, working as a physician in the Emergency Department at Harrison Medical Center, is caring for the many veterans and their families who live in and around Kitsap County. When I notice a married couple together in the examination room who appear to be old “enough,” I often will ask how long they’ve been together. Often the answer falls well above that magical 50-year mark. Then I’ll ask how they met. I love to see the look on their faces as their eyes meet, looking toward each other. “Oh, there was this USO dance down at the shipyard,” or “He was so handsome in his uniform... And she was a real looker!” Sometimes, though, the answer surprises me. On Tuesday, I cared for a 72-year-old woman, coughing and short of breath. She happens to be a yoga instructor for the senior ladies in her trailer park community center. She also prepares meals for neighbors who are alone or in need. And she loves to swing dance at the Elks club to live music on Fridays nights. I know these things because they were told to me by the beaming, handsome silver- haired husband standing at her bedside. I, of course, asked “How long have you been married?” “Seven years next month.” Both widowed, they met through their love of swing dancing—at the Elks club, where else? Shaking his still-strong hand, I noticed a bolo tie held around his neck with a neatly trimmed bootlace. It bore a purple heart. I asked him to tell me about it. He told me was a gunner on a landing craft that had been modified into a gun boat. His job was to provide cover for the underwater demolition teams that went in ahead of an invasion force, beginning to clear obstacles. He participated in many of the island assaults in the Pacific. At Iwo Jima only he and one other man, from Yakima, survived. He was wounded. I told him it was an honor to be able to help him, caring for his wife. On Wednesday morning, my day began with an ambulance carrying a 93-year-old man from a local nursing home, severely short of breath. He had had previous strokes and a heart attack. He and his family had decided that should he ever become this sick, he would never want to be on life-supporting machines. His daughter was at his side shortly after his arrival. She, living on the other side of the water, had traveled to see her dad every weekend for the seven years following her mom’s death. We talked together of how difficult it was for her to know that it was the end, even though she had known it was coming for a long time. “The doctors told him that he had only six months to live. That was three years ago,” she told me. Doctors. What do they know? I asked her what he did when he had been a working man. She told me that he had had several jobs—managing a local auto shop and working with city buses are the ones that stand out to me. But the condition of his feet hindered his work. I pulled back the sheets to reveal his disfigured, scarred feet. “He was stationed on New Guinea during the war,” she told me. The wetness of the jungle in his boots had destroyed the skin. He had been a radio operator. The nurses and I, however, still had much to offer him—a chance to die well, to alleviate his suffering. A student nurse was part of the team that day. I told her that she was about to provide the most poignant and important care that she could hope to do as a nurse. We covered him in warm blankets (there aren’t many good things about being in the hospital but warm blankets are certainly one of them) and wrapped them around his head like a hood. We administered medications to take away what doctors call “air-hunger,” that feeling of suffocation. His breathing slowed. He became more comfortable. Mostly we just got out of his way and let him do what it was time for him to do. His daughter was with him for his last breaths. She hugged me and thanked me for helping him to pass away so comfortably. I told her it was an honor to be able to care for her dad. The next day, Thursday, a 90-year-old man arrived with shortness of breath, and racing, irregular beats of his heart. He was given oxygen, an IV was placed in his arm, blood work sent to the lab, and an EKG tracing was obtained. In relatively short order, my team and I determined that he was not having a heart attack, or dangerous electrical rhythm of his heart. He was, however, very anxious. His daughter explained that as he aged, he had been having spells like this from time to time. And only recently had he shared to even his family the source of the symptoms upsetting him. After landing on Utah Beach in Normandy at the end of World War II, his unit had been one that liberated a concentration camp. When they arrived, only children remained in the camp. An empty train was waiting nearby. Inviting two of my 20-something-year-old assistants in to his room, we all shook his hand. I drew close to him, all but hollering into his aged ear to tell him it was an honor to care for him. He cried. So did we. Three days. Three genuine heroes. It was a remarkable week. ### Scott T. Ekin, MD, is employed by Westsound Emergency Physicians. He has cared for patients in Emergency Services at Harrison Medical Center since 1999. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/151 Harrison Medical Center recently became a member of the WA CARES Cancer Partnership representing the West Sound area. Ed Smith, director of Harrison’s Oncology Service Line, has been elected to serve a two-year term on the Steering Committee through January 2013. In his role on the steering committee, Smith will work to integrate Harrison’s oncology initiatives with the efforts of the Partnership to reduce the effects of cancer on our citizens and our community. He will advance the vision of the Partnership and support efforts to: Reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Increase equity in access to preventive screenings, diagnostic and medical treatment, and palliative care. Maximize the quality of life for all individuals with cancer. Promote research. Educate consumers, providers, payers, and policy makers on cancer issues. The WA CARES Cancer Partnership currently has 68 member organizations and is open to anyone interested in cancer issues. Representatives include survivors, individuals, health professionals, associations, and public and private organizations from across the state. Learn more about the Partnership via the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Washington State Department of Health, at 360-236-3784 or cancer@doh.wa.gov. Harrison Medical Center's oncology program has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACOS) since 1985. For more information, visit www.harrisonmedical.org/oncology. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/149 Harrison Medical Center recently became a member of the WA CARES Cancer Partnership representing the West Sound area. Ed Smith, director of Harrison’s Oncology Service Line, has been elected to serve a two-year term on the Steering Committee through January 2013. In his role on the steering committee, Smith will work to integrate Harrison’s oncology initiatives with the efforts of the Partnership to reduce the effects of cancer on our citizens and our community. He will advance the vision of the Partnership and support efforts to: Reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Increase equity in access to preventive screenings, diagnostic and medical treatment, and palliative care. Maximize the quality of life for all individuals with cancer. Promote research. Educate consumers, providers, payers, and policy makers on cancer issues. The WA CARES Cancer Partnership currently has 68 member organizations and is open to anyone interested in cancer issues. Representatives include survivors, individuals, health professionals, associations, and public and private organizations from across the state. Learn more about the Partnership via the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Washington State Department of Health, at 360-236-3784 or cancer@doh.wa.gov. Harrison's oncology program has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ACOS) since 1985. For more information about Harrison's oncology services, visit www.harrisonmedical.org/oncology. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/145 Adar Palis, Harrison Medical Center’s vice president of administration and chief information officer, recently was named to the Becker’s Hospital Review list of “Rising Stars: 25 Healthcare Leaders Under Age 40.” Palis, 32, joined Harrison Medical Center in 2002 as a network engineer and was later named CIO of the hospital in 2005, becoming the organization’s youngest executive at age 27. He quickly initiated significant changes at the hospital, such as establishing a more customer-focused IT department, constructing a state-of-the-art data center, installing a new network infrastructure to include remote campuses digitizing X-rays, and introducing free wireless across all Harrison campuses. Palis has spearheaded a multiyear project to implement a $30.5 million electronic medical record at Harrison Medical Center. After three years, the project is three-quarters complete, with bedside medication bar-coding and computerized physician order entry on tap for 2011. As part of his continuing efforts to implement electronic health record technology, Palis will lead the rollout of a community-wide HIE in early 2011. Palis graduated magna cum laude from Seattle Pacific University and holds six Microsoft technical certifications. Becker’s Hospital Review is a national bimonthly publication offering up-to-date business and legal news and analysis relating to hospitals and health systems. The content includes hospital and health system news, best practices, and legal guidance specifically for these decision makers.  Palis also earned the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” honor in 2005 in which the Kitsap Peninsula’s best, brightest, and most outstanding individuals under the age of 40 are chosen from a panel of local leaders, elected officials, and business people. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/143 Harrison Medical Center has revamped and expanded its Better Breathers support group to encompass community members and their caregivers who live with chronic respiratory disease and lung disease. Better Breathers is designed to provide support, education, networking, and tools to improve the daily lives of those living with these health conditions. The reorganized Better Breathers program, based on American Lung Association guidelines, will launch its new format on Nov. 17—World COPD Day. The featured speaker will be Benjamin Sy, MD, a local physician who specializes in internal medicine, critical care, and pulmonary diseases. Better Breathers Third Wednesday of every month beginning Nov. 17 1:30 to 3 pm Harrison Silverdale, Rose Room 1800 NW Myhre Road, Silverdale 360-744-6685 respiratorycare@harrisonmedical.org http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/141 One mom hides in her bedroom and cries for what might have been. Another scans her past for guilty clues to her miscarriage: “Am I too fat? Am I too thin? Is it because I smoked clove cigarettes in school?” And a bereaved dad says simply, “I still don’t sleep at night, and it’s been six months.” Parents who have lost a child through miscarriage or neonatal death often travel a lonely path, surrounded by friends and family who don’t grasp the magnitude of the trauma. Susan Crow, a certified obstetrics nurse at Harrison Medical Center, has walked that path herself. Through a program called HOPE (Harrison Offering Peaceful Endings), she supports bereaved parents while they are still in the hospital and their grief is fresh. But grief can persist for years, waxing and waning unpredictably as parents struggle to regain their footing. Crow believes they need ongoing peer support, and she searched for a program that could help. She found it in Texas, where bereaved mom Rebekah Mitchell presides over a growing network of perinatal loss groups called M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death). Mitchell founded M.E.N.D. after losing her second child, Jonathan, two days before his scheduled delivery date. A later pregnancy ended in miscarriage, leaving her “very alone in my grief.” Drawing on Mitchell’s 14 years of experience, Crow recently founded the first M.E.N.D. chapter in Washington. Mitchell and two other Dallas-Fort Worth members traveled to Silverdale in October for the inaugural meeting, which drew bereaved parents from as far away as Fort Lewis and Puyallup. M.E.N.D., a Christian nonprofit, is not affiliated with Harrison, but the medical center has donated seed money and meeting space, as well Crow being trained as the group facilitator. “We want to provide a safe place for mommies and daddies together to share their story,” Crow said, “and get practical, day-to-day advice on how to make it through their journey from others who are going through the same experience.” At the October meeting, tears flowed and voices wobbled as parents recited a litany of loss: multiple miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, tangled umbilical cords that claimed babies days before delivery. But they also shared laughter and drew solace from being heard. “I’m surprised at how many people are here,” said one dad, surveying nearly two dozen people around the tables. “When it was happening (our loss) in April, I felt like I was the only one.” “Nobody here is alone in this,” said Michele Kulhanek, a Harrison labor and delivery nurse whose fourth child died in utero at 16 weeks. “We all understand exactly where you’re coming from in your journey.” While the newly bereaved can’t see beyond their pain, old-timers like Paula Schear of Dallas know the road gets easier. “I had about $50,000 worth of fertility treatment before we conceived our first child,” she said. “Then we had a surprise pregnancy, and that was the one we lost.” With time, she assured hurting parents, despair gives way to hope. “You will have joy in your life again.” Perinatal Loss Support Group Free support group for any adult who has suffered a loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. Second Monday of each month, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Harrison Silverdale, Iris Room, 1800 Myhre Road Stacy McGhee, M.E.N.D. - NW Washington Chapter Director, stacym@mend.org, www.mend.org http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/137 Bremerton, WA—The Kitsap Soccer Club today finalized a three-year sponsorship agreement with Harrison Medical Center. Harrison now becomes the title sponsor for all of the Pumas’ burgeoning youth outreach programs. The Harrison Medical Center/Pumas Pro Youth Academy and Youth Outreach Program is the first fully comprehensive, youth soccer training program of its kind in the region. Harrison’s three-year commitment will foster the development of youth players from across Kitsap and surrounding counties. Support will include year-round training of young players by the Puma’s own professional coaches and players; team and player camps; and youth team sponsorships. “This is an exceptional commitment on the part of Harrison Medical Center,” says Pumas’ executive director Ben Pecora. “To have one of the largest, most-comprehensive and recognizable firms in our region put its considerable muscle behind these critical programs, means the world not only to our club but to so many youth and families throughout our area. Harrison’s support of the team and especially our youth program ensures that our kids will receive the highest-level of training and access ever offered in the region. We are extremely grateful for this support as we build the club toward even higher highs.” “Our partnership with the Kitsap Soccer Club is an outstanding opportunity to invest in local youth activities that promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle,” says Tom Kruse, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at Harrison Medical Center. “As a regional medical center, we look forward to highlighting all aspects of the full range of health services Harrison provides, including wellness, preventive health education, and the promotion of active lifestyle choices.” Media coverage Kitsap Sun: Pumas Partner With Harrison Medical Center Seattle Times: Kitsap Soccer Club Partners with Harrison Medical Center Seattle Soccer Examiner: Kitsap Pumas mingle with sponsors and fans at luncheon http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/139 Silverdale, WA—Harrison Medical Center and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties have partnered to enhance health and wellness opportunities for families in Kitsap County. “Harrison Medical Center has provided essential healthcare in Kitsap County and surrounding communities for more than 90 years,” says President and CEO Scott Bosch. “Our new partnership with YMCA will allow us the unique opportunity to expand the wellness component of our services.” Harrison will lease 3,000 square feet at the new Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale—set to open in summer 2011—with plans to offer education and a variety of other services to support healthy, active lifestyles. “The YMCA is thrilled to partner with Harrison Medical Center to offer a complete range of health and wellness services to the residents of Kitsap County,” says YMCA president and CEO Bob Ecklund. “Harrison is a well-respected non-profit agency that fits well with the mission of the YMCA to provide health in spirit, mind and body for all.” This partnership is modeled after a successful venture between the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties and MultiCare Health System created in 2005. Media Coverage YMCA Groundbreaking Long Time Coming for Central Kitsap Residents Harrison Plans to Offer Services at New YMCA http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/128 Local man plans Mount Adams summit Aug. 28-29 Chris Henrickson lost his father, Glen, to metastatic melanoma in August 2001. His father was only 52. “My dad received prompt, attentive, and knowledgeable care,” Chris says of Harrison Medical Center’s cancer program. “I just want to make sure that cancer care is ever-evolving at Harrison.” To that end, Chris, an avid outdoorsman, will climb to the summit of Mount Adams via South Trail 183 on Aug. 28 and 29 to raise funds for Harrison’s cancer care program and to honor the memory of his father. More than $3,000 has been raised so far. Chris’s goal is $5,000. To learn more, follow Chris’s blog at www.lewischapel.com. Chris, 32, grew up in Silverdale. His father was an outstanding local business leader who participated in the Bremerton Rotary for many years, was a member of the Kitsap Golf & Country Club, past board member of the Harrison Foundation, and past board member of the Washington State Funeral Director’s Association. He was president and owner of Bremerton’s Lewis Funeral Chapel & Forest Lawn Cemetery and The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary at Cherry Grove Memorial Park. Chris continues as president and co-owner today. Each year, Chris trains for a major climb. After his 2008 summit of Mt. St. Helens, he thought of how he could make his climbs about more than personal achievement. “I wanted to do something for the (Harrison) Foundation in my father’s name for cancer care education efforts,” he says. “‘Climb for Cancer Care’ was my vision.” Chris will begin his Mount Adams ascent on Aug. 28 and climb to about 9,000 feet the first day where he’ll camp at Lunch Counter. He plans to summit and then make his way down the mountain on Aug. 29. Chris will document the climb via photos and video, which will be posted on the Harrison Foundation website, www.harrisonfoundation.org. “We’re taking time to do the climb over two days,” says Chris. “We’re doing it right and safe.” A gift or pledge in support of Chris’s ‘Climb for Cancer Care’ will make an immediate impact on the lives of hundreds of local patients and their families. The generous support of our community is vital to our ability to provide life-changing cancer-care services at Harrison. For information about making a tax-deductible donation, call the Harrison Foundation at 360-744-6760 or visit www.harrisonfoundation.org/events/cancer_climb.php About Mount Adams Mount Adams, with a summit elevation of 12,276 feet, is the second most massive and the third tallest volcano in the Cascade mountain range. It is the second highest peak in Washington State, located in the eastern Cascades, east of Mount Saint Helens and north of Mount Hood. Its eruptive volume is about 48 cubic miles and only Mount Shasta is larger in volume in the Cascades. About 60 percent of the mountain is in the Mount Adams Wilderness while the remainder (the East Side) was returned to the Yakima Indian Reservation. Mount Adams is Wilderness, designated by Congress in 1964 as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. A Wilderness, in contrast to other federal land designations, is protected and managed to preserve its natural condition. About Harrison’s cancer program Harrison Medical Center’s cancer program has been accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC) for more than 20 years, most recently receiving the CoC’s highest accreditation level with commendation. Harrison’s nationally recognized Oncology Services provides a comprehensive range of sophisticated cancer treatments with the newest drug protocols; intensity-modulated and image-guided radiation therapy; and chemotherapy regimens. The program also provides complementary therapies, support groups, and the services of patient navigators to guide patients through the complexities of cancer care. Three facilities are dedicated to the unique needs of patients with cancer. Harrison Medical Center—Bremerton, 2520 Cherry Ave. Harrison Poulsbo Hematology & Oncology, 19500 10tth Ave. Harrison Bremerton Hematology & Oncology, 2520 Clare Ave., #A http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/127 The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the cancer program at Harrison Medical Center. With this recognition, we’re continuing more than two decades of distinction in cancer care for our communities. A facility receives a Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation following the onsite evaluation by a physician surveyor during which the facility demonstrates a Commendation level of compliance with standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement.). In addition, a facility receives a compliance rating for all other standards. The CoC distinguished Harrison’s exceptional rehabilitation team; active outreach program; perfect quality of data; and impressive improvements. “We remain steadfast in our focus to provide patients with exceptional oncology services,” says Scott Bosch, Harrison’s president and CEO. “From technology to support to facility expansion efforts, patients can trust that our cancer care meets their needs.” Harrison’s Oncology Services provides a comprehensive range of sophisticated cancer treatments with the newest drug protocols; intensity-modulated and image-guided radiation therapy at our Radiation Oncology Center; and chemotherapy regimens. We also provide complementary therapies, support groups, and the services of patient navigators to guide patients through the complexities of cancer care. Three of our facilities are dedicated to the unique needs of patients with cancer. Harrison Medical Center—Bremerton, 2520 Cherry Ave. Harrison Poulsbo Hematology & Oncology, 19500 10th Ave. Harrison Bremerton Hematology & Oncology, 2720 Clare Ave., #A The CoC’s Accreditation Program sets quality-of-care standards (currently 36) for cancer programs and reviews the programs to ensure they conform to those standards. Accreditation by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. To maintain accreditation, facilities with CoC-accredited cancer programs must undergo an on-site review every three years. Harrison also received the CoC’s accreditation with commendation in 2006, the first year the CoC designated this accreditation standard of excellence. Receiving care at a CoC-accredited cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to: Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment; A multispecialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; Access to cancer-related information, education, and support; A cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results, and offers lifelong patient follow-up; and Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than 1.4 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2009. There currently are more than 1,400 CoC-accredited cancer programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, representing close to 25 percent of all hospitals. This 25 percent of hospitals diagnose and/or treat 80 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients each year. Cancer patient data are reported by each CoC-accredited cancer program to the CoC’s National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a joint CoC/American Cancer Society program. The NCDB currently contains patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment and outcomes information for more than 18 million cancer patients diagnosed and treated at hospital cancer programs in the U.S. between 1985 and 2004. These data account for nearly two-thirds of newly diagnosed cancer cases in the U.S. each year. NCDB data are regularly used to monitor and improve the quality of patient care delivered in CoC-accredited cancer programs. The CoC requires programs to implement quality improvement initiatives that promote the delivery of quality, multidisciplinary cancer care and lead to ongoing educational interventions with local providers in the CoC-accredited cancer programs. Through an exclusive partnership with the American Cancer Society, the CoC provides the public with information on the resources, services, and cancer treatment experience for each CoC-accredited cancer program. This information is shared with the public on the American Cancer Society’s website at www.cancer.org and through the American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center at 800-ACS-2345. About the CoC Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care. For more information, visit www.facs.org/cancer/index.html. About Harrison Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo. We serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and adjoining counties. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit www.harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/126 Study gives residents opportunity to directly impact cancer The American Cancer Society is looking to central Kitsap County residents to play a direct role in improving the lives of future generations by participating in an historic study. The Society will be signing up volunteers for its Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) at the Relay For Life of Central Kitsap/Bremerton on June 27 and 28 at Central Kitsap High School. (Residents do not need to participate in the relay event to enroll in CPS-3.) The study, which will enroll a diverse population of half a million people across the United States, will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, and will further efforts to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations. Central Kitsap County will be one of more than 120 enrollment sites currently scheduled for 2009, reaching 25 states across the country. Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer, and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which simply means filling out follow-up surveys at their home periodically. To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample at the Relay enrollment site, in addition to completing a baseline survey at their home. For the first time in more than 50 years of conducting these kinds of studies, the Society is making it possible for participants to complete their baseline and follow-up questionnaires online. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Americans to participate in lifesaving cancer research,” says Eugenia E. Calle, PhD, American Cancer Society director of analytic epidemiology, who is overseeing the study. “While we have been conducting these types of studies for decades, our world-class research department can only study new and emerging cancer risks if members of the community are willing to become involved.” The Bremerton/Central Kitsap Relay for Life taking place on June 27 and 28 at Central Kitsap High School will be the only time CPS-3 will be enrolling in Central Kitsap this year. While initial enrollment takes just 20 to 30 minutes, the study is expected to produce benefits for decades to come. Researchers will use the data from CPS-3 to build on evidence from a series of American Cancer Society studies that began in the 1950s and involved hundreds of thousands of volunteer participants. The Hammond-Horn Study and previous Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I, and CPS-II) have played a major role in understanding cancer prevention and risk, and have contributed significantly to the scientific literature and to the development of public health guidelines and recommendations. Those studies confirmed the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer, showed that obesity increases the risk of several cancers, and linked aspirin use to a lower death rate from colon cancer. The current study, CPS-II, began in 1982 and is still ongoing. But changes in lifestyle and in the understanding of cancer in the more than two decades since its launch make it important to begin a new cohort. “While science can do a lot to explain the biology and genetics of cancer, some of the most valuable information we have is a direct result of the contributions of dedicated individuals over several generations,” says Dr. Calle. “We are once again looking to the dedication, compassion, and generosity of Americans to come through and help us provide answers that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations.” To learn more For more local information, contact Harrison’s CPS-3 Volunteer Chair Mike Gray at cps3info@gmail.com. For general information about the study, visit www.cancer.org/cps3 or call 888-604-5888. About the American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For information, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. About Harrison Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/125 Harrison Medical Center’s new one-stop medical oncology and chemotherapy center in Poulsbo specifically meets the unique needs of cancer patients. The focus on organic flow, warm color, and comforting design creates a refined environment of hope and healing—all with a view. Harrison Poulsbo Hematology & Oncology center will provide hospital-based outpatient cancer care, including: Modern chemotherapy treatments (10 chairs) Onsite laboratory Exam rooms (6) Patient navigators Nutritional medicine Support services and resources Complementary therapies Location, location, location matters most when cancer patients need frequent treatments and care. Harrison Poulsbo Hematology & Oncology center is conveniently located off State Route 305. Patients living on the north end of Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island, Port Ludlow, Port Townsend, and beyond, now will have much closer access to our outpatient cancer services and amenities. “We’re providing comprehensive cancer care close to home,” says Ken Rarey, director of Radiation and Poulsbo Oncology. “At this new center, we have the ability to provide whole-person care in an outpatient setting. This is a healing environment in your own community.” We invite our local community members to meet our oncology caregivers, learn about our advanced services, and tour this soothing new space. What: Open House—Harrison Poulsbo Hematology & Oncology When: Monday, June 29; 3 to 7 pm Where: 19500 10the Ave., NE, Suite 100; Poulsbo The 4,850 square-foot center will be staffed by two medical oncologists, Ann Murphy, MD, and Dennis Willerford, MD, and an oncology-experienced nurse practitioner, Kristen Province, ARNP. In addition, the center will have four oncology-certified registered nurses, medical technologists, laboratory technologists, and support staff for a multi-faceted team of 14 caring employees. The Hematology & Oncology center will open to patients by referral on July 1, 2009. Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Monday through Friday Phone: 360-598-7500. An after-hours call service will be available to patients. About Harrison’s Oncology Services For more than 20 years, Harrison’s Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program has been approved by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer—a distinction achieved by only one in four U.S. hospitals. About Harrison Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital offering medical, surgical, and emergency services at five locations—Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Poulsbo—to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 866-844-WELL or visit harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/124 BARRINGTON, Ill., MAY 5, 2009—GE Healthcare, a leading provider of healthcare information technology (HIT), announced today a multi-million dollar agreement with Harrison Medical Center for a broad portfolio of healthcare IT solutions. The announcement marks a significant expansion of GE’s footprint in the health information exchange (HIE) market with a comprehensive deal that also includes the company’s full-featured electronic medical record (EMR), patient communication services, ePrescribing, quality outcomes measurement, and revenue cycle management tools.With Centricity HIE Services pulling the digital care community together, this implementation will serve to extend Harrison’s EMR to community providers, bolster the patient care continuum and help Harrison’s providers improve the quality of their care. Caring for more than 100,000 patients each year,Harrisonselected GE Centricity solutions to help maintain and expand their vision for providing completely connected patient care. Adar Palis, vice president and chief information officer, says the organization spent more than two years evaluating technology from several vendors before selecting GE Healthcare, largely based the company’s stability and a shared commitment to putting patients at the center of care. Harrison plans to roll out Centricity® Electronic Medical Record and additional Centricity solutions to 25 of its employed physicians who provide care in the organization’s community care clinics. Harrison also will extend the benefits of HIT to their broader community by offering Centricity EMR and Centricity solutions for document management, eHealth and clinical messaging to more than 100 physicians. Harrison intends to help community physicians adopt the EMR by funding the maximum amount available under regulations of the Stark Relaxation Law. To tie it all together, Harrison will deploy the Centricity Health Information Exchange (HIE) Services offering to connect patient data that will reside in the EMR at employed and community physician practices with medical records stored in the hospital’s existing clinical information system. By enabling document-based information sharing via a secure, standards-based HIE infrastructure, this connectivity will create community-based patient charts with shared problems, medications, allergies and lab data. “With its decision to fund this significant investment in EMR, HIE, and other HIT solutions, even in a difficult economy, our board of directors has made a clear statement of their commitment to improving care for Harrison’s patients,” says Scott Bosch, the company’s president and chief executive officer. Palis continues, “Patients expect and deserve coordinated care, but within the industry we all know this has not been a simple goal to achieve. It will take dedication, new investments, and highly evolved IT solutions. Through our collaboration with GE Healthcare and the creation of a shared community health exchange, we will take big strides towards providing the best patient care possible.” Jim Smalley, chairman of Harrison’s board of directors, says, “At Harrison, we build systems to ensure our patients are treated with world-class, evidence-based medical care.Our investment in information technology is a key example of this focus.The Board is dedicated to fulfilling our mission and meeting the needs of the community, and we intend to get it right—the first time—with GE.” The government’s injection of stimulus funding for the adoption of HIT, though the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and HITECH Act for Healthcare, reaffirms Harrison’s direction and validates their investment. While many specifics of the bill have yet to be determined, the Centricity solutions Harrison plans to implement should help their providers prepare to demonstrate “meaningful use” of EMR technology, and may allow them to qualify for incentive payments. James M. Corrigan, vice president and general manager at GE Healthcare, says, “Harrison Medical Center is making a strategic investment in the future of healthcare that exemplifies the leadership this country is ready to embrace.For more than 40 years, GE Healthcare has been at the forefront of supporting innovative leaders in healthcare, enabling our customers’ business performance while helping them optimize clinical care.At Harrison and elsewhere, the powerful combination of EMR, HIE, practice management and patient portal solutions can have a combined impact even greater than the sum of its parts, and we look forward to working with an organization that believes so strongly in the role IT plays in advancing patient care.” Providing physicians with tools to measure the quality of care they provide is a key part of Harrison’s strategy for improving patient health, particularly for the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. GE’s Medical Quality Improvement Consortium (MQIC), a leading quality outcomes reporting solution, can help Harrison benchmark indicators of care at the clinic, regional, and national level. MQIC enables healthcare organizations to create a cycle of continuous improvement—without disrupting clinic workflow. The solution is certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a reporting registry for the Medicare Physician Quality Improvement Initiative (PQRI), and can simplify participation in this and other pay for performance programs. Harrison also believes strongly in involving patients in their care, with eHealth tools and services that can alleviate many of the common frustrations and inefficiencies in today’s healthcare experience.The Centricity Practice—Patient Portal, a web-based service that streamlines patient/clinic communications and gives patients round-the-clock access to portal services, was also purchased from GE. Through the Portal, patients will be able to register as a new patient, request appointments and medication refills, make billing inquiries, and update demographics such as contact information. In addition, the organization expects to improve their bottom line through the implementation of Centricity Practice Management in their outpatient clinics. GE’s proven system for managing the revenue cycle works seamlessly with Centricity EMR, and its powerful patient-centered capabilities will help Harrison reduce entry errors and repetitive manual data entry, improve charge capture, and automate the claims submission process. For more information on Harrison’s program to help community providers adopt the Centricity EMR, visit www.heromd.org. ABOUT GE HEALTHCARE: GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services that are shaping a new age of patient care. Our expertise in medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, performance improvement, drug discovery, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies is helping clinicians around the world re-imagine new ways to predict, diagnose, inform, treat, and monitor disease, so patients can live their lives to the fullest. GE Healthcare’s broad range of products and services enable healthcare providers to better diagnose and treat cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases, and other conditions earlier. Our vision for the future is to enable a new “early health” model of care focused on earlier diagnosis, pre-symptomatic disease detection, and disease prevention. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, GE Healthcare is a $17-billion unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). Worldwide, GE Healthcare employs more than 46,000 people committed to serving healthcare professionals and their patients in more than 100 countries. For more information about GE Healthcare, visit our website at www.gehealthcare.com. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/123 “Our exceptional nurses are committed to our communities—caring for people both inside the hospital and out,” says Cindy May, Harrison Medical Center’s vice president operations and chief nursing officer. “Nursing is a strong balance of professional and personal life.” With this spirit, Harrison nurses are celebrating National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week by supporting those who need help in our own communities. Kitsap County’s food banks are in dire need of food supplies. Harrison nurses have coordinated an organization-wide food drive to help. Donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, and pet food are welcome. What: Harrison Medical Center Food Drive When: Through May 18 Where: Drop-off locations: Harrison Bremerton—Cherry Street Café & Main Lobby; 2520 Cherry Ave., Bremerton Harrison Silverdale—Chipmunk Grill; 1800 NW Myhre Road, Silverdale Harrison Port Orchard—Bistro; 450 South Kitsap Blvd., Port Orchard May 6 to 12: National Nurses Week—‘Nurses: Building a Healthy America’ Considered both art and science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths, and passions because of the many opportunities the profession offers. Each year, this celebratory week ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. Source: American Nurses Association, www.nursingworld.org May 10 to 16: National Hospital Week—‘A Healthy Commitment in Changing Times’ The celebration of National Hospital Week began in 1921 when a Chicago magazine editor suggested that more information about hospitals might alleviate public fears about the ‘shrouded’ institutions of the day. From that beginning, Hospital Week expanded to facilities across the nation. Today,it’s the largest health care celebration with participants in every state. Source: American Hospital Association, www.aha.org http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/122 Public Open House April 17 Harrison Medical Center expands healthcare services to our North Mason neighbors with the April 17 opening of a new 16-room urgent and primary care center in Belfair. The new medical facility will provide daily 12-hour urgent care services. In addition, the campus offers primary care Monday through Friday, and outpatient imaging and laboratory services. What: Public Open House When: Friday, April 17, 2 to 5 pm Where:21 NE Romance Hill Road, Belfair Details: Tours; meet the caregivers; refreshments; giveaways; drawings Harrison Belfair Urgent and Primary Care will begin taking calls and serving patients on Monday, April 20, at 7:30 am. Harrison Belfair Urgent Care 21 NE Romance Hill Road, Suite 105 Daily, 7:30 am to 7:30 pm 360-277-2975, 360-277-2980 (fax) Harrison Belfair Primary Care 21 NE Romance Hill Road, Suite 104 Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm 360-277-2950, 360-277-2955 (fax) Harrison leases nearly 8,000 square feet of the new 12,000-square-foot medical building, built and owned by Belfair-based resident and developer Rick Krueger. The Belfair facility seamlessly melds healthcare standards with modern design elements. The open interior spaces capture natural light; the use of warm color and texture details throughout the building creates an inviting, homelike atmosphere for patients and visitors. The campus also features an outdoor patio nestled between the building’s two major components. This extension of the main waiting lobby creates a comfortable outdoor environment. Is it urgent or an emergency?Use our simple card to help you decide if medical conditions require urgent or emergency care before they happen. This card is not intended to give medical advice. In the event of any serious health emergency, please call 911. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/121 Harrison Medical Center President & CEO Scott Bosch announced that the organization would eliminate leadership and staff positions across all areas over the next six to eight weeks. “At this time we don’t have a final number,” says Bosch, “but we’re phasing our approach to assure that patient services will remain unaffected." Bosch started at the executive level by eliminating three positions: one vice president and two executive assistant positions. Two leadership positions were also cut this week. The organization will also freeze all executive, director, and manager salaries for next fiscal year, representing a savings of more than $350,000. The decision to trim the organization is being fueled by five key external and internal forces: A loss of $3 million in state Medicaid funding; A $7 million cost to fund the organization’s Defined Benefit Pension program based on loss of investment funds. Health insurance premium costs have risen. An increase in Harrison’s charity care and “bad debt,” which means the organization is paid less to provide the same care. While we projected an increase in patient volumes this year, Harrison has experienced a decrease in nearly all patient care services. And finally, efficiency. The results of a recent benchmarking study reveal that Harrison is less efficient in nearly every area of the organization than our like-sized peers—without quantifiably better results to show for it. “Our quality of care is tremendous,” said Bosch, “but we use more resources to produce the same results as like-sized hospitals that also have great quality.” The economic crisis plays a role, but, nonetheless, we must change explains Bosch. “We must adjust our costs accordingly to continue to produce an adequate operating margin. This will enable us to continue to provide needed capital for equipment and facilities, as well as funds for future operations, services enhancements, and investments in our staff.” The most painful part of all this is the human cost, Bosch says. “We’re affecting people, and I care deeply about each one. I promise that those who leave will be treated equitably.” http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/120 MEDIA STATEMENT Harrison Medical Center President & CEO Scott Bosch announced today that Harrison will close its Behavioral Health Unit on May 1. This decision does not diminish our commitment to mental healthcare services in the region. Together with the leadership of our community partners, including Kitsap Mental Health, we have created a plan of care that assures continued access for all. The unit’s declining patient census has resulted in operational losses that are unsustainable. “This is a very difficult decision but one that we felt we needed to make at this time,” says Bosch. In the previous year, the 12-bed unit has operated at an average daily census of three patients. “We have increasingly treated patients with behavioral health conditions on our general medical care units as a result of the limited scope of services available on the Behavioral Health Unit,” explains RN Cynthia May, Harrison’s Vice President of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer. “We will continue to provide medical care and social work services for all patients.” Harrison’s Emergency Department, the community’s safety net, will continue to help patients who need mental health services, explains Medical Director Dr. Bill Morris. “Whether we treat these patients on our own medical units or facilitate their care with Kitsap Mental Health or other treatment facilities, we will always serve all who come through our doors.” The closing of the unit affects 23 employees and several physicians. We are making our best effort to place these well-qualified staff in existing opportunities elsewhere in the organization. We will continue to contract with community providers for psychiatric consulting services in the Emergency Department and inpatient units. Harrison is in discussion with Diamond Healthcare who has expressed interest in providing enhanced services within the community, including outpatient care. Diamond is a national leader in the planning, development and operation of high quality Behavioral Health Services. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/119 MEDIA STATEMENT On Thursday, March 26, the Harrison Medical Center Board of Directors approved a policy to provide guidance to the organization regarding the Washington Death With Dignity Act that was passed into Washington State law on March 5, 2009. The following excerpt from that policy is what Harrison would like to communicate to the public. "Harrison Medical Center respects the relationship between the provider and the patient, and has determined from the recent ballot that it is in the community’s best interest to allow its healthcare providers[1] to participate in the Washington Death With Dignity Act, if they so choose.Based on the history of implementation of a similar Act in another state, it is highly unlikely that a provider and patient would choose to participate in the Act within the Medical Center. Harrison Medical Center does not mandate that any provider participate in the Washington Death With Dignity Act, nor does Harrison encourage any provider to do so. Only those providers who are willing and desire to participate should do so.Prescriptions for life-ending medications will not be filled at Harrison. Harrison Medical Center’s position on the Washington Death with Dignity Act remains neutral, neither supporting nor opposing the option.The Medical Center seeks to make a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional medical care at all points on the healthcare continuum. We seek to facilitate end-of-life care and provide comfort to our patients when they learn that their lives may be affected by a terminal disease or condition." We will be informing and guiding our licensed providers regarding their options when acting as an Employee of Harrison, and will work diligently to ensure that we continue to respect and focus on the needs and dignity of our patients, while also honoring the personal and professional preferences of our excellent team of caregivers. [1] “Health care provider” means a person licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to administer healthcare or dispense medication in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession, and includes a health care facility. (RCW 70.245.010(6)) http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/118 Kitsap Credit Union has committed a leadership gift of $100,000 to Harrison’s $8-million nursing campaign, Great Nurses for a Great Community. The gift—to be paid over the next five years—is the largest gift to be made to date from a community organization. Other gifts from businesses include $25,000 by Rice Fergus Miller Architecture & Planning, LLP, and $25,000 from Stirrett-Johnsen, Inc. “We are bolstered by these incredible gestures of local generosity,” says Scott Bosch, Harrison’s president and CEO. “It is a challenging economic climate for everyone and to have these businesses step forward and demonstrate their commitment to Harrison Medical Center as a valued community asset is both humbling and affirming.” For Kitsap Credit Union and its employees, the gift is a natural extension of a deep commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. “When we look at the issues that affect our quality of life and are integral to the strength and vibrancy of our communities, nothing is more fundamental than having access to quality healthcare,” says Elliot Gregg, KCU’s president and CEO. “We know that our employees and our members can appreciate the efforts Harrison Medical Center is making to provide safe, quality care for the community, including recruiting and retaining the very best nurses. This campaign addresses a critical issue both locally and nationally, as hospitals around the country confront a growing nurse shortage,” says Gregg. The imminent retirement of the nursing workforce and the anticipated need for future services are both fueled by the impact of the Baby Boomer generation. Fifty percent of the nation’s current nurse workforce is expected to retire in the next 10 to 15 years. At Harrison, approximately 20 percent of the workforce is eligible for retirement by 2012. With the current shortage and the anticipated exodus due to retirements, hospitals will become even more reliant on new nurse graduates to fill their vacant positions. At the same time, the healthcare system will be challenged to meet the needs of an aging population that is growing in numbers. “Great care begins with great caregivers—it’s that simple,” says Bosch. “We want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to attract and keep the very best nurses in our community and for our community.” Through its Great Nurses for a Great Community Campaign, Harrison seeks to raise $8 million for education initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining nurses for our community. For more information about the campaign, contact Stephanie Cline, executive director, Harrison Medical Center Foundation at 360-744-6761. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/117 Harrison Medical Center will host a bone marrow drive on behalf of a local child. Zyreal Oliver-Chandler—a six-year-old African-American boy from Seabeck—is battling sickle cell disease and needs a bone marrow transplant. Friday, March 20 11 am to 1 pm and 1:45 to 5 pm Harrison Medical Center, Bremerton Auditorium Free to non-Caucasian ethnicities; $25 for Caucasians (Tax-deductible donations are welcome to pay for another’s fee.) At the drive, community members will have an opportunity to help and become part of the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. To become donor, a simple cheek skin-cell sample is taken and tissue typed. To join the registry, donors need only to: Be between the ages of 18 and 60. Be willing to donate to any patient in need. Meet the health guidelines. Learn more about becoming a bone marrow donor by contacting the Puget Sound Blood Center at 360-337-1985 or www.psbc.org. Or, visit the National Marrow Donor Program at www.marrow.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/116 Harrison Medical Center and West Sound Advanced Practice Association (WSAPA) have teamed up to present a day-long nursing symposium at the Kitsap Conference Center that will offer 20 educational sessions led by 18 Pacific Northwest nurse and physician specialists. What: Learning in the Olympics Nursing Symposium When: March 7 Where: Kitsap Conference Center, 110 Washington Ave., Bremerton Audience: Registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses Registration: $90 (in advance) or $110 (at the door, space permitting) Info: 360-616-0900 Credits: 7.5 contact hours (approved by the Washington State Nurses Association) Nursing and its specialty areas continue to undergo rapid change in disease management. With continued and specific education, nurses are able to practice quality care across a spectrum of health and illness. “It is imperative that nurses use independent and critical thinking skills to provide individualized patient care,” says Cindy May, RN, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer at Harrison Medical Center. “This symposium offers nurses an opportunity to gain professional skills that are vital to enhancing today’s practice.” Symposium keynote speakers: Gregory S. Henderson, MD, PhD, will give a compelling and thought-provoking account of his experience in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Henderson is the medical director of laboratory services at Harrison Medical Center. Kimberly McNally, RN, MN, will discuss how clinical professionals can coach themselves to further personal and professional success. McNally’s Seattle-based firm works with clients across the country to enhance leadership, team, and personal effectiveness. Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital and the region’s busiest medical center, offering medical, surgical, and emergency services on campuses in Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard to serve a five-county area on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. We employ more than 500 registered and advanced practice registered nurses. To learn more about Harrison’s many services, visit harrisonmedical.org or call 866-844-WELL. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/115 Harrison Medical Center expands services to our South Kitsap neighbors and beyond with the January 13 opening of a new 24-hour urgent care center at the Port Orchard campus. The new medical facility will provide urgent care services around the clock. In addition, the campus offers primary care; advanced imaging capabilities (including a high-field, open MRI); laboratory services; and an array of other outpatient services. What: Open House When: Tuesday, January 13, from noon to 5 pm Where:450 South Kitsap Boulevard, Port Orchard Details: Tours; meet the caregivers; refreshments; giveaways; drawings The new medical building has been combined with the existing structure into 70,000 square feet of space inspired by the area’s environment and architecture, reflecting the village-like design of the original campus. Harrison Port Orchard Urgent Care will begin serving patients 24/7 on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 am. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/114 Harrison Medical Center recently recognized 28 physicians who have shown our patients exceptional skill, diligence, empathy, compassion, and high standards. These particular members of Harrison’s medical staff scored in the 90th percentile or higher on all physician measures included in patient-satisfaction surveys given by Press Ganey. Harrison patients were asked to evaluate physicians in areas such as: how much time they spent with the patient; how they addressed concerns, questions, and worries; how they communicated treatment plans; their skill; and their friendliness and courtesy. Harrison is among more than 7,000 healthcare organizations-including nearly 40 percent of U.S. hospitals-that partners with Press Ganey to measure and improve quality of care. Press Ganey surveys provide comprehensive data on service quality and safety culture, and define a healthcare facility’s service quality as a whole. “This many physicians performing at such a high level of service excellence is truly a remarkable achievement,” says Ron Morris, MD, Harrison’s vice president of quality and chief medical officer. “We wholeheartedly congratulate these physicians for their ability to satisfy the needs of our patients and their families.” The following Harrison physicians received 2008 service excellence awards: Robert Ast, MD, Emergency Medicine Chris Becker, MD, Emergency Medicine Martin Bennett, MD, Emergency Medicine Griffith Blackmon, MD, Pulmonology Donald Bliss, MD, Orthopedics William Caine, MD, Cardiac Surgery Robert Caulkins, DO, Family Practice Glen Christen, MD, OB/GYN Gordon Cromwell, MD, Orthopedics Tim Dahlgren, MD, Emergency Medicine Greg Davis, MD, Emergency Medicine Rick Dore, MD, Internal Medicine Mark Eisenberg, MD, Emergency Medicine Scott Ekin, MD, Emergency Medicine Johnny Green, MD, Colorectal Surgery Gary Gretch, MD, Internal Medicine Joe Johnson, MD, Oncology Chris King, MD, Cardiac Surgery Melissa Lo, MD, OB/GYN Stephen McKinnon, DO, Emergency Medicine Julie McMillan, MD, OB/GYN William Moore, DO, Emergency Medicine David Mourning, MD, Orthopedics Christine Perry Ockerman, DO, Emergency Medicine Satyavardhan Pulukurthy, MD, Cardiology Jennifer Quimby, MD, OB/GYN Paul Tice, MD, Emergency Medicine Brad Watters, MD, Orthopedics http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/113 Electronic medical record promises a higher standard of careAfter more than a year-long process that included vendor and equipment selection and months of clinical staff and physician training, Harrison Medical Center went live in September with the first phase of a $30.5 million state-of-the-art electronic medical record (EMR) system. Known as HERO-Harrison Electronic Record and Orders-the new system will support Harrison’s No. 1 commitment: patient safety and privacy. “We’ve done a lot of work on security to ensure the system is bulletproof,” explains Adar Palis, Harrison’s vice president and chief information officer. “Patients can be sure their care-and their personal health information-is safe.”The new system is more efficient, accessible and accurate than the traditional paper record, eliminating human errors that can occur when information is entered manually. And multiple caregivers can access the electronic record at the same time from anywhere the Internet is available-an impossibility with a paper record. Adding to efficiency is patient information that is instantly available across patient-care units, pharmacy, and emergency departments. “This improves communication among all involved in a patient’s care,” says Palis.The $30.5 million investment is a serious financial undertaking and investment in our patients’ safety. The 2006 decision by Harrison’s board of directors to approve the funding underscores the organization’s commitment to a higher standard of care. More than 600 employees and physicians participated in the selection process of the system provider-the Eclipsys Corporation-as well as the devices that are used: wireless computer carts, wall-mounted monitors, and motion tablets that feature an embedded digital camera and barcode reader. “We wanted our employees and physicians to have ownership of this effort, and letting them be part of the decision process contributed to that,” Palis says. “They are, after all, the end users-the ones at the bedside.”Harrison’s electronic leap into the 21st century began September 16 at the Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard campuses with a 10-day go-live of phase one of five phases. HERO trainers on all patient-care units were in blue HERO T-shirts-Super HEROES in orange-all with advanced training and readily accessible to answer staff questions and problem solve. Staff at command centers at the Bremerton and Silverdale campuses walked users through a three-step resolution process. After the official go live, end users have the around- the-clock assistance of the hospital’s Information Technology Help Desk. “Our go-live went well,” says Palis. “Our plan was solid, and we took our time with each step, making sure our employees and physicians had the tools and training necessary to be successful. It was important to be responsive to the end users needs.”The groundwork to implement the five phases of the EMR will take about three years (completing in late 2009) and began late 2006 with the addition of wireless internet access on all three campuses, a benefit to patients and families who wish to bring laptops to the hospital. Palis is quick to point out that a project of this magnitude doesn’t happen without the contributions of many people and the support of others. “Everyone at Harrison had a part in our early victory and in our continued success,” he says. “They’re the real heroes.” http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/112 About 72 million American adults-one in three-have life-threatening high blood pressure. Many don’t even know it. Harrison Medical Center’s new blood pressure screening center at Silverdale’s Kitsap Mall features automated, self-calibrating blood pressure and pulse-rate monitors. Located near the mall’s food court, the Heart Check Center is convenient (no appointment necessary), equipped with the latest technology, and takes less than two minutes to complete a blood pressure reading. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can take a life-threatening toll on blood vessels, heart, and brain for years without causing any symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.” High blood pressure also increases the risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. Harrison’s Heart Check Center is a free community resource designed to serve as a valuable detection and monitoring tool. If the machine indicates high blood pressure-hypertension-that’s a cue to visit a physician promptly. The center also provides wallet-size cards to track blood pressure readings and other health information to help keep blood pressure under control. More than 7,500 tests have been performed at the Heart Check Center during its first 60 days of operation. For more information about blood pressure and how it can affect your overall health, visit harrisonmedical.org/bloodpressure. Kitsap Mall is located at 10315 Silverdale Way in Silverdale. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/111 A variety of outpatient services-cancer care, urgent and primary care, and imaging-soon will be availableat one convenient Poulsbo location. Harrison Medical Center has partnered with local physicians to provide accessible healthcare to residents on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. “We’re committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of our communities,” says Scott Bosch, Harrison’s president and CEO. “Our goal is to bring healthcare services that are convenient and coordinated with existing local medical providers. Our Poulsbo campus will be a shining example of these efforts.” A new 50,000-square-foot medical building will be built on a 7-acre parcel in the vicinity of Highway 305, Lincoln Road, and 10th Avenue, currently owned by the City of Poulsbo. North-end patients now will be able to coordinate their outpatient cancer services closer to home, with 15,000 square feet of the Poulsbo building dedicated to the cancer center. Medical and radiation oncologists will provide care at the center, which will feature a linear accelerator (Harrison’s third). The other two linear accelerators currently are in use on the Bremerton campus. This medical device delivers precise image-guided radiation therapy. Harrison’s cancer program has been approved by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer for more than 20 years. Only one in four Washington hospitals achieves this distinction. Last year, the program exceeded even these high standards and earned the commission’s commendation for excellence. Patients can expect the same excellent cancer care in Poulsbo’s new outpatient setting. Harrison’s partnership with local healthcare providers in urgent, primary, and specialty areas will enhance continuity of care. Patients will be able to receive care from their primary physician on a consistent basis, have access to walk-in urgent care services as needed, and be treated by medical specialists if necessary-all at one campus. The development of the Poulsbo campus also represents a valuable collaboration between Harrison and the City of Poulsbo to bring needed medical services and advanced specialty care to the community. “The new Poulsbo facility will provide healthcare to all north county residents and beyond,” says Jim Civilla, a member of Harrison’s board of directors and chairman of the board’s planning committee. “As a not-for-profit organization, Harrison directs its resources into facilities and services that best serve our local residents now and into the future.” Read local news coverage about the development: Kitsap Sun North Kitsap Herald http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/110 Harrison Medical Center brokeground August 5 on a new Belfair clinic in partnership with the newly formed North Mason Public Hospital District No. 2. Healthcare services will be available in a new medical building to residents spanning the greater Belfair area and the Tahuya Peninsula in early spring 2009. Harrison will offer 12-hour urgent care seven days a week, as well as primary care services, and outpatient laboratory and imaging services. The facility also will accommodate office and meeting space for PHD No. 2. Mason County residents care passionately about their communities. That passion propelled a group of individuals last year to gather adequate signatures to put the initiative to form PHD No. 2 on the ballot. More than 84 percent of area voters approved the new district in November 2007. At the same time, they elected five board commissioners. This committed group galvanized negotiations and planning of the Belfair clinic. Sixty-four percent of the North Mason residents who were hospitalized in 2006 used Harrison facilities. It’s a natural move for Harrison to extend its reach and provide accessible, close-to-home healthcare services to these residents. “It’s our privilege to bring exceptional medical care to north Mason County,” says Scott Bosch, Harrison’s President and CEO. “We’re honored to serve those who so clearly desire quality healthcare for their communities.” Mason County-based resident and developer Rick Krueger of Romance Hill LLC will build and own the one-level, nearly 12,000-square-foot medical building at 21 NE Romance Hill Road. Harrison will lease 7,800 square feet of the building for at least 10 years. Site plans allow for a future expansion to the building’s east side. Stephen Johnson, Inc., of Belfair will serve as the project’s general contractor. Bainbridge Island’s D.H. Briant & Associates is the architectural firm. Read more about the projectHERE. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/109 Four gifts totaling $2 million have provided a healthy jump start for Harrison new $8-million nursing campaign, Great Nurses for a Great Community. At its annual celebration of donors, held Thursday at the home of Gail and Scott Bosch, Harrison’s president and CEO announced the gifts of $1 million by Dr. John Stanley; $500,000 by Dr. Paul and Jean McCullough; and $250,000 each by Tim and Shirley Ryan, and Dr. Keith and Kathleen Hallman. “We are bolstered by these incredible gestures of generosity,” said Bosch. “What began as a series of conversations has quickly gained momentum, demonstrating a commitment to Harrison Medical Center as a valued community asset. Truly, we are honored.” Kathleen Hallman and Tim Ryan, along with Harrison cardiac surgeon Dr. Chris King, are co-chairs of the campaign that will support the recruitment and retention of nurses to ensure continuous safe, high-quality patient care for the community throughout Harrison’s multiple and expanding locations. The campaign addresses a critical issue as hospitals around the country confront a growing nurse shortage, fueled by the imminent retirement of the Baby Boomer generation. Growing nursing shortage Fifty percent of the nation’s current nurse workforce is expected to retire in the next 10 to 15 years. At Harrison, approximately 20 percent of the workforce is eligible for retirement by 2012. With the current shortage and the anticipated exodus due to retirements, hospitals are becoming even more reliant on new nurse graduates to fill their vacant positions. “Great care begins with great caregivers-it’s that simple,” explained Bosch. “We want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to attract and keep the very best nurses in our community and for our community.” Nursing residency program The Great Nurses for a Great Community campaign will fund a residency program at Harrison to support new nurses-and those re-entering the profession-in their transition to the complex environment of an acute medical center. Nursing education will support expert caregivers at the bedside and the professional advancement of career nurses to obtain specialty care certifications and advanced degrees. The nursing initiative is an addition to numerous efforts that center on Harrison’s people-those on the front line and behind the scenes-as the critical component for delivering exceptional medical care. These efforts are soon to be complemented by Harrison’s facilities expansion and renovation, as well as the acquisition of medical technology, all of which are part of Harrison’s commitment to provide the region with the most advanced medical care, close to home. “As a not-for-profit organization, every decision and action we make support our mission to serve our communities,” said Bosch. “It is both our responsibility and privilege to be able to keep open our doors to all, including those without the resources to pay. Last year, Harrison and our physicians provided more than $25 million in uncompensated care to the community.” Harrison’s investment in the future Over the next few years, Harrison’s volunteer board of directors is considering more than $225 million in technology investments and facilities enhancement to meet our region’s growing healthcare needs. Through its Foundation, the medical center is inviting the community’s support. “People don’t often think of Harrison as a charitable organization,” said Stephanie Cline, executive director for the Foundation. “However, when you look at the best hospitals in our region and around the country, charitable giving has always made the difference between good care and the very best. Patient fees cover essential services, but they don’t provide all the resources needed to advance our capabilities in order to provide the services our community needs and deserves to have locally.” In addition to the $8 million campaign goal, campaign leaders also hope to raise an additional $8 to $10 million in future gifts through wills and estate planning. For more information about the Great Nurses for a Great Community campaign, contact Stephanie Cline, executive director, Harrison Medical Center Foundation at 360-792-6761. About the lead donors John Stanley, MD, is a retired family practice physician who served as Harrison’s Chief of Medical Staff from 1974 to 1975. In addition to having a need for smart estate planning, Dr. Stanley has two granddaughters who have both gone through nursing school. Their experience has underscored for Dr. Stanley the value of education and related incentives for attracting and keeping nurses, inspiring him to be a part of similar effort locally. Jean and Paul McCullough, MD. Dr McCullough is a retired orthopedic surgeon and a member of Harrison’s medical staff. While an active physician, he established an endowed fund to support continuing education for nurses and surgical technicians who assist with orthopedic surgery or who provide care for orthopedic patients. He continues to be an advocate for nurses and their vital role in the delivery of healthcare in the community, with a special interest in supporting nurses who acquire advanced practice degrees nurses to meet future primary care needs. Tim and Shirley Ryan, owners of Tim Ryan Construction, have long been supporters of nursing education, having made previous gifts to both Seattle University and Olympic College nursing programs. Shirley has served on the Harrison Foundation’s board, and the Ryan family has been long-time supporters of the medical center. Kathy and Keith Hallman, MD. Dr. Hallman is a physician currently on Harrison’s medical staff and served as Chief of Medical Staff from 1990 to 1991. Kathy is a retired registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience in a variety of areas of nursing. Both have long been active in their support of Harrison. In addition to serving as a campaign co-chair, Kathy is a current member of the Harrison Foundation board. She is a passionate advocate for nursing and nursing education, including serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board for Seattle University’s College of Nursing. Find out more in our local news: Kitsap Sun Kitsap Sun Editorial Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/108 Harrison Medical Center has advanced its surgical services with the da Vinci® Surgical System. This new state-of-the-art, robotic-assisted surgery tool is only one of 650 in the nation and 850 in the world. The $1.7 million robot is a minimally invasive surgery option that allows for greater precision and greater range of motion with improved access to the surgical site. The robot doesn’t actually perform the surgery, but merely carries out the commands of the surgeon and replicates the movement of the surgeon’s hands with the tips of micro-instruments. With the addition of the da Vinci® Surgical System, Harrison enhances its surgery services, processes, and technical excellence. The robot initially will be used for urological, gynecological (including hysterectomies), and general surgery services. Patients receive the full benefit of this progressive surgery option—less pain, less blood loss, less risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. This is yet another way Harrison is committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional medical care. To viewthe recent community article about da Vinci®, click here. To learn more about the the minimally invasive da Vinci® Surgical System, click here. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/107 If you have trouble sleeping, you’re in good company. More than 40 million Americans (1 in 7!) don’t get a good night’s sleep. At the same time, few may realize that the problem is jeopardizing their health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to careless driving, poor decision-making, depressed immune systems - even obesity. Linda DeWitt, MN, ARNP, from Kitsap Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, will discuss insomnia causes and treatment options at the March 20 AWAKE meeting. Harrison’s sleep support group is free and open to all. Attendees are encouraged to bring their CPAP machines for a free pressure check. Refreshments will be provided. The meeting takes place from 7 to 9 pm at the Harrison Medical Center Annex, located at Sheridan Village, 750 Lebo Blvd., one block west of the main hospital in East Bremerton. For more information, contact Susan McInturff, CPAP Coordinator for Harrison’s Sleep Center, at 360-792-6882. Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital and the region’s busiest medical center, offering medical, surgical and emergency services on campuses in Bremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about Harrison’s many healthcare services, call 360-377-3911 or visit harrisonmedical.org. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/106 Patty Cochrell knows Harrison from the inside out, having spent more than 25 years within the organization. She recently took on the newly created position of chief operating officer (COO) and executive vice president in which she oversees Harrison’s operations. Cochrell’s clinical leadership experience is vast: nearly two decades during her early career at Harrison, along with nine years as a consultant for more than 50 hospitals nationwide before rejoining the organization in 2005 as chief nursing officer. Her experience in effective team building, problem solving, system analysis, and change management bolsters Harrison’s mission of providing exceptional medical care. “Patty brings an unparalleled understanding of the bedside caregiver’s perspective, as well as a national view of healthcare that will further guide us on our journey from good to great,” explains Harrison President and CEO Scott Bosch. “Her progressive leadership will continue to propel us to a higher level of healthcare excellence.” “My role as COO engages me in decisions that directly affect our patients and our teams of professionals,” Cochrell says. “I’m confident this period of change will yield a more focused and efficient set of processes and systems that will allow our operations to grow even stronger.” Cochrell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing Administration and a Masters in Business Administration from Seattle’s City University. She currently participates in the Global Nursing Leadership Exchange and is an editorial board member for “Nurse Week” magazine. She’s part of national management and nurse executive organizations and has published numerous articles on the nursing profession. Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital and the region’s busiest medical center, offering medical, surgical and emergency services on campuses in Bremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. To learn about our services, call 360-377-3911 or visit harrisonmedical.org. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/105 A $50,000 grant to Washington State SmilePartners from the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation will make possible a pilot program to provide preventive oral health services to low-income pregnant women and mothers with infants and young children. Harrison Medical Center’s Silverdale campus will be the site for the prevention program Mom and Me, Cavity Free. The program provides the missing link-prevention-between new mothers and pediatric oral disease, the No. 1 chronic childhood disease in America, says SmilePartners Program Director Kate Mills. “Women who have active dental disease after delivery could ultimately pass the germs to their infants, causing early, aggressive cavities that, if not treated, can affect their overall health,” she explains. Low-income pregnant women, including hundreds in Kitsap County, often have trouble accessing affordable dental care and find it difficult to have their dental needs met during pregnancy. New science shows that cavities are nearly 100 percent preventable when the decay process is interrupted and oral health education begins during pregnancy, Mills says. “Mothers who have healthy mouths during and after pregnancy do not have cavity germs to pass to their children.” Making good dental health part of prenatal care is another program component. SmilePartners will work with family practice physicians and obstetricians to identify and treat pregnant patients who suffer from dental disease. Self-referrals are welcome. What: Mom and Me, Cavity Free When: Every Tuesday, 9 am to 4 pm Where: Harrison Silverdale, east entrance, Room 21 For: Pregnant women, new moms with their infants and young children Info: 360-689-3338 “Harrison is thrilled to team with SmilePartners in this vital program that contributes to the oral and general health of our community,” says RN Barbara Connett, director of Harrison’s Women’s and Children’s Services. “This program will give our most at-risk moms and babies a deserving start.” Washington State SmilePartners is a Bainbridge Island-based nonprofit organization that provides oral disease prevention services to schools, preschools, seniors and pregnant women and their infants. WSSP accepts Medicaid and private insurance, with reduced fees and a sliding-fee scale based on income. For more information, call 206-909-1365. To read the community article about Mom and Me, Cavity Free, click here. About 2,000 babies are born each year at Harrison Silverdale, located at the corner of Myhre Road and Ridgetop Boulevard. To learn more about mother and baby care services at the Silverdale campus, call 360-337-8800 or visit harrisonmedical.org. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/104 Harrison Medical Center and West Sound Advanced Practice Association (WSAPA) have teamed up to present a day-long nursing symposium at the Kitsap Conference Center that will offer 20 educational sessions led by 17 of the top nurse specialists from around the Pacific Northwest region. Nurses form the backbone of caregiving within healthcare systems. As nursing and its specialty areas undergo rapid change in disease management, education is key and allows nurses to practice quality care across a spectrum of health and illness. “Harrison nurses play a vital role in providing our patients with exceptional medical care,” says Patty Cochrell, Harrison’s chief operating officer and executive vice president. “We encourage and support education that further advances clinical skills and keeps our nurses one step ahead in an ever-changing care environment.” Symposium topics range from ethics in nursing to disaster management as presented by Gregory S. Henderson, MD, PhD, who gives a compelling and thought-provoking account of his experience in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. What: Learning in the Olympics Nursing Symposium: Stepping into the Future When:March 8, 2008 Where: Kitsap Conference Center, 110 Washington Ave., Bremerton Audience: Registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses Registration: $90 (in advance) or $110 (at the door, space permitting) Info: 360-876-0165 or http://westsoundapa.com/symposium.html Credits:7.5 contact hours (approved by the WashingtonStateNursesAssociation) Key note speakers will include Patricia Benner, PhD, RN, FAAN, an internationally known researcher and lecturer on health, stress and coping, skill acquisition, clinical practice and ethics who has authored nine books. Her work has driven new legislation and design for nursing practice and education, and created clinical practice development programs in hospitals throughout the U.S., New Zealand and Australia. Richard Bailey, DDS, entertains audiences with his wacky “Billy-Bob teeth,” the same famous teeth that have appeared on television and in movies. Bailey’s energetic program will show nurses how to use the power of humor in healing and how to create a positive work environment. Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital and the region’s busiest medical center, offering medical, surgical and emergency services on campuses in Bremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard. We employ more than 500 registered and advanced practice registered nurses. To learn more, call 360.377.3911 or visit harrisonmedical.org. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/103 In total, 76 new patient beds were delivered to three patient-care units throughout the Bremerton facility this week in a three-day process. Patients were temporarily moved while older beds were replaced with new ones. Patient and caregiver safety and comfort are at the forefront of the $8,400 bed, designed and manufactured by Stryker, a medical technology firm. Each bed is equipped with fall-prevention features and early-warning safety systems, while a unique air-flow mattress improves patient comfort and protects skin breakdown. Caregivers avoid back strain and injury through the bed’s open architecture and specially designed patient-handling features. A patented in-bed scale system increases staff efficiency and patient comfort. The beds have an approximate 15-year lifespan. To learn more about Harrison’s many healthcare services, visit harrisonmedical.org. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/102 Harrison Medical Center’s commitment to provide healthcare services to our neighbors in all corners of the county continues with the expansion of our Port Orchard campus. Ground breaking took place January 30 for a 24-hour urgent care center, expanded imaging services, physician offices, and a host of outpatient services. Completion of a new two-story, 36,000-square-foot medical building is scheduled for January 2009. The development represents phase two of Harrison’s master plan for the Port Orchard campus that began in 1995 to meet the healthcare needs of the growing number of South Kitsap residents. Inspired by the area’s environment and architecture, the new building will reflect the village-like design of the existing medical building, whose exterior renovation will assure a cohesive blend of old and new. In a unique sell-and-lease partnership, Harrison has sold the six-acre-campus and existing building to Tim Ryan Properties, LP, of Poulsbo, who will also own the new building. Harrison now leases the existing 32,000-square-foot medical office building on the campus and will follow suit with the new facility. “It is a mission-driven decision,” explains Harrison President and CEO Scott Bosch. “This model of selling and leasing back frees several millions of dollars that we can reinvest in more healthcare services, further fulfilling our mission to provide exceptional medical care to our communities.” Another Ryan company, Tim Ryan Construction, will serve as general contractor on the new structure. Rice Fergus Miller of Bremerton are the architects. Harrison’s Port Orchard campus is located at 450 South Kitsap Blvd., east of Highway 16. Nearly 18,000 patients each year receive care here at Harrison’s urgent care center, open seven days a week, from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, by walk in or appointment. Other Harrison services at the campus include primary care, rehabilitation, home health, lab, and imaging services. Read a local article about the expansion: Kitsap Sun UPDATE: As of June 1, 2008, Port Orchard's urgent care center began offering services 16 hours a day, from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/101 Now breast cancer survivors can experience an innovative recovery program that improves physical and emotional well-being while promoting healing and prevention of breast cancer complications. Currently used in more than 500 hospitals nationwide, the program will be presented free at Harrison Green Mountain on January 16. The Lebed Method: Focus on Healing through Movement and Dance is a therapeutic exercise and movement program for women who have had breast cancer. Two physicians and a dance movement specialist created the original program in 1980 to help breast cancer survivors enjoy an improved quality of life. Staff from Harrison’s Rehabilitation Services will present the free program, led by Physical Therapist Deb Carpenter who is a certified Lebed Method instructor. Meredith Wampler, also a physical therapist, will discuss range of motion. Occupational Therapist Dina Bekeny will answer questions about lymphedema. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Refreshments will be served. Event Date: Wednesday, January 16; 7 to 9 pm Event Place: Harrison Green Mountain, 2625 Wheaton Way Event Information: Nancy Lorber or Barbara Rodgers at 360.792.6880 The Lebed Method has been featured in medical journals and other mainstream publications, and has been seen on Lifetime Live, the Today Show, and BBC television. The method can help people of all ages who have had cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, and chronic disorders such as lymphedema, arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Find out more about the Lebed Method at focusonhealing.net. Harrison Medical Center is a not-for-profit hospital and the region’s busiest medical center, offering medical, surgical and emergency services on campuses in Bremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard to serve the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. Contact us at 360-377-3911 or visit harrisonmedical.org. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/100 Harrison Medical Center is going smoke- and tobacco-free inside and out. On November 15, the day of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, Harrison will eliminate the use of tobacco products on all Harrison sites-Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard.   The new policy will apply to employees, medical staff, volunteers, patients, and visitors on the three campuses, including inside and outside the buildings, grounds, vehicles, and work areas. Until November 15, two designated smoking areas will remain on the Bremerton campus. One is in the parking lot adjacent to the Emergency Department; the parking garage near the hospital’s main entrance is another.   As a part of its employee wellness program, Harrison’s Quit for Life tobacco cessation program supports employees, volunteers, and medical staff-as well as their immediate family members living in the home-in their effort to quit. Included are smoking cessation counselors; internet- and telephone-based support; and nicotine replacement products.   Resources will also be available for patients and visitors who smoke, including information about Washington State Department of Health’s personalized program, the Tobacco Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP). Upon request, Harrison staff will also facilitate obtaining a prescription from a patient’s physician for nicotine replacement products upon admission to the hospital.   “This is a long-overdue change at Harrison that will improve and sustain life for our patients, visitors, and ourselves,” says Scott Bosch, Harrison’s president and CEO. “We hope all who are impacted by this change will understand that this is about tobacco and smoke, not the smoker. It’s about doing the right thing in the name of good health.”     # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/98 Harrison is among the first hospitals in the nation to offer hip resurfacing, a new alternative to total hip replacement that provides a viable option for younger, more active patients with hip pain. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Donald Bliss, MD, is one of four surgeons in Washington-and the only one in our region-trained and certified to perform the procedure. Dr. Bliss will speak about hip resurfacing at a free informational session on Thursday, June 14, from 7 to 9 pm, at Harrison Silverdale’s Garden Room, 1780 NW Myhre Road. Performed in Europe for more than 10 years, hip resurfacing came to the United States in 2006 with FDA approval of the British-designed Birmingham hip resurfacing system. In this procedure, the damaged hip’s ball and socket are covered with a smooth metal rather than cutting away worn bone and replacing it. “Hip resurfacing can be an ideal solution for many young, active patients who suffer from hip pain due to osteoarthritis and other conditions, and for whom total hip replacement may not be appropriate due to their increased level of physical activity,” explains Dr. Bliss. “As I’m seeing younger and younger patients who are staying physically active much later in life, I can now offer an alternative to total hip replacement that accommodates their age and active lifestyle.” Hip resurfacing’s bone-conserving approach preserves more of the patient’s natural bone structures and stability, covering the joint’s surfaces with an all-metal implant that more closely resembles a tooth cap than a hip implant. Total hip replacement involves the removal of the entire femoral head and neck. With the resurfacing technique, the head and neck are untouched. The Birmingham hip resurfacing system was developed in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 1997 and is being used in 27 countries. It remains the only resurfacing device approved for use in the US. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/99 Students from Sunnyslope Elementary School in Port Orchard will give Harrison cancer patients a unique gift this week: handcrafted journals made with love. The youngsters designed the cover artwork of 100 journals for patients to use for reflection and expression throughout their cancer treatment. Each journal’s opening page offers encouraging words penned by the students. The journals will be presented Wednesday, June 20, at 9 am, during the school’s year-end pep assembly to RNs Carole McDowell and Jean Neilson. McDowell is nurse manager of Harrison’s oncology patient-care unit. With Harrison’s blessing, Neilson, a Harrison nurse for 14 years and whose son is a Sunnyslope student, took her journal idea to principal Bob Lesley who was eager to support the community service effort. Sunnyslope librarian Barb Haddad worked with students one day a week on the journals, which were donated by Rose’s Crafts of Port Orchard, and Silverdale’s Artists Edge. “We’re grateful for this loving gesture that affords our patients a positive outlet for healing self-reflection,” said Kay Buitenveld, director of Harrison’s oncology services. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/97 In their latest act of generosity, benefactors Louis and Joan Soriano are making yet another difference in the community they call home. Their recent $50,000 gift to Harrison Medical Center established a scholarship for Harrison registered nurses to enroll in the new RN-to-BSN program at Olympic College.   Recipients of the scholarships-and the Sorianos-will be recognized May 10 at a dinner for all Harrison nurses as part of a National Nurses Week celebration. The scholarship winners are RNs Yelena Watson and Elizabeth Carter, both of Silverdale; DesaRae Stearns of  Bremerton; and Amy Yetter of Kingston.   The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at OC was green-lighted by the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Board in August 2006. Scholarship recipients affirmed their intent to work at Harrison for two years after successfully completing the nursing program.   Affording Kitsap residents the opportunity to earn a four-year degree in nursing in their own backyard is a dream a long time in the making for Joan Soriano. The Harrison board member also serves on OC’s Nursing Advisory Committee, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the nursing shortage the program is intended to alleviate.    “Louis and I decided to create a scholarship for employees at Harrison who wanted to better enrich their lives with a bachelor’s in nursing degree,” Joan says. “We happened to be in the right place at the right time, and we’re able to give back to a community that’s been good to us.”   The two bring decades of volunteerism to both OC and Harrison-Louis as a former OC board member, and Joan as a long-time member of Harrison’s board of directors. Their personal and emotional ties to Harrison were enriched last year when Louis under went open-heart surgery at the Bremerton campus.   “Given the services Harrison offers the community-first-rate cancer care and the wonderful cardiac surgery program, which Louis was a recipient of-we are blessed to have the physicians and support staff right here. We want to be a part of that,” she says.   “The scholarship will have a far-reaching impact on our community, which will benefit from a more highly skilled nursing staff, and for those Harrison employees who whose lives will be enhanced by education,” says Stephanie Cline, executive director of Harrison’s Foundation. “This is the legacy of giving.”   # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/96 Harrison Medical Center’s most valuable and cherished asset is the trust of the communities we serve. We’d like to hear from you how we’re measuring up.   We’re seeking input on your viewpoints, concerns, ideas, and complaints to improve our responsiveness to your needs-and engage our communities in our plans, problems, and potential.   We’re listening.   Please join us.   Tuesday, May 15 Harrison Silverdale Iris Room 7 to 9 pm   Wednesday, May 16 Bainbridge Island Fire District #2 8895 Madison Avenue Bainbridge Island 7 to 9 pm   Tuesday, May 22 North Kitsap Fire District #18 911 NE Liberty Road Poulsbo 7 to 9 pm   Wednesday, May 23 West Bay Center 1307 Bay Street Port Orchard 7 to 9 pm   Wednesday, June 6 Kitsap Conference Center 100 Washington Avenue Bremerton Noon to 2 pm   Thursday, June 7 Harrison Bremerton Auditorium 7 to 9 pm http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/95 The recent and unexpected closing of Puget Sound Therapy Services (PSTS) in Silverdale has left 185 children and their families without critical physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Harrison Medical Center announced today it will help fill that void by expanding its pediatric rehabilitation program at its Silverdale campus. Harrison has leased 2,300 square feet of the Harlow Medical Building on the Harrison Silverdale campus, which will be home to their comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation program, more than doubling its capacity. The new second-floor clinic is expected to open by April 16. "We’re pleased to be able to respond so quickly to the needs of our community and the families displaced by the closing of Puget Sound Therapy Services," said Redge Campbell, director of Harrison’s Rehab Services and Medical Imaging departments. "These children will now have access to our exceptional program that includes a state-of-the art therapeutic pool and an outdoor therapeutic playground." The pediatric program expansion will require the addition of six new therapists. Recruiting, including interested therapists from PSTS, is taking place now says Campbell. Relocating Harrison’s pediatric rehab clinic to the second floor of the Harlow Building frees 1,000 square feet of their existing ground-floor clinic to expand their adult rehab services. It also eases the current waiting list for adult services. In an earlier response to the crisis, Harrison considered moving their pediatric rehab program to the clinic vacated by PSTS. Though a Harrison architect’s survey of the space was favorable for such a transition, keeping services at Harrison’s Silverdale campus was the most beneficial to all, says Campbell. "We can offer a wider scope of services with more convenience to these children and their families. We welcome them with open arms." # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/94 Harrison Medical Center’s Cardiac Surgery ranked No. 1 in Washington and Top 10 Percent Nationally in Independent Quality Study Bremerton, WA-Harrison Medical Center announced today it ranks best in Washington for cardiac surgery according to a comprehensive study released by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company. The ranking places Harrison among the top 10 percent of all hospitals nationally for cardiac surgery. With a 5-Star rating for clinical excellence, Harrison is also a recipient of the 2007 HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Awardâ„¢. “To be among the nation’s top hospitals for cardiac surgery is indeed an honor, one that validates our commitment to provide the highest quality care for our patients,” said Harrison Medical Center CEO Scott W. Bosch. “Our heart team is renowned for their exceptional care-clinically and on a personal level-and it shows in our outcomes. Our community doesn’t have to leave home to get the best heart care.” As part of its ninth annual Hospital Quality in America Study, HealthGrades independently analyzed more than 5,000 hospitals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for its 2007 ratings, objectively assessing their clinical outcomes and quality. The 40 million hospitalization records utilized in the assessment are publicly available and licensed from the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HealthGrades ratings take into account varying degrees of patient severity from hospital to hospital and measure whether patient outcomes for each of more than two dozen procedures and diagnoses are better than expected (5-Star), as expected (3-Star) or worse than expected (1-Star). “Consumers continue to ask for more and better information to help them in their health care decision making,” said Samantha Collier, M.D., HealthGrades’ vice president of medical affairs. “Our analysis provides an apples-to-apples comparison of hospital performance by procedure or diagnosis, and it is evident there is significant variance between individual hospitals. For Harrison Medical Center to rank among the nation’s best reflects the efforts of everybody in the organization, and should be very comforting to area residents.” The 2007 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals nationwide are available, free of charge, on the organization’s award-winning consumer Web site, located at www.healthgrades.com. More than three million individuals and employees of 125 major employers and health plans visit HealthGrades each month to access quality information about hospitals, nursing homes and physicians. HealthGrades also provides consumers and payers with detailed assessments of hospitals’ patient-safety outcomes, based on indicators developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. About Harrison Medical Center Harrison is a not-for-profit hospital and the region’s largest medical center, with three campuses in Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard serving the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. With 350 physicians representing 40 specialties, we offer medical and surgical services, and 24-hour emergency care at two sites. Harrison also serves as a regional center, providing specialized treatment in cardiology, including open-heart surgery; oncology; orthopedics; obstetrics and gynecology; and pediatrics. Harrison is a Level III Trauma Center. About HealthGrades HealthGrades (Nasdaq:HGRD) is the leading healthcare ratings company, providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians to consumers, corporations, health plans and hospitals. Millions of consumers and hundreds of the nation’s largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades’ independent ratings to make healthcare decisions based on the quality of care. More information on the company can be found at http://www.healthgrades.com. HealthGrades contact: Scott Shapiro (720) 963-6584 sshapiro@healthgrades.com http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/92 Harrison’s popular sign-language class for babies and parents will be offered September 25 at 6 pm at the Silverdale campus. Look Who’s Talking teaches adults sign language to communicate with baby. Through simple hand gestures, babies not yet talking can learn to communicate beyond crying. It works!   The one-hour course is taught by Harrison speech pathologists and is open to parents and caregivers of children birth to 2 years. Cost is $10 per family. Harrison Silverdale is located at 1780 NW Myhre Road.   Space is limited, and registration is required. Call Harrison’s Education Services Department at 360-792-6765 or email classreg@harrisonmedical.org  # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/93 Harrison is again offering the nationally recognized Safe Sitter course, acclaimed for excellence by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The course is designed to teach boys and girls ages 11 to 13 how to handle emergencies when caring for children. Participants will learn what to do when a child stops breathing or chokes; how to call for emergency help; basic childcare skills; and how to entertain children and keep them safe.    Students can choose a one- or two-day option: •  October 7 and 14, from 9 am to 3:30 pm, both days, or •  November 4, from 9 to 4:30 pm. All classes take place at Harrison Silverdale, 1780 Myhre Road. Cost is $50 and includes a Safe Sitter backpack and safety kit.  Registration is required, and space is limited.  Call Harrison’s Education Services Department at 360-792-6765.     http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/91 For 20 years, Harrison Medical Center’s cancer program has been approved by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, a distinction achieved by only one in four Washington and U.S. hospitals. This year Harrison earned a still rarer distinction: Commendation for excellence. The Commission’s newest level of achievement means Harrison’s cancer program exceeds standards of care. Oncology programs earning recognition from the Commission on Cancer offer high quality cancer care that includes: •  Comprehensive care offering a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment; •  A multi-specialty team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available; •  Access to cancer-related information, education, and support; •  Benefit of a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results, and offers lifelong patient follow up; •  Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care; •  Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options. Harrison Oncology Director Kay Buitenveld says maintaining the Commission’s formal approval every three years is eschewed by many hospitals because of its labor-intensive effort. “We continue to seek this approval award because we feel it’s the right thing to do for our patients and their families, adding to their assurance during a fearful time,” she explains. “It’s an issue of pride for us, too.” During Harrison’s recent onsite survey, the Commission’s surveyors noted Harrison’s unusually high number of certified oncology nurses. They also praised Harrison’s diligence to patient follow-up for cancer registry, and the impressive involvement of Harrison’s multidisciplinary cancer committee. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/88 Facilities planning, a vital component of Harrison Medical Center's strategic plan Vision 2010, is gaining focus. Harrison unveiled its plan last year, outlining the steps necessary to achieve the organization's goal of becoming the region's premiere medical center. Since August 2005, Harrison has been working with Seattle architects NBBJ and Bremerton's Rice Fergus Miller to create a master facilities plan, a comprehensive look at our current facilities and how they must change to meet the community's future healthcare needs. An early report indicates that Harrison will continue to operate and gradually expand its hospitals in Bremerton and Silverdale instead of building a 400-bed hospital in a new location. Estimated at $600 million, building a new hospital would be cost-prohibitive. Our finances dictate that we follow a phased approach. Consultants will continue to study expansion options and will present their recommendations in April. The Vision 2010 team of Harrison leaders will consider NBBJ's findings and recommend a course of action to our board of directors. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/89 Harrison Medical Center is a better organization than we were a year ago. The proof is in our recent employee engagement scores. Conducted by the renowned Gallup Organization, the poll revealed that engaged employees at Harrison outnumber actively disengaged ones by 4 to 1. “Engaged employees are more content, productive, and-most importantly-more patient focused,” explains President and CEO Scott Bosch. “This enables us to deliver exceptional medical care, close to home, with the kind of personal touch that can only come from friends and neighbors.” Employees are inspired by the organization’s purpose: making a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional medical care. Harrison's high ranking in a related survey question-the mission or purpose of my organization makes me feel my job is important-qualifies us as a best-practice, mission-driven organization. Participation in the Gallup survey is one component of Harrison’s strategic plan. Vision 2010 is the roadmap that outlines our plan to become the premier medical center in the region through four primary areas of focus: people, facilities, information technology, and communication.  “Our patients and our families feel the positive changes happening at Harrison, and we feel great about it,” says Bosch. “Meanwhile we’re setting our sights on achieving Gallup’s world-class status in 2008.”     http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/90 For visitors at Harrison, accessing email and the internet just got easier. Wireless internet access is now available free at all three Harrison campuses. The new service allows users to bring their own laptops or portable data devices, or use any number of computer terminals throughout the Bremerton hospital. Harrison is among the first hospitals in Western Washington to offer free wireless service, according to Adar Palis, Chief Information Officer. He adds that healthcare sites at the new terminals are the most frequently visited. “I see our guests researching what the doctor just told them,” he says. As always, it is a pleasure to bring any change to the organization that stands to benefit so many.” http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/87 October 2005 October 14 · 11:30 amKitsap Conference Center$40 guest ticket · $65 diva ticket360-792-6760 The Harrison Hospital Foundation is gearing up for the holidays, kicking off its 19th annual Festival of Trees with a Women’s Holiday Luncheon. Seattle philanthropist and community volunteer Phil Smart, Sr., will be the featured speaker, sharing his experiences as a volunteer with pediatric patients at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle. Children and family members from Harrison’s pediatric rehabilitation program will be featured in a Kids’ Holiday Fashion Show, sponsored by Macy’s. The Festival of Trees, which takes place Thanksgiving weekend at the Kitsap Pavilion, is the foundation’s premiere fundraiser. Proceeds from this year’s three-day event support Harrison’s pediatric rehabilitation program. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/86 Sixty-three years after its inception as Harrison Memorial Hospital, our nonprofit organization has changed its name to Harrison Medical Center. Harrison’s volunteer board of directors voted unanimously earlier this month to legally make the change. The decision was based on feedback from recent focus groups, which represented community members from the region as well as physicians, and employees. “The results were clear and resounding,” says President and CEO Scott Bosch. “Harrison Medical Center best describes what we are becoming. People also feel the term medical center implies a technologically advanced facility that reaches a larger geographic base and offers a wider variety of services than a community hospital does.” The name change is one component of a five-year strategic plan announced in May. Vision 2010 outlines the opportunity for Harrison to become best medical center in the region, a place that supports best practices as well as the organization’s new mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives through exceptional medical care. “We are now in name what we aspire to become in practice,” says Bosch. The name change will be reflected in a new visual identity to be debuted within the next few months. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/85 5-year plan will ensure our future as the region's topmedical center by updating and improving nine key areasHarrison has launched a rigorous strategic planning process meant to ensure the hospital's future as the premier regional medical center on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and Bainbridge Island. 'Vision 2010' sets goals for the next 12 months, within the framework of a five-year plan. The goals are designed to expand services and access to them, heighten standards of clinical excellence, accelerate physician and employee collaboration, update technology, and achieve financial stability. They all reflect the hospital's newly stated mission: We make a positive difference in people's lives through exceptional medical care."The community has told us we have a 'very good' hospital and health-services system in all three locations, and we are committed to being even better," explained Ron Muhleman, board chairman. "Our employees, board, physicians and volunteers are determined to make Harrison a 'great' hospital, one that is the preferred destination for top-quality medical care, convenient and close to home." Vision 2010 is the product of a diligent four-month research and self-evaluation effort undertaken by a 13-member team of hospital leaders. More than 2,500 employees, physicians, and community members took part by completing surveys, talking in focus groups, and sharing ideas in feedback forums. The hospital board of directors approved the resulting plan at a special meeting last Thursday. "The result of this planning process," said CEO Scott Bosch, "will define Harrison Hospital for the next generation." Its successful implementation over the next five years "will require a team effort by all Harrison employees and medical staff, as well as support from our board of directors and the community." Nine topic areas have been earmarked for further study and improvement: market position, expanded services, customer service, clinical excellence, physician and hospital alignment, employee engagement, financial performance, information systems, plus location and function of facilities.Milestones have been identified to measure progress in those areas over the next 12 months. Progress reports will be reviewed quarterly by hospital administration and the board. Some of the "transitional" milestones cover: improving scores in industry rankings that measure clinical quality and employee engagement; soliciting and considering more physician input in major hospital policy decisions; achieving a positive operating margin. The Harrison visionaries plan to adopt a concentric-circle model of healthcare delivery, with a single, centralized major acute care facility at the center. Departmental teams will collaborate on plans to achieve Vision 2010, with roadmaps addressing major issues: location of services and campuses; purchase of technology; physician and staff recruitment; securing commitments for $10 million in philanthropic support; and achievement of a 5 percent or better operating margin; in order to identify sources for $100 million to fund future technology and facilities. Harrison is a not-for-profit hospital and the region's busiest medical center, with three campuses serving the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. At the East Bremerton hospital and facilities in Silverdale and Port Orchard, Harrison offers medical and surgical services, with 24-hour emergency care at two campuses. Harrison also serves as a regional center providing specialized treatment in cardiology, including open-heart surgery; oncology; orthopedics; obstetrics and gynecology; and pediatrics. Harrison's medical staff of 300 physicians represents 40 specialties. Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Harrison is a Level III Trauma Center. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/84 Patients rate our emergency department in the 99th percentile in the state. Harrison participates with leading hospitals around the country in an ongoing standardized patient-satisfaction survey. Their suggestions are valued and frequently prompt enhancements in care. Patients continue to rate their experiences as "good" or "excellent." Recent scorers gave outstanding marks to our emergency department. Among others in the state, ours ranked in the 99th percentile. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/83 Harrison scored above average among Washington hospitals-and those across the nation-for 10 quality measures in a federal report now available to the public. From the new user-friendly website, called Hospital Compare (hospitalcompare.hhs.gov). consumers can examine quality information and make apples-to-apples comparison of hospitals, helping them make important healthcare decisions. Harrison joined 4,200 hospitals across the nation to participate in the voluntary reporting of patient safety data for pneumonia, heart attack, and heart failure. Measures of prevention of surgical infection are scheduled to be posted to the public website this summer. Information on patient's perspectives on their care may be added early next year. Harrison's data have been compared with that of like-sized hospitals from a database of 600. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/82 We're creating a strategic plan for Harrison that will serve as the foundation for decisions in the near and far future. And it's important to hear from the community we serve. This month, we're hosting neighborhood meetings to get your input: How does the hospital grow and where? How do we serve our expanding community? What does Harrison look like-physically and in services-five years from now? Ten years from now? We invite you to join us at any of the following community meetings: SilverdaleMonday, April 117 to 9 pmHarrison Silverdale, Iris RoomRidgetop and Myhre PoulsboMonday, April 18 7 to 9 pmNorth Kitsap Fire District #18 911 NE Liberty Road BremertonTuesday, April 192 to 4 pmNorm Dicks Government Center345 6th StreetBainbridge IslandWednesday, April 20 7 to 9 pmBainbridge Island Fire District #28895 Madison Avenue Port OrchardTuesday, April 19 7 to 9 pmWest Bay Center1307 Bay Street http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/81 If back pain is affecting your quality of life, you may benefit from surgery. Among our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons are those who specialize in care of the back and spine. Together we have a long and outstanding history in the treatment of such common procedures as laminectomy, diskectomy, fusion and spinal decompressions. We also offer kyphoplasty, a state-of-the-art and less invasive technique for the pain of spinal fractures, often caused by osteoporosis.Our comprehensive services include physical therapy and rehabilitation, and education to help you care for your new pain-free back. To learn more about orthopedic services at Harrison, call 360-692-4881 for a physician referral. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/80 Hello. My name is Scott Bosch, and I have the honor and privilege of being the new president and CEO of Harrison Hospital. I have succeeded Dave Gitch who recently retired after very capably leading Harrison for 13 years. I understand I am only the third chief executive to serve at Harrison in the last 43 years. While this type of longevity is rare in hospitals these days, it is certainly a sign of tremendous loyalty and stability and should be celebrated. At the same time, change is also a wonderful opportunity to bring in new ideas and creative ways of addressing the increasingly complex problems that face all of us-most especially you, our patient-in healthcare. Let me share a bit about myself, starting with my family. My wife Gail and I have been married for 27 years. She is a clinical pharmacist who specializes in Alzheimer's disease. We have three sons, two of whom are studying at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Our youngest son is a senior at Mountain View High School in Loveland, Colorado. Gail will remain there with him until he graduates this spring when she will join me in Bremerton. We love the outdoors and believe that the Pacific Northwest is going to be a great place to live and work.My career as a healthcare administrator is a diverse one, spanning more than 25 years. I have spent time in large hospitals and small, urban and rural settings, for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, individual and stand-alone organizations such as Harrison, and large systems. Most recently, I've served as Colorado regional president of Banner Health, which is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Based in Greeley, Colorado, I was responsible for nine hospitals in four states. This position required constant travel, which I am hoping to significantly reduce at Harrison, allowing me to be a greater part of our Kitsap community. Over the years, I've been able to observe what makes a hospital successful-or not. To compete into the future, Harrison must commit to you that you and your family will receive outstanding clinical quality, customer service, and competitive value. The good news is that these things are already receiving a lot of attention at Harrison. My desire is to take us from good to great, making Harrison a place at which you and your loved ones feel confident you're getting first-class quality care. I'm here to serve you. During my interview last fall by members of the Medical Executive Committee, I was asked what I thought of the new hospital being built in Gig Harbor. My opinion is that this may be one of the best things that could happen to Harrison. Competition forces change and a real focus on quality, service, and value to those we serve. These are good things, and with the new hospital's forecasted opening date several years off, we have the time to take our performance to new peaks. We can truly become the hospital of choice in the region. First, last, and always, healthcare is about people. I look forward to the opportunity and the challenge of serving you and yours. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/78 Harrison's new President/CEO Scott W. Bosch assumes leadership November 30, succeeding Dave Gitch who retired November 15 after 13 years of service. Bosch is the third chief executive to serve Harrison in the last 43 years. "I'm honored and so very excited to become part of an organization that is surely one of this community's greatest assets," says Bosch. "My focus will be to ensure that Harrison provides exceptional patient care, first-class customer service, and is considered an employer of choice, building on the good work already in place." Harrison Board Chair Ron Muhleman said the search committee's national effort to find a CEO was a difficult one, following the legacy of Dave Gitch who charted a 10-year vision to increase the region's access to quality healthcare. "We're confident Scott Bosch is the one to mold the next-generation Harrison." Bosch, of Loveland, Colorado, brings 25 years experience in the healthcare field, most recently with Banner Health. As president of the Colorado region, Bosch oversaw nine hospitals in four states, with net revenues of $450 million and 4,200 employees. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest, not-for-profit healthcare systems in the country, with 19 hospitals, six long-term care centers, and family clinics, home care services and home medical equipment services in eight western states. Bosch also spent 13 years with the nonprofit Munson Healthcare System, which serves 24 Michigan counties and was rated this year as the No. 1 heart program in the state by HealthGrades. During that time Munson transformed from a strong community hospital to a regional tertiary healthcare center. Among the accomplishments in this transition was establishment of the region's first air-medical EMS transport service; a mobile cardiac cath lab; and a drug and alcohol treatment center. Bosch earned an undergraduate degree at University of Michigan and a master's degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and served as chair of the Colorado Health & Hospital Association in 2003, as well as served on numerous professional boards. Bosch's long history of civic affiliations and community service includes a two-year term as president of the American Cancer Society, and chair of the United Way Campaign, both in Grand Traverse, Michigan. He has also served on community boards of the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Clubs, YMCAs, and chambers of commerce. An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of the National Ski Patrol for six years. Bosch is married to a hospital pharmacist who specializes in geriatrics and cognitive disorders; they have three sons. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/79 Scott W. Bosch of Loveland, Colorado, has been selected by Harrison's board of directors to succeed President/CEO Dave Gitch who retired November 15 after 13 years of service. Bosch will take the helm November 30. "I'm honored and so very excited to become part of an organization that is surely one of this community's greatest assets," says Bosch, who will assume his duties November 30. "My focus will be to ensure that Harrison provides exceptional patient care, first-class customer service, and is considered an employer of choice, building on the good work already in place." Harrison Board Chair Ron Muhleman said the search committee's national effort to find a CEO was a difficult one, following the legacy of Dave Gitch who charted a 10-year vision to increase the region's access to quality healthcare. "We're confident Scott Bosch is the one to mold the next-generation Harrison."Bosch brings 25 years experience in the healthcare field, most recently with Banner Health. As president of the Colorado region, Bosch oversaw nine hospitals in four states, with net revenues of $450 million and 4,200 employees. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest, not-for-profit healthcare systems in the country, with 19 hospitals, six long-term care centers, and family clinics, home care services and home medical equipment services in eight western states.Bosch also spent 13 years with the nonprofit Munson Healthcare System, which serves 24 Michigan counties and was rated this year as the No. 1 heart program in the state by HealthGrades. During that time Munson transformed from a strong community hospital to a regional tertiary healthcare center. Among the accomplishments in this transition was establishment of the region's first air-medical EMS transport service; a mobile cardiac cath lab; and a drug and alcohol treatment center. Bosch earned an undergraduate degree at University of Michigan and a master's degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and served as chair of the Colorado Health & Hospital Association in 2003, as well as served on numerous professional boards. Bosch's long history of civic affiliations and community service includes a two-year term as president of the American Cancer Society, and chair of the United Way Campaign, both in Grand Traverse, Michigan. He has also served on community boards of the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Clubs, YMCAs, and chambers of commerce. An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of the National Ski Patrol for six years.Bosch is married to a hospital pharmacist who specializes in geriatrics and cognitive disorders; they have three sons. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/77 In this national shortage of flu vaccine, Harrison's own supply has been cut by more than half. We now have less than we need to vaccinate our own staff. We will not be vaccinating patients. Harrison historically does not vaccinate community members-only our own employees. Vaccinating the public is the task of our local health department. A few years ago, we provided space to hold their flu clinics. This may have led some to believe it was a hospital-sponsored effort. There's no need to panic. More vaccine is on the way. This next batch will go first to doctors' offices. You may want to call your own doctor and see if you can get on the waiting list. As more vaccine becomes available, some retail outlets such as grocery stories and pharmacies will be able to resume their flu clinics. The Kitsap County Health District has a new Flu Hotline: 360-337-5240. Call this number for up-to-date information about public flu clinics and the status of vaccine supply.Meanwhile, Harrison will support new guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Washington State Department of Health by vaccinating first our employees who tend to patients. Most importantly, this protects our patients. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/75 This elegant luncheon is the official kick-off for the Festival of Trees. Join us for an exquisite repast, entertainment, a silent auction, raffle, and a toast to the Festival. This event sells out quickly. To reserve your space, call 360-792-6760  Friday, October 22     11:30 am     $35Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton HarborsidePresented by Lois S. Bresaw, MD http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/76 2004 Sponsors: Kitsap Bank, John L. Scott Realtors, The Sun By popular demand, the Festival of Trees this year returns to its traditional Thanksgiving weekend. Last year, the Harrison Hospital Foundation made a departure, hosting the three-day holiday extravaganza one week later. Executive Director Stephanie Cline said the change was an idea that simply didn't work. "Attendance was down, and that translated to fewer dollars to support vital programs and services at the hospital. We're happily back to our roots this year." Pediatric Rehabilitation will be the recipient of the 18th annual Festival's proceeds, each year earmarked for a specific hospital program or service. Harrison's pediatric rehab provides treatment and support for children and their families who bravely face physical challenges every day. Festival organizers are seeking new volunteer committee members interested in planning and staging this year's Festival, including special events, such as the Party Among the Trees, the Gala Auction, and Kids Day. Participants must be over 21 and have time throughout the year to attend planning meetings. For more information, contact Festival coordinator Valerie Endicott at 360-792-6763.   http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/74 I have bad news. Frightening words always but even more terrifying when spoken by your doctor. Many in Kitsap County have heard those words-some recently, others not so. Their stories-and their faces-are depicted in Portraits of Cancer, Stories of Hope, an eight-photo exhibit on display now through May in Harrison’s Radiation Oncology Center. Bainbridge Island photographer Kayrn Carpenter was inspired to develop the project while working with a client who had just learned she had breast cancer. The experience sent Karyn back a year when she lost her own father to lung cancer. “Hope was the one thing we needed,” she recalls. Writer and graphic designer Lynn Smith was drawn to the project to give a voice to cancer. Her own child-5 year-old Meghan, who was diagnosed at 18 months with leukemia-is one of the stories.The project is meant to be a gift to people who are going through a similar ordeal as those featured, says Carpenter. “I hope this small gathering of photos and stories of cancer survivors gives a moment of strength and hope to someone who has just heard those dreadful words I have bad news.” Carpenter’s traveling exhibit was funded in part through a grant by Humble Abode. The Kitsap-based organization is dedicated to reducing stress while increasing the emotional well being of those affected by cancer. They offer support groups and workshops.The public is invited to view the exhibit. Harrison’s Radiation Oncology Center is located at the upper north end of the main hospital campus in East Bremerton. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/73 The end of the year will signal the end of an era when Harrison President/CEO Dave Gitch retires after 13 years of service with the hospital.Harrison's Board of Directors will oversee selection of his replacement, with Vice-Chair Carl Cramer leading the search committee. The Board's objective is to fill the position prior to Gitch's departure December 31, a date that coincides with the celebration of his 65th birthday and the anniversary of his 40th year in hospital administrationGitch came to Harrison in 1991 from Seattle's Harborview Medical Center where he served as CEO of the Level I trauma center for 6 years. His arrival at Harrison came at a time when healthcare reform was being debated both nationally and in Washington State. Gitch preferred to focus on the promise and potential-especially in Kitsap County-considering his most crucial challenge that of assuring access to care and health coverage for all. During his first year at the helm, Gitch helped Harrison celebrate its 50th anniversary year and entered into an ambitious long-range plan to take the hospital and its patients into the 21st century. Together with the Board and community, a vision was shaped that outlined where-and how-Harrison would expand, not only to meet the needs of a larger population, but to successfully adapt to a changing medical climate. In 1995, the hospital completed its first of many projects to improve not only the quality of patients' care but their overall comfort and convenience. The surgery expansion project-7 new operating rooms were added for a total of 13-also included new lobby, waiting and patient registration areas. Commitment to extend services to the north and south ends of the county began the same year with addition of Harrison South Kitsap in Port Orchard. The 32,000-square-foot medical building houses physicians' and Harrison Home Health offices; pharmacy; lab; X-ray; and outpatient dialysis; plus walk-in urgent care services seven days a week. Harrison Silverdale opened in 2000; the 44-bed facility is home to women's and children's services; short-stay medical and surgical services; outpatient surgery; outpatient rehabilitation; and 24-hour emergency services. Future plans for the 37-acre site encompass a variety of expanded healthcare services over the next 10 years. The year 2000 also brought addition of a new Radiation Oncology Center at the main hospital campus in East Bremerton. Last year saw the beginning of the first-ever open-heart surgery and related cardiac intervention services to our three-county region in a unique collaboration with UW Medicine Regional Heart Center. The most recent addition, which debuted last month, was the grand opening of a $13-million emergency department, also at the main hospital campus in East Bremerton. But healthcare has always been about more than new buildings and expanded services for Gitch, who believes that a healthy community is achieved through cooperation. He has worked diligently to build relationships among physicians local healthcare providers, and the community. His affiliation and leadership roles with state and local agencies, including the American Hospital Association and the Washington State Hospital Association, as well as numerous civic organizations, is longstanding. While the shape of the hospital has changed radically in Gitch's tenure, the spirit of the hospital and its dedication to community care have not. "Those ideals stand as solid as ever," says Gitch. The hospital's recent accreditation report by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is testimony to "our terrific staff who do good work," he says. "Harrison was a highly regarded community hospital when I arrived 13 years ago, and I'm proud to be identified with its growth and success." Thirteen years after his arrival, healthcare's waters remain stormy. But nearing completion of the current strategic plan, Gitch feels the timing is right-personally and professionally-to plan for a change in leadership. He remains committed to the present challenges of leadership and will continue to address hospital issues and the community's healthcare needs until the day of his retirement. # http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/72 Harrison's new rooftop helipad-part of the hospital's $13-million ER expansion-was tested with a trial landing and takeoff. Crew from Airlift Northwest-operators of the medical air transport service-conducted a safety inspection of the rooftop landing strip. They also trained hospital staff who will be assisting in the transfer of patients who need the services of Seattle's Harborview Medical Center, the only Level I trauma center serving a four-state region. Transfers from the helipad will begin April 15. moreAnnually, some 150 Harrison patients are transported to Harborview via medical helicopter. Until now, patients have made the seven-minute trip from a designated landing zone at the corner of Sheridan and Old Wheaton Way. That site-located three blocks from Harrison-requires ambulance service from the hospital. Transfers from Harrison Silverdale will continue to take place in a designated section of the Kitsap Mall's north parking lot. Since 1982, the Seattle-based nonprofit organization has provided emergency air-transport service to critically ill patients throughout Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho and Western Canada via helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Each flight team consists of two registered nurses with extensive critical-care trauma experience; certain flights also include a neonatal/pediatric critical-care specialist.Harrison's ER and Urgent Care staff treat over 70,000 patients annually, making it one of the busiest emergency departments in the region. Some 34,000 of these patients are treated at the main hospital in East Bremerton, which serves the Olympic Peninsula region with Level III trauma services. Harrison Silverdale ER-also offering 24-hour care-serves 19,000 patients annually, while another 17,000 receive care at Harrison South Kitsap Urgent Care in Port Orchard. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/70 On August 11, we opened the doors at Harrison Hospital to cardiac surgery.This is a milestone for all of us, a time in which our hospital reaches yet another level of excellence. I am immensely proud of this achievement.Through our affiliation with UW Medicine Regional Heart Center, we are joined by two experienced cardiac surgeons, Dr. Chris King (right) and Dr. Bill Caine (left). This affiliation brings to our community the ongoing collaboration and support of a highly respected cardiac program.This is a huge step for us, yet, in another sense, a small one. Harrison's cardiologists, anesthesiologists, vascular surgeons and other physicians, our nurses, and other members of the healthcare team have developed our own cardiac capabilities to a point that makes this step a natural evolution of services. Now, from ocean to sound, hundreds of area residents will have access to an entire spectrum of cardiac care, right here close to home.It's the latest example of Harrison's commitment to meeting the needs of our community. And one more instance of each of us pulling together for the betterment of all living in the region. We see today not only the dedication and professionalism that make us a team, but also the collaborative, shared achievement that make us a family.At this important moment, I would like to pause to welcome   our new cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists. In addition, I would like to recognize the cardiologists and other physicians we are fortunate to have here serving us, as well as other healthcare partners so crucial to us, including EMS workers and those at CAPRI. I would like also to direct my thanks to the nursing staff, employees and volunteers who are Harrison. And to all of you in the community who have supported and inspired us. It is indeed a privilege to serve you.Thanks to all of your efforts, this community has something to look forward to in ways we never could before. Dave Gitch, President and CEO http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/71 A new support group for those living with heart disease-or who have undergone open-heart surgery-meets for the first time on October 16 at Harrison Silverdale. Harrison cardiovascular surgeon William Caine, MD, will speak to the group, which will meet from 7 to 9 pm. The informal setting will provide an opportunity to share information, challenges and success in all phases of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of heart disease. Time will be set aside for questions and answers. Family members and support persons are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.   The first meeting of the ongoing support group takes place in the Iris Room of Harrison's Silverdale campus, located at the intersection of Myhre and Ridgetop. The west entrance of the campus offers easiest access to the ground-floor meeting space. Contact JoAnne Rhoads, ARNP, with questions: 360-792-6829. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/69 A topping-off ceremony August 25 marked a milestone in Harrison Hospital's $13-million ER expansion and renovation project. Sellen Construction hoisted the final beam into place, completing the steel framework on the new addition. In keeping with a centuries-old tradition, a ceremonial evergreen-and an American flag-were placed atop the beam, signed beforehand by workers. At this point, all paused in honor of their good-and safe-work."I like tradition," Harrison President/CEO Dave Gitch told the crowd that included some 75 skilled laborers and hospital staff. It's a time to reflect on the vital skills and teamwork you bring to ensure the successful completion of this project."But the celebration represents more than a building, assured Gitch. "It's about the thousands in our community who will come here for comfort and care. In the meantime, may you all be blessed with good and safe work, today and in the months to come."The newest chapter in Harrison's around-the-clock emergency services began last October for an expansive, state-of-the-art emergency room at the main hospital in East Bremerton. KMD Architects of Seattle, who also designed Harrison's Silverdale campus and Radiation Oncology Center, planned the 19,600-square-foot addition and 5,800-square-foot renovation. Seattle's Sellen Construction, also responsible for the Silverdale and Radiation Oncology projects, is general contractor. The ER plan includes additional covered parking, 33 exam rooms, plus separate ambulance and walk-in entrances, providing optimal access to other hospital facilities for patients, staff, and public. According to hospital architect Ram Prasad, "We traveled to ERs across the nation to examine new ideas. I honestly believe our completed design represents the best of what we saw." Budget for the project is $13 million. The expansion is slated for completion at the end of December; renovation of the existing ER will begin then and be finished by spring. The design addresses space efficiency in a variety of ways, beginning with a universal exam and treatment room that permits virtually any procedure or treatment to occur. Calm and comfort were also factored into the design. Rooms are private and large enough for family or friends. The realities of a post 9/11 world also shaped how the new emergency department will appear. A decontamination room-in the event of a chemical spill or toxic exposure-provides a separate isolation area. The new building will also speak to calm and comfort, with plentiful skylights, open space, soaring ceilings and a tranquil color palette, essential in a healing environment. The enlarged space is part of an overall Emergency Department Improvement Project that began last year with an eye towards increasing patient satisfaction and shortening the amount of time patients spend in the ER. Streamlined processes-from registration to laboratory and X-ray-and a new fast-track system for patients with less critical conditions should bring positive results, say hospital leaders. An attractive environment, privacy and respect, and efficiency all play a role in providing high quality patient care, says Emergency Services Director Louann Bean. "Our extensive improvements will enable us to provide even better care for our community-and in beautiful surroundings." Harrison's ER and Urgent Care staff treat over 70,000 patients annually, making it one of the busiest emergency departments in the region. Some 34,000 of these patients are treated at the main hospital in East Bremerton, which serves the Olympic Peninsula region with Level III trauma services. Harrison Silverdale ER-also offering 24-hour care-serves 19,000 patients annually, while another 17,000 receive care at Harrison South Kitsap Urgent Care in Port Orchard. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/67 The face of Harrison Hospital changes again as construction begins on an expansive, state-of-the-art emergency room at the main campus in East Bremerton. Site preparation for the $12-million expansion and renovation began in December. KMD Architects of Seattle, who also designed Harrison's Silverdale campus and Radiation Oncology Center, planned the 19,000-square-foot addition and 5,800-square-foot renovation. Seattle's Sellen Construction, also responsible for the Silverdale and Radiation Oncology projects, are serving as general contractor. The ER plan includes additional covered parking, 33 exam rooms, plus separate ambulance and walk-in entrances, providing optimal access to other hospital facilities for patients, staff, and public. According to hospital architect Ram Prasad, "We traveled to ERs across the nation to examine new ideas. I honestly believe our completed design represents the best of what we saw." Budget for the project, slated for completion November 2003, is $12 million. The design addresses space efficiency in a variety of ways, beginning with a universal exam and treatment room that permits virtually any procedure or treatment to occur. Calm and comfort were also factored into the design. Rooms are private and large enough for family or friends. The realities of a post 9/11 world also shaped how the new emergency department will appear. A decontamination room-in the event of a chemical spill or toxic exposure-provides a separate isolation area. The new building will also speak to calm and comfort with plentiful skylights, open space, soaring ceilings and a tranquil color palette, essential in a healing environment. The enlarged space is part of an overall Emergency Department Improvement Project that began last year with an eye towards increasing patient satisfaction and shortening the amount of time patients spend in the ER. Streamlined processes-from registration to laboratory and X-ray-and a new fast-track system for patients with less critical conditions should bring positive results say hospital leaders. An attractive environment, privacy and respect, and efficiency all play a role in providing high quality patient care, says Emergency Services Director Louann Bean. "Our extensive improvements will enable us to provide even better care for our community-and in beautiful surroundings." Harrison's ER and Urgent Care staff treat over 70,000 patients annually, making it one of the busiest emergency departments in the region. Some 34,000 of these patients are treated at the main hospital in East Bremerton, which serves the Olympic Peninsula region with Level III trauma services. Harrison Silverdale ER-also offering 24-hour care-serves 19,000 patients annually, while another 17,000 receive care at Harrison South Kitsap Urgent Care in Port Orchard. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/68 Thanksgiving without Christmas trees? For the first time in its 16-year history, Harrison Foundation's major fundraiser, the Festival of Trees, won't take place over Thanksgiving weekend. This year's fabled event will take place one weekend later-December 5 through 7-at the Kitsap Pavilion. Stephanie Cline assures that favorite activities-Party Among the Trees; Santa Breakfast; Gala Tree Party & Auction; and Kids' Day-will remain. The Foundation's executive director says the change to a later date "allows us to consider new opportunities to raise additional support." One such opportunity is the offer to local businesses to use the Festival venue -thousands of glittering lights and bedecked trees-on December 3 and 4 for corporate holiday parties. (For details, call 360-792-6762.)Since 1987, the Festival has raised more than $1.5 million for a healthier community through hospital programs and services. This year's proceeds will benefit Harrison's cardiac services, which debuts open-heart surgery later this summer. http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/66 I regret to announce that we will not be renewing our contract with Regence BlueShield, one of four primary providers of private healthcare insurance for patients served by Harrison. The current contract expires on April 30, after which Harrison will no longer be a Regence network hospital. At issue is the Regence reimbursement rate for our patient care. At the core of this decision is our continued ability to meet our mission while responding to a turbulent healthcare environment. Unfortunately, this hard choice is the direct result of an industry that is beleaguered by skyrocketing healthcare costs, crippling cuts to state and federally funded healthcare programs, and escalating shortages of healthcare professionals. As a result, providers of commercial healthcare insurance are bearing an ever-increasing share of the burden. At Harrison, we feel strongly that this burden should be shared equitably among our insurers, with all paying approximately the same costs. We don't take this decision lightly. We know it has a very real impact on our community; patients and physicians alike. However, we simply cannot absorb the increasing difference between what Regence is willing to pay and what the care costs. If we are to continue to meet the needs of our community, we must look to every revenue source. As a not-for-profit hospital, we receive no direct tax subsidies. Revenues are returned to our community in the form of services, technology, facilities, and programs. As a community hospital we are both obligated and honored to care for our entire community, including those who are under- or uninsured. It's at the heart of our mission. In 2002 Harrison provided more than $2.3 million in charity care-a number that is expected to rise. Because we know that this contract non-renewal has an impact in our community, we are making our best effort to communicate with all those who are affected, aiming to provide clarity so that people aren't further burdened by confusion. It is our understanding that Regence BlueShield's PEBB members will not be impacted by this change. Also, those Regence members who currently are receiving recurring care at Harrison will continue to receive coverage for a defined period of time. And Regence will continue to pay for emergency care at Harrison, directly reimbursing its subscribers. Because coverage and medical circumstances vary among subscribers, we encourage individuals to call the Regence customer service representative toll free at 1-877-258-3782 for answers to their individual questions. Thank you for your continued faith in Harrison as we face making difficult decisions on behalf of our community. Dave Gitch, President and CEO http://www.harrisonhospital.org/home/news/65 THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED, AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.If you have questions about this notice, please contact Harrison's Privacy Officer at 360-792-6603. ABOUT THIS NOTICEIt covers services provided to you by Harrison Hospital, Harrison Home Health, and the members of Harrison's medical staff. It applies to your medical record of services provided by the hospital, whether by hospital employees, agents or contractors, or by independent members of our medical staff. OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECT YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATIONWe understand that your medical information is personal, and we are committed to protecting this information. The record we create of the care and services you receive at the hospital is necessary to ensure quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by the hospital, whether by hospital personnel or your personal doctor. (Your personal doctor may have different policies or notices regarding the use and disclosure of your medical information created in the doctor's office or clinic; see them for guidelines.) As a hospital, the law requires us to: Insure that medical information that identifies you is kept private; Provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices regarding your medical information; and Follow the terms of this notice. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATIONYou have the following rights regarding your medical information maintained at Harrison: HOSPITAL'S PUBLIC LIST OF CURRENT PATIENTS (HOSPITAL DIRECTORY). We may include certain limited information about you in the hospital's public list of current patients while you are at the hospital. This information will only include your name, location in the hospital, a one-word description of your general condition (i.e., good, fair, serious, critical) and your religious affiliation. This information, except for your religious affiliation, may also be released to people who ask for you by name. This information may be given to a member of the clergy, such as a pastor, priest or rabbi, even if that person doesn't ask for you by name. This is so family, friends and the clergy can visit you in the hospital and generally know how you are doing. You have the right to be excluded from the hospital's public list of current patients. If you choose to exercise this right, the hospital will not acknowledge that you are a patient here to any callers and visitors, including friends and family members. If you wish to exercise this right, please tell the registration specialist or the nurse or other practitioner caring for you.INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN YOUR CARE OR PAYMENT FOR YOUR CARE. We may release your medical information to a friend or family member you have identified as involved in your medical care. We may also give information to someone who helps pay for your care. We may also tell your family or friends your condition and that you are in the hospital if you are listed in the hospital's public list of current patients (hospital directory). In addition, we may disclose your medical information to an entity assisting in a disaster relief effort so that your family can be notified about your condition, status and location. You have the right to not be included in the hospital's public list of current patients. If you choose to exercise this right, the hospital will not acknowledge you are a patient here to any callers and visitors, including friends and family members. If you wish to exercise this right, please tell your registration specialist or the nurse or other practitioner caring for you.MEDIA REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION. We may respond to media calls about you with a one-word condition report (good, fair, serious, critical) while you are an inpatient, outpatient, or patient in our Emergency Department, unless you have been excluded from the hospital's public list of current patients. Otherwise, information about your condition will be released only if the inquiry specifically contains your name.RIGHT TO INSPECT AND COPY. You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of your medical and billing information. To do so, you must submit your request in writing to Harrison's Medical Records Department. We are permitted by law to charge fees for the costs of copying and mailing or other supplies associated with your request. To obtain copies of your billing information, please submit your request to Harrison's Patient Accounts Department.Your request to inspect and obtain copies may be denied in very limited circumstances. If you are denied access to medical information, you may request that the denial be reviewed. Another physician chosen by the hospital will review your request and the denial. The physician conducting the review will not be the person who denied your request. We will comply with the outcome of the review. RIGHT TO AMEND. If you feel that your medical information is incorrect or incomplete, you may ask us to amend the information. You have the right to request an amendment for as long as the information is kept by the hospital. Your request must be submitted to Harrison's Medical Records Department. We may deny your request to amend information that: Was not created by us, unless we hold medical information created by another who is no longer available to make the amendment; Is not part of the medical information kept by or for the hospital; Is not part of the information which you would be permitted to inspect and copy.RIGHT TO AN ACCOUNTING OF DISCLOSURES. You have the right to request an accounting of disclosures. This is a list of the disclosures we made of your medical information. You must submit your request in writing to Harrison's Medical Records Department. Your request must state a time period of care that took place not more than six years prior and not before April 14, 2003. The first list you request within a 12-month period will be free. For additional lists, we will charge you for the costs of providing the list. We will notify you of the cost involved, and you may choose to withdraw or modify your request at that time before any costs are incurred. RIGHT TO REQUEST RESTRICTIONS. You have the right to request a restriction or limitation on the medical information we use or disclose about you for treatment, payment or administrative functions. You also have the right to request a limit on the medical information we disclose about you to someone who is involved in your care or the payment for your care, such as a family member or friend. For example, you could ask that we not use or disclose information about a procedure that you had undergone. We are not required to agree to your request. If we do agree, we will comply with your request, unless the information is necessary to provide you with emergency treatment.To request restrictions, you must make your request verbally or in writing to Harrison's Medical Records Department or to the healthcare provider treating you at the hospital. In your request, you must tell us: (1) what information you want to limit; (2) whether you want to limit our use, disclosure or both; and (3) to whom you want the limits to apply, (for example, disclosures to your spouse).RIGHT TO REQUEST CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS. You have the right to request that we communicate with you about medical matters in a certain way or at a certain location. For example, you can ask that we only contact you at work or by mail. You must make your request to the employee who is registering you as a patient or to your nurse or other healthcare professional. We will not ask you the reason for your request. We will accommodate all reasonable requests. Your request must specify how or where you wish to be contacted.RIGHT TO A PAPER COPY OF THIS NOTICE. A paper copy of this notice will be provided at the time of your first contact with Harrison. You may ask us to give you a copy of this notice at any other time as well. If our first contact with you is by telephone, we will provide you a copy of the notice when you first come in to Harrison for treatment. You may also print a copy of this notice from our website: www.harrisonhospital.org. Or you may pick up a copy at any Harrison Registration Department office or from any Registration staff member, or contact Harrison's privacy officer at 360-792-6603. How we may use and disclose medical information about youThe following describes and gives examples of ways we use and disclose medical information. FOR TREATMENT. We use your medical information to provide you with medical treatment or services. We may disclose medical information about you to doctors, nurses, technicians, health care students, or other hospital personnel who are involved in taking care of you at the hospital. For example, a doctor treating you for a broken leg may need to know if you have diabetes, because this disease may slow the healing process. In addition, the doctor may need to tell the dietitian if you have diabetes so that he or she can arrange for appropriate meals. Different hospital departments also may share your medical information in order to coordinate different elements of your care, such as prescriptions, lab work and X-rays. We also may disclose your medical information to those people outside the hospital who may be involved in your medical care after you leave the hospital, such as family members, clergy, nursing homes or others who provide services as part of your care. We will only disclose your medical information with those who have a need to know.FOR PAYMENT. We may use and disclose your medical information so that the treatment and services you receive at the hospital may be billed to and payment may be collected from you, an insurance company, government payers, or a third party. For example, we may need to give your health plan information about surgery you received at the hospital so your health plan will pay us or reimburse you for the surgery. We may also tell your health plan about a treatment you are going to receive to obtain prior approval or to determine whether your plan will cover the cost of treatment. FOR HOSPITAL FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS. We use and disclose your medical information for hospital administrative functions. These uses and disclosures are necessary to run the hospital and make sure that all of our patients receive quality care. For example, we may use medical information to review our treatment and services and to evaluate the performance of our staff in caring for you. We may also combine medical information about many hospital patients to decide what additional services the hospital should offer, what services are not needed, and whether certain new treatments are effective. We may also disclose information to doctors, nurses, technicians, healthcare students, and other hospital personnel for review and educational purposes. We may also combine the medical information we have with medical information from other hospitals to compare how we are doing and see where we can make improvements in our care and services. We may remove information that identifies you from this medical information so others may use it to study healthcare and healthcare delivery without learning who the specific patients are.APPOINTMENT REMINDERS. We may use and disclose your medical information to contact you as a reminder that you have an appointment for treatment or medical care at the hospital. Reminders by mail will arrive in a sealed envelope addressed specifically to you. We will not leave phone messages that others may overhear.TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES. We may use and disclose your medical information to recommend possible treatment options or alternatives that may be of interest to you. HEALTH-RELATED BENEFITS AND SERVICES. We may use and disclose your medical information to tell you about health-related benefits or services that may be of interest.FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES. We may disclose nonmedical contact information such as your name, address and phone number and the dates you received treatment or services at the hospital to the Harrison Hospital Foundation, a nonprofit foundation related to the hospital. The Foundation may contact you in raising money for the hospital. If you do not want the Harrison Hospital Foundation to contact you for fundraising efforts, you must notify Harrison's privacy officer in writing at Harrison Hospital, 2520 Cherry Avenue, Bremerton, WA. 98310. RESEARCH. We may use and disclose your medical information without identifying your name for research purposes. For example, a research project may involve comparing the health and recovery of all patients who received one medication to those who received another for the same condition. All research projects, however, are subject to a special Harrison Hospital approval process. This process evaluates a proposed research project and its use of medical information, trying to balance the research needs with patients' need for privacy of their medical information. Before we use or disclose medical information for research, the project will have been approved through this process. We may, however, disclose medical information about you to people preparing to conduct a research project, for example, to help them look for patients with specific medical needs, so long as the medical information they review does not leave the hospital. If your identity is necessary to these projects, we will seek your permission. TO AVERT A SERIOUS THREAT TO HEALTH OR SAFETY. When necessary to prevent a serious threat to your health and safety or to the health and safety of another person or the public, we may use and disclose your medical information. Any disclosure, however, would be solely to assist someone-such as law enforcement-in helping prevent the threat. AS REQUIRED BY LAW. WE WILL DISCLOSE YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION WHEN REQUIRED TO DO SO BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAW AS IN THE SPECIAL SITUATIONS BELOW.ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION. We are required to release your medical information to organizations that oversee organ procurement or organ, eye or tissue transplantation or to an organ donation bank, as necessary, to facilitate organ or tissue donation and transplantation in the event of death.MILITARY AND VETERANS. If you are or have been a member of the armed forces, we may release your medical information as required by military command authority. We may also release medical information about foreign military personnel to the appropriate foreign military authority. WORKERS' COMPENSATION. We may release your medical information for workers' compensation or similar programs as it relates to your benefits for work-related injuries or illness. PUBLIC HEALTH. We may disclose your medical information for public health activities. These activities generally include, but are not limited to the following: To prevent or control disease, injury or disability; To report births and deaths; To report child or adult abuse or neglect; To report reactions to medications or problems with healthcare products; To notify people of recalls of products they may be using; To notify a person who may have been exposed to a disease or may be at risk for contracting or spreading a disease or condition.HEALTH OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES. We may disclose medical information to a health oversight agency for activities authorized by law. These oversight activities may include audits, investigations, inspections, and licensure. Such activities are necessary for the government to monitor the healthcare system, government programs, and compliance with civil rights laws.LAWSUITS AND DISPUTES. If you are involved in a legal action or dispute, we may disclose medical information about you in response to a court or administrative order. We may also disclose medical information about you in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested. LAW ENFORCEMENT. We may release medical information to a law enforcement official including but not limited to: In response to a court order, subpoena, warrant, summons or similar process; To identify or locate a suspect, fugitive, material witness, or missing person; About the victim of a crime if, under certain limited circumstances, we are unable to obtain that person's permission; About a death we suspect may be the result of criminal conduct; To identify a victim of a gunshot wound; About criminal conduct at the hospital; In emergency circumstances to report a crime, the location of the crime or victims, or the identity, description or location of the person who committed the crime. CORONERS, MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS. We will release your medical information to a coroner or medical examiner in the case of your death. This may be necessary, for example, to identify you or determine the cause of death. We may also release medical information about patients of the hospital to funeral directors as necessary to carry out their duties.NATIONAL SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES. We may release your medical information to authorized federal officials for intelligence, counterintelligence, and other national security activities as authorized by law. PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR THE PRESIDENT AND OTHERS. We may disclose your medical information to authorized federal officials so they may provide protection to the President, other authorized persons or foreign heads of state, or conduct special investigations.INMATES. If you are an inmate of a correctional institution or under the custody of a law enforcement official, we may release medical information about you to the correctional institution or law enforcement official. This release would be necessary: (1) for the institution to provide you with healthcare; (2) to protect your health and safety or the health and safety of others; or (3) for the safety and security of the correctional institution. Changes of this noticeWe reserve the right to change this notice. We reserve the right to make the revised notice effective for medical information we already have about you as well as any information we receive in the future. We will post a copy of the current notice in the hospital. The notice will contain the effective date on the first page. In addition, each time you register for treatment or healthcare services provided by Harrison Hospital, we will offer you a copy of the current notice in effect. ComplaintsIf you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the hospital or with the Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. To file a complaint with the hospital, contact Harrison's patient representative in writing: Harrison Hospital, 2520 Cherry Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98310; or by phone at 360-792-6535. Your complaint will be thoroughly investigated, and you will be notified in writing the results of our investigation within 30 days of our receipt of your complaint. For your convenience, we have included at the bottom of this page information on how to file a privacy complaint with the Health and Human Service's Office for Civil Rights. Other uses of medical informationOther uses and disclosures of medical information not covered by this notice or the laws that apply to us will be made only with your written permission. If you provide us permission to use or disclose your medical information, you may revoke that permission in writing at any time. If you revoke your permission, we will no longer use or disclose your medical information for the reasons covered by your written authorization. We are unable to withdraw disclosures that were already made by us with your permission. HOW TO FILE A PRIVACY COMPLAINT OR GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTSIf you wish to file a privacy complaint with the Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR), it must: Be in writing, either on paper or electronically; Name the person or organization that is the subject of the complaint and describe the acts or omissions you believe violated your right to privacy; and Be filed within 180 days of when you knew or should have known that the act or omission occurred (unless you show good cause why the Secretary of Health & Human Services should waive the time limit).Send your inquiry or complaint to either the OCR Regional Office of the state in which the person or organization is located, or to the OCR Headquarters at the addresses below: OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS HEADQUARTERSDirector, Office for Civil RightsU.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services200 Independence Ave. SW., Rm. 509F HHH Bldg.Washington, DC 20201REGION X SEATTLE (AK, ID, OR, WA)Regional Manager2201 Sixth Ave., Suite 900Seattle, WA 98121-1831206-615-2287/FAX 206-615-2297/ TDD 206-615-2296