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Celebrating
Community Hospital Long Beach 90th Anniversary
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WELCOME G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
INSIDE
Community Hospital Long Beach has always strived to ensure access to high quality health care for Long Beach – in 1924, today and well into the future. CHLB is committed to providing the highest standards of medical care without losing the warmth of the human touch. As you will read, CHLB continues to expand its innovative programs to meet the needs of the community in East Long Beach. As a not-for-profit community hospital, CHLB – recently acquired by MemorialCare – is constantly re-investing in itself to expand and build these programs that help keep our friends and family healthy and happy. We are grateful for your support and look forward to you joining us as we celebrate this wonderful milestone in our hospital’s history!
4 The History Of Community Hospital Long Beach 6 Community Hospital Long Beach Timeline Of Events 8 Epic Electronic Medical Records Launched 8 A Community Emergency Department With Something Special 10 Community Hospital Long Beach Partners With Cabrillo High School For Occupational Job Program 11 High School Students’ College Dreams Supported Through CAMEO Program
Diana Hendel, PharmD, CEO, Community Hospital Long Beach
Krikor Jansezian, Ph.D., Administrator, Community Hospital Long Beach
12 Not Easy Times For The Practice Of Psychiatry – Closing The Gap In Long Beach By Dr. Clifford R. Feldman
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G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
13 Second-To-None Surgery Experience By Dr. Jeffrey Solomon 14 Link To Health Care By Dr. Gregory Bush 14 Community Hospital Long Beach “Originals” 16 Foundation Provides Support To Keep Hospital At Cutting Edge Of Health Care 17 Legacy Wall: Honoring Those Who Give Back
ABOUT THE COVER
18 Hospital Creates A Healing Environment To Improve Patient Outcomes
Community Hospital Long Beach Administrator Krikor Jansezian, Ph.D., is joined by a few dozen of the hospital’s nearly 600 employees and physicians to help mark the hospital’s 90th Anniversary.
19 Introducing A New Level Of Patient Care: Addiction Medicine Program
1720 Termino Ave. Long Beach, CA 90804 • 562/498-1000 www.memorialcare.org/CHLB
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The History Of Community Hospital Long Beach Fillmore Condit was a visionary and philanthropist who moved with his wife and family to Long Beach in 1919. Within a year and a half he was asked to run for city council and later was elected mayor of the city. Along with his many other pursuits, Condit was a firm believer that the City of Long Beach should have its own non-
profit hospital to take care of the health care needs of the citizens of the community. So with great energy, enthusiasm and generosity he began the process of raising funds for what would soon be called Community Hospital Long Beach. He formed the Long Beach Community Hospital Association to raise the $369,000 necessary to construct the hospital. On July 15, 1924, after a successful fundraising campaign by local civic leaders and businesses, the hospital opened with 100 beds and 175 surgeons and physicians on staff. The stated mission of the hospital was to provide low-cost, community-based health care for those with little or no insurance. Mayor Condit served as the first president of the new hospital and over the next 10 years visited daily to ensure that it kept to the highest standards of patient care. During this time he also generously donated funds for the continued operation of the hospital. In total, he gave more than $150,000 to sustain CHLB. Condit passed away at age 80 in 1939. Over the years, the hospital survived several crises while it continued to expand its programs and services. In 1933, a 6.4
Fillmore Condit, above, received this letter, dated November 4, 1922, from W. R. Ramsey of Oklahoma City confirming the transfer of eight acres of property, allowing the City of Long Beach to move forward on plans to develop a new hospital. Condit later served as mayor. Below is the rendering of the proposed hospital by Architect Hugh R. Davies.
magnitude earthquake struck Long Beach. Damage to the city was extensive, with 120 lives lost and an estimated fifty million dollars' worth of property damage. The hospital escaped with little damage and provided medical care to hundreds of residents following the disaster. In 1937 the hospital established the area’s first tumor and cancer diagnostic clinic. The hospital’s annual report for that year stated, “For this service, the patient is charged a small fee, the money thus obtained being used for stationery, postage and the necessary clerical work. It is hoped that this endeavor will continue to prosper in its humanitarian work
G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
and merit the continued support of the friends of Community Hospital.” The hospital completed its first major expansion in 1942 with the completion of a new hospital wing, which boosted the number of beds at the hospital to 150. In 1956 the citizens of Long Beach approved a $10.5 million bond measure to
Construction of Community Hospital is underway in 1923
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G R O W I N G
in 1924 Hospital opened after Community on so en tak h ap Photogr
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2011, Community Hospital Long Beach was purchased by the MemorialCare Health System. Since its purchase by MemorialCare, CHLB has received an infusion of more than $12 million in capital improvements.
L E G A C Y
This has included new patient beds, additional medical equipment and improvements to the physical plant of the hospital, such as painting, electrical upgrades and improved patient care technology. Krikor Jansezian, Ph.D., administrator of CHLB, states, “This hospital has been serving the clinical needs of the community for the past 90 years. Under the MemorialCare System, I look forward to having it serve at least another 90 years. We’re here for the long term and are already planning for our future.” m -Telegra e Press th l. a in it t p emen the hos Advertis ning of e p o e cing th announ
provide for the expansion and remodeling of the hospital. A new $2.5 million hospital wing marked the first improvement under the bond measure. It housed an additional 170 beds and included space for laboratories, an x-ray depart-
That future includes the expansion of the hospital’s Center for Mental Health & Wellness, an increase in the number of patients seen in the emergency department, the continued growth in the number of physicians on the medical staff, and ongoing efforts to ensure that patients get the best clinical care at the best cost. ■
ment, physical and occupational therapy facilities, office areas and a central lobby and waiting area. The total number of beds rose to 320. In the 1960s and 1970s the hospital continued to add new programs and services. An intensive care unit was added along with a nuclear medicine department. Later, a coronary care unit was opened and the hospital purchased one of the area’s first CT scanners. In 1980 the City of Long Beach designated the Community Hospital Long Beach as a historic landmark. The 1990s were turbulent years for the hospital, which went through several ownership changes and was briefly closed in 2000. The hospital quickly reopened after a nine-month “Save Our Neighborhood Hospital” community effort raised the needed funds to revive the hospital. Then, in
Hospital Community t a g in rk ted. o as comple istrators w when it w nd admin g a in s n ld ia ui b ic e phys the office Many of th moved to Long Beach
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Community Hospital Timeline Of Events During its 90-year history, Community Hospital Long Beach has had many memorable experiences, firsts and milestones. Here are a few of the many notable events from its illustrious 90-year history:
1924
On July 15, 1924, after a successful fundraising
campaign by local civic leaders and businesses, Community Hospital Long Beach opened its doors with 100 beds and 175 surgeons and physicians on staff. The stated mission of the hospital was to provide low-cost, community-based health care for those with little or no insurance.
1937
Members of the Board of Directors of Community
Hospital Long Beach and the Medical Executive Staff established the Tumor and Cancer Diagnostic Clinic, operating
The 20th Anniversary newsletter included one article – Nurses Answer Call – that lists the names of Community Hospital nurses “now serving their country in all parts of the world” during WW II, and a second article – Our Service Flag – listing the names of 62 of the hospital’s physicians “serving now with distinction on the battle fronts of the world.”
1942
During the height of World War II, Community
Hospital Long Beach opened a new patient wing. This general medical/surgical unit increased the hospital size to 150 beds.
under the auspices of the hospital. The clinic met on Thursday morning of each week with nursing personnel provided by the hospital. Patients were admitted to the clinic for diagnostic purposes only, and the reports of the physical and laboratory findings were then forwarded to the patients’ private physicians. Patients were charged a small fee which was used for stationery, postage and clerical support.
G R O W I N G
City officials, dignitaries and the general public gathered to celebrate the opening of a new hospital wing in 1959. Included, at right, are Councilman Tom Clark, O.D., and his wife, Lois, who served for many years as the Community Hospital librarian.
1959
In 1956, the citizens of Long Beach approved a
$10.5 million bond measure to provide for the expansion and remodeling of CHLB. In 1959, a new $2.5 million hospital wing (pictured below) marked the first improvement under
O U R L E G A C Y
the bond measure. It housed an additional 170 beds and in-
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cluded space for laboratories, an x-ray department, physical and occupational therapy facilities, office areas and a central lobby and waiting area. Advanced features of the new building included telephones in all of the patient rooms that allowed patients to call outside the hospital without having to go through the hospital switchboard. In addition, an intercom system enabled patients to talk directly to the nurses’ station. The stateof-the-art x-ray department featured a “semi-automatic” dark
2011
On April 29, 2011 the MemorialCare Health Sys-
tem announced that it would be taking over administrative and financial responsibility for the independent Community Hospital Long Beach. With this purchase, Community Hospital became MemorialCare Health System's sixth hospital in Los Angeles and Orange counties and the third hospital that it owns in Long Beach.
O U R
room where x-ray films could be developed automatically or manually. The total number of beds in the hospital rose to 320.
1960-1970
G R O W I N G
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the
L E G A C Y
hospital continued to add new programs and services. An intensive care unit was added along with a nuclear medicine department. Later, a coronary care unit was opened and the hospital purchased one of the area’s first CT scanners.
Community Hospital Long Beach hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house event on September 19, 2013, for the new MemorialCare Center for Mental Health & Wellness. The center offers a full spectrum of programs and services, including an outpatient psychiatric clinic, a partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient program, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy and more. These programs and services help treat issues from depression, anxiety, mood disorders and other mental health issues.
2013
The behavioral health unit at Community Hospi-
tal Long Beach is renamed the MemorialCare Center for Mental Health & Wellness. The newly named center offers programs and services to maximize the continuum of care for In 1972, Jess Grundy, left, a local businessman and staunch hospital supporter, convinced three other business executives to join him in forming the Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation.
1972
In 1972, Jess Grundy, a long-time supporter of
CHLB, and three other local business executives – Vail “Bud” Young of Buffums’, Robert Matheny of Bank of America and Jim Gray of Jim Gray Volvo – founded the Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation to serve as the philanthropic arm of the hospital.
1980
The City of Long Beach designated Community
Hospital Long Beach as a historic landmark. The Long Beach City Council, on the advice of the Long Beach Planning Commission and the Long Beach Cultural
Heritage
C o m m i tt e e ,
each patient, including a Psychiatric Acute Treatment Program; a Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program; a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program; a Geriatric Psychiatric Program; and an Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. A treatment recently added to the center is the introduction of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy – a non-invasive, non-drug treatment for patients who have not benefited from antidepressant medication.
2014 And Beyond
Not content to rest on its
recent standout successes, CHLB administrators have laid out a plan for the hospital to expand upon its current programs and services. This plan is being designed to meet and exceed the health care needs of the community that the hospital serves. Included are the further remodeling of the hos-
named the hospi-
pital’s emergency department, the launch of a pediatric
tal building as city
psychiatry program to meet the needs of children and teens,
cultural landmark
and the continued expansion of the use of technology in the
No. 10 on October
workplace to further raise the level of care provided to hos-
28, 1980.
pital patients. ■
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keep track of their patients’ lab results, order prescriptions and
Epic Electronic Medical Records System Launched At Community Hospital Long Beach
update patients’ records from their own office. Hospital nurses and clinicians use mobile workstations on wheels (WOWs) to update patient records from anywhere on their unit. The system is being used in the emergency department for operating room management, in the laboratory for imaging and therapeutic services, and in the pharmacy. In fact, CHLB is the first MemorialCare Hospital to use the Bar Code Medication
A three-year-long journey to bring an electronic medical records system to Community Hospital Long Beach culminated on September 1 of this year with the successful launch of the Epic EMR system. This $6 million investment
in
computer hardware,
L E G A C Y
identity and medication information against data stored in an online medication administration record. It uses bar code scanning to increase the accuracy and efficiency of the administration of medications. It also provides physicians faster and easier access to critical information to manage patient care. Training on the Epic system has been ongoing for physicians and hospital staff since July. Eighteen “Super Users” re-
and staff training
ceived four days of intensive training to support the
brings CHLB to
implementation phase of the program. In addition, staff mem-
the forefront of
bers received content-specific training tailored to their jobs.
patient care
Adrian Taves, MSN, RN, director of Education and Clinical
practices.
Transformation at CHLB, states, “The implementation of the
The system
program went very smoothly. Everyone has been very sup-
allows doctors, nurses
portive of the introduction of the Epic System and it has been
and patient care-
very exciting to watch our staff and physicians taking to it so
givers the ability to
quickly.” The introduction of the Epic EMR system is just an-
connect with each
other example of how MemorialCare is supporting the health
an
O U R
patient safety by using bedside verification to confirm patient
software
other and provide
G R O W I N G
Administration feature of the system. This module improves
unprecedented
level of patient care regardless of their location. Replacing the traditional paper record, the Epic system spans hospital departments and provides each member of the patient care team seamless access
care needs of the community. ■
A Community Emergency Department With Something Special
to a patient’s complete medical record. It ensures that clinical
No one looks forward to making an unexpected trip to a hos-
decisions are based on the most up-to-date information and
pital ED. However, more than 300,000 Americans on average
promotes care that is safe and well coordinated.
are treated in our nation’s emergency departments every day,
All of the components of this system work together to in-
according to the latest government statistics, with patients
crease patient safety, automate manual processes, and im-
being treated for a wide variety of medical conditions. So, isn’t
prove communication amongst clinicians. This will result in
it nice to know that the Community Hospital Long Beach’s
more informed and effective treatment and decision making
Emergency Department (ED) is available 24/7 to meet your
for CHLB patients.
emergency medical issues?
Epic is used by all MemorialCare facilities so physicians at any
Whether a patient walks in alone through the glass doors,
of the system’s hospitals and outpatient clinics will be able to
is brought in by family or private ambulance, or arrives via
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Since the purchase by MemorialCare, the number of patients seen on a daily basis at the CHLB ED has risen from approximately 50 per day to its current level of 70 to 80 patients
daily.
This
equates to more than 20,000 patients annually.
G R O W I N G O U R
Typical patients seen in the ED include older adults who come in with symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain or sudden dizziness, or with mental health issues.
L E G A C Y
CHLB’s ED is a certified Dr. Gregory Bush, medical director, Emergency Department Community Hospital Long Beach, consults with a patient.
Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics
city paramedics, the 21-bed newly remodeled ED is a special
(EDAP). An EDAP facility is licensed by the County of Los
place for our patients. The new front lobby space is spacious
Angeles to receive pediatric patients through the 911 sys-
and calming with comfortable furniture and a triage nurse
tem. There are only 42 hospital emergency departments in
stationed right there ready to help each patient with his or
Southern California that meet the stringent requirements
her medical emergency. Every part of the newly redesigned
necessary to receive EDAP certification.
front lobby area was carefully thought out to provide the most efficient use of space to quickly see and treat patients.
“We have a program of continuous improvement in place to constantly review and upgrade our ED readiness,” DeSi-
Meeting with the specially trained triage nurse is the first
mone continues. “We provide our patients with specially
step in the process of being quickly seen in the ED. Triage is
trained physicians and nurses in-house 24/7. We have in-
the process of determining the priority of a patient’s treat-
stalled new equipment and we require ongoing education for
ments based on the severity of his or her condition. This al-
our clinical staff. It’s because of these efforts that our physi-
lows for the efficient treatment of patients by determining the
cians and staff produce the high level of care seen in our ED.”
order and priority of emergency treatments. At CHLB the
But the future holds more changes for the ED. With patient
triage system is used in conjunction with a rapid medical
census increasing and beds always full, CHLB administration
screening process that allows patients to be seen by an ED
is looking to totally restructure the patient treatment areas of
doctor in 30 minutes or less.
the ED. The second phase of the remodeling project is sched-
The ED’s board-certified physicians are part of the Memo-
uled to begin before the end of this year and will include bet-
rialCare System and have clinical privileges at both CHLB
ter use of treatment space, improved workflow areas and
and Long Beach Memorial. Jennifer DeSimone, RN, BSN, and
more effective use of the Epic EMR system via the introduc-
director of the emergency department, says, “We have 20 new
tion of additional workstations on wheels (WOW) units.
ED doctors on staff who are able to see patients at both
So, if you or a loved one thinks you need emergency care,
MemorialCare hospitals in Long Beach. The skill level that
come to the emergency department and have a doctor exam-
they provide lifts all of our clinicians to a higher level of pa-
ine you. If you think the medical condition is life threatening
tient care. We are able to see a higher volume of patients with-
or the person’s condition will worsen on the way to the hos-
out losing any of the quality outcomes that our community
pital, then you need to call 911 and have your local Emer-
expects from us.”
gency Medical Services provider come to you. ■
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CHLB Partners With Cabrillo High School For Occupational Job Program Since early 2008, Community Hospital Long Beach and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School in Long Beach have partnered to provide occupational workforce training opportunities to special education students working towards high school graduation. Students in the Special Education program can be up to 22 years old and may have either mental and/or physical exceptional needs. Students are placed in this program in order to give them every opportunity to succeed in their transition to adulthood. Four to five program students come to the hospital annually and are assigned to jobs throughout the hospital. Students may find themselves working in the food services department, providing clerical help in one of the hospital’s administrative departments or supporting the staff in the medical records department. During the school year, the students usually work one to two hours per day and up to 5-½ hours per day in the summer. The students receive a small cash stipend for their efforts from the Long Beach Unified School District and also receive class credit towards high school graduation.
Janet Nelson, above, is a Cabrillo High School student who also works as a janitor five days a week at Community Hospital Long Beach. The hospital provides occupational workforce training opportunities to special education students who are working towards high school graduation.
To date, a total of 50 students have come to the hospital to gain real world job experience in the health care setting. Dur-
G R O W I N G
ing their time at CHLB, the students learn to develop appropriate work habits and behavior, build their self-confidence and acquire socially responsible behavior. Joseph Gawel, career transition specialist with Cabrillo High, says, “Our students are really motivated to succeed in the work place and CHLB is their first choice to come and get their work experience. They are incredibly interested in learning about the health care field and look forward to coming to the hospital.”
O U R L E G A C Y
Depending on the student’s needs, a teacher may accom-
community and in the workplace setting. The staff at Community Hospital Long Beach is proud to be able to participate in this program and looks forward to having many more students participate in the future. ■
High School Students’ College Dreams Supported Through CAMEO Program
pany them to act as a “job coach” while they are at the hos-
For the past 25 years, the CAMEO Program, an auxiliary or-
pital. The job coach may spend their time providing positive
ganization of the Assistance League of Long Beach, has been
reinforcement to the student or may actually work with the
providing one-on-one mentoring opportunities for academi-
student in helping them to perform their assigned tasks.
cally talented high school and Long Beach City College stu-
The goal of the work exploration program is to prepare
dents. The group, comprised of working and retired
Long Beach high school students with exceptional needs for
professional women from throughout the city, has supported
their future by enabling them to improve their ability to func-
more than 30 students during its history.
tion as independently as possible at home, in school, in the
CAMEO’s chair-elect, Mary Alice McLoughlin, who also
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G R O W I N G
serves as Community Hospital Long Beach’s manager of volunteer services, states, “Our mentors provide educational, practical and emotional support to the students that they mentor. Once assigned a student, they stay with them throughout their high school or community college career.” CAMEO mentors use their personal and
O U R
business experience to provide tips on items such as how to take the SAT test, how to apply to college, and how to pursue potential career options after graduation. They also accompany their students on tours of college campuses and to cultural events throughout the community. Students who are accepted into the CAMEO program receive a myriad of sup-
Mary Alice McLoughlin, manager of Volunteer Services at Community Hospital Long Beach, is flanked by CAMEO program students Amazi Briggs, left, and Gizel Ramos. CAMEO, which provides one-on-one mentoring opportunities for high school and Long Beach City College students, is a program of the Assistance League of Long Beach.
L E G A C Y
port services in addition to their one-on-one mentorships. They attend career-oriented workshops and cultural activities, receive financial aid for educational scholarships, computer equipment and school supplies, and are offered paid summer internships with local business partners such as Community Hospital Long Beach. “CHLB has been very generous in its participation in the CAMEO program,” McLoughlin states. “Two of our students were placed in internships at the hospital this last summer and we look forward to placing additional students here in the future.” The students worked a full 40 hours per week from June through August and were paid a stipend by CHLB and the CAMEO program. Students also received money to purchase business-appropriate attire to wear while at the hospital. High school student Amazi Briggs worked throughout the summer in the hospital’s Health Information Management Department. While there she assisted hospital staff by doing an assortment of filing, charting and re-
Ashley Davis, R.N., is an example of how the CAMEO program can lead to success. With help from a CAMEO mentor, she completed her education, recieved her degree as a registered nurse, and is now employed in the critical care unit at Community Hospital Long Beach.
search projects. Fellow high school student Gizel Ramos spent
In addition to their mentoring support, the women of
her time in the Information Systems Department. There, she
CAMEO also provide financial scholarships to students who
worked throughout the hospital helping in the implementa-
go on to college. Last year more than $18,500 was provided
tion of the Epic electronic medical records system.
to deserving students.
Ashley Davis, a former nursing student at Long Beach City
CAMEO is always looking for bright, motivated students
College, is an excellent example of the success that comes from
who are interested in pursuing professional careers to
the CAMEO program. Through the help of her CAMEO men-
apply to their program. They are also looking for profes-
tor, she earned her R.N. degree and is now working for Com-
sional women who would like to give their time and energy
munity Hospital Long Beach as a nurse in the critical care unit.
to be mentors. ■
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Not Easy Times For The Practice Of Psychiatry – Closing The Gap In Long Beach
Krikor started at CHLB in 2011, I knew I would eventually get that call, so that together we could explore the multitude of possibilities in providing that excellent quality care to the community of Long Beach. Without hesitation, I joined the medical staff at CHLB and waited for the right moment. The call came around noon the day before the Super Bowl. A day later, the Giants would dismantle the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI and a day after that I would touch down at LAX and drive directly to CHLB to
■ By Clifford R. Feldman, M.D., Medical Director,
begin work. For the next six weeks, with the demands of the
MemorialCare Center for Mental Health & Wellness
services, I took calls every night, admitted and discharged
Community Hospital Long Beach When an argument can be made that mental health programs are needed more than ever, hospitals and municipalities are eliminating care to the mentally ill. A very large tertiary care center in the heart of Los Angeles closed down its department of psychiatry and all relevant mental health programs less than two years ago. Another smaller community hospital with a geriatric psychiatry unit closed its doors in Thousand Oaks. The list goes on and on. Our state has lost more than 3,500 inpatient psychiatric beds in the last 10 years. Insurances cut payments to psychiatrists and minimized availability of psychological services to patients as well. This has resulted in many of our health care providers getting out of this business and instead contracting for these services with a third party.
G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
every patient, wrote every note and did every consult, until another, as excited and as motivated, psychiatrist joined our medical staff. We then had a team to start building the vision. During the past two years, with the support of Long Beach Memorial and the MemorialCare Health System, we have been able to do remarkable things. While we improved the existing unit, we introduced a new Geriatric Psychiatry Program, as well as a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Program for new mothers with depression, anxiety or other symptoms too difficult to manage on their own. We have brought new teaching programs to CHLB by training third-year USC/Keck medical students and by affiliating with the University of California, Irvine Psychiatric Residency Program. Third-year UCI psychiatry residents now run the newly established outpatient psychiatric clinic. We started a long-acting injectable antipsychotic clinic for schizophrenic patients who have a problem with medication compliance.
Psychiatric patients are left to pay the price. After each
We opened an Intensive Outpatient Program/Partial Hospi-
tragedy in the news, there are calls in the media for improved
talization Program for patients who prefer group therapy and
access to psychiatric care for patients. It goes on for a couple
need a higher level of care than the clinic can offer. These pro-
of weeks and then fades away. Nobody speaks up for the
grams all help reduce the relapse rate, which is a real problem
most vulnerable of patients: the psychiatric patient.
in this community.
In 2012, I got a call, which ran counter to the above, from
Furthermore, we are one of only a handful of hospitals in
Krikor Jansezian, PhD, the administrator of Community Hos-
Southern California that offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimula-
pital Long Beach (CHLB). He asked me to join the medical
tion (TMS) therapy under the leadership of Todd Hutton, M.D.,
staff of CHLB and help build new psychiatric programs and
a psychiatrist and the medical director of this care. All of these
expand on its current offerings. What? Not just work in the
programs are located on the CHLB campus in East Long Beach.
existing 28-bed adult inpatient unit, but improve and enlarge
The future looks very bright. Soon, we will be proud to open
psychiatric services in the Long Beach Area? Improve the
our Addiction Medicine Program for patients struggling with
quality of care and nurture academics and preventative care
withdrawal issues. Next will come an adolescent psychiatry
also? It was the call I had been waiting for.
inpatient/outpatient center with a world-class program to ad-
I had known Krikor since 2006 from our work together at
dress this under-served population.
another major institution in the San Gabriel Valley. We had a
This forward thinking, coupled with the supportive envi-
history of starting programs and innovating together for the
ronment and mission of MemorialCare, shines as a beacon of
benefit of the community's mental health patients. When
hope in uneasy times. ■
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Second-To-None Surgery Experience
machines that help to carefully monitor our patients’ vital signs during surgical procedures. Specific to cosmetic surgery, CHLB is now offering overnight stays for eligible patients. Patients staying
■ By Jeffrey Solomon, M.D.
overnight are treated to the same quality nursing care as
Medical Director, Anesthesiology
our other inpatients and avoid having to be transferred to
Community Hospital Long Beach
a separate hospital for their post-operative care. In addition to the changes in cosmetic surgery, we are developing a
The team of highly-skilled surgeons, anesthesiologists,
new ophthalmology program for advanced cataract surgi-
surgical nurses and technicians at Community Hospital
cal procedures to help not only improve vision, but de-
Long Beach (CHLB) have been hard at work raising the, al-
crease surgery and recovery times.
ready high, standard of surgical care provided at our hos-
Another improvement that will greatly impact the quality
pital. Comprised of a mix of surgery veterans, who
of care received at CHLB is the introduction of the new in-
embody the community aspect of CHLB’s patient experi-
tegrated electronic medical record (EMR) system, Epic®.
ence, as well as new surgeons, nurses and technicians –
With the integration of Epic®, CHLB is now electronically
who bring the latest information and technological ad-
linked to the rest of the MemorialCare Health System’s hos-
vances with them – the surgical team at CHLB is ready to
pitals and outpatient centers, which helps to provide safe,
handle whatever cases come our way.
quality care and create a more consistent patient experience
At CHLB, patients can expect attentive, personal and quality care from the surgical team that is capable of performing a
G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
before, during, and after surgery. With all of the recent additions and changes to the surgi-
wide variety of routine and specialized surgical procedures including, but not limited to: Bariatric; Cardiac procedures; Dental; ENT; General
surgery;
GI/Endoscopy; Gynecologic; Ophthalmic; Orthopedic; Podiatry;
Plastic; Thoracic;
Urology; and Vascular. In an effort to provide patients with the best possible surgical experience,
CHLB
has
begun actively building the general, orthopedic and
plastic
surgery
specialties by attracting talented new surgeons to join the surgical team. CHLB also has recently begun working with California Anesthesia Associ-
cal care programs at Community Hospital Long Beach, it is
ates, which has a group of 32 board-certified anesthesiolo-
safe to say that we are creating a patient experience that is
gists. We purchased three new advanced anesthesia
truly second-to-none. ■
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We are getting ready for exciting changes as we prepare
Link To Health Care
to remodel our nursing and physician workstations to cre-
■ By Gregory Bush, M.D.
ate an even more modern and hygienic environment
Medical Director, Emergency Department
within the treatment area. New workflows and procedures
Community Hospital Long Beach
also are being developed to reduce the amount of time you will have to be in the emergency department so you can re-
The emergency department is often the last place someone
turn to the comfort of your home or one of our inpatient
would want to be. However, when circumstances cause you
rooms as quickly as possible to keep your comfort levels
to be there, you are typically thankful there is a place to go.
up while recovering. ■
The emergency department is the link between the community and the hospital. The majority of patients who need care enter the hospital
through
the
emergency department. With that in mind, at Community Hospital Long Beach, we are taking great strides to improve your experience in the emergency department, as well as the care you will receive. Your comfort is important to us. We know the last thing you want to do is sit in a waiting room in pain or distress wondering when you or your loved one will be able to see the doctor. Because of this we have revamped our front-end processes to ensure you will be seen as soon as possible. But, there will be times when there will be some waiting; this is
G R O W I N G
just an unavoidable fact of emergency departments in this age of health care. If you are in this situation, we have remodeled our waiting room to improve your comfort and help you pass the time more quickly. We also put procedures in place, that bring our doctors out to you if we cannot get you back to us
Community Hospital Long Beach ‘Originals’ Are you an “Original?” Fillmore Condit, founder and first president of Community Hospital Long Beach, had a granddaughter who was one. If fact, she was the very first Original born at the newly opened Community Hospital Long Beach. So how do you know if you are an Original? It’s simple. Anyone born at CHLB during the last 90 years is considered an Original baby. Kathy Berry, development officer at the hospital, states, “We like to keep track of all of the babies who were born at the hospital. Our records go back all the way to the founding of the hospital in 1924. We keep the names, birthdates and contact information in a big ledger book in the foundation offices. We’re still missing quite a few from over the past 90 years, but more and more Originals are checking in with us all the time.” One such Original is John McWilliams, the 66th baby born at the hospital on November 11, 1924. John, was born at 8:25 p.m., weighing 9 lbs., with Dr. Doe as the attending physi-
in order to speed up the delivery of your health care. We have been upgrading our technology and equipment in the emergency department. We now have access to an elec-
O U R L E G A C Y
tronic medical record system that allows us to better track your health care, cut down on unnecessary tests and prevent medical errors. We can now share medical records with a large number of area hospitals, as well as others throughout Southern California including Long Beach Memorial and Kaiser Permanente. Should you need advanced cardiac monitoring, we now have all of our emergency department beds equipped with telemetry monitors so that we will know immediately if you are having a problem.
The “baby floor” at Community Hospital Long Beach in the 1950s
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G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
Pictured above is Page 1 of the book listing babies born at Community Hospital Long Beach from 1924 through 1936. Baby #1 was born to Mrs. Robert Smith on July 27, 1924. The right page of the ledger shows the weight, sex, physician’s name, birth number and any remarks about the birth. During August 1924, 17 babies were listed, as the tabulations at bottom left indicate.
cian. John has lived and worked in Long Beach for most of his life. He spent two years, seven months and eight days in the army and then attended Stanford University where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. He then went to work for McDonnell Douglas until 1980, when he retired. Berry also recently interviewed another Original as part of the hospital’s 90th anniversary celebration. Helen Graham Freeborn was born on October 25, 1929, making her the 1,875th baby born at the hospital. While still a child, her mother brought her next door to the Tichner Clinic to treat her flat feet. Helen and her two sisters grew up near Wilson High School, where she took nurse’s aide classes. In fact, Helen spent a year at CHLB as a candy striper! Her middle son, who just turned 60, was born at the hospital as well as her 26-year-old grandson. Helen retired from Schmitz School after a 25-year career of teaching primarily the 3rd and 4th grades. If you were born at Community Hospital Long Beach and want to add your name and story to the growing list of Originals, please contact Berry at the CHLB Foundation, 562/494-0576 or by e-mail at kberry2@memorialcare.org. She would love to hear from you! ■
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Current members of the Long Beach Community Hospital Foundation Board are (not in order of photograph): CHLB Foundation Executive Committee – Interim Chair Ross Riddle of South Coast Shingle Co. Inc.; Secretary Kit Katz of St. Mary Medical Center; Treasurer Jeff Wimbish of Kensington Investment Counsel; Community Leader Suzanne Nosworthy; Andrea Caballero of Catalyst for Payment Reform; and Immediate Past Chair John Koenig of The Koenig Companies. Foundation Boardmembers are: Andrew Barber of Crisell & Associates; Beverly Cook, president, Las Damas de la Plaza; MJ Dornford of Zim Lines; Twyla Karkut, president, CHLB Auxiliary; Mary Lockington, Esq., attorney at law; Dennis Mc Conkey of Jalate, Inc.; Brad Miles of INCO Commercial Realty Services; Jan Miller of the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; Mark Taylor, Office of the Mayor, City of Long Beach; Machelle Thompson of Keen Home Care; Rick Trice, community leader; Paul Velasco, Esq., attorney at law; and Linda Wallace of Financial & Insurance Solutions.
CHLB Foundation Provides Support To Keep Hospital At Cutting Edge Of Health Care
invaluable programs that are so critical to the hospital. Proceeds from events, such as the long-running Community Classic Annual Golf Tournament, ensure that CHLB continues to provide quality health care for the diverse needs of our community. In addition to the funds raised by the Foundation directly, there are several affinity groups of philanthropically minded organizations that also dedicate their time and effort in hosting independent fundraising events in support of the hospi-
The Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation (CHLB), which serves as the philanthropic arm of the hospital, was founded in 1972 by four local business executives: Vail ”Bud” Young, president and later chairman of the board of Buffums’ department stores; Robert Matheny of Bank of
G R O W I N G
tal. The oldest of these groups is the Community Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary. For more than 50 years, the members of this organization have been committed to supporting the hospital through the staffing of the hospital gift shop. The 120
America; Jim Gray, an auto dealer at the time; and Jess
members of this group have provided thousands of hours of
Grundy, who managed a securities/investment firm. The
volunteer service with all of the profits from the hospital gift
Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has
shop going directly to the Foundation to support hospital
raised more than $33 million for hospital programs, services
programs and services.
and equipment since its formation.
The next group to be spotlighted is Las Damas de la Plaza.
By reaching out and tapping into the generosity of indi-
This small group of approximately 40 women raises money
viduals, corporations and organizations, CHLB Founda-
for the hospital by holding an annual “Walk the Red Car-
tion is able to provide the cutting-edge equipment and
pet” event. This year was the sixth year that they hosted this musical revue, with all proceeds
benefiting
CHLB. The group was
O U R
founded in 1984 to promote and advance the welfare of Community
L E G A C Y
Hospital Long Beach. A prime mover in philanthropic projects for the Businesses throughout Long Beach and beyond have long supported the Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation. Above, Roger Reyburn, left, a Trustee and Foundation Director, presents a check Carl Calkins, who served as Long Beach Police Chief, is pictured in his role as chairman of the Comfrom his employer, GTE, to Foundation Vice Presi- munity Hospital Long Beach Foundation’s Community Relations Committee. Committee members indent Stewart Bachtelle. cluded, from left: Susan Bell, Marni Stegeman, Diane Coltrane and B.J. Arnold.
hospital since 1985 has been the CHLB Employees Foundation Commit-
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The Legacy Wall celebrates employees, volunteers, physicians and community members who embody the spirit of Community Hospital Long Beach. Inductees are selected each year to honor their commitment and dedication to the patiencts and families they serve. Previous inductees, pictured at left are, top from left: Jo Whelan Plato, inducted in 2012; Harald Arndt, M.D., 2013; Linda Basile, R.N., 2013; and Suzanne Nosworthy, 2013. On bottom row is Eugene Temkin, M.D., 2013. Joining them this year, following ceremonies held October 9, are, pictured below from left: E. Mike Vasilomanolakes, M.D., Pam Dingwell, CHLB Foundation coordinator; and Dennis Parmer, M.D., retired, Emergency Department of CHLB.
h Coast Catalyst s Damas al Realty mmunity
G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
tee. This employee-run organization raises money
pleted 15 years of service at the hospital, whether through
through donations as well as bake sales, wine tasting so-
years of employment, philanthropic efforts or volunteer
cials, and other events. Since 1985, the hospital's employ-
hours given. They must also have shown that they exem-
ees, currently numbering around 600, have made made more than $1.3 million in tax-deductible contributions to hospital improvement projects. Additionally, the CHLB Foundation depends on its Board of Directors and Trustees to promote excellence and
plify the commitment and dedication of providing the highest quality of patient care to the patients and families who utilize the hospital. Located in the main hallway on the first floor of the hos-
integrity throughout the organization. These groups of
pital, the Legacy Wall showcases photographs of current
men and women are vital not only in supporting the work
and past winners.
of the Foundation but also in fostering relationships with
Krikor Jansezian, Ph.D., administrator of Community
community groups and businesses to facilitate donations
Hospital, says, “Having advanced programs and equip-
to the hospital. ■
ment is important to the hospital, but it’s our physicians,
Legacy Wall: Honoring Those Who Give Back
staff, community members and volunteers who make Community Hospital Long Beach special. It’s the personal commitment shown by these men and women that provides our patients with the exceptional patient care that they deserve and expect.”
The Community Hospital Long Beach Legacy Wall was
For 2014, the hospital has named two physicians and one
created in 2010 to honor physicians, staff members, com-
staff member to be placed on the Legacy Wall. This year’s
munity members and volunteers who have shown that they
inductees are Pam Dingwell, Foundation coordinator at the
represent the “community spirit” that has been the driving
Community Hospital Foundation; E. Mike Vasilomanolakis,
force at the hospital since it opened in 1924. The award cel-
M.D., chief of staff for CHLB; and Dennis Parmer, M.D., (re-
ebrates those members of a close community of health care
tired) staff physician in the hospital’s emergency depart-
professionals who embody the spirit of the hospital.
ment. A formal ceremony was held at the hospital on
Three to four inductees are selected each year by a com-
Thursday, October 9. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments
mittee of their peers and from the administrative team of the
as the photographs of the honorees were unveiled to the
hospital. In order to be selected, individuals must have com-
public for the first time.
■
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There are a number of techniques that CHLB has used to create a healing environment. These include: • Increase a patient’s connection to nature by creating an outdoor healing garden that patients and family members can utilize during hospitalization; • Reduce environmental stressors by playing soothing music in all areas of the hospital. This is coupled with a conscious effort to make sure that all extraneous noise in patient care areas is kept to a minimum; • Newly admitted patients are hand delivered a flower by hospital staff;
Hospital Creates A Healing Environment To Improve Patient Outcomes When you think of a calm, peaceful place, what comes to mind? A spa? A Japanese garden? Few would think of a hospital. But that’s exactly the thinking behind the healing environment philosophy at Community Hospital Long Beach. There is a growing body of evidence that shows the benefits of creating a healing environment within the hospital setting. But what exactly is a healing environment and how does it affect the patient? Among other things, a healing environment takes ideas
G R O W I N G
from environmental psychology, sociology, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, nursing, medicine, and public health and combines them in a way to reduce stress in patients, family members and visitors of a hospital. These changes also can help prevent medical errors and hospital-acquired infections, while improving staff morale and efficiency. Healing environments are de-
O U R L E G A C Y
signed to promote a harmony of mind, body and spirit, which positively affects our health in a number of ways. For example, a noisy, confusing hospital room might leave a patient not only feeling worried, sad or helpless, but also might raise their blood pressure and heart rate and increase muscle tension.
• Fresh baked cookies are delivered to every patient daily (alternatives are available for those patients on special diets); • Hospital volunteers visit every patient on a daily basis to chat and find out how they are doing; • Before dinner, hospital EVS staff provides patients with towels that are heated, scented and moist; • Food Service provides a fresh loaf of bread to patients on their day of discharge along with a card signed by all dietary staff; and • Patients are provided with masks and earplugs on request. According to a statement from the director of the Ancillary and Support Services, “The Community Healing Program builds relationships between patients and hospital staff. It encourages the cultivation of these healing relationships because patients may have the same nursing staff during their entire stay. Thus staff, patients and family members get to know and become comfortable with each other.” While the program has only been rolled out since April of this year, hospital staff and patients have been ecstatic about the results. As one staffer say, “Employees have really taken to the program and are continually coming up with new methods of improving our patient satisfaction levels.” And as for the patients, well who doesn’t like fresh baked cookies and hand delivered flowers? ■
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Introducing New Level Of Patient Care: Addiction Medicine Program Community Hospital Long Beach is proud to announce
Care for patients is provided by specially trained staff skilled in treating both the medical and addiction patient. Staff nurses, licensed clinical therapists and administrative staff all work closely with each patient and their physician to help them get the care and support they need. For those patients requiring additional medical or psychiatric care, referring physicians are available to meet their needs from the MemorialCare Health network.
the November 2014 opening of a 10-bed Addiction Medi-
Hopey Witherby, MSN/ED, RN, BC and director of the Center
cine Program for patients requiring inpatient care for drug
for Mental Health & Wellness, says, “Approximately 65 percent
and alcohol addiction.
of our patients have a dual diagnosis of psychiatric issues as
The stand-alone unit will be located on the first floor of the
well as their addiction issue. Our program is designed to suc-
hospital and will provide a secure and secluded environ-
cessfully treat these patients and then transfer them to a follow-
ment for patients. The unit itself will consist of a serene area,
up facility so that they can receive the appropriate level of care.
combining soothing colors and quiet meditative spaces. Pa-
MemorialCare was passionate about meeting the needs of the
tients will enjoy private rooms, a patient lounge with a
community when it designed this program. We wanted to en-
kitchen area and a wide-screen television, and intimate ther-
sure that our patients will have a safe and secure location to re-
apy rooms for meetings with clinicians and family members.
ceive treatment and be able to eventually return to their homes.”
G R O W I N G O U R L E G A C Y
The unit will offer a rapid detox treatment regimen that will provide 24-hour support and medical monitoring. Inpatient treatment typically lasts up to seven days, after which patients are referred to a wide range of follow-up programs, depending on their condition. This can include longterm rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics or, for those patients with psychiatric issues, a partial hospitalization intensive outpatient program such as that offered by CHLB. The chemical dependency team at CHLB is highly qualified in addiction treatment. They provide patients with the complete range of medical, psychological and social services and the support they need to begin to overcome their addictions and to address the often-serious health problems addiction can cause. Community Hospital Long Beach offers a continuum of patient care comprised of physicians, nurses, dieticians and support staff who are dedicated to providing 100 percent patient satisfaction. The team is led by Medical Director
Mario San Bartolome, M.D., is the medical director of the soon to open Addiction Medicine Program at CHLB, and Hopey Witherby, MSN, ED, RN, BC, is the director of the Center for Mental Health & Wellness.
Mario San Bartolome, M.D., who is board-certified in Ad-
CHLB is the only hospital in the Long Beach area that will
diction Medicine and Family Medicine. He attended med-
offer an inpatient rapid detox program. Typically, patients will
ical school at the University of California, Irvine, School of
be referred by their physician, by other detox programs, or even
Medicine and completed his residency at the Long Beach
by themselves. Currently, the program is able to provide serv-
Memorial Family Medicine Residency program. He recently
ices to patients over the age of 18. However, long-term plans for
joined the medical staff at CHLB after relocating his practice
the program include the addition of an adolescent program to
from Pismo Beach, California.
treat teens who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction.
Dr. Bartolome states, “Addiction is a treatable disease. In my
The Addiction Medicine Program is just the start of the ex-
practice, I use a combination of medications and counseling
panding mental health and wellness services that the physi-
to treat substance abuse. I believe in fostering an open-
cians and staff of the hospital look forward to providing in
minded, respectful and secure clinical environment.”
the near future. ■
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