St. Clair Hospital HouseCall Vol II Issue 4

VOLUMEII, II,ISSUE ISSUE42 VOLUME

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ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

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MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY CASE STUDY

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ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

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ASK THE DOCTOR

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NEW PATIENT OBSERVATION UNIT

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ER EARNS HIGHEST RANKING

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ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL LIFELINE PROGRAM

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New Operating Rooms Meet Increasing Demand

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LEADING TEC HNNOLOGY Pinpointing Cancer Earlier

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or decades, patients with suspicious spots in their lungs have undergone

a bronchoscopy, in which a lighted flexible tube is inserted into the lungs to help surgeons pinpoint the location of the lesion and to take a sample to biopsy it.

Trouble is, an estimated two-thirds of lung lesions are outside the reach of a conventional bronchoscope – an instrument that provides safe, painless access to the lungs, but yields an answer only 33 percent of the time.

In those cases, surgeons will often turn to other methods to reach the lesions, including needle aspiration, an often effective procedure, but one that can result in a collapsed lung. Or, patients might CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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t. Clair Hospital surgeons perform more than 11,000

ANTONIO J. RIPEPI, M.D., GENERAL SURGEON, in one of the three new operating rooms.

surgeries each year and that number is expected to increase approximately

3 percent to 4 percent annually. To meet the growing demand, the Hospital unveiled the area’s newest surgical facilities this fall, featuring three state-of-the-art operating CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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Advanced Surgical Techniques Improve Patient Experience

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ears ago, most surgical incisions were measured

experience is as safe as possible. While all surgeries

in inches. But today’s advances in minimally

involve certain risks, the Hospital’s professional staff

invasive surgery have led to many procedures being

has implemented many initiatives that pay particular

performed through the tiniest of slits – measuring

attention to infection control, blood clot reduction

only a few millimeters. What was once regarded as

and pain management, effectively reducing or even

technology available only in the distant future,

preventing these risks. This unparalleled dedication

minimally invasive surgery is the foundation of

to clinical excellence and patient safety has resulted

today’s health care environment and the result of

in the Hospital’s receipt of numerous regional and

specially designed, sophisticated tools that allow

national awards.

St. Clair Hospital’s surgeons to perform numerous complex surgeries with small surgical incisions.

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include

“One of the most important advantages of having your surgery at St. Clair is that your care is coordinated by your surgeon,” says Antonio J. Ripepi, M.D., a

excellent surgical outcomes, fewer complications, less

board-certified general surgeon who performed Western

blood loss, quicker healing, a shorter recovery period

Pennsylvania’s first single-incision gallbladder surgical

and hospital stay, minimal pain, nominal or no

procedure at St. Clair Hospital in October 2008. “The

scarring, and a return to one’s normal activities much

physician you meet initially is the same surgeon who

sooner. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are also

performs your surgery and provides follow-up care

useful in analyzing diseases or illnesses that prove to

leading to a completely personalized, and superior

be diagnostically challenging and in helping to make

surgical experience.”

terminally ill patients more comfortable throughout the remainder of their care.

“There are so many surgical options available at

Kevin Bordeau, M.D., a board-certified urological surgeon at St. Clair, agrees. “St. Clair Hospital is a growing, technologically advanced hospital. The

St. Clair Hospital,” says G. Alan Yeasted, M.D., Senior

open and friendly environment here allows surgeons

Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at St. Clair.

to be immediately available to patients to answer

“Our highly trained surgical staff continually produces

questions, explain procedures, and, ultimately, lessen

excellent results and outcomes for patients.”

their anxiety.”

With an ongoing focus on patient safety and pain management, St. Clair has developed a number of

For more information about minimally invasive surgical services

measures to ensure that every patient’s surgical

at St. Clair Hospital, please visit www.stclair.org.

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G. ALAN YEASTED, M.D., SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Patient’s Rare Syndrome Effectively Treated Using Minimally Invasive Approach ng Hui Khor of Upper St. Clair was an active 35-year-old

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medication cycle continued for several years, with no one

who consumed a diet rich in fruits and vegetables,

medication sustaining an adequate blood pressure level.

exercised regularly and maintained a healthy weight. So it was

When his blood pressure was still high and his potassium

surprising and perplexing when his blood pressure levels

level was low during a routine physical at age 40, Mr. Khor’s

were consistently high.

Initially, Mr. Khor was placed on medication to control his high blood pressure, but after awhile,the medications ceased working and another medication needed to be prescribed. This changing

“

I couldn’t believe that this type of surgery could be done in a minimally invasive manner, at a hospital right in my backyard.

–Eng Hui Khor of Upper St. Clair

”

primary care physician, James Moretti, M.D., a board-certified family practice physician at St. Clair Hospital, suspected a condition known as Conn’s syndrome. A rare and often underdiagnosed condition, Conn’s syndrome (also called primary hyperaldosteronism) is a disorder in which excess amounts of the hormone aldosterone are produced by the adrenal glands, which are located atop each kidney. Along with causing high blood pressure and low potassium levels, Conn’s syndrome can also produce headache, fatigue, increased urine production, muscular weakness and excessive thirst.

To further investigate the condition, Dr. Moretti scheduled an appointment for Mr. Khor with Qizhi Xie, M.D., a board-certified nephrologist at St. Clair. Following blood work and a kidney Following minimally invasive surgery, patient ENG HUI KHOR was able to be discharged the next day and return to everyday activities without delay.

ultrasound, Mr. Khor’s potassium levels were determined to be low, and his aldosterone levels were high. Dr. Xie recommended a CT (computerized tomography) scan – this time CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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Pinpointing Cancer Earlier CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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THE iLOGIC INREACH SYSTEM AT WORK On a recent afternoon in a Hospital operating room, Dr. Maley

undergo surgical biopsy, a highly invasive procedure in which

used the iLogic system to obtain a sample from a lymph node in

an incision is made in the chest cavity.

the right lung of 63-year-old Donald Drew of Bridgeville.

Now, physicians at St. Clair Hospital have another option

Just prior to being put to sleep for the procedure, Donald

to help them reach so-called “distal” lung lesions, as well as

explains to an observer that he was diagnosed with Large B-Cell

enlarged lymph nodes that might be harboring lymphoma, a

Lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system of his neck, a little

cancer of the lymphatic system, a part of the body’s built-in

over two years ago.

defense system that, ironically, is designed to help fight diseases.

t h e

Donald says he was in remission for about 15 months when

The iLogic Inreach system by Minneapolis-based superDimension provides access to lung lesions or lymph nodes with GPS (Global Positioning Satellite)-like electronic navigation. In essence, it works by effectively extending the reach of a conventional bronchoscope through the use of steerable catheters which are guided by a 3D map of the lungs shown on a high definition screen.

“I think this is the best technology that we have had to date to get a tissue diagnosis of these hard to reach spots,” says Richard H. Maley, M.D., a board-certified thoracic surgeon at St. Clair

“

I think this is the best technology that we have had to date to get

a tissue diagnosis of these hard to reach spots. As far as diagnosing,

–Richard H. Maley, M.D., Certified Thoracic Surgeon, St. Clair Hospital

Hospital. “As far as diagnosing, this is state-of-the-art,” he says, noting that the system provides an answer approximately 80 percent of the time.

”

this is state-of-the-art.

a follow-up exam revealed a cancerous nodule on his right lung and an enlarged lymph node in the center of his chest.

A biopsy of the lung nodule showed lung cancer, not lymphoma. Perhaps, Donald’s oncologist wondered at the time, the lung cancer had spread to the lymph node. But while three chemotherapy treatments for the lung cancer helped shrink the tumor, it had no affect on the enlarged lymph node. In fact, it grew larger.

As Donald is prepped for the procedure in the operating room, Dr. Maley explains that he needs to access the lymph node to determine if Donald’s lymphoma, once confined to his neck, was now also in his chest, or if the lymph node just contained drug

The iLogic Inreach system enables doctors to access hard-to-reach nodules or lymph nodes.

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resistant lung cancer.

Lymph nodes in the chest, though, are not directly accessible via the windpipe, explains Dr. Maley. “So we’re going to use the

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DR. MALEY, foreground right, uses GPS-like navigation to steer a catheter through the lung of a patient.

navigational system to find the lymph node right outside of the windpipe. Once we find it, I’ll use a needle in the catheter to stick

Mathew A. Van Deusen, M.D., Stephen G. Basheda, D.O., and

it through the windpipe and into the lymph node and extract

Evan R. Restelli, D.O. are the first doctors to use the iLogic Inreach

some cells for biopsy.”

system in Pittsburgh, helping pinpoint cancer in hard-to-reach

Using the iLogic system and a high resolution image of Donald’s lungs and chest cavity, which earlier had been captured by a St. Clair CT radiologist using the Hospital’s

areas of the lungs earlier in patients like Donald and others.

For more information on the iLogic Inreach system, please contact one of the above physicians. Contact information is available at www.stclair.org.

state-of-the-art 64 Slice Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner, Dr. Maley steers the catheter toward the lymph node.

Once he collects a sample of the lymph node, it is placed on a sterile microscope slide and examined by a team from the Hospital’s Pathology Department who quietly slip into the operating room during the procedure.

Unfortunately, the lymph node biopsy showed the node contained lung cancer cells. Donald is receiving radiation therapy treatments at St. Clair Hospital to kill the drugresistant tumor.

RICHARD H.MALEY, JR., M. D. earned his medical degree at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Kentucky, Lexington. He also completed a fellowship in Trauma/Critical Care at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Maley completed his residency in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and a fellowship in thoracic surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City. He is board-certified by The American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Ma ley and fellow St . Clair Hospital physicians 5

E l e c t r o n i c

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Electronic Patient Records Help St. Clair and Physicians Coordinate Care

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t. Clair Hospital has teamed with GE

PPCP was an early adopter of ambulatory EHR. Schaeffer

Healthcare and South Hills-based Preferred

said PPCP’s real world experience in using electronic

Healthcare Informatics (PHI) to place the Hospital and

health records proved invaluable in designing and

its physicians among the most integrated users of

operating the new synthesized system and in helping

electronic health records (EHR) in the region.

“The arrangement between St. Clair Hospital, GE Healthcare and PHI is the first of its kind in the region,” said Richard J. Schaeffer, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, St. Clair Hospital. “The electronic health records, available to any of the 550 physicians with admitting privileges at St. Clair Hospital, include all of a patient’s electronic information from all sites of care (hospital stays, emergency department visits, physician office visits, and eventually skilled nursing facility data) within the St. Clair community, and present it to a physician in a single view. Using this technology, the patient’s health records are synthesized across the different sites of care. This provides a convenient and more complete picture of patients’ health and enables physicians to make the highest quality clinical decisions for patients.”

The collaboration further advances St. Clair Hospital’s leading position in health care information technology.

Electronic health records put all patient information at the fingertips of physicians.

The Hospital was among the first six hospitals in the country to receive the Stage 6 award from HIMSS, the leading trade association for health care information

physicians utilize it to its fullest.

“Over the past six years, physicians with PPCP have

technology, recognizing St. Clair’s early implementation

learned how to practice more effectively using electronic

of electronic health records and other digital

health records,” said Dr. Louis A. Civitarese, President

safety systems.

of Preferred Healthcare Informatics and a practicing

This latest enhancement fully integrates information

physician with PPCP. “More importantly, we’ve learned

from both the Hospital and physician office settings,

how to provide even better medical care to our

enabling better coordination of patient care. Schaeffer

patients as a result of having this technology.”

noted that PHI is the informatics division of Preferred

Dr. Civitarese, who has served on the Ambulatory

Primary Care Physicians (PPCP), a 32-physician group

and Advanced Quality Workgroups for the Certification

with 17 practice locations in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Committee on Health Information Technology

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(CCHIT), the national organization that first began certifying

ASK THE

EHR technology, said EHR allows physicians to document and

DOCTOR

view comprehensive medical histories, order diagnostic testing and

...we’ve learned how to

“

provide even better medical care to our patients as a result of having this technology.

”

–Dr. Louis A. Civitarese, President of Preferred Healthcare Informatics and a practicing physician with PPCP

view the results, send electronic prescriptions to pharmacies, and view electronic alerts for potentially harmful drug interactions or allergies.

For patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, EHR provides physicians with sophisticated “decision support” tools based on clinical guidelines. For example, physicians can be alerted when patients with chronic conditions are due for medical services according to clinical guidelines.

Moreover, EHR connects members of a patient’s health care team by allowing providers to electronically send and receive test results and other important medical information as they consult with each other. With the push of a button or click of a computer mouse, EHR, empowered with the new HIE technology, puts a patient’s most current and accurate medical information at a physician’s fingertips within seconds, and does so in a secure manner that protects patient confidentiality. EHR also allows a patient to manage his or her own personal health record.

Physicians with Fatigati/Nalin Associates, which, along with PPCP, is one of the South Hills’ largest primary care providers, are among the first doctors to use St. Clair Hospital’s new synthesized EHR. “My colleagues and I appreciate the benefits that this system provides,” said Mario J. Fatigati, M.D. “In particular, the enhancements to patient care and patient safety are what our doctors like most about this huge leap in health care technology.”

DR. RYAN ZUZEK

Q:

Can a statin neutralize the cardiovascular risk of unhealthy dietary choices?

A:

A recent article in the American Journal of Cardiology assessed the risk of eating a fast food meal high in fat versus the cardiovascular protective effects of the popular cholesterol-lowering medicines called “statins.” The article proposed that the risk reduction associated with the daily consumption of most statins is more powerful than the increased risk of a heart attack caused by the daily extra fat intake associated with a 7-oz hamburger with cheese and a small milkshake. In essence, the statin “neutralizes” the poor dietary choice.

I think this article presents a novel approach to primary prevention of heart attacks, but I have concerns over the message delivered. You wouldn't want to do something bad and then do something good and get a neutral result.

Statins reduce the amount of unhealthy “LDL” cholesterol in the blood and are proven to be highly effective in lowering a person's heart attack and stroke risk. Everybody knows that fast food is bad for you, but people continue to eat it because it tastes good and is convenient in today’s busy society.

I want patients to maximize the good. If somebody needs to take a statin, and they benefit from a statin, and are compliant with that statin, then they should take the drug and gain the benefit. They should also gain the benefit from a healthful diet. Why would you not want to do both?

Cardiovascular preventive care should continue to focus on lifestyle interventions, such as healthful eating, smoking cessation, and regular exercise, with drug therapy being added in appropriate patients.

Board-certified cardiologist Ryan W. Zuzek, M.D., earned his medical degree at the National University of Ireland in Galway, and completed his residency at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio and a fellowship in coronary, cardiac and peripheral intervention at the Brown University hospitals, Providence, RI.

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New Observation Unit Treating Emergency Patients Even FASTER

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t. Clair Hospital has opened a new Observation

outpatient evaluation,” Dave continued. “It is a safety

Unit that is helping treat and discharge patients

net to allow a patient to be further monitored outside

in a faster, highly-focused manner.

of the ER. This method is better for patients in that it

“The Observation Unit is essentially an extension of the Emergency Department,” explained David Kish,

helps us give them a diagnosis faster.”

Dave said many of the patients who are treated in

Executive Director, Emergency Services and Patient

the ER and are then being moved to the Observation

Logistics, and also Nursing Director of the 35-bed unit

Unit include those complaining of chest pain. Others

for adult patients. “Each year, an estimated 6,000

include patients who have asthma, or congestive heart

patients come into the ER who require some ongoing

failure, and people suffering from dehydration or nausea and vomiting, among other medical issues.

Prior to the opening of the Hospital’s new Observation Unit, patients in observation status were housed throughout the Hospital in various inpatient units, including on Nursing Unit 4B, which underwent extensive renovation to create the new permanent unit.

“In the Observation Unit,

MICHELE JOHNSON, R.N. (on phone), SUSAN McKINNIS, R.N. (center), and LISA KELLY, R.N. (partially obscured) carefully monitor patients in the unit.

monitoring and diagnostic testing

DR. JAIME MULLIN examines patient LUANN BRITTON in the Observation Unit.

we try to get all tests done within 24 hours and then make a determination on a patient’s

status,” Dave said.

The Observation Unit has a full-time Medical

so we can determine

Director, a Nursing Unit Manager and a full contingent

if they need to be

of Hospitalists (in-house physicians), Registered Nurses

admitted to the

(RNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and unit

Hospital or can be discharged with plans for appropriate

secretaries, all of whom are focused on managing

outpatient follow up. These patients are placed in

observation status patients.

outpatient observation status so we can initiate a

The unit’s new Medical Director, Dr. Terry Gilbert,

focused plan for evaluation of their situation and render

said his role is to help coordinate the physicians and

the most appropriate care.”

staff “to ensure that we provide the highest quality

“Observation status is really a continuation of 8

of medical care in a system designed for patients to CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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Emergency Room Ranking Rises Again

St. Clair Hospital’s Emergency Room (ER) has been ranked No. 1 in the country for patient satisfaction, according to Press Ganey, an independent national research firm. The ER had previously been ranked No. 2 nationally and No.1 across Pennsylvania.

The Hospital attributes the No. 1 ranking to an employee-led effort to redesign processes within the ER, which recently underwent a $13.5 million expansion and renovation. In August, St. Clair opened an extension of the ER called an Observation Unit. The 35-bed unit is designed for patients who enter the Hospital through the ER, but require further testing and monitoring before being admitted as an inpatient or discharged within 24 hours. (Please see story on page 8.)

The new No. 1 in the U.S.A. ranking is based on random surveys that were mailed to patients treated in St. Clair Hospital’s ER last spring and summer.

New Operating Rooms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

rooms. The $5.5 million project adds 7,429 square feet

manages the Hospital’s operating rooms. “Most importantly, the additional space and new technology allow St. Clair’s surgeons to conduct highly complex surgeries.”

featuring spacious rooms, high-definition monitors mounted to the ceiling, in-suite imaging capabilities that provide immediate access to medical records and images, and the most advanced minimally invasive surgical tools, all conveniently

ANTONIO J. RIPEPI, M.D.

located within the surgeons’ reach. The addition of the three

is board certified in general surgery. He earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed his residency at the Case Western Reserve University Integrated Surgical Program in Cleveland as well as a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital.

operating rooms gives the Hospital a total of 13 surgical suites which are equipped to handle minimally invasive surgical procedures and designed to address future technological advances.

“The opening of St. Clair’s new surgical suites effectively addresses the Hospital’s increase in the number of surgical procedures it performs,” says Diane Puccetti, R.N., who

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ST. CLAIR LIFELINE ALERT PROGRAM he St. Clair Hospital

for help when a subscriber falls. It’s an added layer of

Lifeline program

protection.” Kathy added that the medical alert

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has been giving area

pendants with AutoAlert are lightweight, waterproof

seniors peace of mind

and easy to wear. They are also equipped with an

for more than 20 years

“intelligent alarm” that allows seniors who have fallen

by providing them access

but are able to get up within 30 seconds to avoid

to help in a medical emergency with the simple push of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Now, St. Clair has strengthened its relationship

sending an alert. “We believe St. Clair Hospital Lifeline pendants with AutoAlert provide a much higher sense of safety and security to individuals who are maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own homes,” Kathy said. It is estimated that about half of older adults who fall cannot get back up without help.

Other benefits of the St. Clair Hospital Lifeline

with Philips Lifeline, the leading provider of medical

Program include local service representatives, no

alert services, a move that has expanded the Hospital’s

long term contracts, a cost that is equivalent to about

services to current and future subscribers.

“a cup of coffee a day,” and close working relationships

“Sometimes when a subscriber falls, he or she may

with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews.

forget to push the button or may be unable to push

“We want to provide individuals in our community

the button on the medical alert pendant,” said

safety, security and independent living in their

Kathy Scarpaci, St. Clair Hospital Lifeline Program

homes,” Kathy said.

Coordinator. “St. Clair Hospital Lifeline now offers a

For more information, or to order service, please call

pendant with an AutoAlert that automatically calls

Kathy Scarpaci at 412.942.2080.

New Observation Unit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

be evaluated and cared for in the most efficient and timely manner.”

Patients and family members are kept updated at all times. “A case manager starts that conversation while a patient is still in the ER,” Dave explained.

“They are letting patients know they are not being admitted, but are being observed, tested and if necessary, treated.” Patients are also issued a printed handout that details their outpatient observation status.

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DR. JAIME MULLIN references the patient status board in the Observation Unit as she explains how patient LU ANN BRITTON was discharged from the unit following 19 hours in observation.

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Minimally Invasive Surgery CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Mr. Khor says. “But I was still young and knew that I didn’t want

focusing exclusively on the adrenal glands.

But before Mr. Khor received that CT scan, he developed a cold and visited an urgent care center for treatment. There, his blood pressure reached dangerous levels and, fearing that he

to be on so many medications for the rest of my life, either.”

He contacted a local tertiary care facility to schedule the surgery and was frustrated by the outcome.

“My call was transferred numerous times and I wasn’t getting

could suffer a stroke, he was sent to

anywhere,” he remembers. “There was

St. Clair’s Emergency Department and later moved to a nursing unit at the Hospital.

During Mr. Khor’s three-day stay in the Hospital, Dr. Xie ordered the CT scan focused on the adrenal glands. The CT scan showed a nodule located in the right adrenal gland. To further explore and determine the cause of Mr. Khor’s symptoms, St. Clair board-certified endocrinologist Bridget Beier, M.D., wanted him to have a venous sampling, a procedure in which a small catheter is inserted into a vein and a sample of blood is checked for specific

“

I’d never had surgery in my life, so I was very cautious...

I was very impressed with Dr. Ripepi and he immediately put me at ease.

”

–Eng Hui Khor of Upper St. Clair

substances.

From the venous sampling report, Dr. Beier determined that, indeed, Mr. Khor’s right adrenal gland was producing an excessive amount of aldosterone. He was given two options: take a combination

just no response from anyone. Later, I learned that there wasn’t even a physician there who specialized in treating my condition.”

Dr. Beier recommended that Mr. Khor speak to Antonio J. Ripepi, M.D., a boardcertified general surgeon at St. Clair who is an expert in adrenal gland surgery.

After talking with him, Mr. Khor’s decision was made.

“I was very impressed with Dr. Ripepi and he immediately put me at ease,” he says. “I couldn’t believe that this

type of surgery could be done in a minimally invasive manner, at a hospital right in my backyard.”

During laparoscopic surgery, in which Dr. Ripepi passed a

of several different medications for the remainder of his life to

flexible fiberoptic instrument through a tiny incision, a small

block the extra secretions – controlling both his blood pressure and

nodule was successfully removed from Mr. Khor’s right adrenal

potassium levels– or have the right adrenal gland removed surgically.

gland. Since the procedure could be performed utilizing a

“ I’d never had surgery in my life, so I was very cautious,”

minimally invasive approach, he was able to be discharged from St. Clair the following day, with little to no discomfort.

Today, the only reminders of his experience are four tiny scars.

Mr. Khor’s blood pressure and potassium levels are in the normal range now, and he no longer feels tired or shaky – symptoms he now knows were symptoms of Conn’s syndrome. “I received personal care that was coordinated by an entire team of specialists, which made me feel completely at ease,” he says. “I didn’t know St. Clair Hospital performed this type of surgery. I’m very impressed

Minimally invasive surgery patient, ENG HUI KHOR

that I was able to receive such quality medical care at St. Clair.”

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ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL 1000 Bower Hill Road Pittsburgh, PA 15243

VOLUME II, ISSUE 2

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL General & Patient Information 412.942.4000 Physician Referral Service 412.942.6560 Outpatient Center—Village Square 412.942.7100 Medical Imaging Scheduling 412.942.8150 www.stclair.org Follow us on twitter at: www.twitter.com/stclairhospital HouseCall is a publication of St. Clair Hospital. Articles are for informational purposes and are not intended to serve as medical advice.

Please consult your personal physician.

COMMUNITY OUTREAC H As part of its ongoing commitment to the community, St. Clair Hospital is partnering with area community organizations. The Hospital will highlight the good works of these non-profit partners in HouseCall. In this issue we feature South Hills Interfaith Ministries.

South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM), a non-profit social service agency, meets emergency needs of individuals and families struggling to make ends meet in the South Hills by providing food, clothing and assistance with utility bills, all the while providing support for the individuals and families to attain long term self-sufficiency. SHIM serves as a bridge for those individuals and families who fall upon difficult times. In addition to assisting those experiencing suburban poverty, SHIM assists a large and growing refugee population residing in the South Hills with emergency assistance and educational efforts for the children. Due to the ongoing impact of the recession, SHIM has seen demand for its services grow significantly and is in need of nonperishable food items and funds.

To learn more about SHIM, volunteer or donate, please visit www.shim-center.org or phone 412.854.9120.