FOCUS Vol. 32.1 Winter/Spring 2020
Getting to know Buddy the Bear
INSIDE
Pediatric hospitalist service added Concussion care expands Can you guess the diagnosis?
on Pediatrics
Focus on Pediatrics is published by Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Medical Editors Joseph L. Maurer, MD James Stallworth, MD
FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTORS
Managing Editor Jeanine Halva-Neubauer Photographer AV Services Art Director Creative Services Editorial Board Nichole Bryant, MD Donna Carver, CFRE Bill Cooke Carl Cromer, MSN, FNP-BC Carley Howard Draddy, MD Ann Faulks Jennifer Hudson, MD Robin LaCroix, MD Jonathan Markowitz, MD, MSCE Brenda Rankin Janine Sally, MS, CCC-SLP Robert Saul, MD Kerry Sease, MD, MPH R. Caughman Taylor, MD If you would like your name added to or removed from our mailing list or have any comments, questions or suggestions, please send the appropriate information to: Marketing Services Prisma Health–Upstate 300 E. McBee Ave. Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29601 864-797-7538 The information contained in the Focus is for educational purposes only – it should not take the place of medical advice or diagnoses made by health care professionals. All facilities and grounds of Prisma Health are tobacco free. “Prisma Health” and Prisma Health symbol design are trademarks of Prisma Health. © 2020 Prisma Health 20-1333
A partnership that empowers children’s health At Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals, we have many new and exciting things happening. First, our two hospitals are aligning to provide even better pediatric care across the Midlands and Upstate. While our collaborations began in 2013, the new integration into a true combined pediatric service line is allowing us to expand services, quality improvement initiatives and efficiency opportunities. Launching and updating Epic as a common electronic medical record in 2021 will further enhance and provide more seamless care to be delivered at our Prisma Health sites. The result will be more evidence-based care, heightened efficiency and enhanced continuity of care – from primary and emergency care to subspecialty care and hospitalizations. This partnership is helping us develop “virtual subspecialty divisions” (Rheumatology), share quality programs and initiatives (Solutions for Patient Safety and Improve Care Now), improve and share research and education (Grand Rounds), obtain more funding in the millions of dollars to help support programs (MedicalLegal Partnership and telemedicine), and bring the best of each of us to the care for the children we serve. We also are updating how we deliver Focus on Pediatrics. We will produce two issues a year, one as a digital version (this issue) and one as a print version. Doing so allows for
accessing content in many ways. Second, we will include information from both Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals and highlight services at our satellite locations. For those unfamiliar with this clinicianoriented publication, Focus on Pediatrics has been produced on a regular basis in the Upstate for many years. Pediatric department chairs Robin LaCroix, MD, from Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate, and R. Caughman Taylor, MD, from Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands, are working with administrative leadership teams to embark on the journey of one Prisma Health Children’s Hospital service line. The cumulative advantage of almost 400 inpatient beds and pediatric providers focused on empowering the health of the children of South Carolina will create an exciting opportunity as the year unfolds.
Robin N. LaCroix, MD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate
R. Caughman Taylor, MD Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands
Are you a health professional receiving this publication for the first time? If so, welcome! We hope you enjoy the inaugural issue of a combined Focus on Pediatrics that features the extensive capabilities of both our Midlands and Upstate Children’s Hospitals.
CONTENTS
Rise and shine
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Fresh out of hibernation, Buddy the Bear undergoes a mascot makeover.
Pediatric hospitalist updates
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Sumter service helps children stay close to home; new board certification
Heading off concussion complications with collaboration
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Multidisciplinary teams focus on children and adolescents.
2 Departments What’s New?
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Level II nursery, NICU ambulance
Medical Staff Spotlight
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Pediatric GI enhancements, meet our new physicians
Clinical case report
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An eye-opening medical mystery
Special program
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Pulmonary hypertension a special concern in the NICU and pediatric ICU
Celebrations
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Heartfelt notes, quality successes, philanthropic news
In the community
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Flu update, Good Night Lights, Cookie joins the pack
Bulletin from the Bradshaw Institute
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Highlights from FY19
Camp season is on the way!
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Upcoming camps for children and their families
Note: This publication was created before COVID-19 precautions took effect.
On the cover: The sun is rising on a new day at our two Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals, as modeled by the hospitals’ affable mascot, Buddy the Bear.
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LEAD STORY
Mascot makeover bears recognition In 1986, Buddy the Bear joined what is now Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate as its most hirsute team member. (This hospital was established in 1985; what is now Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands opened in 1983.) Whether visiting patients or making friends at community events, Buddy the Bear always lends a furry paw. His big smile, endearing spirit and trademark bear hug have brought joy and hope to many children across the Upstate these 34 years.
Now sporting the new Prisma Health Children’s Hospital logo and having shed a few pounds, our ursine mascot looks forward to sharing his sunny disposition and brightening children’s spirits as he expands his pawprint into the Midlands. “The sun is rising on a new day at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital– Upstate as shown in our new logo, which is the same for both children’s hospitals,” said R. Caughman Taylor, MD, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital–Midlands. Dr. Taylor continued, “Our logo connects us to our past – as South Carolina’s first children’s hospital and as our state’s first freestanding children’s hospital. I have great
affection for what our sunshine represents, with our long history of providing excellent care. I have great pride in all we have built through the vision, teamwork and dedication of our founding physicians, board members, pediatricians, nurses, staff, leaders, volunteers and the support of this community.” As for Buddy the Bear, he responded with a high-five (er, four) in agreement.
“We are optimistic about our new partnership and what we can achieve together.” – R. Caughman Taylor, MD
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W H AT ’ S N E W ?
Level II nursery enhances service to Irmo community. Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital added a Level II Special Care Nursery in the fall. The two-bed nursery will allow more babies with complications to remain at the hospital with their parents instead of being transferred to another Prisma Health facility. The hospital will continue to work closely with the two Columbia-based Level III (more advanced) NICUs at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital and Prisma Health Richland Hospital for babies that require a higher level of care.
New delivery rolls in at nine tons. In December, team members, along with former patients and families, welcomed a new neonatal intensive care ambulance at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. “This new ambulance is essentially a NICU on wheels, complete with specialty staff, to help us quickly and safely transport the Upstate’s most fragile infants,” said Michael Stewart, MD, medical director of the hospital’s Bryan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the most advanced NICU in the Upstate. The ambulance features a super-sized patient compartment capable of transporting twins in separate incubators (like the one above) along with specialty assessment and treatment equipment to treat these babies. Nearly 180 babies – some weighing less than a pound – are transported here annually. The ambulance carries a specially trained team that includes a neonatal nurse, pediatric respiratory therapist and critical care paramedic. Babies can also receive care before transport by the neonatology team through a high-tech telehealth program called Delivery Buddy. The transport team routinely serves seven Upstate hospitals. “We are so happy to have the new ambulance to facilitate Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate in providing the advanced care these fragile neonates need,” said Robin LaCroix, MD, the hospital’s medical director.
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F E AT U R E S TO RY
Pediatric hospitalist program launches.
In-house physicians hold permanent, full-time positions in Sumter. A pediatric hospitalist service has been established at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital (pictured) in partnership with Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands. The service began July 2019 and has already seen positive outcomes and growth in patient numbers during its first six months (see table on Page 5). “Families in Sumter County can have every confidence their child will receive the same level of care at Tuomey Hospital that he or she would have received at our Children’s Hospital in Columbia,” said R. Caughman Taylor, MD, senior medical director of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands. “Not only are we keeping children in their community as much as possible, but we’re also creating more capacity at the Children’s Hospital in Columbia.”
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Families with children who remain at Tuomey Hospital for inpatient care can expect: • Standardized care consistent with that at Children’s Hospital • Pediatric hospitalists specifically trained to provide inpatient care to children • Support from a pediatric pharmacy and nutrition therapy • Level II nursery care allowing smaller infants and newborns needing extra attention to remain close to home • Support from pediatric subspecialists via telemedicine
“We are excited to offer these muchneeded services to our community,” said Michelle Logan-Owens, chief executive officer, Tuomey Hospital. “Many families have a hard time finding transportation, gas money and the time it takes to travel to Columbia and back. Having a pediatric Logan-Owens hospitalist program here is alleviating a lot of the stress and strain these families would otherwise face.”
Gaymon
Pediatric Nursing Director Susan Gaymon agreed: “The children in our community deserve to have care provided in their local hospital whenever possible, to keep them close to their families. We felt strongly that a community this size could and should try to meet those needs.”
In the first 90 days of operation, the Sumter hospitalists treated an array of conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, cellulitis, sickle cell and syncope. In more complicated cases, they are in touch with pediatric subspecialists in Columbia to evaluate and monitor children’s conditions. Pediatric patients who require in-person subspecialist care not available in Sumter can expect a timely transfer to Children’s Hospital–Midlands. “Key to the success of this service is partnership with our local pediatricians and family physicians who provide hospital follow up and the majority of the child’s medical and preventive care,” said Dr. Taylor. “To ensure collaboration, we have established a committee representative of those physicians to advise us on their patients’ needs and how our new services can best serve them and their patients.”
Admission type
July–December 2019
Well baby exams
548
Level II NICU
160
General Pediatrics
167
Studies have shown that family support and proximity during an illness can significantly impact healing time.
New board certification debuts The complex, specialized care needed for inpatient pediatric medicine has led the American Board of Pediatrics to introduce a subspecialty board certification in Pediatric Hospital Medicine. Prisma Health Children’s Hospital congratulates these seven Upstate pediatricians now board certified in this specialty area: • Sara Clark, MD • Gretchen Coady, MD (Med-Peds) • Carley Howard Draddy, MD • Allison Ranck, MD • Liz Shirley, MD • Elizabeth Tyson, MD • Miranda Worster, MD Look for more board-certified Pediatric Hospital Medicine names to come!
OPENING SOON: The state’s first pediatric rehab unit!
Hospitals earn prestigious Baby-Friendly status This past fall, Laurens County Hospital became Prisma Health’s latest facility to gain BabyFriendly status, which means it offers optimal care for breastfeeding moms and their babies. Redesignated in FY19 was Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. One other Prisma Health hospital achieved Baby-Friendly status for the first time last year: Baptist Easley. In addition, Baptist Easley Hospital renovated its women’s center. The newly remodeled Garnet and Polly Barnes Women’s Center includes 13 birthing suites and two hydrotherapy tubs, midwifery services and a Special Care Nursery.
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M E D I C A L S TA F F S P O T L I G H T
Med staff news MIDLANDS GI practice has new location, infusion center and doctor. Palmetto Health-USC Pediatric Gastroenterology, part of Prisma Health, has moved to 14 Richland Medical Park Dr., Ste. 310, Columbia, SC 29203. Hours are Monday– Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Fridays, 9 a.m–noon. Pediatric GI services are also being offered once a month in Sumter and Fort Mill to better serve patients and their families. The practice’s new infusion center provides in-office Infusions every weekday. To schedule pediatric patients for an infusion, please call 803-434-8450 and ask for Jennifer. The center will send blank written orders for your convenience. In the Upstate, pediatric infusion services are available at 57 Cross Part Ct., Greenville, SC 29605. To refer a patient there, call 864-220-2009. Narendra Yallanki, MD, has joined Prisma Health as a pediatric gastroenterologist. Dr. Yallanki received his medical degree from Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, India. He completed both a residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship at SUNY Downstate Medical Center/State University of New York in Brooklyn, New York. Board certified in General Pediatrics, he is a clinical assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia. He can be reached at 803-434-8450.
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Welcome to these new physicians in the Midlands and Upstate. All are or are in the process of being approved as clinical assistant professors at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia or Greenville, depending on their location.
MIDLANDS Inpatient Pediatrics Scott Carney, MD, received his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. Following a residency in Pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, he completed a fellowship in Primary Care at Michigan State University. He can be reached at 803-434-6155.
Pediatric Neurology Mary Gregory, MD, earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Following a residency in Pediatrics at Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University School of Medicine, she completed fellowships in Neurodevelopmental Medicine and Epilepsy, both at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Gregory can be reached at 803-434-7961.
UPSTATE Child Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Casey Berson, MD, completed medical school at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. Dr. Berson then completed a combined fellowshipresidency through the Triple Board program at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and is board certified in Pediatrics, Adult Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry. She can be reached at 864-454-5612.
W. Keith DePonti, DO, completed his medical training at University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. Dr. DePonti completed a combined fellowship-residency through the Triple Board program at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and is board certified in Pediatrics, Adult Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry. He can be reached at 864-454-5612. Michael Sierra, MD, earned his medical degree at Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee. Dr. Sierra completed a residency in General Psychiatry and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He can be reached at 864-454-5612.
Inpatient Pediatrics Austen Carter, MD, earned her medical degree from Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Dr. Carter completed a Pediatrics residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. She is working in Newborn Services at Prisma Health Patewood Hospital and can be reached at 864-797-1403. Nicholas Potisek, MD, completed his medical training and a residency in Pediatrics at University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. Dr. Potisek is working as a pediatric hospitalist at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. He can be reached at 864-455-3884.
Neonatology Britni Maple, MD, has joined Neonatology at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate as a member of Pediatrix Medical Group. Dr. Maple earned her medical degree from University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile. She completed her Pediatrics residency at Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System and a fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Maple can be reached at 864-455-7939.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Katie Richardson, MD, earned her medical degree from Pennsylvania State College of Medicine in Hershey. Dr. Richardson completed residency training in Pediatrics at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. She can be reached at 864-454-5130.
Dr. Stallworth honored The South Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (SCAAP) has honored Prisma Health–Midlands pediatrician James Stallworth, MD, with a Career Achievement Award. The award recognizes his 40year career and many contributions during that time. “Dr. Stallworth is very deserving of this award,“ said R. Caughman Taylor, MD, chairman of Prisma Health’s Department of Pediatrics in the Midlands. “His legacy to our state’s children is not only through the learners he has taught and their impacts, but also his career as an unparalleled clinician, service to our state on child task forces as a consultant, and his service within SCAAP.” “My mantra is that I give a lot, so I expect a lot from my students,” Dr. Stallworth said. “They know they will have to perform under pressure. That helps prepare them for handling challenging situations they will face as physicians.”
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CLINICAL CASE REPORT
What’s the diagnosis? A previously healthy 8-year-old male presents with complaints of blurry vision and headaches for two weeks. He describes the headaches as generalized with no focal component. Headaches seem worse after school and there is associated photophobia. The patient rates the headache intensity as 7 of 10; intensity lessens with acetaminophen. There is no history of vomiting or documented fever. He complains of a dry cough, which was thought to be secondary to his seasonal allergies. He notes blurry vision, which is localized to his right eye. The patient does not wear glasses and has had no trauma or evidence of ocular disease such as conjunctivitis. The family history is positive for diabetes and heart disease. There is a dog, cat and bearded dragon in the home. There has been no recent travel. The remainder of the history is noncontributory. On physical examination, the patient appears healthy and in no distress. Vital signs are stable. His neck is supple, lungs clear and heart without murmur. There is no hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. His neuro exam is nonfocal. Reflexes are normal as is his gait and motor function. His eye exam reveals decreased acuity on the right. Pupils are equal and reactive to light; extraocular movements are normal. A detailed ophthalmologic exam is performed, which shows a blurry optic disc on the right, optic nerve swelling and macular exudates in a star pattern, all compatible with a diagnosis of neuro-retinitis. (Figure 1) A CBC and CMP were normal. Further work-up on the patient included Borrelia burgdorferi and Treponema antibody titers, which were negative. An MRI of the orbits revealed mild extra-axial CSF prominence surrounding the right optic nerve with no abnormal enhancement.
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Figure 1 courtesy of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Prisma Health–Midlands
Have you figured out the diagnosis? See Page 11 for the answer.
Article authors
Jonathan Markowitz, MD, FAAP
James Stallworth, MD, FAAP, FAAP
SPECIAL PROGRAM
Pulmonary hypertension team focuses on ICU care. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an increasingly recognized but rare childhood disease with significant associated morbidity and mortality. If inadequately treated, patients with PH are at increased risk for anesthesia complications, profound hypoxemia with respiratory infections, or cardiac dysfunction and failure. As a result, pediatric cardiologist Sri Rao, MD, and pediatric pulmonologist Heather Staples, MD, with Palmetto HealthUSC Medical Group (part of Prisma Health), have teamed with fellow specialists, a pharmacist, nurses and social workers to establish a streamlined process for consults and follow-up visits for neonatal and pediatric ICU patients at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands. This initiative was developed to increase team communication teams and improve care for this at-risk group. As the importance of pediatric PH has grown, national guidelines have been developed for appropriate diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Using these guidelines and evidence-based medicine, Midlands’ Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension team will provide crucial services using both invasive and noninvasive testing and treatment modalities.
Heather Staples, MD, and Sri Rao, MD
the required specialty medications and providing social supports for this complex patient group.
Goals include coordinated inpatient consultations on potential new PH diagnoses, along with seamless, ongoing care for inpatients with PH. Additionally, the team will provide preoperative recommendations to help reduce PHassociated morbidity.
For more information on this initiative, please call Dr. Rao at 803-434-7940 (Pediatric Cardiology) or Dr. Staples at 803-434-2505 (Pediatric Pulmonology).
Outpatient care will focus on coordinated follow up with joint decision making on management between team members along with support from pharmacy and social work, all to help navigate the difficult process of obtaining
At Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate, the Pediatric Pulmonology team has offices in both Greenville and Spartanburg. To make a referral, call 864-454-5530 or 864-573-8732, respectively.
Welcome, Dr. Staples! A clinical assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Dr. Staples received her medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine. She completed a residency in Pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Pulmonology at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine. 9
C O L L A B O R AT I N G F O R B E T T E R C A R E
Heads up!
Comprehensive concussion care is now available.
Concussions have become recognized as a significant injury with potential longlasting morbidity in children. However, the medical community has few resources to address the lingering symptoms following a concussion. Upstate update Even though the Upstate has a large number of certified athletic trainers embedded in schools and other facilities, many club, county and church sporting leagues do not have such personnel – plus, concussions are not limited to athletic endeavors. In fact, many concussions are the result of trauma and motor vehicle collisions. That’s one of the reasons why Blake Windsor, MD, with Prisma Health Pediatric Pain Medicine, developed a multidisciplinary
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concussion team with expertise in sports medicine, pain and headache medicine, and pediatric neuropsychology, along with a concussion-related partnership with ATI Physical Therapy. The team carefully evaluates children who have symptoms persisting for at least seven days after the injury and then implements therapies to address the symptoms. These experts establish an educational accommodation plan and any other specialized testing or care needed to support the child to recovery. To refer a patient, call Pediatric Pain Medicine at 864-522-4888 or make an Epic referral. The office is located at 1350 Cleveland St., Greenville.
Making headway in the Midlands In the Midlands, Jeff Holloway, MD, a sports medicine specialist, offers a similar Prisma Health program. Its format combines the expertise of a pediatric sports medicine physician, USC Concussion and Health
The diagnosis (continued from Page 8) Cat scratch disease presenting with neuro-retinitis Optic disc edema with a macular star pattern is indicative of several disorders, though this finding might be idiopathic in nature. Diagnoses to be considered include Lyme disease, toxoplasmosis, syphilis and cat scratch disease. Nematode infections, especially Toxocariasis, should also be considered. In this patient, Bartonella hensalae IgG antibody titer was 1:256, leading to the diagnosis of cat scratch disease. Following diagnosis, the patient was treated with doxycycline, rifampin and a short course of oral steroids. The patient is improving and continues to be followed by the Ophthalmology unit. Dr. Windsor follows up with a patient at his Greenville office.
Research suggests that 50% of teens with a concussion can continue to have symptoms for at least one month. Neuroscience Laboratory, and Prisma Health Physical Therapy Specialists. The evaluation process is especially key with remote concussions where signs can be subtle. Dr. Holloway explained, “A football player may have been injured several weeks ago, but he and his parents may not relate current symptoms to that injury. My role is to tease out those signs and help with a treatment plan that offers the best way to help a child get back to school and activities. It’s so important to follow the right protocols.” The doctor added, “Patients also benefit from working with our research team.” He sees patients for initial evaluation and acute injuries Mondays and Wednesdays, 1–5 p.m., at Prisma Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. The address is 9 Richland Medical Park Dr., Ste. 410, Columbia. To refer a patient, call 803-434-2221 or fax 803-434-7983.
Ten percent of healthy controls exhibit Bartonella hensalae IgG titers of 1:64-1:128, but none show titers of 1:256 or greater. Thus, in the appropriate clinical scenario, this titer is diagnostic of cat scratch disease. Clinical manifestations of cat scratch disease in an immunocompetent individual are variable. Although most patients are afebrile, constitutional symptoms such as malaise, anorexia and fatigue are common, as is headache. Localized lymphadenopathy lasting several weeks is a traditional presentation of this disease. Less common manifestations of Bartonella hensalae infection include endocarditis, encephalopathy, osteolytic lesions, granulomas of liver and spleen, glomerulonephritis, and pneumonia. Up to 10% of patients have ocular disease, which includes painless vision impairment, optic disc swelling and macular edema with lipid exudates (macular star). Rare manifestations of ocular cat scratch disease such as Parinaud’s syndrome have been reported. Several treatment options are available for cat scratch disease, including azithromycin, ciprofloxin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. When neuro-retinitis is present, however, doxycycline, rifampin and steroids are medications of choice.
References Red Book 2018-2021, American Academy of Pediatrics, ed. David Kimberlin MD:244-47. M. Tariq Bhatti, MD; Reem Asif, MD; Lubna B Bhatti, MBBS; “Macular star in neuroretinitis,” Arch Neurol 2001; 58(6):1008-09. Z. Habot-Wilner, et al., “Cat scratch disease: ocular manifestations and treatment outcomes,” Acta Ophthalmol 2018;96(4):e524. Epub 2018 March 5.
Blake Windsor, MD
Jeff Holloway, MD 11
C E L E B R AT I O N S
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital has many reasons to celebrate! MIDLANDS
Children’s Hospital has heart!
Sepsis alert tool piloted
Coordinated in conjunction with Child Life at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands, Valentine’s Day brought a special edition of the Sandstorm Buddies, founded by USC football player Spencer Eason-Riddle (see first picture). This partnership with the South Carolina Gamecocks’ Athletics department brings student-athletes to the hospital weekly to brighten our patients’ day. For Valentine’s Day, the student-athletes created homemade cards for pediatric inpatients.
Sepsis is the leading cause of pediatric deaths worldwide. In its early stages, sepsis can be difficult to recognize or differentiate from other illnesses. To help identify early signs of sepsis, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands has partnered with Cerner to become a pilot site for an electronic medical record-driven pediatric sepsis alert tool. The alert and sepsis order set were implemented in our Children’s Emergency Center in April 2019 and on our first inpatient unit in November. Our aim is to use this tool, along with clinical reasoning, to improve patient outcomes through early recognition of sepsis and delivery of evidence-based care.
In the Upstate, partners Entercom Upstate and Magic 98.9 dropped off hundreds of heartfelt greetings for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate patients (see second picture). These cards were donated from participants throughout our community. Afterward, an 11-year-old patient crafted a gratitude card that was sent to all those who donated to the event.
Quality celebrated in 2019 In FY19, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands recorded a 30% reduction in all harms, 40% reduction in hospital-acquired infections and 60% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). For example, the neonatal ICU at Prisma Health Richland Hospital worked diligently to reduce CLABSIs by focusing on environmental care, device use and midline catheters. As a member of Solutions for Patient Safety, a national children’s hospital quality collaborative, we benefit from the “all teach, all learn” platform by working with more than 130 children’s hospitals to implement best practices around preventing hospital-acquired conditions and providing foundations for patient safety.
Dance Marathon tops $1M Congratulations to the University of South Carolina Dance Marathon for raising $1,016,822 for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands!
We love to tell the story of Children’s Hospital through the eyes of patients and their families. Parents/guardians and patients can share their Children’s Hospital experience at PHCHStory.org. 12
UPSTATE
News from the Office of Philanthropy The new Dale A. Willenberg Congenital Heart Endowment gift of $100,000, given by Kelly Willenberg, will help Pediatric Cardiology provide the best heart care possible. Willenberg will also fund Camp Heart to Heart annually for $10,000 and volunteer alongside other family members during the camp weekend. The inaugural Camp Heart to Heart is slated to take place at Greenville County’s Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center in June. Kat’s Brave Warrior Beads Endowment will support Beads of Courage, which celebrates milestones of Bryan NICU admissions with parents. This ongoing initiative has proven to positively impact patient family satisfaction. The $100,000 donation was given by Alan and Kathy Bryan Anderson, son-in-law and daughter of the late B.K. Bryan, for whom the neonatal ICU is named.
Buddy the Bear stands alongside Patrick Jinks, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate chaplain; Robin LaCroix, MD, medical director of the hospital; and Marti Spencer, CEO/executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, during the unveiling of the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
Clement’s Kindness Fund for the Children has provided $55,000 in funding for STAR (Someone To Always Remember) and Teen Events for Prisma Health’s BI-LO Charities Children’s Cancer Center for 2020. STAR was created by Prisma Health Children’s Hospital chaplains to supplement bereavement services. It is a family-centered grief support group for families who have experienced the death of their child to cancer or blood disorder. STAR family support dinners are held monthly; STAR weekend camp for families is held each fall and spring, though the April camp has been postponed because of COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns. Teen outings provide opportunities for fun-filled activities to support the psychosocial needs of teen patients with varying oncology or hematology diagnoses. These outings consist of events throughout the year, such as bowling, golfing, a holiday party and winter retreat. Jan. 9 marked the unveiling of the relocated Ronald McDonald Family Room to the fifth floor lobby of Children’s Hospital–Upstate. Co-locating this family room near patient rooms on the fifth and sixth floors provides a convenient respite for any family whose child is admitted to the hospital. Volunteers for the family room are provided through the partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas.
The 13th annual Radiothon, presented by Entercom Upstate, raised more than $125,000 for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate. This two-day event, held live at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital on March 5–6, helps sustain many programs and services that support children and families during a hospital stay. Throughout Radiothon, on-air personalities share stories and interviews from patients and families who have been served by our pediatric programs and services. Seven Entercom Upstate stations broadcast these poignant stories and interviews: 106.3 WORD, ESPN Upstate, Classic Rock 101.1, 93.3 The Planet, Magic 98.9, B93.7 and 96.3 The Block. The success of this event brings the total amount raised by Radiothon to more than $3 million since 2007. Mark O’Halla, Prisma Health president and CEO, meets with grateful patients at his first Radiothon in Greenville last year.
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IN THE COMMUNITY
Free flu vaccines help break barriers. Despite a busy influenza season, getting a flu shot is still not a priority for many people. It is often viewed as a major inconvenience because of transportation issues, no medical home or lack of insurance, even though many pharmacies within drug, retail and grocery stores offer shots. This year, flu activity across South Carolina is widespread and surging a second time, with the season potentially running through late summer. For the past three years, Prisma Health has helped fight the flu by providing free influenza vaccines to Upstate and Midlands communities at various churches, schools and community centers. For this flu season alone, Prisma Health has administered thousands of vaccines to the community. Prisma Health’s flu shot campaign is targeted to all children and adults, but this recent initiative is aimed at children. Some of the highest numbers of children and adults vaccinated included school locations and partnerships with ongoing after-school events and activities. In addition to schools, the faith-based community has played a key role in promoting the importance of the vaccine. Special efforts by the pediatric primary care community in the Upstate has led to offering vaccines to family members at pediatric visits and increasing the number of children vaccinated by almost 10,000 doses.
Good Night Lights brighten holiday spirits. On Dec. 8, more than 250 community members met in front of both Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals to share a holiday message of light and hope by flashing lights outside the windows of pediatric patients (first picture). Patients and families inside the hospital responded by shining flashlights to share a joyful message of their own (second picture). In the Midlands, Good Night Lights participants included first responders and students with USC Dance Marathon. In the Upstate, the Good Night Lights celebration included a drop-in with cookies and milk, plus the annual lighting of the holiday tree.
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Cookie, anyone? Greenville’s Stone Academy of Communication Arts unveiled the identity of the newest furry friend at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate on Nov. 14. Cookie, a yellow Labrador retriever facility dog, was introduced to cheering fans during a school pep rally. She joins Prisma Health–Upstate’s growing Canine F.E.T.C.H. (Friends Encouraging Therapeutic Coping and Healing) Unit that works with care providers and patients to make patient visits more comfortable. Her addition was made possible by a partnership among community members, North Main Community Association and Stone Academy, a Greenville County Schools magnet program with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Together, they raised more than $25,000. “It is wonderful that the community, North Main Community Association and Stone Academy have partnered with us by raising funds to bring a trained facility dog to serve all areas of Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center,” said Robin LaCroix, MD, medical director of Children’s Hospital–Upstate. “Sometimes it’s our four-legged friends that can provide the best medicine for a child during a difficult time.” In an environment such as a doctor’s office, children can experience anxiety to an extreme degree, which may cause them to react negatively or in ways they can’t control. For example, children may lash out at or refuse to speak to providers. These reactions may make routine visits highly tense situations. Cookie will work to help calm and distract patients, allowing care to be delivered in a less stressful environment for the patient, parent and provider. The Prisma Health F.E.T.C.H. Unit now has seven dogs, with five designated for use in children’s areas and two in adult care.
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, June 8 Tees to Tomorrow Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Tees to Tomorrow Charity Golf Tournament, a new golf tournament in partnership with South Carolina Charities, Inc., will take place at The Thornblade Club following the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by Synnex. Sponsorships, including playing spots and other benefits, are still available. Note: This date may change based on coronavirus concerns.
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BULLETIN FROM THE BRADSHAW INSTITUTE
Bradshaw Institute FY19 highlights The Bradshaw Institute for Community Child Health & Advocacy, part of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate, works to create healthy and safe communities, increase access to care for those experiencing vulnerabilities, provide evidence-based strategies to improve health literacy, and ultimately become a best practice leader. Our vision is to create optimal health for the children and families we serve. This past year has been a testament to that vision, as you can see from the highlights below in four focus areas.
Create healthier, safer communities. Our injury and abuse prevention teams provide child protection strategies and education to the community, parents, caregivers, first responders, health care providers, teachers, and students. FY19 highlights: • 1,000 car seat safety inspections • 3,800 users of Life Jacket Loaner board program • 78 portable cribs provided • 2,000 bicycle helmets fitted • 204 inpatient safe sleep consultations • 1,731 safety patrols trained • 30 local, regional and statewide trainings
To learn more, go to ghschildrens.org/programs/bradshaw-institute-community-child-health-advocacy. 16
Enhance health literacy. Increased health literacy leads to better preventive care, outcomes and overall health. Our team works to increase the health literacy of children and families through high-quality health promotion programs focused on healthy child development, fitness, nutrition and lifelong well-being. FY19 highlights: • 400+ families received monthly recipe kits. • 96% of parents reported adjusting meals to be healthier at least once a week. • 86 developmental milestones trainings took place. • 2,260 students participated in the Bicycle Skills Clinic; 62% who could not ride a bike before the program learned how to ride by the end. • 1,658 children accessed developmental-behavioral health screenings and services. • 53% of students reported that health promotion messages improved the choices they made outside of school.
Increase access to care. With our valued community partners, we continue to increase access to health care for children and families through our community population health programming. These services and partnerships make it easier for families to access both the medical care and nonmedical community supports they need to thrive.
Become a best practice leader. Research shows that as much as 90% of child health outcomes are due to factors outside clinical care. Through evaluation and measurement, we constantly assess our impact and improve our programming and implementation strategies. We also believe community partnerships and collaboration are key to creating optimal health. FY19 highlights: • 41 state, regional and national conference presentations and two publications • 26 undergraduate, graduate and medical school internship experiences • 32 pediatric residents trained in community health and advocacy
FY19 highlights: • 786 visits to school-based health centers in the school year
• Greenville County Care Coordination Collaborative (led by Bradshaw Institute) launched Childhood Homelessness Project
• 290 Tdap vaccines administered to students
• Six medically supervised camps supported for children and families with chronic illness
• 3,292 referrals to community-based programs through Help Me Grow SC • 276 pediatric patients referred to Medical-Legal Partnership (NOTE: This number does not include the Medical-Legal Partnership in the Midlands)
• Seven Prisma Health ambulatory pediatric practices implemented projects to promote AAP recommended best practices in oral health, developmental screening, postnatal depression screening, vaccine compliance and early literacy
• 2,501 patient referrals triaged through Pediatric Support Services • 176 parents of substance-exposed infants provided education and wrap-around services
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Special camps for special kids Here are some of the camps offered by Prisma Health Children’s Hospital for patients and their families. All camps are medically supervised and take place in South Carolina. For children treated at a Prisma Health Children’s Hospital
• Camp Heart to Heart June 19–21 near Marietta Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center For children with cardiology conditions For children treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands
• CAMP KEMO June 8–13 near Honea Path River Oaks Retreat Center For children with cancer or blood disorders and their siblings
• Camp Wonder Hands June 21–26 near Batesburg-Leesville Camp Kinard For children who are deaf or hearing impaired
• Camp Burnt Gin July 6–10 near Wedgefield Camp Burnt Gin (in partnership with SC DHEC) For children with bleeding disorders
• Camp New Horizons Oct. 16–18 near Batesburg-Leesville Camp Kinard For children who have lost a sibling to cancer or blood disorder For children treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate
• Camp Buddy July 21–23 at Greenville’s Kroc Center For children with diabetes
• Camp Courage (Teen) July 27–31 near Marietta Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center For teens with oncology/hematology conditions
• Camp Crescent Aug. 28–30 near Marietta Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center For children with sickle cell disease
• Camp Cary’s Kids Sept. 18–20 near Marietta Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center For children with complex medical conditions
• Camp Courage (Sibling Camp) Sept. 25–27 near Marietta Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center For children with oncology/hematology conditions and their siblings
• Camp Courage June 22–26 near Marietta Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center For children with oncology/hematology conditions
• Camp Luv-A-Lung June 26–28 near Marietta Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center For children with asthma
Visit our websites to learn more: ghschildrens.org palmettohealth.org Note: Camp dates may change based on COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns.
For Children’s Hospital giving opportunities, contact: Prisma Health Midlands Foundation at 803-434-6021, 803-434-2826 or PHFound@PrismaHealth.org. Prisma Health–Upstate’s Office of Philanthropy at 864-797-7732 or ghsgiving.org.
