H ealth News Thompson offers single-site gallbladder removal Thompson Hospital recently became the first in the Finger Lakes to offer single-site gallbladder surgery, performed with the breakthrough technology offered by the da Vinci Surgical System. “With gallbladder disease affecting a significant percentage of our population and gallbladder removals one of the most common surgeries performed, Thompson is pleased to be able to offer this minimally invasive option to our patients,” says Thompson Health President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton, Jr. The operation is the latest made possible with the da Vinci Surgical System acquired by Thompson Health in 2012. This robotic system was already in use at Thompson for gynecological, urological and colorectal procedures.
A. David Peter, a board-certified general surgeon with the Canandaigua Medical Group and member of Thompson’s medical staff, underwent specialized da Vinci training for the single-site gallbladder removals. These surgeries, which involve a small incision in the navel, allow Peter to utilize 3 D, high-definition visualization and to make smaller, more precise movements. Potential benefits include minimal pain, a quick recovery and high satisfaction among patients, who are left virtually scar-free. “It’s nearly invisible because it’s hidden within the belly button,” says Peter. According to Peter, the more conventional laparoscopic gallbladder removal — which involves four small incisions — is still an excellent option for many patients. In addition, he notes, not all patients are candidates for single-site gallbladder removal.
St. Ann’s Community honors employees
RGH launches biplane angiographya suite
St. Ann’s Community presented five employees with the St. Ann’s Award of Excellence at a ceremony on June 6. The honorees were carefully selected from a pool of 1,100 employees. This year’s recipients are Mariya Podviyna, Pasquale Conca, Lisa White, June Dubois and Patty Raymond. The St. Ann’s Award of Excellence acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of front line staff. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to go well above and beyond their day to day job expectations and requirements. “These individuals truly bring a special compassion and personal commitment to their jobs each and every day,” read a news release issued by the hospital.
Rochester General Hospital (RGH), the flagship affiliate of Rochester General Health System (RGHS), has added a key piece of imaging technology that enables the hospital to provide advanced stroke care and enhanced interventional radiology treatments. The biplane angiography unit, located in the RGH radiology department, was officially launched in a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 5. Biplane angiography produces simultaneous images of the same area from contrasting angles, for diagnostic scans of very high quality and accuracy. Used in conjunction with a conebeam CT, the biplane unit can also generate real-time, three-dimensional views that enable physicians to perform complex catheter-based vascular procedures, especially in the brain and other areas of the body with small, delicate blood vessels. “With this unit, our interventional radiology team can perform advanced procedures including uterine fibroid embolization, kyphoplasty and cerebral angiography with greater speed, precision and safety,” said Bob Nesselbush, president of Rochester General Hospital. “It also complements our existing capabilities as the region’s leading stroke center, and allows Rochester General to provide truly comprehensive stroke services to our growing community of patients.” “Biplane technology is an important addition to our hospital, and to our health system,” said Mark Clement, president and chief executive officer of RGHS. “This resource, utilized by our skilled radiology and neurology teams, allows our patients to benefit from innovative imaging-guided procedures and upholds our commitment to deliver the highest quality health services to the people of greater Rochester and beyond.”
Blossom South Nursing raising money for MDA Greater Rochester Health Foundation board chair Essie Calhoun-McDavid and president and CEO John Urban enjoy the White House Champions of Change Award reception with YMCA of Greater Rochester president and CEO George Romell and board chair MaryBeth Copper on June 6, 2013 in Washington, D.C.
Health Foundation and YMCA Honored at White House
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reater Rochester Health Foundation received a White House Champions of Change Award June 7 as a partner to the YMCA of Greater Rochester. The Champions of Change program recognizes individuals, business and organizations that are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities, and acknowledges the work of the Health Foundation and the YMCA of Greater Rochester for their work to transform the Rochester community and make it a better place in which to live. Representing the Health FoundaPage 22
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tion at the White House ceremony were John Urban, president and CEO, who accepted the award, and Essie Calhoun Mc-David, Health Foundation board chairwoman. Joining them from the YMCA of Greater Rochester were George Romell, president and CEO, and YMCA board chairwoman MaryBeth Cooper. The YMCA of Greater Rochester is one of the 12 YMCAs in the country to be recognized for their work and invited to nominate a White House Champion of Change. Romell nominated the Health Foundation for its work with the YMCA to prevent diabetes,
increase the number of urban families at a healthy weight, and improve the 90 year-old Maplewood branch to accommodate programs, as well as for the Foundation’s work to improve neighborhood health and health care delivery. “The Health Foundation is a longterm community partner that we have worked with the closet to advance the agenda of healthy living, and I knew right away that John Urban, on behalf of the Health Foundation, was who I would nominate for the Champions of Change award,” said Romell.
IN GOOD HEALTH – Rochester / Genesee Valley Healthcare Newspaper • July 2013
Blossom South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recently participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association effort to raise money through its “LockUp” event. The nursing was able to reach and surpass its goal. As Christopher Roberts, Blossom South administrator, volunteered his time being “locked up” at the MDA’s event, held at the Inn on Broadway, Blossom South was busy working to raise his “bail money” which was donated directly to the MDA. The staff held fundraisers and asked family, friends, and other supporters of Blossom South to contribute and help the facility reach its fundraising goal. “We are most appreciative of Chris’s efforts and that of Blossom South, “said Sally Cramer, director of the MDA of the Greater Rochester Area. “[The] dollars raised will be put to good use in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes community.”