Summer 2017
Knox Community Hospital Hull Business Center
open for business INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY PROGRAM CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
HOSPITAL ADDS GENIUS 3-D MAMMOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGY
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welcome! I’ve been anxiously awaiting the day I could tell you renovations to downtown Mount Vernon’s historic Hull building
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were complete. When we began construction, we did so with a plan to restore the building to its former grandeur and reuse or repurpose as many original materials that we could. While much of the building’s infrastructure is new, we hope you’ll appreciate the touches that pay
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Bruce D. White, CEO
homage to its glory days as much as we do. I’m happy to report our business and finance departments officially moved in at the end of June.
See before and after pictures on pages 4 and 5 and read about some of the buried treasures we found in the basement.
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This year we say happy 10-year anniversary to our interventional cardiology program. It was back in 2012 that we invested $2 million into our cardiac catheterization lab suite. With four interventional cardiologists on staff, we are the only Level 2 catheterization lab with 24/7 coverage in a 30-mile radius. Learn more about why quick intervention is saving lives on page 3.
2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ian Watson PRESIDENT Charles R. Brenneman VICE PRESIDENT Gordan E. Yance SECRETARY Thomas R. Fosnaught TREASURER Sam Barone Jeffrey L. Boucher Juan De Pascuale Christopher Hetrick, DO Joan Jones Korey M. Kidwell Inge Krajenski Thom McKinley, MD Amy Murnen, MD Marc Odenweller Ann Schnormeier
Recently we added two brand-new 3-dimensional Genius™ mammography machines to our radiology department. Clinical studies show 3-D mammography reduces the need for patients to be called back for additional screenings and more accurately detects invasive forms of breast cancer. Now that’s genius! Learn more on page 6. Our providers are the people who make this hospital run, and we have some of the best in the business. When the community’s demand for care increases, we look to add new doctors so our patients can get the appointments they need with the right specialist for the job. On page 7, meet our new nephrologist (kidney specialist), Dr. Jodi Dome-Linger and podiatrist, Dr. Abigail Elliott. As always, if you have a question, concern or comment, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback is always welcome.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Bruce D. White CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Bruce D. White, CEO
Bruce Behner CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mike Ambrosiani CHIEF NURSING OFFICER
James Middleton, RN, MSN, MBA CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Jeffrey C. Northup, DO
A publication of the Community Relations Department at Knox Community Hospital.
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INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY PROGRAM
CELEBRATES
10-YEAR anniversary If you or someone you love is having a heart emergency getting quick access to care could be a matter of life and death. That’s why Knox Community Hospital is happy to be celebrating 10 years of saving lives through our interventional cardiology program. “Being the only hospital within a 30-mile radius that can perform cardiac catheterizations to reverse blockages with balloons and stents is a huge benefit to the people in this community,” said Steve Hack, R.T. (R)(CV), RCIS, director of cardiovascular services. “It’s very rare for a community hospital in a rural setting to have interventional cardiology coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We’re lucky to have physicians with ties to this community who are invested in the health of our residents.” Long-time KCH cardiologists Drs. Barry George, J. Pala and G. Rasa have recently been joined by Dr. Alix Tercius. Between them they perform 40 to 60 emergent procedures annually. Years ago KCH was part of a national research study that measured the outcomes of over 18,000 patients treated at community hospitals for major cardiac events against those who received care at tertiary medical centers with open heart surgery capabilities. The study found that patients did equally well no matter where their interventional cardiology procedure was performed. “Catheterization labs used to be classified as either low-risk (diagnostic) or high-risk (diagnostic and therapeutic) and now they are being classified into three levels,” said Hack. “We are a Level 2 cath lab which means we can diagnose and treat patients in need of interventional cardiology procedures even though we don’t have an open-heart surgery program onsite.” Statistics prove patients are far likely to have better outcomes the quicker they receive care. Hack encourages people to call 9-1-1 if they suspect a heart attack. “EMS units are equipped with technology to perform EKGs and send them directly to a doctor’s cell phone where it can be determined whether a person is having a heart attack,” said Hack. “This technologically allows us to activate our STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) protocol in the ED and be better prepared to receive the patient.”
Abbott’s Absorb™ Dissolving Stent
Knox Community Hospital’s Department of Specialty Care— Cardiovascular Services is proud to announce the availability of Abbott’s Absorb ™ Dissolving Stent. We are the only facility in our area offering this ground breaking procedure. Absorb is the first fully dissolving device of its kind—a drug eluting coronary stent that dissolves, completely and naturally, in the body over time. Made of a naturally dissolving material (similar to dissolving stitches), the device disappears in approximately three years, once it has done its job of keeping a clogged artery open and promoting healing of the artery. Absorb is placed into the artery on a balloon, expanded by inflating the balloon, pushing the plaque against the artery wall to enable greater blood flow. The balloon is removed, leaving Absorb to slowly release medication to the diseased area. With the blood flow restored, Absorb begins dissolving and over time the blood vessel remains open without support.
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KNOX COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
HULL BUSINESS CENTER OPEN FOR
BUSINESS 75 employees relocate downtown On June 20, Knox Community Hospital unveiled the new Hull Business Center with a community open house. The historic 14,000 square foot building in downtown Mount Vernon was purchased in 2016 and renovations to restore the building to its former glory began in August. According to Ron Stull, director of building services for KCH, the 10-month project unearthed some unexpected but welcome historical treasures. “We found old newspapers from 1857 in a time capsule in a pole in the basement,” he said. “The newspapers were rolled up, preserved and are still legible.” Stull and his team looked for a way to make the newspapers a permanent part of the building’s future for all to enjoy.
“In the lobby we have flip-style display boards featuring the old papers and advertisements we found,” he explained. “Old bottles we found in the basement are also on display.” The four-story building features offices, a conference room and an open floor plan with cubicles on each floor. “We added a lot of new windows to allow for more natural light in the building,” said Stull. The basement, which had not been previously used by former building tenants, was renovated and now includes a break room, conference room and kitchenette.
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This move has allowed us to consolidate our business and finance functions into a central location” – Jeffrey Scott, director of Marketing and Development
“The building has all new plumbing, electric, heating and cooling, data and phone systems, and sprinklers,” added Stull. “We did our best to maintain the historical feel of the building, while still putting in a brand-new infrastructure.” The original north walls on each floor, from the front to the back of the building, were salvaged allowing for one wall of exposed brick on every floor. Original hardwood floors can be found in some of the main walkways. “Unfortunately, the original elevator and stairway weren’t salvable and had to be rebuilt,” said Stull. “Although the ceilings aren’t original they have been replicated to match the old- style metal lay in ceiling that was in the building.” The storefront at the entrance of the building is new as are all the windows. With the opening of The Grand Hotel on the square, the acquisition of the Buckeye Candy Building by Kenyon College, the reopening of the historic Alcove restaurant, and the Woodward Opera House project, KCH is happy to add to the revitalization efforts taking place in Mount Vernon. “It was important for us to maintain the flavor and feel of downtown and create a building that looks like it belongs there,” said Stull. “We even incorporated the Hull name into the new building.” Hospital departments that are now located downtown include billing, finance, and health information services.
“This move has allowed us to consolidate our business and finance functions into a central location,” said Jeffrey Scott, director of Marketing and Development at KCH. Patients needing to pay bills or pick up electronic health records will still do that on the hospital’s main campus. “The downtown location doesn’t offer any clinical services,” said Scott. “Patients can use the online portal to request records and pay bills or they can do that in-person at the hospital.” In addition to consolidating the hospital’s business functions, the new building has also freed up much needed space on the hospital campus that will create opportunities to expand clinical areas and service lines over the next few years. “We’re already redesigning and making plans for the space that has been vacated,” said Stull. “There’s a lot more to come in the future.” Hospital administrators worked closely with city officials to ensure plenty of parking was available for both the 75 KCH employees who relocated and for those who visit downtown to eat, shop and do business. Scott hopes the opening of the building has a positive impact on the downtown economy. “We hope our employees will patronize shops and restaurants in the downtown area,” he said. “It will be exciting to watch downtown continue to grow and thrive.”
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FoundationUpdate This year, the Foundation for Knox Community Hospital is embarking on a new campaign to bring stateof-art maternal-fetal monitors to our Birthing Center. These highly advanced tools will give our physicians a number of important monitoring features. We’re also investing in our talented clinical staff by bringing the latest birthing simulator training equipment to the Center. Our goal is to raise funds to purchase the following cutting-edge equipment: •S even maternal-fetal monitors, one for each of our birthing suites. •T wo wireless maternal-fetal monitors that allow our moms to walk about during the labor process •O ne advanced full-body birthing simulator, called the SimMom, which has accurate anatomy and functionality and will facilitate multi-professional obstetric training. We are grateful that our community understands the value of a strong, vibrant local hospital, and we need your help to ensure that KCH remains just that for the next generation of Knox County residents. Please consider supporting The Foundation for Knox Community Hospital in 2017 by making a donation toward our Labor of Love campaign, or by sponsoring or attending one of our upcoming events. Donations can be made online at www.KCH.org/Foundation or by check, made payable to The Foundation for Knox Community Hospital. Tickets, registration and information about our 2017 events can be found online or by contacting Foundation@KCH.org. The 2017 event schedule includes: • J uly 14—The Foundation’s Annual Charity Golf Classic at the Mount Vernon Country Club. •A ugust 5—The Local Show—a new event featuring local craft beers, foods and bands at The Community Foundation Pavilion in Ariel-Foundation Park. •N ovember 1—The Fall Dinner Party at Mount Vernon Country Club We hope you will join The Foundation for KCH in supporting the health of our friends, families, and neighbors through the Labor of Love campaign in 2017. The Foundation for KCH KCH.org/Foundation 1330 Coshocton Road Mount Vernon, OH 43050 740.393.9602
Hospital adds
Mammography Technology Once again Knox Community Hospital is offering the latest state-of-the-art technology right here in the community with the addition of two new Genius 3-D digital mammography units. “These machines allow our radiologists to see detailed breast images and better evaluate breast tissue layer by layer,” said Ann Styer, director of diagnostic imaging at KCH. “Clinical studies show that 3-D digital mammography can detect more cases of invasive breast cancer thereby reducing the number of callbacks for repeat mammograms.” 3-D Digital imaging enhances detection of invasive breast cancer at an earlier stage. This allows for prompt delivery of treatment and, most importantly, improves survival of those with breast cancer. In addition to the new equipment, KCH is also collaborating with physicians from Riverside Radiology and Interventional Associates to make sure results are read in hours, not days, reducing anxiety and wait times for patients to receive test results. The American Cancer Society recommends women over age 40 have an annual clinical breast exam and mammogram and that women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast exam every three years. Those with a strong family history of breast cancer should ask their doctor about an appropriate screening protocol. KCH performs approximately 550 mammograms monthly. To schedule a mammogram, call 740.392.8378.
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KCH welcomes
new providers
Podiatrist and nephrologist join staff
Dr. Abigail Elliott is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM). She specializes in conditions Abigail Elliott, DPM, AACFAS of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Her office is located at 809 Coshocton Avenue, Mount Vernon. Phone: 740.397.4262.
You recently relocated to Mount Vernon. What brought you back and what are you most looking forward to?
Dr. Jodi Dome is a boardcertified nephrologist who treats conditions related Jodi Dome, DO, FACOI to the kidneys. Her office is located at 1330 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon. Phone: 740.399.3750.
What attracted you to practicing medicine in the Mount Vernon community?
My husband and I are from the area and we wanted to raise our son in a small community and be closer to family. I’m looking forward to becoming involved in the community as well as helping people who are experiencing pain in their feet and ankles.
What conditions do you treat? Heel pain, tendonitis, ankle sprains, sports injuries, arthritic conditions, trauma, flat feet, and complications associated with diabetes like ulcers, infection and deformities.
What are some procedures you perform? Ankle arthroscopy, repair of tendons and ligaments, tendon transfers, fusions of the foot and ankle, bunionectomies, hammertoe correction, flat-foot reconstruction, and reduction and fixation of broken bones (ankle and foot fractures).
I grew up in the Mansfield area and enjoy providing care close to home so patients don’t have to travel outside of Knox County for kidney care.
What are some common conditions you treat? I treat chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients including in-center dialysis, home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. I take care of patients with kidney stones to reduce the risk of stone formation. I also see patients with hypertension that is difficult to control, and electrolyte disorders including sodium, potassium and calcium.
What are some signs and symptoms people can watch for that may indicate their kidneys are not functioning properly? Most people won’t have signs or symptoms of kidney disease until late in the course, but one way to know is to pay attention to lab work including creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rates (GFR) that fall out of reference range. Symptoms that occur late with chronic kidney disease include swelling of the legs, difficult to control high blood pressure, poor appetite, itching, fatigue, blood in the urine or foamy urine. The two most common diseases that cause chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure.
NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
AKRON, OH PERMIT NO. 286
1330 Coshocton Rd. Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050 KCH.org
calendar of events Diabetes Education
Please note— some changes to support group schedules!
Diabetes education at Knox Community Hospital includes many different classes and events.
Breast Cancer Support Group
Diabetes Kroger Grocery Tour Tuesday, July 11, 5-6 pm Meet at Starbucks. Living with Diabetes Thursdays, September 14, 21, 28, 5-8 pm KCH 3rd floor meeting room To register for any of these classes or for more information please call the Diabetes Education Department at 740.393.9970.
1st Monday each month, 7 pm Knox Medical Pavilion Please call Becky Dangelo, MSN, RN, CNOR, CN-BN, breast health navigator, 740.393.5579.
Young Survivors Breast Cancer Support Group 3rd Monday of the month, 7 pm Knox Medical Pavilion Please call Becky Dangelo, MSN, RN, CNOR, CN-BN, breast health navigator, 740.393.5579.
Please visit our website at KCH.org for additional details about our programs and services.
Cancer Support Group 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm August-November Knox Medical Pavilion Please call Bobbi Mickley, RN, patient navigator, 740.504.9355.
Free Monthly Screenings 1st Wednesday of the month, 8-10 am Urgent Care Classroom Screenings are available for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol. 12-hour fasting is recommended for best results.
Look good…Feel Better Please call 740.393.5579 for information.
The Good and the Bad About Cholesterol Know your numbers According to the Centers for Disease Control, 73.5 million adults in the United States have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a form of cholesterol that puts them at double the risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy material used by the body to help digest fatty foods, and not all of it is bad. Good cholesterol, known as HDL, helps transport the bad LDL to the liver and out of the body. Problems occur when
a person’s total cholesterol is too high because plaque deposits that stick to the walls of the arteries start to form and over time the buildup causes them to narrow or become completely blocked — often leading to a heart attack. Although certain factors that contribute to a person’s risk for high cholesterol can’t be controlled, like age, sex, ethnicity and heredity, others can be. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and not smoking can
lower your risk. Since there are generally no symptoms, the only way to know if you have high cholesterol is to get a blood test. Medications, called statins, which help lower the production of cholesterol by the liver, may be prescribed when lifestyle modifications alone don’t work. Curious to know your number? Schedule an appointment with your physician to have a simple blood test.