Healthwaves Spring 2018

SP RIN G 2018

healthwaves B AY H E A LT H

After beating cancer, Vickie is more alive than ever — PAGE 4

IN THIS ISSUE: 7

Springcleaning your life

10

The long and short of a heart attack

14

Raising money for cancer survivors

healthwaves Healthwaves is a quarterly publication of Bayhealth.

The information is intended to inform and educate.

It’s not a substitute for consultation with a physician. Always consult your physician for individualized care.

Bayhealth does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services, and activities, or in employment.

If you have any questions, please call JoAnn Davis at 302-744-7405. Bayhealth’s TDD or State Relay number is 1-866-237-0174.

TERRY M. MURPHY, FACHE President and CEO, Bayhealth

GWEN GUERKE Writer, Healthwaves

PAMELA J. MARECKI Senior Editor, Healthwaves

Marketing Specialist, Bayhealth DANIELLE PRO-HUDSON Writer, Healthwaves

Assistant Vice President Marketing Communications, Bayhealth

Media Center Coordinator, Bayhealth

AMANDA C. BOWIE Editor, Healthwaves

JENNIFER MYERS Writer, Healthwaves

Marketing Operations Manager, Bayhealth

Marketing Specialist, Bayhealth ALICE RAUSCH Contributor, Healthwaves

LEIGH ANN COLEMAN Photographer, Healthwaves Webmaster, Bayhealth

Southern Region Strategy & Brand Program Manager, Bayhealth

JENNIFER DAILEY Writer, Healthwaves

PAUL STECCA Designer, Healthwaves

Marketing Specialist, Bayhealth

J&P Stecca LLC

IN THIS ISSUE feature story:

● After beating cancer, Vickie is more alive than ever 4

PICTURED ON COVER Vickie and Bill Hawkins are grateful for their dog Benji, who helped them get through Vickie’s battle with cancer.

To view Healthwaves online visit: Bayhealth.org/Healthwaves

6 ●

Managing the menace of menopause

14 ●

Raising money for cancer survivors

7 ● 8 ● 10 ●

Spring-cleaning your life

15 ● 16 ●

Bayhealth Annual Report

12 ●

Everyone benefits from collaboration

13 ●

A perfect partnership for home care

2018 Spring Classes The long and short of a heart attack

Bayhealth receives Blue Distinction for Bariatric Surgery

BAYHEALTH HOSPITAL, KENT CAMPUS

BAYHEALTH MILFORD MEMORIAL

640 South State Street Dover, Delaware 19901 302-674-4700

21 West Clarke Avenue Milford, Delaware 19963 302-422-3311

Letter from the President DEAR NEIGHBORS, Winter has made its exit, creating way for spring to make its appearance. With the change of season, we’re now one step closer to opening the new Bayhealth Sussex Campus in February 2019.

If you’ve driven south on Route 1 in Sussex County, you can see the hospital and outpatient center taking shape. While the structure is visible, the behind-the-scenes work that goes into building a facility of this magnitude and scope may not be as clear. Read about the Integrated Project Delivery system and how it’s allowing us to reduce construction time, maximize our budget, and deliver on the promises we’ve made to the community. See page 12 for the full story.

While construction continues, we remain driven to bring the nation’s best healthcare to our communities. That means we stand ready to help patients overcome a frightening diagnosis.

Magnolia resident Vicki Hawkins learned she had Stage IV Double-Hit Lymphoma and days later had a cardiac arrest. Restoring good health took her down many paths, and she shares her experience beginning on page 4.

For Diane Partridge, finding the answers she needed to live a better life post-menopause wasn’t easy. She had anxiety, couldn’t sleep, and had low energy, but didn’t like the options that doctors in a neighboring metropolitan area were giving her.

When she found help close to home in OB/GYN Michelle H. Cooper, MD, FACOG, her outlook on life was renewed. Read her story on page 6.

health. Instead, she focused on being a good wife, mom, and caretaker to her mother and grandmother.

When she had a heart attack, she was convinced she was simply having breathing issues. After having a triple bypass heart surgery, Short refocused and is now proactive about her health. Read her story beginning on page 10.

If you read these stories and are inspired to improve your health, Primary Care Physician Mark Morgan, DO, shares tried-and-true methods for recharging your life on page 7. There’s also a list of classes, events, and screenings on pages 8 and 9 designed to keep you in good health.

Thank you for putting your health in our hands.

We value you as our patients and remain fiscally responsible so we can continue to care for this community for decades to come. See our Annual Report on page 15.

Embrace the season and find ways to focus on your health — you’ll be glad you did.

Sincerely,

Terry M. Murphy, FACHE President and CEO Bayhealth

Juggling many responsibilities, Rae Short didn’t take the time to slow down and take care of her own

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After beating cancer, Vickie is more alive than ever For the past decade, Vickie Hawkins has been creating greeting cards in the craft room of her Magnolia home. She says the activity allows her to express and share the love and gratitude that naturally fill her soul, enabling her to do something meaningful since the onset of degenerative joint disease in her neck and back many years ago.

More recently, her hobby has helped her cope with another daunting medical condition.

In early April of last year, Hawkins started to experience persistent stomach pain and suddenonset vomiting. By early May, she began suffering numbness in her face, terrible aching in her teeth, and headaches. “Over the course of that time, I saw

several of my doctors including my neurologist and primary care physician. Unfortunately, although they had me undergo a colonoscopy, an ultrasound, and other tests, nothing could determine what was causing my symptoms,” explained Hawkins.

On May 23, when her existing symptoms worsened and just a few days after attending an event with her tea club and not recalling most of it, Hawkins went to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus. This time, she finally got the answers she’d been seeking.

An endoscopic evaluation found abnormal cells in her stomach, and she was diagnosed with Stage IV Double-Hit Lymphoma. Hawkins returned home with a treatment plan that included chemotherapy, and she and her husband Bill hoped and prayed for the best.

A few days later, Vickie’s health took a sudden and unexpected turn, and she was readmitted to the hospital. She had a cardiac arrest the following day, Memorial Day, and had to be resuscitated. Vickie was quickly transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where she would remain in a mostly sedated state.

“We were told the cancer had spread, and if she moved at all, she would die,” recalled Bill. “I was in shock.”

Despite the circumstances, Vickie’s hospital stay was better than the Hawkinses could’ve possibly imagined. “The nurses and other staff were unbelievable,” said Vickie. “I felt like they were my little angels.”

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Bill added, “I couldn’t believe how the doctors, nurses, and other staff worked together. They had daily meetings that we could attend, and they always explained what was happening in layman’s terms so we could understand. Also, Vickie’s parents live in New York and were initially unhappy I didn’t have her transferred to a hospital in the city; they believed she would get the best care there. But they quickly realized she was right where she needed to be.”

“I have the most wonderful husband,” said Vickie.

“When I came home, I still couldn’t walk or care for myself whatsoever. Bill helped me do everything.

I’m very independent, so this was a very difficult part of my journey.”

Vickie’s cancer treatments continued after she was discharged from the hospital in mid-July, and her last day of chemotherapy was Sept. 21. She had a PET scan on Dec. 13, and it showed she was cancerfree — something the Hawkinses described as “simply miraculous.” Vickie says the only real bothersome symptom that remains is neuropathy in her fingers and toes, a side effect of the chemotherapy.

“In addition to what the doctors, nurses, and others in the hospital did to save my life, I never would’ve survived if it hadn’t been for Bill, the rest of my family and friends, and the outpouring of love and prayers from my community,” says Vickie. “It’s been a whole new life — a sort of rebirth. I don’t even look the same. I used to have lots of blonde hair, and I lost a lot of weight. I went into the hospital weighing 165 pounds and left weighing a mere 117.

But it’s okay, because I’m embracing the new me and just thankful I’m still here.”

WE FEEL THAT WE HAVE GAINED MANY NEW FRIENDS AND FAMILY. — BILL HAWKINS

AN EXTRA-SPECIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION A couple of days before Vickie’s 61st birthday at the end of October 2017, the Hawkinses hosted a breakfast at the hospital to thank all the physicians and staff (too numerous to name) who helped save her life. They say the entire Hawkins family is forever grateful to the amazing team of professionals at Bayhealth, Kent Campus. “We feel that we have gained many new friends and family,” said Bill.

Vickie and Bill, who are originally from New Jersey, have been together for 31 years. They have four daughters and six grandchildren. The couple also expressed their gratitude for being able to say this experience has brought them closer together, and added that celebrating Vickie’s 61st birthday in October was a milestone like no other since she was starting a new year of life and was more alive than ever. ■ Visit Bayhealth.org/Cancer to learn more about cancer care at Bayhealth.

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Managing the menace of menopause Diane Partridge couldn’t find the answers she was looking for or the medical support she needed for dealing with the post-menopausal issues wreaking havoc with her life. For about two years, the Dover resident searched up and down the state and visited medical centers in nearby metropolitan areas to seek resolutions to her problems.

Partridge described her health concerns in terms that many women her age could relate to. “I didn’t feel like myself. I had thyroid issues. I couldn’t sleep.

I had anxiety,” said the 63-year-old woman who was typically active and engaged, enjoying travel, walking, kayaking, and more.

“I had digestive issues too, and it was worse if I didn’t eat a certain way. I tried to do it myself, but it was confusing. The fact that I had low energy scared me, and I didn’t want to feel that way,” Partridge said. “I talked to a lot of doctors, and it was hard to get them to think outside the box. I was going from one specialist to the next.”

She’s pleased that she found help close to home in OB/GYN Michelle H. Cooper, MD, FACOG. For 12 years, Dr. Cooper has offered integrative medicine techniques to her patients. Dr. Cooper pursued a fellowship in integrative medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Integrative medicine combines traditional medicine with a holistic approach, and assists patients like Partridge who can’t find answers through traditional healthcare.

Dr. Cooper explains that women at all stages of life are vulnerable to hormonal issues. “Integrative medicine works at the molecular level. It is very personalized, and every single person has her own plan,” said Dr. Cooper. “We are treating the entire body. Everything is related, especially with hormones. I spend a long time listening, trying to determine the root cause. A patient’s history is very important.”

Dr. Cooper also incorporates laboratory tests into a protocol to restore hormonal balance; additionally she recommends lifestyle changes and supplements to achieve positive changes.

Partridge said she noticed that within a few months she was more energetic, sleeping better, and feeling calmer. “It made a huge difference. Dr. Cooper can solve problems, but it does take time, and not everything is covered by insurance,” she said.

Yet, this satisfied patient says her patience has reaped rewards. “I’m a different person than I was two years ago,” she said. ■ If you need a physician, you can find one by visiting Bayhealth.org/Find-A-Doc or by calling 1-866-BAY-DOCS.

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Spring-cleaning your life It’s springtime in Delaware, and time for a good springcleaning. While you’re decluttering your home and sprucing up your garden, it’s also a good time to recharge your life.

Bayhealth Primary Care Physician Mark Morgan, DO, says a good way to recharge your life is by breaking bad habits. He notes it takes commitment and mental preparedness to make a change, but you’ll be glad you did. Here are Dr. Morgan’s four tips for spring-cleaning your life.

BE MENTALLY PREPARED Change is hard. Breaking a bad habit is even harder.

You must be mentally prepared, whether your goal is to stop drinking soda, eliminate junk food from your diet, or unplug from your electronics at night.

“Breaking a bad habit won’t work until you are ready,” said Dr. Morgan. “You have to be ready to make the change.”

MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY Your body will reap the rewards of sleeping well. It lowers stress and improves your mood.

“Getting a good night’s sleep helps with overall health and helps you maintain a healthy weight,” said Dr. Morgan. Cutting down on screen time before bed will help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep habits. ■ Bayhealth offers a number of services and programs to help you live a healthier life, including outpatient dietary services, smoking cessation programs, and more. Visit Bayhealth.org/Community-Health-And-Wellness for more information. If you’re in need of a primary care physician, visit Bayhealth.org/Find-A-Doc or call 1-866-BAY-DOCS.

TAKE YOUR TIME Breaking a bad habit takes time. “You didn’t start smoking a pack of cigarettes in a day, so you don’t have to quit cold turkey,” said Dr. Morgan. Start by eliminating a few each day and work toward quitting completely.

He says the same goes for losing weight.

“Weight loss challenges and certain diets help you lose weight quickly, but people generally gain the weight back. Changing daily habits and making small changes are the best way to go.”

DON’T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF We all juggle a ton of responsibilities, so if you miss a day at the gym or eat a piece of chocolate, don’t be so hard on yourself. “When trying to make a lifestyle change, it’s okay if you have a bad day,” said Dr. Morgan. “Remind yourself that you’re making progress and give yourself kudos for making even small changes.”

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VISIT BAYHEALTH.ORG/CLASSES FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF CLASSES AND EVENTS.

Maternity BIRTH CENTER TOUR AT BAYHEALTH HOSPITAL, KENT CAMPUS We invite you to an open house tour of the facility where you will meet your new baby for the first time.

Visit Bayhealth.org/BirthCenterTour to register.

BIRTH INN AND BEYOND TOURS AT MILFORD MEMORIAL Come for a tour of our unique facility, where we offer the convenience of birth and recovery in the same private room.

For more information, call 302-430-5739.

INFANT CARE These classes focus on basic infant care to give parents confidence in their ability to care for their babies.

Call 302-744-7135 to register.

This class has a $30 fee.

HELLO BABY Adjusting to a new brother or sister can be difficult for the older sibling.

Bayhealth’s “Hello Baby” program is designed to help children accept their new role.

Call 302-744-7135 to register.

This class has a $5 fee.

BREASTFEEDING 101 Come learn the basics about breastfeeding. Support persons are encouraged to attend. This class is offered the first Tuesday of every month at Milford Memorial and the third Tuesday of each month at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus.

Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register.

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PUMPING, MILK, AND MORE Expectant mothers will learn the ins and outs of what kind of pump works best, based on personal circumstances and preferences.

Visit Bayhealth.org/Classes to register.

LABOR AND CHILDBIRTH Classes are offered both in-person and online for expectant mothers and their partners. Mothers-to-be are encouraged to register early in their pregnancy.

Call 302-744-7135 to register.

This class has a $70 fee.

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP While breastfeeding is natural, it’s not always easy for new moms.

Our Breastfeeding Support Group offers an encouraging environment.

For more information, call 302-744-7233.

STEPS EDUCATION LECTURES Led by expert speakers, these lectures cover a wide variety of health topics targeting the 50+ age group.

For more information, visit Bayhealth.org/STEPS or call 302-744-7135.

Weight Loss BARIATRIC INFORMATION SEMINAR Learn more about the Bayhealth Bariatric Program including the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. Find out about the risks, benefits, and outcomes. Meet the surgeons and staff of the bariatric program, ask them questions, and see if you meet the criteria for bariatric surgery. These seminars are free of charge and all are welcome.

Healthy Aging

To register, call the Bayhealth Bariatric Office at 302-430-5454.

STEPS CARDIOVASCULAR CLINICS Your personal numbers — blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oximetry, and weight — can tell you a great deal about your health. Bayhealth nurses take careful readings when you come to one of our STEPS clinics. And it’s free!

For more information, call 302-744-7135.

CPR & First Aid

A MATTER OF BALANCE A Matter of Balance is an awardwinning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels in older adults. The program is free, but registration is required!

To register, visit Bayhealth.org/Classes or call 302-744-7135.

HEARTSAVER ADULT CPR/FIRST AID This course reviews the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults. Participants will learn how to use an AED (automatic external defibrillator).

The first aid section covers general principles, injuries, and medical and environmental emergencies.

To learn more, call 302-744-7135.

This course has a $35 fee.

2018 SPRING CLASSES BOONE CHIPMAN SOCIETY ESTATE PLANNING EVENT Join us for the annual Bayhealth Boone Chipman Society event on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino for an informative talk about estate planning and how the new Tax Plan may likely affect you. Our featured speaker is James Connell, FAHP, CSA, owner of Connell & Associates of North Carolina. Get the answers you need, from people you can trust.

Visit BayhealthFoundation.org or call 302-744-7015 to learn more.

HEARTSAVER PEDIATRIC CPR/FIRST AID This American Heart Association course reviews the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for children and infants.

It also provides information on how to manage a child’s injury during the first few minutes of an emergency until professional help arrives.

To learn more, call 302-744-7135.

This course has a $35 fee.

SAFE SITTER Safe Sitter® teaches boys and girls ages 12 to 15 how to handle emergencies when caring for children. Certified instructors teach safe and nurturing childcare techniques, behavior management skills, and appropriate responses to medical emergencies. Students will also learn CPR. To learn more, call 302-744-7135.

This course has a $50 fee.

BETTER BREATHERS This support group is for people with chronic obstructive lung disease and their family members.

For more information, please call Clinical Educator Jamann Caselles at 302-744-6227 or Respiratory Care Manager Rachael Ali-Permell at 302-430-5648.

FREEDOM FROM SMOKING® This free seven-week program offers support and guidance to help you quit using tobacco products.

For more information, call 302-744-7135.

Screenings MAMMOGRAMS Each month, Bayhealth hosts regular mammogram screenings at multiple locations at no cost to those who are uninsured or underinsured.

To register, call 302-430-5143 or 302-744-6528.

CLINICAL BREAST EXAMS A clinical breast exam is a physical examination done by a healthcare practitioner trained to notice abnormalities in the breast tissue.

Bayhealth offers free clinical breast exams to the community.

Registration is required!

To register, call Harriet Pinkston at 302-744-6528.

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The long and short of a heart attack Like many women, Rae Short cared for everyone around her and didn’t take the time to focus on herself. She was caretaker to her aging grandmother and mom, and also juggled the many responsibilities of being a wife and a mother to her own children.

But since having a heart attack, she’s been making more “me time” and paying more attention to her health.

Short’s heart attack in February 2012 took her by surprise. It happened just days after the annual Go Red for Women Luncheon she helped organize as a volunteer for the American Heart Association.

“Even during the ambulance ride, I was convinced I was having breathing issues, not a heart attack,” said Short.

A chronic cough plagued Short for years. She was working with her primary care physician and pulmonologist to rule out allergies and other breathing issues. Shortly thereafter, she had a

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heart attack. “I remember getting to the hospital and thinking I felt better and they would just send me home,” said Short. “It wasn’t until I spoke with the doctors that I realized I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Just days later, Short had a triple-bypass heart surgery at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus.

She was in the hospital for more than a month recovering, and said it took at least another six before she finally felt like herself again.

Looking back now, she can see the warning signs.

“I wasn’t as healthy as I should’ve been,” said Short.

“I didn’t exercise and I’d skip meals. I also didn’t get enough sleep.” She admits not being very proactive about her own health because she was so concerned with everyone else.

Following her surgery, she enrolled in the Bayhealth Cardiac Rehabilitation program to regain strength.

“I never exercised before, and I was nervous to get started,” she recalled. “I didn’t know what I should do or how I should feel.” While Short said the program was a big commitment, she saw it as the launching pad for transforming her health.

NOW I FOCUS ONLY ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT AND WHAT I CAN DO TO MAKE SURE WOMEN KNOW THEIR RISK FACTORS. — RAE SHORT

She’s now a regular at a local gym — going four days a week. Lean meats, fruits, and vegetables round out her diet. She stays away from fast food and caffeine, but does allow herself dessert every now and then. “I don’t ever want to be back in the hospital, so it’s great incentive for me to keep up with my new healthy lifestyle,” said Short. Now age 63, she says she feels healthier and more energized than ever before.

To maintain good heart health, Short sees Cardiologist Judith Rippert, MD. “She listens to me,” said Short. “I know I have her attention and I don’t ever feel like I’m being rushed.

I trust her with my life.”

“Rae is a great example to all women to be mindful of their symptoms and not ignore any problems,” said Dr. Rippert. “Rae was a caretaker for others, but she needed to care for herself. She’s a great patient and she’s on the right path. It’s so important for women to visit their doctors and be aware of their risk factors. Women have to make themselves a priority.”

Short sees life differently now, saying she doesn’t have time for trivial things. “Now I focus only on what’s important and what I can do to make sure women know their risk factors,” said Short.

“Caregivers don’t often think of themselves. But the truth is, you can’t help others if you aren’t here.

Now more than ever, I let myself say ‘no’ if I can’t take on something. My ‘no’ gives someone else the opportunity to say ‘yes.’ Things don’t have to be perfect — life’s too short for that.” ■

RECOGNIZING THE WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATACK Heart attack signs in women differ from those in men. The American Heart Association® lists the following as heart attack signs women should look for: Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

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Everyone benefits from collaboration High expectations, a limited budget, and a short timeframe for design and construction were some of the challenges facing Bayhealth’s facilities leadership when determining how to make the new Sussex Campus a reality. The old tried-and-true methods for delivering projects wouldn’t fully address these challenges. The answer: Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). IPD leverages early knowledge and expertise from the owner, designers, and builders, along with the latest computer-aided technologies to produce cost-effective results. Built on collaboration and trust, it incentivizes the owner, designer, and builder to focus on project outcomes rather than individual goals. Ultimately, this translates into greater project value for all.

Bayhealth (the owner), CannonDesign (the designer/ engineer), Whiting-Turner (the builder/construction manager), and 10 trade partners/contractors entered into the same contract. “With one contract signed by all — versus several, which is what typically occurs for a project like this — every firm shares the same risk and reward,” explained WhitingTurner Vice President Josh Fanelli. CannonDesign Senior Vice President Michael Yoshimura says the single contract also removes many legal barriers.

“IPD allows us the freedom to share the building

[3D computer] model, and use the trades and their expertise, so the project is completed in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.”

Fanelli says the IPD process fosters better communication and collaboration between the project partners and significantly increases end-user involvement. “The IPD arrangement creates a true team atmosphere, where all parties’ interests are aligned to the same schedule and financial goals, which encourages behaviors that facilitate progress and optimizes results.” It also involves informed decision making from the beginning, and the close collaboration eliminates waste in the design process by allowing real-time data sharing between the design and construction teams. This is enabled by collocating the owner, designer, and builder in a “Big Room,” which further promotes teamwork, removes silos, and increases chances of success.

The community benefits from IPD as well. “Because IPD leads to significant cost savings, more programs can be offered,” said Whiting-Turner Senior Superintendent Chris Mitchell. Bayhealth Health Campus Project Director Jerry Peters said, “The IPD process has allowed us to maximize our budget, reduce construction time, and deliver on clinical and community expectations. Upon completion, we’ll have a state-of-the-art facility that exceeds current needs, and is designed to grow and evolve with changes in healthcare delivery and the community. The IPD team has done an outstanding job making what was imagined come to life.” ■ Visit BayhealthSussexCampus.org to learn more about the project and sign up for updates.

PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MICHAEL YOSHIMURA, CANNONDESIGN; JERRY PETERS, BAYHEALTH; JOSH FANELLI, WHITING-TURNER.

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A perfect partnership for home care BAYADA Home Health Care at Bayhealth is a joint venture of nationally renowned home health agency BAYADA Home Health Care and Bayhealth. Part of a growing trend in which hospitals are joining with home care agencies, the partnership was created to enhance delivery of services and to better support the increasing need for home healthcare.

Harsha Tankala, MD, who has been practicing medicine in Dover for more than 15 years and has fellowship training in geriatrics and board certification in internal medicine, is the physician member of the Professional Advisory Committee of BAYADA Home Health Care at Bayhealth. He says the joint venture’s fundamental goals are to provide care and assistance that reduces the need for inpatient care, and to play a significant role in helping patients maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.

“Most patients have their own primary care physicians,” said Dr. Tankala. “We’re responsible for working with them to coordinate care to ensure patients avoid hospitalization or rehospitalization.

In fact, post-discharge care is a very important part of what we do. Preventing readmission and keeping these rates as low as possible is critical, and the right home healthcare can help accomplish that.”

OTHER BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE AT BAYHEALTH SERVICES INCLUDE: Patient education: Providing patients with a better understanding and monitoring of their diagnoses and educating them about warning signs that require immediate medical attention.

Reducing hospitalization: Providing home health nurses who are a crucial link between patients and their primary care physicians to enable timely intervention, minimizing emergency room visits and hospitalizations for people with many chronic conditions associated with frequent exacerbations.

Medication management: Increasing patients’ comprehension about their medications and improving compliance.

Fall prevention and physical therapy: Assessing risk of falls in the home setting and providing physical therapy for patients unable to travel outside their homes. ■ Visit Bayhealth.org/HomeHealthCare or call 302-213-5030 to learn more about BAYADA Home Health Care at Bayhealth.

Dr. Tankala says home health services benefit another population. “A lot of seniors who’ve developed early cognitive impairment are naturally concerned about maintaining their functional state for as long as possible. Home healthcare intervention can help them stay in their current community versus having to go to an assisted living facility. The cost of skilled services provided by home healthcare is also a fraction of the cost of those same services in an institution.”

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Raising money for cancer survivors Established in 2012, the Bayhealth Cancer Institute’s Survivorship Program supports cancer patients as they transition from cancer treatment to cancer survivorship. A nurse navigator, in collaboration with the patient’s oncologist, reviews an individual plan to address follow-up care and help reduce anxiety and specific patient concerns following their treatment. Runway of Hope — an annual fashion-based fundraiser featuring a runway fashion show, elegant luncheon, silent auction, and raffles — is a driving force behind the program’s positive impact on the lives of local cancer survivors.

Professional models, as well as Bayhealth physicians and their children, walk the runway showcasing fashions from local boutiques. The silent auction items are also available online via BidPal, and anyone, including those unable to attend the event, may bid. There are just a few caveats, explains Runway of Hope Fundraising Committee Member Syreeta Adams-Harris. “The items can be viewed via BidPal® one week before the event, but bidding doesn’t start until the day of. Also, we’re not able to ship items, so those unable to attend will need to make arrangements with an attendee to pick up their winnings.”

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Runway of Hope, which has consistently grown each year, is a result of Founder and Committee Co-chair Susan Chinnici’s vision. As a member of the Bayhealth Cancer Institute Board of Directors, she wanted to inspire others to give in support of those with cancer. “Members of the committee are really hard workers and very generous,” said Chinnici. “It’s exciting to see how Runway of Hope has evolved over the last several years!”

Cancer Nurse Navigator Linda Marvel, BSN, RN, OCN, who has cancer survivors accompany her as a guest to the event, says it’s an honor to share the day with her patients. “The guests are amazed by the community support and the size of the event.

Runway of Hope allows us to continue assisting and supporting our cancer patients, and we’re very grateful to the committee members who plan it every year. It’s a fun, exciting, heartwarming day.”

The eighth annual Runway of Hope fundraiser will be held at the elegant Rehoboth Beach Country Club in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. Individual tickets are $125. ■ Visit BayhealthFoundation.org to purchase tickets, to learn more, or to obtain sponsorship information. You may also call the Bayhealth Foundation at 302-744-7015.

2017

BAYHEALTH ANNUAL REPORT PATIENT CARE STATISTICS

FISCAL 2017

FISCAL 2016

94,223

91,879

ED Visits Births Outpatient Visits (Excludes ED Visits)

2,212 2,342 471,431

534,315

18,760

17,400

227,189

321,466

1,276,555

1,281,900

15,664

15,311

4.94

5.03

Unreimbursed Care

49.5 M

43.8 M

Total Net Revenue

583.7 M

570.1 M

Patients Admitted Diagnostic Imaging Procedures Laboratory Tests Operations Performed Average Length of Stay

PAYOR MIX STATISTICS

■ MEDICARE — 49.63% ■ MEDICAID — 18.99% ■ BLUE CROSS — 17.18% ■ COMMERCIAL/MANAGED CARE — 6.4% ■ COMPENSATION — 1.43% ■ CHAMPUS — 3.47% ■ PRIVATE PAY — 2.90%

FINANCIAL STATISTICS

FISCAL 2017

FISCAL 2016

Net Patient Service Revenue

567,573,118

553,687,113

Other Operating Revenue

16,139,578

16,452,519

Total Revenue:

583,712,696

570,139,632

Less: Operating Expenses

546,511,191

533,756,795

Operating Income

37,201,505

36,382,837

Other (Investment) Income Net

42,278,043

-4,297,814

Reserve for Future Improvements

79,479,548

32,085,023

Total Capital Expenditures for technology improvements, 83,128,926 equipment replacement, construction, and other building renovations

66,024,957

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Bayhealth receives Blue Distinction for Bariatric Surgery Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware has recognized Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus with a Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery designation and Bayhealth Milford Memorial with a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Bariatric Surgery designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. To receive a Blue Distinction for Bariatric Surgery designation, a healthcare facility must demonstrate success in meeting patient safety measures as well as bariatric-specific quality measures, including complication and readmission rate for laparoscopic procedures in sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric band. It must also be nationally accredited at both the facility and bariatric program–specific levels. Also, only those

facilities that first meet Blue Distinction’s nationally established, objective quality measures will be considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+, which Milford Memorial received.

ABOUT BLUE DISTINCTION CENTERS Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable health care. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

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