SCOPE Magazine September 2005

September 2005

Where caring counts. Feel the difference.

TM

Vol. 21

No. 3

SCOPE Publication of Public Hospital District No. 1

Hospital Joins County’s Goal to “Continue to Strive to Meet Healthcare Needs of Community” This past spring a group of interested citizens came together several times to learn how to build and support a future local healthcare system that is needed in Mason County.

In a rural community like Mason County, the health sector is also one of the more vital economic engines. Understanding and moving ahead in regard to its needs is important not only for the healthcare arena, but also for economic viability in the County.

This project was made possible by a grant for technical assistance that Mason County received from the NaEach of these tional Associahealthcare jobs, in tion of Counties turn, supports (NACO). Mason another 1,600 local Matters assisted jobs, generating an the County in procuring the additional $49 grant. million in payroll, “This was an for a total economic excellent opporimpact of $131 tunity for the million. community to come together and look at all facets of our healthcare system,” said Mason County Commissioner, Jayni Kamin.

Mason General Hospital CEO, Bob Appel; CFO, Eric Moll; and President of the Board of Hospital Commissioners, Don Wilson were part of the committee.

The objectives of the grant were to:

1. Discuss the national trends in healthcare 2. Summarize the direct local economic activities of the health sector 3. Review concepts of community economics and multipliers 4. Estimate the secondary impacts of the health sector on Mason County’s economy

Square photo Not horizontal Lisa Gaffney and Shannon Stevens, both MGH employees, enjoy their “new look,” thanks to LAP-BAND®!

LAP-BAND® An Effective Surgical Solution to Obesity

As reported…

By Jane Metzger

1. Direct Local Economic Activities In the economic report, employment and payroll are the important direct economic activities created in Mason County from the health sector. The health sector is divided into the following five components: hospitals; doctors, dentists and other medical professionals; nursing and protective care; pharmacies; and other medical health services.

In Mason County, healthcare accounts for $82 million in payroll and about 1,900 wellpaying jobs with benefits. MGH’s component employs 452 people with an annual payroll of nearly $22 million. Each of these healthcare jobs, in turn, supports another 1,600 local jobs, generating an additional $49 million in payroll, for a total economic impact of $131 million. The employment multiplier for MGH is 1.91. This indicates that for each job created in the hospital, 0.91 jobs are created throughout the area due to the business and household spending. The income multiplier for the hospital sector is 1.55. This means that for each dollar created at MGH, 0.55 dollars are created throughout the area due to business and houseContinued on page 7…

There is a certain air of enthusiasm at Mason General Hospital, with the successful weight-loss surgical procedure that is giving a growing number of people who suffer with extreme obesity a new lease on life!

In fact, more than 40 of MGH’s employees have undergone the FDA-approved LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, with amazing weight-loss results. This number is in addition to the hundreds of people in the South Puget Sound ReContinued on page 8…

What’s Inside: 2

Do You Need A Flu Shot?

2

Germ Station

4

Fantasy Forest “Diamond Jubilee”

6

News Briefs

7

Volunteers Keeping Busy

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SCOPE Hospital Golf Tournament A Success

Enjoying a day of golf to help raise monies for MGH Foundation were: Bob Buhl, Tim Fredson, Linda Gott, and Rick Endicott. Rick got the first ever hole-in-one in the tournament’s 11-year history. He received a trip and four-night stay at the Paris Las Vegas, two show tickets, and four rounds of golf at the Revere Golf Club in Las Vegas.

The 11th annual Mason General Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament “Quality Care Open,” held at the LakeLand Village Golf Course, Allyn, on June 24, 2005, grossed more than $40,000. The final receipts were $3,000 more than what was raised in 2004. The proceeds will help purchase a new ultrasound machine. Below is a list of the winners.

Handicap Division

1st Overall - Bill Blakeslee, Nancy Price, Randy Price, Ray Cappillino 1st - Peggy Robertson, Linda Hoff, Jeri Demiero, Gerry Lou Hasselwood 2nd - Bob Buhl, Linda Gott, Tim Fredson, Rick Endicott 3rd - Barb Dunbar, David Backstrom, Keith Simmons, Charlie Travaglione Non-Handicap Division

1st - Chris Haffly, Jeff Gerbing, Randy Smith, Dave Myer 2nd - Daryle Skaugstad, Art Ricketts, Mike Sheehan, Brandon Ricketts 3rd (tie) - Kris Shegrud, Dean Johnson, Kevin Lee, Charles Wolf 3rd (tie) - Gayle Weston, Gary Koch, Bill Smith, Grant Fox

Do You Need A Flu Shot?

The flu season is around the corner and let’s face it – the flu is no fun. And at times it can be a killer.

Health officials from the Center for Disease Control say the following groups should have flu shots: ➡ Children 6 – 23 months old ➡ Older adults 65 or older ➡ Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

➡ Healthcare workers giving direct patient care ➡ Out-of-home caregivers or those working directly with children under 6 months old ➡ People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, asthma, or chronic respiratory, heart, or kidney conditions Consult with your primary care specialist or call the Mason County health department for locations for flu shots. CDC outlines priority in the event of a vaccine shortage.

Germ Station to Educate Visitors and Patients Germs are everywhere. But you can prevent their spread if you know how to contain them.

In an effort to help reinforce public education, MGH’s Infection Control department has set up “Germ Stations” in Wash Hands three locations at MGH to help inform visitors and patients of the important role everyone plays in preventing the spread of germs. The stations are now located outside the Emergency Room in the Central Registration area, South Waiting Area and inside the Intensive Care Unit.

At each station there is information posted along with supplies — tissues, masks, and hand gel. Approximately Use Tissue 80 percent of all germs are spread by contact.

A simple thing like shaking hands and not washing them can make a dramatic difference.

Living Well With Diabetes Class If diabetes is a part of your life, plan to attend MGH’s next three-day session entitled “Living Well With Diabetes.” All three consecutive days will be during the daytime beginning Tuesday, October 18, 2005, at the hospital in the Ellinor Room. Due to class size limitations, advanced pre-registration is required.

Content of this self-management class includes diabetes diagnosis, proper meal planning, diabetes medications, exercise, prevention and treatment of complications, stress management, living with diabetes, and the use of support people and a healthcare team. To register call Sue Barwick, R.N. at (360) 426-1611, ext. 3301 or (Belfair) (360) 275-8614, ext. 3301.

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SCOPE MASON COUNTY DEPT. OF HEALTH SERVICES REPORTS:

Watch Secondhand Smoke Editor’s note: With the death of ABC News Commentator Peter Jennings due to lung cancer, added awareness of lung cancer and its prevention have become hot topics. According to reports, lung cancer kills more people every year than the other top three leading cancers combined.

Prevention is more important than a cure, as a reliable cure has not been discovered.

Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke that is exhaled by the smoker and the smoke that originates from a smoldering cigarette. Secondhand smoke contains over 50 chemicals known to cause cancer in humans. As many as 35,000 nonsmokers die in the United States each year from heart disease and lung cancer as a result of secondhand smoke exposure.

Effective Secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to children. It increases the risk of low Oct. 1, 2005 birth weight babies and infant deaths from SIDS. It increases the risk of children developing asthma, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and cavities. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives shows a correlation between secondhand exposure and poor test scores in children. Even extremely low levels of secondhand smoke exposure were related to some decrease in cognitive performance, which led the authors to conclude that there is no safe level of exposure for children to secondhand smoke.

You can protect your child from secondhand smoke by taking the following precautions: 1. Keep your home smoke-free.

2. Keep your car smoke-free.

Treasures Silent Auction Benefits Cancer Fund

3. Talk about smoking.

4. Avoid smoke in public places.

For additional information on how to protect your child from secondhand smoke or for resources to help you quit smoking, contact Heidi Iyall at (360) 427-9670, Ext. 410.

Annual AIDS Walk The Mason County AIDS Advisory Counsel would like to invite you to participate in the 10th Annual Mason County AIDS Walk on Saturday, September 24, 2005. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Wal-Mart parking lot with the 2-mile walk beginning at 10:15 a.m. Snacks and water will be provided free to all walkers and volunteers. The event includes a best-dressed pet contest and prizes for a fancy hat.

The Walk raises funds for those living with HIV/AIDS in Mason County. If you would like to participate in the walk or would like to donate, please call (360) 427-3234. Or send checks made out to: Mason County AIDS Advisory Council, P.O. Box 1382 Shelton WA. 98584.

There are over one million people living with AIDS in the United States and over 35 million have been diagnosed with HIV world wide. Over 10,000 cases have been reported in Washington State.

Mason County has a total of 89 known cases at this point. Currently there is no cure for HIV. Treatment and long term care for people living with AIDS can be very expensive.

The Mason County AIDS Advisory meets on the second Wednesday of each month. If you are interested in volunteering for the AIDS Walk or would like to become an Advisory member please call (360) 427-3234.

Workouts Help Angina Many Americans undergo balloon angioplasty each year to get relief from angina-brief episodes of heart-related chest pain. As an initial option, however, doctors recommend medication, exercise, diet and other lifestyle changes.

German researchers recently found that the latter approach was not only cheaper and safer but more effective. In a year-long study, 100 men with stable angina were randomly chosen for treatment with either angioplasty or an exercise program consisting of 20 minutes daily on an exercise bike. At the end of the year, 21 of the 50 treated with angioplasty, versus only 6 of those performing exercise, had suffered a heart attack, stroke or other problem caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart or brain. The subjects riding exercise bikes also had higher levels of physical fitness. [Source: Circulation, March 23, 2004; “Sweat Can Set You Free,” Harvard Health Letter, June 2004]

Karen Hilburn, KHBC fund founder who is also a Treasures volunteer; Sandy Jackson, manager of Treasures; and Gail Johnston, Treasures volunteer help display silent auction items.

Karen Hilburn Breast Cancer Fund Auction Breast cancer has intimately touched many lives at Treasures Thrift Stores in Shelton. Because of this, members of the staff at Treasurers decided to help support the Karen Hilburn Breast Cancer Fund by organizing a silent auction in August.

The Karen Hilburn Breast Cancer Fund helps women pay for their medical bills who otherwise would not be able to pay for the procedures they need. The KHBC Fund and Treasures stores are a part of the MGH Foundation.

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“Diamond Jubilee” is this Year’s Fanta This coming holiday season marks the 10th year, the “Diamond Jubilee,” for Mason General Hospital Foundation’s Fantasy Forest*. This event began humbly in 1995 as a single, one-night, dinner/auction event held in the public meeting rooms of Mason General Hospital. It has grown into a four-day, eight-event fund-raising goliath held at “The Pavilion at Sentry Park.” It has become the Foundation’s major fund-raiser with proceeds benefiting Mason General Hospital, North Mason Medical Clinic, and Oakland Bay Pediatrics, all facilities of Public Hospital District No. 1.

The main feature of Fantasy Forest is the designer trees that are displayed throughout the four-day event beginning Wednesday, November 16, and then are auctioned at the “Diamond Gala Dinner and Auction,” Saturday evening, November 19.

Leading up to the auction-dinner are the following Fantasy Forest events. Each event requires paid tickets except for the Senior Tea and Tidbits & Trinkets Giftique.

Ticketed Events “The Pavilion at Sentry Park”

Wed., Nov. 16 - Sat., Nov. 19

✦ Community Open Houses During these times, the public is invited to come and enjoy the beauty of the designer trees, to vote for their favorite trees and to shop in the Fantasy Forest gift shops.

✦ Thursday, November 17 Senior Tea

✦ Friday, November 18 “Tidbits & Trinkets Giftique

Features of Fantasy Forest Patrons enjoy viewing the designer trees and voting for their favorites, shopping in the adult and children gift shops, taking opportunities to win great raffle items, participating in silent auctions, purchasing 2foot trees, enjoying entertainment, viewing the Memorial Tree, and learning of the recipients of the Flame Award.

The Memorial Tree** ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦

Wed., Nov. 16 - Sat., Nov. 19

✦ Wednesday, November 16 Fashion Show Luncheon and Toast to the Tree Designers Cocktail Social

✦ Thursday, November 17 Father-Daughter Night Out

✦ Friday, November 18 Swing Fever Dance

✦ Saturday, November 19 Teddy Bear Party and Diamond Gala Dinner and Auction 2005 Memorial Ornament**

Free Events

➡

Each year features a special “Memorial” tree, dedicated to those who had been loyal supporters of the Foundation and Mason General Hospital through either except i o n a l volunteerism and service and/or financial contribu-

tions, and who had passed away during the current year. This year’s memorial tree is dedicated to Gertrude Batstone, Sam Edgin, and Opal Orr, each an outstanding volunteer to Fantasy Forest, MGH Foundation and/or Mason General Hospital.

The Flame Award ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ This award is the greatest accolade given by the Mason General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. It honors people for their outstanding service and/or financial support of the Foundation and Mason General Hospital. This award came into existence in 2000 and is announced and awarded annually at the Diamond Gala Dinner and Auction. The selection is made by the Executive Board of the Foundation and is kept secret until that night. Past recipients include: Ken and Kitty Frank, 2000; Bill and Gert Batstone, 2001; Sam and Diane Edgin, 2002; Opal Orr and Sara Watkins, 2003; and Don and Bonnie Wilson, 2004.

“New” this Year ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ “Toast to the Tree Designers” cocktail social. This is a champagne and wine social with a no-host bar set for Wednesday evening, November 16. It will run from 5 8 p.m. and will be the prelude to the upcoming holiday season. Meet and socialize with friends, work colleagues and business acquaintances. Celebrate the season and the tree designers who worked so hard to bring delight, beauty, and enjoyment to the community. There will be a formal “Toast” to the tree designers and the tree design awards will be announced. Enjoy camaraderie, relaxation, and fun.

“Expanded” this Year ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ “Tidbits & Trinkets Giftique” has grown from a vendor sideshow to a gift bazaar main event. Up to 20 craftspeople, artists, and commercial vendors will feature a wide

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SCOPE Is It Psoriasis or Dandruff?

asy Forest array of unique and unusual hand-crafted gift items, stocking stuffers, and holiday decor as well as popular commercial items for any gift-giving occasion. It will run from 9 - 4 p.m. on Friday.

“Swing Fever” Dance ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ All you dancers or just lovers of the big band sound...this is the event for you! The live band, “Swing Fever,” is the dance event of the same name. The great sounds of this well-known local instrumental treat will be featured again in the magical surroundings of Fantasy Forest. Dance among the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and, even if you aren’t a dancer, please come to enjoy the fantastic music and delicious food. Included in this festive evening will be hearty hors d’oeuvres (don’t bother with dinner), holiday desserts, wine, champagne, and a no-host bar. Get a group together and make your reservations early, as it’s sure to be a sell-out.

Information, Tickets ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ For detailed information on dates, times, ticket prices, reservations and on all events included in Fantasy Forest, call the Mason General Hospital Development Office at (360) 427-3623 (from Belfair call (360) 2754084 and ask for development). Information will also be provided on radio station KMAS 1030 AM and in the Shelton-Mason County Journal. *The Foundation is seeking individuals, organizations, and businesses in Mason County, Public Hospital District No. 1, to donate items for the silent auctions, live auction and the Fantasy Forest raffles.

MGHF is looking for handcrafted items, services, products, travel opportunities, and whatever is in the realm of possibility to donate. All designertrees for the Diamond Gala Dinner and Auction have been reserved, but designers for the 2-foot trees are still needed.

**Each year a specially selected memorial ornament is available for anyone to purchase in either memory or honor of their own loved ones.

Their names are recorded in a memory book displayed along-side the Memorial Tree. The ornaments are hung on the tree for the duration of Fantasy Forest and picked up by the purchasers after Fantasy Forest. For more information on making donations, receiving a pre-lit 2-foot tree to decorate, ordering memorial ornaments, and making reservations or purchasing tickets for Fantasy Forest events, call the MGH Development Office at (360) 427-3623; Northeast Mason County residents call (360) 275-8614, and ask for Development. In addition, Fantasy Forest’s, “Tidbits & Trinkets Giftique” is seeking vendors to sell their wares on Friday, November 18. Interested vendors may contact either Carolyn Olsen (360) 426-6852 or Sue Patterson (360) 427-7731.

Accepting new patients birth through high school • Immunizations • Well-baby checkups • Free prenatal consultations • Physicals: school, sports & camp

Fabio Savorgnan, M.D. Board Certified Fluent in Spanish and English Saad Al Alou, M.D. Board Admissible Fluent in Spanish and English MaryAnne Murray ARNP

247 Professional Way, Shelton, WA 98584 360-426-3102 Operated by Public Hospital District No.1

Nearly half of psoriasis patients have scaly patches on the scalp, sometimes confused with seborrheic dermatitis, better known as dandruff.

Whereas seborrheic dermatitis creates itching and flaking affecting all or most of the scalp, psoriasis has thickened, palpable, well-defined patches of plaque. [Source: “GP Clinical: Psoriasis,” GP, September 24, 2004]

Foundation Honors Three Local Business Women Reneé Youngs, former chief financial officer at Mason General Hospital; Michelle Schnitzer, manager of Heritage Reneé Youngs Bank’s Shelton office; and Angela Wake Olson, owner of Steven’s Fine Dining, Angela’s Beauty Boutique and Wake-up Espresso are Mason General Hospital Foundation’s recipients of the local 2005 American Business Women of the Year Award.

This year’s recipients will be honored during a public, no- Michelle Schnitzer host luncheon to be held on Thursday, September 29, 2005, 11:30 a.m - 1 p.m. at MGH. MGH’s Executive Chef, John Cruse, and staff, will cater the event. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling (360) 427-3623, (Belfair (360) 275Angela 8614, and ask for DeWake Olson velopment).

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SCOPE News Briefs……………………………………… ...Congratulations to ”Employee of the month for MGH” for June, Barbara Huisman, R.N., outpatient surgery; July, Alvie Munro, diagnostic imaging; and August, Laureen Forbis, ER., monitor tech. …Next free CPR class is set for September 28, 2005, at 6 p.m. It will be offered in English and Spanish. Pre-registration is required by calling (360) 427-3609 (from Belfair call (360) 275-8614.) …Treasures Thrift Stores announced the “Volunteer of the Month for August” was Sandra Hard. Congratulations! …Tom DiDonna, R.N., education coordinator at MGH, was recently named to the American Heart Associations National Faculty for pediatric advanced life support emergency care education. He will represent the entire state of Washington on national and international issues related to resuscitation and emergency education. He was also nominated and named to the National Faculty this month for a two year tenure. …The Guiding Council of “Treasures Thrift Store,” owned and operated by Mason General Hospital Foundation, recently elected its officers for 2005. Elected as President was Glenda Geister, Lilliwaup; VicePresident: Teresa Chamberlain, Shelton; Secretary/Treasurer: Evelyn Nauman, Elma.

Also elected to join the Guiding Council as members-at-large were Florence Chamberlain and Tom Martin, both of Shelton.

The Treasures Thrift Store Guiding Council acts as an advisory committee on the operations of “Treasures Thrift Store” and “Treasures, Too!” Both stores are located on the 300 block of Railroad Avenue in Shelton.

Store profits are donated to Public Hospital District No. 1 through Mason General Hospital Foundation for the purchase of medical equipment. The thrift stores recently purchased a state-of-the-art mammogram machine.

The Guiding Council’s agenda for 2005 is recruitment of volunteers for both stores. The thrift stores receive hundreds of donated items each month which are then sold after volunteers have priced, tagged and put them on the sales floor. “We also need volunteers for cashiering

and cleanup,” said Sandy Jackson, thrift store manager. “Volunteering at the thrift stores is a perfect opportunity for on-thejob experience which can be used for future employment.” To volunteer, contact Ms. Jackson at (360) 427-3858. …The Mason General Hospital Auxiliary recently elected its officers for the upcoming year. Sue Glenn, was elected president; Barbara Burnett, vice president; Sheridan Holman, secretary; and Marie Grinnell, treasurer.

The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month from September to May. The annual dues are $10 per year and the cost of the monthly lunches is $6. The lunch is catered by MGH Café Bistro staff under the direction of Executive Chef John Cruse.

Over fifty years ago, a group of Shelton women formed the Charter Members Auxiliary to aid in fund raising for the Shelton General Hospital. In more recent years, this group has become the Mason General Hospital Auxiliary and maintains the tradition of supporting the hospital mission with time, talent and the continued dedication to fund raising. The auxiliary also operates the Gift Bar at MGH. These proceeds are given as scholarships to students entering nursing or other health related studies. Auxiliary members also have the opportunity to volunteer within Public Hospital District No. 1, and assist with special projects like Fantasy Forest.

If you are interested in joining the Mason General Hospital Auxiliary or have questions, please plan on attending the next monthly meeting, which will be on Monday, September 12, 2005 at 11:45 a.m. in the Ellinor Room. …Mason General Hospital participated in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life,” June 10 and 11, 2005. More than 30 employees and their families walked the track raising money for cancer research, education, and treatment. MGH successfully raised $8,000! The Relay was a great success! Thanks to our community, more than $133,000 were raised!

Employee Focus…

“I work in the happiest place there is,” said Jane Pentz, LPN, March Employee of the Month. Jane has been a nursery nurse in labor and delivery for the past 25 years.

Jane Pentz, LPN “It is such a happy time to be there for a delivery. To see life begin. To see the parents’ reactions. To be there for the very beginning of life. It is so rewarding and so much fun,” said the mother of three. She also works in MGH’s intensive care unit and the emergency department on a needs basis.

Jane also readily admits that she loves her job and her co-workers. “I work with the best group of people around. We all want to be there for the mother and family and give the best care possible.”

“Christmastown Quilters” Great Hospital Supporter “Christmastown Quilters” is a group of women who initially came together many years ago because of their common interest in quilt making. Now they number twelve who not only teach one another their own quilting skills, but have become friends who support one another.

Twelve years ago they began making baby quilts for use at Mason General Hospital so that babies would go home with a warm, soft quilt. They have also donated numerous quilts to the MGH Hospital Auxiliary gift shop, the MGH Fantasy Forest, the MGH Arts Commission, and Sherwood Hospital Guild to be used in fund-raising auctions. In total, they have hand-crafted more than 700 quilts over the years for the benefit of Mason General Hospital.

Now you can help them. They need unused, 100 percent cotton scraps and yardage. Donations of cotton material may be taken to the MGH Development office in the Gateway Center. If you are interested in learning quilting skills, along with having friendship and fun, call Jane at (360) 4261012.

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SCOPE Meet Healthcare Needs continued from page one… hold spending.

However, the healthcare environment is changing, and rural communities need to be proactive and do things differently in order to keep the current viable healthcare system in place.

2. Potential Drivers of Health Sector Economy Cuts in Medicare and Medicaid Hurt Everyone.

Rural communities are generally poorer and older than the urban communities, meaning more people are covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Over the years, the U.S. federal government has been making cuts in the reimbursement rates for these insurance programs. These cuts hurt the rural medical providers and hospitals harder than their urban counter-parts, making it more difficult for them to stay in business. For Mason County, this means that more people are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and that our local providers are receiving less and less for their services.

Increase in Senior Population Second, rural communities like Mason County are projected to experience a higher than usual increase in our senior population. In 2000, citizens over the age of 65 years represented 17 percent of our population. This is expected to increase to 28 percent of the population in 2025. “This means we need to be planning now for the types of healthcare services that this growing senior population will need. Mason County is an attractive place for seniors to retire. We can make it more attractive and help seniors stay in the community if we have the healthcare services that seniors need,” stated Emmett Doby, director of Community Development for Mason County.

Uninsured or Underinsured The third challenge to rural health care systems is the growing number of people without any health insurance. In rural communities, a large number of jobs are created by small businesses. These days, it is hard for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees, and it is getting harder all the time. Statewide, of the

people who lack health insurance, 75 percent are employed but do not qualify for health insurance benefits from their employer, or cannot afford coverage, or receive no benefits

Summary The economic impact of the health sector upon the economy of Mason County is tremendous. The health sector employs a large number of residents, similar to a large industrial firm. The secondary impact occurring in the community is extremely large and measures the total impact of the health sector. If the health sector increases or decreases in size, the medical health of the community as well as the economic health of the community are greatly affected. For the attraction of industrial firms, businesses and retirees, it is crucial that the area have a sufficient and quality health sector.

3. Survey results are in…

This ad-hoc committee also helped Mason County commissioners, along with Public Hospital District No. 1 commissioners, plan for the healthcare system by creating a telephone survey to see what drives the healthcare needs and wants in Mason County.

“The preliminary survey results were very encouraging in terms of the high satisfaction levels with the services provided by Mason General, especially in our Emergency services,” said Eric Moll, chief financial officer at MGH. “Access to physicians is a concerning issue. The providers in Mason County perform a high quality service, but according to NACO researchers, the number of physicians necessary to serve Mason County needs to double. In a way, this is encouraging, because it shows the demand for services locally is increasing. Pubic Hospital District No. 1 commissioners are firmly committed to meeting these challenges and continuing to provide access to healthcare services.”

The survey results have been realized but have not been acted upon by the committee.

“We plan to regroup in September to see where we need to go with the data,” added Kimberley Klint, executive director of Mason Matters.

“The data will be used by a number of organizations in upcoming strategic planning activities, including the County Comprehensive Plan and Mason General Hospital.”

People Are Talking About Us… and We Like It. You are a first rate hospital.

I was very pleased with my care.

Thank you so much.

Your whole team works together better than any I have seen.

One big plus is attitude. Everyone is upbeat and positive.

I plan to tell everyone I know how professional and nice everyone was at the hospital.

Busy Volunteers

By Maggie Birmingham, volunteer coordinator

This past summer the Volunteer Office hosted Larissa, a nursing student from Washington State Univerisity, through “Project HOPE” (Health Occupations Preparatory Experience). HOPE is designed to create an awareness of the broad range of career opportunities in healthcare. Larissa completed 120 hours of experience within several departments at MGH. “Through Project HOPE, I have been given the opportunity to learn more about the different health professions at Mason General Hospital,” said Larissa. “I would like to thank the hosting departments for their teaching and guidance. At WSU there are many students in the nursing program, but I know that I bring unique skills based on this experience.”

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With school starting we’d like to welcome back our Junior Volunteers and look forward to new Junior Volunteers joining our team.

We have a strong Junior Volunteer program consisting of volunteer opportunities, job shadowing, and opportunities to complete senior projects.

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Our new Volunteer Services brochure is now available describing the program and volunteer opportunities available. Remember many volunteer positions are still available. If you’d like a brochure on how to volunteer please call Maggie Birmingham, volunteer coordinator, at (360) 427-3621 (from Belfair (360) 275-8614).

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LAP-BAND® An Effective Surgical Solution to Obesity continued from page one…

gion who have elected to have this minimally-invasive procedure.

The LAP-BAND® system is a simple, effective alternative to the permanent surgical gastric bypass procedure. It is revolutionary in that it can achieve the same weight loss and health benefits as the gastric bypass procedure, without the bypassing or stapling of the stomach. The Laparoscopic ‘four small incisions’ result in greatly reduced pain following surgery, and in most cases, a rapid recovery time. Most patients are released from the hospital same-day, and often return to work within a week. Another advantage over conventional bypass surgery is the ability to simply remove the LAP-BAND®, reversing the procedure and eliminating any potential health complications associated with permanence.

Shannon Stevens, certified surgical technologist who also assists in the LapBand surgeries at MGH, was the first MGH employee to have the procedure done in 2001.

“It’s probably the best decision I have

ever made,” said Shannon. “I have lost 80 pounds and dropped from a size 24 to a size 10. Now I love to shop, which was something I always tried to avoid before having the Lap-Band.”

The LAP-BAND®, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2001, may be appropriate for adults with a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or over, or a BMI of 35 and significant obesity-related illnesses. A BMI of over 40 corresponds with approximately 100 pounds or more over ideal body weight.

In addition to the LAP-BAND®, Shannon works out one and half hours a day and continues to enjoy the benefits of her weight loss, along with the delight and support of her husband.

“I don’t have to deprive myself”, says Shannon. “If I want some M&M’s, I can reward myself with them.”

Although the LAP-BAND ® can be laparoscopically removed at any time after its placement, it is advised that removal will return the stomach to its normal size and likely the appetite will increase to what it

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Our Mission: We take every possible action to protect and promote the health of the people in Mason County while extending respect and compassion as we serve each individual.

Published by: Public Hospital District No. 1 for Mason General Hospital, Oakland Bay Pediatrics and North Mason Medical Clinic.

Mason General Hospital: Visiting Hours are 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., daily.

901 Mt. View Drive, Building 1, PO Box 1668, Shelton, WA 98584-5001, (360) 426-1611, from Belfair (360) 275-8614. Serving the medical needs of the entire county since 1968. Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. TTY/TTD: (360) 427-9593. Translation Services Provided. Se habla español. Equal Opportunity Provider.

Oakland Bay Pediatrics: 247 Professional Way, Shelton, WA 98584, (360) 426-3102 North Mason Medical Clinic: N.E. 140 S.R. 300, Belfair, WA 98528, (360) 275-4084, (360) 426-8405 Administration: Bob Appel, chief executive officer; Eric Moll, chief financial officer; Diane Stillman, chief operating officer; Joseph R. Hoffman, M.D., chief of staff; Don Wilson, commissioner/president; Nancy Trucksess and Bill McComb, commissioners.

Scope: Published four times per year. Editor: McCarty & Associates, “A Marketing Firm”

was prior to surgery.

William Neal, M.D., FACS, is a boardcertified surgeon on staff at MGH who performs an average of four to five LAP-BAND®, procedures per week, and has been doing the procedure since FDA approval in 2001.

“I can’t say enough good things about him, and how happy I am with my LAPBAND®,” said Lisa Gaffney, a laboratory assistant coordinator at MGH. Lisa had the LAP-BAND® procedure done one year ago and is thrilled with the results.

“I have lost 70 pounds and continue to improve with growing confidence. I get great support from my family and friends.”

Support is a huge part of the success of the LAP-BAND®. Those who are good candidates for the LAP-BAND® are ready to commit to change of lifestyle – for the better. They are eager to undertake the routine of proper nutrition, physiotherapy and exercise prescribed as follow-up, in order to maintain their new lifestyle, and all of its rewards.

Dr. Neal and his associates offer two monthly support groups, as well as the annual “Bandster Bash” dinner and conference, both fun and informative, featuring motivational and professional guest speakers, raffles and a fashion show.

Employees at MGH “speak for themselves” in overwhelming support for the LAP-BAND®, and the great care and expertise they get from Dr. Neal, his staff and the staff at MGH. The remarkable number of employees choosing the LAP-BAND® system for themselves serves to reinforce the “quality of care” that Mason General Hospital is known for.

Mason General Hospital Oakland Bay Pediatrics North Mason Medical Clinic

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Mason General Hospital POB 1668 Shelton, WA 98584

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