WCCH Insert May 2024

A LETTER FROM THE CEO

For over 70 years, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) has remained steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional care to our community. As spring unfolds around us, it is a good time to reflect and to be reminded of our growth and the strides we’ve made together as a healthcare team over the past seven decades.

Earlier this spring, WCCH announced the recent addition of Dr. Uzma Naeem, FACOG, to OBG-1 of WCCH. Dr. Naeem, an obstetrics and gynecology physician, joins Dr. Scott Bergstedt, FACOG, and certified nurse midwife Allison Hansen. Additionally, we are nearing completion of renovations to our OBG-1 clinic, a project aimed at enhancing our ability to serve our expanding patient population while elevating the overall environment and patient experience.

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, it is imperative that our team remains dedicated to staying abreast of these changes and equipped with the necessary skills to deliver quality care to our community. As a testament to this commitment, we have recently received several accolades recognizing the excellence of care we provide:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield has honored the Women’s Center at WCCH as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care, acknowledging our commitment to delivering exceptional maternal care with meaningful quality and value for patients.

• Our diabetes education program has been granted re-accreditation by the American Diabetes Association, certifying that it meets national standards and ensuring the quality and success of education provided to patients with diabetes.

• The WCCH Laboratory has been re-accredited by the Joint Commission, receiving its Gold Seal of Approval, a testament to our continuous compliance to rigorous performance standards.

In March, WCCH celebrated National Doctors’ Day, an occasion that gives us the opportunity to recognize and honor our team of compassionate and skilled physicians who work tirelessly to bring hope, answers and vitality to our patients. While this day served as a day of celebration, it was also a time for us to remember a valued member of our medical staff, Dr. Kevin T. Schlamp, who passed away in March.

Following Doctors’ Day, we hosted our annual Employee Awards Banquet, honoring over 100 dedicated and hard-working employees with service milestones and special recognition awards. For the past 70 years, our team members have been at the heart of many pivotal moments in our organization, showcasing an unsurpassed tradition of caring for you, our patients.

In closing, thank you for your continued support and trust in our hospital. Together, we are prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to our community.

Sincerely,

Janie D. Frugé, CEO West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital

UZMA NAEEM, MD, FACOG, JOINS WCCH

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital welcomes Uzma Naeem, MD, FACOG, OB-GYN, to its medical staff at OBG-1. Dr. Naeem joins Scott Bergstedt, MD, FACOG, OB-GYN, and Allison Hansen, certified nurse midwife.

Dr. Naeem received her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis. She is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

OBG-1 provides comprehensive care for women, including pregnancy, contraception, midwifery, menstrual disorders, menopause management and pelvic pain.

Dr. Naeem is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call (337) 312-1000.

WCCH WOMEN’S CENTER RECOGNIZED FOR HIGHER QUALITY AND COST-EFFICIENCY IN MATERNITY CARE

The Women’s Center at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. To earn this designation, each facility must deliver quality care, safely and costeffectively.

The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) National Health Equity Strategy aimed at reducing racial health disparities in healthcare and improving patient outcomes for all Americans. The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program recently elevated its quality and measurement standards to recognize higher-quality facilities that have taken action to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies, reduce racial disparities and improve maternal health outcomes.

Based on data from the current designation cycle, facilities designated under the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program demonstrate higherquality care compared to non-Blue Distinction Center facilities, with overall average rates of 26% lower episiotomies, 60% fewer elective deliveries and 17% lower cesarean births—all of which point to healthier outcomes for patients. BDC+

designated facilities also exhibited an average savings of 21% for maternity care.

“This designation reflects the commitment the Women’s Center of WCCH has to providing patients with the best quality of care possible,” said Scott Bergstedt, MD, FACOG, OB-GYN and medical director of the Women’s Center of WCCH. “We want every patient that walks through our doors to know that they’re in good hands, no matter the situation or circumstance.”

To be designated under this program, each applicant facility was evaluated on a combination of objective data on patient outcomes as well as the practices they implemented to reduce racial disparities and improve maternal health outcomes, such as:

• Using evidence-based best practices to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies

• Offering unconscious bias training

• Participating in the regional Perinatal Quality Collaborative

• Having doula support available on the maternity care team

• Collecting race, ethnicity and language data

• Having a program dedicated to quality improvements in maternal care

DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM AT WCCH NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

The Diabetes Education Program at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) has received Diabetes SelfManagement Education Recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is accredited by the ADA for another four years.

Education Recognition means the Diabetes SelfManagement Services at WCCH, led by diabetes coordinator Cynthia Chantlin, RD, LDN, CDCES, and department director Fran Landry, LDN, RD, have met the National Standards for Diabetes SelfManagement Education and Support set by the American Diabetes Association to ensure the quality and success of education provided to people with diabetes.

“We are confident that those you serve appreciate your effort, commitment and success in providing quality diabetes education,” said Cynthia Muñoz, Ph.D., president of Health Care & Education at the American Diabetes Association. WCCH’s comprehensive diabetes program, led by Chantlin, holds education classes weekly and one-onone education sessions with patients when needed. A support group is also held monthly, covering topics

such as skin and oral care, diet, exercise and more.

“Being able to come alongside and partner with my patients with diabetes, talking them through their struggles, fears, successes and obstacles is not something I take lightly,” says Chantlin. “I want to ensure every patient I come in contact with is equipped with the tools and resources needed to live a healthy and happy life, despite a diabetes diagnosis.”

Chantlin has served as the Diabetes Program Coordinator at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) for 7 years. The program has been accredited by the ADA for the past 18 years.

“By offering services like our diabetes education program, WCCH reaffirms our commitment to going the extra mile in patient care,” says Janie Frugé, WCCH CEO. “The overall health and wellness of our area greatly depends on the healthcare services provided, and we aim to offer a variety of quality services and programs to meet the needs of our growing community.”

To learn more about our Diabetes Education Program, please call 337-527-4282.

• Running drills and simulations to ensure providers are prepared to deal with a range of obstetric emergencies

• Demonstrating health outcomes that exceed the selection criteria from our program’s previous evaluation cycle

“Our focus has always been and will continue to be on providing exceptional, accessible care to our community,” says Janie Frugé, WCCH CEO. “This designation just reinforces the commitment that we have to making equitable healthcare a priority.”

WCCH is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana for meeting the rigorous quality selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

COMPREHENSIVE GI CARE CLOSE TO HOME

Gone are the days of traveling far or waiting months to take care of digestive health issues or get regular screenings done. The GI Center of WCCH is equipped with personable, professional and skilled staff, cutting-edge technology and the availability necessary to provide turnkey, quality GI care to Sulphur and the surrounding communities.

The GI Center of WCCH offers everything from upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures to anti-reflux surgery and hernia surgery. The center is your go-to destination for screenings, scopes and surgeries.

THE GI CENTER OF WCCH OFFERS

TURNKEY GI ENDOSCOPY AND SURGICAL SERVICES IN SULPHUR

“I think we provide a huge advantage for local patients,” says Dr. Matthew Ayo, general surgeon and member of the WCCH medical staff. “The opportunity to have up-to-date, good healthcare close to home, where you don’t have to travel out of town, whether it be to Houston or Lafayette or Baton Rouge. You can feel confident about getting the correct treatment and having good outcomes here.”

The surgical team — the only comprehensive surgical and GI group in the area — agrees that patient satisfaction is their number one priority.

“As a group, we care about the overall patient experience, not just the surgery itself,” says Dr. Devin Seale, general surgeon and member of the WCCH medical staff. “From start to finish, we want to make sure patients are happy with the hospital, happy with our staff and happy with their care. It comes back to enjoying what we do and enjoying being a part of taking care of the community.”

• Upper GI Endoscopy

• Colonoscopy

• Colorectal Surgery

• Hernia Repair

The team at the GI Center can typically see patients within a week of referral — a huge plus to those who have delayed care. Patients can expect to be seen and scheduled for a scope or surgery (if necessary) in less than a month.

• Anti-Reflux Surgery

Not only is the Center efficient, they cater to a wide variety of cases and situations, handling a full list of GI and surgical services:

If you are in good health but 45 years or older; have family history or are at high risk for colorectal cancer; or are experiencing digestive issues such as trouble swallowing; it may be time to schedule a scope. Talk with your doctor about signs and symptoms you may be experiencing. A scope can not only help your doctor accurately diagnose your condition, but also speed along your treatment and recovery.

The GI Center of WCCH is located within West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, at 701 Cypress Street. Should you need GI care, speak with your primary care doctor about obtaining a referral.

SURVIVING SNIFFLING, SNEEZING SEASON THE

Fresh, green grass, blooming flowers and new leaves on trees. Springtime in Southwest Louisiana is full of beauty, and, unfortunately for many of us, it’s also full of allergens. Sneezing, itchy eyes, sniffling and congestion can make it difficult to enjoy the spring.

“In Louisiana, spring allergies typically start in late February and can linger until close to June,” explains Dr. Chip Warshaw of ENT Associates of WCCH. “Plants produce pollen as they begin to grow, then the windy conditions spread it.”

TIPS for managing springtime allergies

• Use saline solution often throughout the day to rinse your nose.

• When outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes from allergens.

“Pollen counts are generally lowest before dawn, rise to their peak by mid-day, and slowly fall in the evenings,” says Dr. Warshaw.

Itchy eyes can be relieved with over-thecounter Pataday eye drops, but avoid taking eye drops for red eye relief, as these can make your eyes worse if used for a long time.

Skin tests can be done to find out exactly what allergens trigger symptoms. “This can be helpful to identify specific triggers, and identify which treatments are likely to work best for you,” Dr. Warshaw says.

Tree pollen is usually the first offender, followed by grass pollen a few weeks later.

Being aware of how pollen is stirred up, and adjusting your schedule when possible, can help reduce your exposure to allergens. Consider these tips:

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. Rainfall helps clear the pollen from the air, so you may find you’re less prone to allergies if you go outside after rain.

• After you’ve been outside, take a shower to wash pollen from your hair and skin and change to fresh clothing.

If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough to combat allergy symptoms, Dr. Warshaw says there are effective medications available. “There are over the counter and prescription options available to help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms,” says Dr. Warshaw. “From nose sprays to oral medications, many people experience a good deal of relief. Under your doctor’s care, some of these can be combined to better alleviate symptoms. It’s often a matter of trying them to see what works best, then staying with that course of treatment as long as your doctor recommends to receive the full benefit.”

Allergy shots can also be a good option for some. This involves regular injections containing small amounts of the triggering allergen. Over time, these injections reduce the immune system reaction that causes symptoms. For some allergies, treatment can be given as tablets under the tongue.

To schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist at WCCH and go over the best options for you, please call (337) 439-2040.

ENT Associates of WCCH is located at 1629 Beglis Parkway in Sulphur and is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

• Avoid mowing the lawn, weeding and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.

• Keep windows closed in your home and car

• Vacuum floors often, preferably with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Steroid nose sprays, such as Flonase, Rhinocort, Nasonex and others can help relieve congestion. 24-hour antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec can provide a steady barrier against allergens. “It’s best to see your doctor or an ENT for a thorough evaluation first. We can guide you through the maze of allergy medications available for your individual needs, keeping in mind other medications you may be taking and your health history,” explains Dr. Warshaw.

Care When and Where

You Need It

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) makes convenient access to quality care a priority for residents throughout West Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. Removing the barrier of access to care means health conditions get detected earlier and treated sooner, improving health outcomes for the community. Our WCCH Diagnostic Centers in Westlake and Sulphur and Rural Health Centers in Hackberry, Johnson Bayou and Vinton provide exceptional healthcare close to home.

Everything from routine wellness exams and physicals to CT scans and echocardiograms is offered and available to residents just a short drive away from their homes and workplaces.

“We offer a huge benefit to those who want to keep up with their health, but don’t want to travel far and wide to receive the care they need,” says Janie Frugé, CEO of WCCH. “Not only do we focus on convenience of care, but timeliness and accuracy of care, so patients can feel confident in knowing they’re getting the best care possible at our facilities.”

Diagnostic Centers of WCCH

WCCH owns and operates two diagnostic centers, one in Sulphur and one in Westlake. Services offered at both include digital X-ray, CT imaging and ultrasound.

The Sulphur Diagnostic Center, located at 250 S. Beglis Parkway in Sulphur, also offers breast and prostate MRI and Cardiac Calcium Scoring. The Westlake Diagnostic Center, located at 2345 Sampson Street, Suite B in Westlake, also offers echocardiograms and lab draws.

“The diagnostic centers are a great resource for local patients, providing them with the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment close to home,” says Jacob Richey, director of radiology.

“These centers allow us to take care of you and your families effectively and efficiently.”

Rural Health Centers

Rural areas often have limited access to healthcare, which is why WCCH established and operates three rural health centers, located in underserved areas throughout SWLA.

The Rural Health Centers are led by nurse practitioners under the direction of a family medicine provider. The three clinics, located in Hackberry, Vinton and Johnson Bayou, all provide primary care services, offer same-day appointments, and are now accepting new patients.

HACKBERRY RURAL

HEALTH CENTER

1020 Main St., Hackberry (337) 762-3762

Hours:

Monday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

“It’s all about access and equity of care,” says Tressie Brunson, director of physician management services at WCCH. “Our Rural Health Clinics reflect our commitment to getting the care people need to them.”

Below is information such as the location and hours of operation for each clinic. To schedule an appointment, call the clinic nearest to you.

JOHNSON BAYOU RURAL HEALTH CENTER

6240 Gulf Beach Hwy, Cameron (337) 569-2245

Hours:

Monday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday Closed

VINTON MEDICAL CLINIC

1611 Hampton St., Vinton (337) 589-5951

Hours:

Monday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FUELING YOUR BODY FOR BETTER HEALTH

There are so many aspects to brain health and healthy living — from exercise and socialization to nutrition and medications and supplements. One of the important factors in long term health and wellness is prioritizing a balanced, nutritious diet. What you eat can affect everything from your energy levels and weight to certain health conditions.

“It’s all about ‘fueling’ your body and not having a mindset of restriction,” says Vanessa Hardy, dietitian at WCCH. “Nutrition is best when it’s a balance and not a strict set of rules to follow.”

Hardy says in general, it’s important to aim for filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter of your plate with protein and a quarter of your plate with carbs or ‘fun’ options.

“Keeping a good balance is what helps make your diet sustainable,” says Hardy. “Plant-based carb choices and protein-rich foods are best, but other things are okay too, in moderation.”

In considering what to put on your plate, it’s important to serve a variety of foods and colors, which can be in various forms (fresh, frozen, canned or dried).

• When it comes to fruits and vegetables, eat the rainbow.

• Aim to make most of the grains you eat whole grains, like oats, corn and brown rice.

• Replace sugary drinks with water, skim or low-fat (1%) milk, unsweetened tea or coffee, flavored water or sparkling water without added sugars.

Examples of what to put on your plate: Vegetables

• Green (broccoli, spinach, cucumber, asparagus, kale)

• Orange, Red and Yellow (squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes)

• Beans and Peas (kidney beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, green beans)

• Peppers (bell peppers, hot peppers)

Lean or Plant-Based Proteins

• Chicken and turkey

• Eggs

• Fish (salmon, tuna, tilapia, cod)

• Shellfish (shrimp, lobster, clams)

• Lean beef, pork or deli meats

• Cheese and cottage cheese

• Beans, lentils and hummus

• Nuts and nut butter

• Edamame

• Tofu

Carbohydrates

• Whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa, corn, bread, pasta, tortillas)

• Starchy vegetables (corn, peas, dried beans, potatoes)

• Dairy (milk, almond milk, yogurt)

• Fruit

Through the Work Well Program at WCCH, our Nutrition Services department offers healthy meals and grab-and-go options at the hospital cafeteria Monday through Friday, served at breakfast and lunch. A Work Well logo on the cafeteria menu indicates a Work Well entree, which has about 350 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of protein. Work Well vegetables are prepared with no added salt or additional oils. Our weekly menu can be found at wcch.com.

WCCH also offers a quarterly cooking demonstration, Healthy Meals in Minutes, on the third Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. The next one scheduled is Tuesday, July 16. The demonstration is open to the public with no charge to attend, and participants will get plenty of ideas for quick, healthy meals from one of our dietitians.

Vegetables

Carbs Protein