Tag Archive for: #mariaparhamhealth

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Nationally Recognized as a Best Maternity Care Hospital by Newsweek

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health was named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Best Maternity Care Hospitals is part of Newsweek’s Best Health Care series, powered by data from The Leapfrog Group.

“Best Maternity Care Hospitals showcases an elite group of hospitals from across the country,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek. “These facilities stand out for the care they provide to women and families, and for giving babies a strong start to life. Particularly in these uncertain times, we are honored to share this list of top-ranked facilities with Newsweek’s readership.”

“The birth of a child should be a wonderful, life-changing time for a mother and her whole family. It is a time of new beginnings, of fresh hopes and new dreams, of change and opportunity” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Our team works tirelessly to make sure every mother and child that we see receives the highest standard of care. We are extremely proud to be recognized as a leader in maternity care in our country.”

Hospitals named as a Best Maternity Care Hospital have fully met The Leapfrog Group’s standards for maternity care on evidence-based, nationally standardized metrics. This includes lower rates of early elective delivery, NTSV C-section, and episiotomy, as well as compliance with process measures including newborn bilirubin screening prior to discharge and blood clot prevention techniques for mothers delivering via C-section.

Maria Parham Health was one of fewer than 250 nationwide to receive the prestigious accolade. The full list of recipients appeared in the July 24 edition of Newsweek, available online and at newsstands nationwide.

Delivering more than 500 babies per year, Maria Parham’s team consists of OB-GYNs Dr. Weldon Hampton, MD and Dr. Emma White, DO, family medicine practitioners Dr. Vu, MD, Dr. Higgins, MD, and Dr. Dieter, MD, midwives Janice Martinez, MSN, CNM, and Karen Maclean, MSN, CNM, nurse practitioners, Estena Bradley, WHNP-BC, Crystal  Minor, WHNP-BC, pediatricians Dr. Sylvia, MD and Dr. Ahmed, MD and specially trained nurses and staff.

Maria Parham provides a variety of care and services for mother and baby, including prenatal care, education, labor & delivery, breastfeeding support by certified lactation consultants, and inpatient pediatric program.

To learn more about Maria Parham’s Mother & Baby services, visit MariaParham.com.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center Recognized with National Award

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Henderson physicians, leaders and clinicians gathered to celebrate the Center of Distinction Award, which was given to Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.

The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92 percent within 28 median days to heal. There were 601 Centers eligible for the Center of Distinction award and 367 achieved the honor.

“I am very grateful to be working with such outstanding staff here at the wound center,” said Dr. Cynthia Robinson, medical director for the center. “Our clinical outcomes are a reflection of their passion and dedication to healing patients.”

Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center is a member of the Healogics network of over 600 Wound Care Centers® and provides access to benchmarking data and proven experience treating approximately 2.5 million chronic wounds. Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time.

Leading-edge treatments at the Center include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The Center also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen to help progress the healing of the wound.

“I am so proud to be a part of this amazing team. Each staff member goes above and beyond every day for our patients and their family. We are passionate about healing our patient’s wounds, so they can resume the lifestyle that they deserve” said Alex Hibshman, Program Director.

Maria Parham Advanced Wound Center is located in the Heart and Vascular (John. T. Church) Entrance of Maria Parham Health. Hours of operations are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Self-referrals are accepted.

Maria Parham Health

MPH Volunteer Services to Hold Parking Lot Handbag Sale

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-Information courtesy Lisa Radford, Maria Parham Health

Volunteer Services of Maria Parham Health will hold a “In the Bag” handbag sale on August 25 and 26, 2020, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. This sale will be held outside in the parking lot of Maria Parham Health in Henderson.

Brand name and designer handbags, briefcases, luggage, wallets, mini bags and small leather goods will be on sale for much less than regular retail prices.

This event is open to the public. Cash, debit, and credit cards accepted.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Celebrates Opening of New Cardiac Catheterization Lab

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Click here for a 3D tour of Maria Parham Health’s new Cath Lab.

Maria Parham Health (MPH) today announced the completion of a new cardiovascular catheterization (cath) lab within its hospital in Henderson. Leadership celebrated with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of physicians, employees and board members on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Maria Parham’s team of cardiologists will begin performing procedures in the new cath lab on August 5, 2020.

As its name suggests, the new laboratory will be primarily used to perform cardiac catheterization procedures on patients who need advanced heart care. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel problems. A tiny tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel so that imaging dyes and small equipment can be passed through.

Catheterization enables healthcare providers to examine the heart and blood vessels, and is used to look for blockages in arteries, check heart valve function, measure blood flow and even place stents in arteries when they are narrow or blocked. In a medical emergency, catheterization procedures allow physicians to quickly diagnose heart problems and provide lifesaving treatments. Vascular studies of other areas, such as a patient’s legs, can also be done in the cath lab.

“Every minute counts when a patient has a heart attack, and now with our newly expanded cath lab, members of our community have enhanced access to interventional heart care without leaving Henderson,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health (MPH). “We are pleased to be able to provide high-quality cardiovascular care close to home for those we serve and take another important step toward advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier.”

Maria Parham’s cardiovascular team includes Schuyler Jones, MD, a Duke Health cardiologist, who serves as medical director of the cath lab, and cardiologists Augustus Grant, MD; Jorge Gutierrez, MD; Navaneetha Sheshadri, MD; Radhakrishnan Ramaraj, MD; Willie Sessions, MD; Sydney Short, MD; and Rajesh Viswanathan Swaminathan, MD.

MPH will also be welcoming new Duke Health cardiologist Jenifer Rhymer, MD on August 21, 2020.

In addition, radiologists from Wake Radiology will treat patients in the lab. The lab is staffed by four employees, including registered nurses and cath lab technicians.

“Our team is really excited for the opportunity to perform a vast array of cardiac and vascular procedures in our new cath lab,” said cardiologist Schuyler Jones, MD. “This expansion really highlights Maria Parham Health’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and outcomes in cardiovascular care.”

The total cost of the project was $3.3 million for construction and equipment, which was made possible by a capital investment from LifePoint Health, MPH’s operating partner. The lab’s new equipment includes a next-generation 3D imaging system designed to provide fine image details for greater precision while keeping the radiation dose as low as possible.

The imaging system has a tableside user interface for easy access and offset C-arm provides maximum positioning flexibility and patient access in all views. The new hemodynamic monitoring system is capable of measuring blood flow, blood pressure, oxygen levels and other vital signs, as well as enabling documentation and generating reports.

For more information about Maria Parham Health’s cardiovascular services, visit MariaParham.com. To find a provider who specializes in heart care at Maria Parham, call 800.424.DOCS.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Urges Community Members to Wear Masks

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health is urging community members to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in public areas where social distancing is not easily achieved in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

This aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and North Carolina mandate, as being an effective way to prevent the spread of the illness. The hospital has already instituted a universal masking protocol within its facilities and requires anyone entering to wear a face mask at all times.

“Maria Parham strongly encourages our community members to wear masks because each of us plays an important role in helping to keep our community safe and protect one another from the spread of infectious diseases,” says Dr. Ronald Stahl, chief medical officer at Maria Parham. “One of the easiest and most effective ways we can look out for each other and aid in the fight against COVID-19 is to wear a face mask in public spaces right now.”

Recent studies have shown that universal masking can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, especially in individuals who may be asymptomatic and unaware that they are ill. Face masks and cloth face coverings should be worn over the nose and mouth, and be held securely in place with loops or ties.

“Until there is a vaccine, wearing a mask in public, practicing social distancing and proper hand hygiene are our best lines of defense in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Stahl says. “That’s why we’ve established a universal masking protocol in our facilities to help protect our patients, providers and employees, and we’re encouraging our fellow citizens to do the same in other public places. By looking out for each other, we’ll get through this together and continue making our community healthier.”

For more information from the CDC on face coverings and how to make your own, visit https://bit.ly/30mMOu8. To learn more about how Maria Parham is working to ensure the safety of patients during this time, visit https://bit.ly/2ZMXP9j.

Maria Parham Health

Op-Ed: How the Pandemic Made Maria Parham Health Better

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Op-Ed: COVID-19: How the Pandemic Made Maria Parham Health Better

By: Bert Beard, CEO

In recent weeks, I have been reflecting on the unprecedented challenges that our community and our team at Maria Parham Health have faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, I’ve been intentionally looking for every possible silver lining in a time when – let’s face it – we all need some positive news.

We are always seeking new ways to enhance how we care for our community and advance our mission of Making Communities Healthier. I truly believe that adversity is one of the greatest paths to improvement, and improving is exactly what we have done despite the difficult circumstances. And the truth is: there are silver linings everywhere.

First, I cannot say enough how proud I am of the way our team has weathered the storm together. When we saw that COVID-19 was beginning to spread overseas earlier this year, we began taking steps to prepare our facility before the virus was even detected in the United States. We implemented our robust emergency operations plan and executed it down to the final detail to keep our patients, providers, employees and community members safe. Every member of our team was ready to step up to the challenge of caring for our patients, and I saw our providers, employees and staff come together like never before. I’m so grateful for and inspired by their courage and selfless dedication.

Not only did the pandemic make our team stronger, but it has also made our hospital even safer. While we have always had strict infection prevention protocols in place, we introduced new processes and procedures – such as having everyone in our facility wear a mask, screening all who enter for COVID-19 symptoms and even putting up physical barriers in some cases – to further reduce the spread of germs. We took steps to isolate patients with the virus to a specific area of the hospital and also enhanced our cleaning and disinfection practices to ensure they exceeded healthcare industry standards. These are just a few examples of how we have fundamentally changed the way we work so we can better care for you and your family, and ensure a safe environment for everyone.

COVID-19 has truly turned life as we know it upside down, but I believe it has made us better in so many ways – especially when it comes to quality and patient safety. It has challenged us to be innovative, to think outside the box and to quickly adapt to change – all things necessary to successfully navigate our “new normal.” Because the reality we face is that, until there is a vaccine, we can expect that COVID-19 is here to stay. It’s something that we must learn to live with and do our best to protect against.

Since it isn’t going away, I hope you have every confidence that your hometown hospital is continuing to take every possible precaution to help protect you when you come for care. We want you to feel comfortable coming to see us and not ignore any health concerns you may have in hopes the pandemic will end soon.

Even as life returns to a “new normal,” you should know that we aren’t letting our guard down at Maria Parham. We have learned so much through our response to this pandemic, and we will continue looking for new ways to improve. Because of this experience, our team is stronger, our hospital is safer and we are even more deeply committed to caring for our community. These are all silver linings in my book.

Thank you, as always, for entrusting Maria Parham Health with your care. It is our privilege to serve you.

To learn more about Maria Parham Health’s COVID-19 preparedness and what you can do to help stay well, visit Mariaparham.com.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health CEO Thanks Community, Encourages Continued Support

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Op-Ed: Thank You Vance and Franklin Counties – Bert Beard CEO, Maria Parham Health

For the past several months, Maria Parham Health (MPH) has been facing the impact of COVID-19 with our community. We have built upon our robust emergency operations plan that we have in place year-round by updating policies, implementing new protocol, educating our staff, and working with our community partners in ways we never have before. But in all this preparation, MPH has never been alone.

Today, I write to share my appreciation for our community. Thank you to the countless individuals and organizations who have generously donated critically important supplies and resources and offered inspiring words of encouragement to our team. In this crisis, the true meaning of community has never been more apparent or appreciated. Patients, board members, staff, community providers, our sister facilities – all segments of the communities we serve and partner with have shown their support during this pandemic

Community members have brought in surgical masks and N95 respirators to add to the resources we are working to preserve. Local restaurants and businesses have sent food to treat our folks as they work. Many people have donated homemade cloth masks to our hospital and local EMS – an incredible labor of love. Posted signage, sidewalk chalk messages and decorated rocks cheer on our heroes and have infused our campuses with pride. And these are just a few of the many examples that exist.

The outpouring of love and encouragement from our community has been overwhelming, and it makes us so proud to call Vance and Franklin Counties our home and to serve the northern triangle. MPH stands ready to serve you – our neighbors, family and friends. Please continue to keep our community safe and prevent further spread of this disease:

  • Practice social distancing.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • If you must go out in public, wear masks to protect those around you.

To learn more about Maria Parham Health’s COVID-19 preparedness and what you can do to help stay well, visit Mariaparham.com.

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health announced yesterday that it is transitioning from a zero-visitor protocol to limited visitor restrictions as the hospital gradually resumes elective and non-urgent cases and services at its facilities.

The decision was made as current projections continue to indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region and after careful review of state and federal guidance. The updated restrictions, which will now allow most patients to have one visitor or support person per day, have been implemented effective immediately.

“Our hospital’s top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer (CEO) of Maria Parham Health. “We continue to monitor closely the prevalence of the virus in our community as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients, and we feel confident that it is safe to begin allowing limited visitors again at this time.”

As part of the updated visitor restrictions, patients are now limited to one well visitor per day, including one companion for outpatient appointments and one support person for obstetric patients. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask and an armband/sticker while in the facility.

Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free. Visitors are not allowed for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19.

Maria Parham Health continues to screen everyone who enters the facility for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines. For additional updates on how the hospital is working to maintain a safe and supportive environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit mariaparham.com.

Maria Parham Health Celebrating National Hospital Week May 10-15

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health (MPH) is proud to join the American Hospital Association and healthcare organizations around the country in celebrating National Hospital Week, which is observed May 10-15.

Each May, National Hospital Week provides an opportunity to pause and honor the millions of healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to taking care of people in their greatest times of need and to recognize the positive difference hospitals and healthcare organizations make in the communities they serve.

“As our community continues the fight against COVID-19, the pivotal role our healthcare workers play in the well-being of society is clearer than ever,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Their tireless efforts on the front lines of this disease and their commitment to quality care and patient safety year-round are critical to our mission of Making Communities Healthier. We proudly honor these heroes during National Hospital Week and commend their inspiring efforts to serve others.”

Maria Parham Health in Henderson and Maria Parham Franklin will be marking the national observance with special gifts and prizes for all staff. Community members are encouraged to leave a special note of thanks for hospital employees at www.thankahealthcarehero.com.

As one of the region’s economic leaders, the organization employs approximately 800 staff and contributed more than $8 million in taxes to the local and state economies last year. Additionally, it is proud to sponsor a number of local community organizations and non-profits.

Ensuring that everyone has access to the high-quality and compassionate care they need is a top priority for the organization and fundamental to its mission. In 2019 alone, Maria Parham Health provided more than $62 million of charity and other uncompensated care, regardless of patients’ ability to pay.

“We are privileged to have a significant impact on its health and economic well-being,” said James Johnson, chair of MPH’s board of trustees. “As we celebrate National Hospital Week amid unprecedented challenges this year and begin to look to the future, we are aware that healthcare – like other aspects of life – might look a little different. What will not change, though, is our mission and our commitment to this community. We will continue to put the health and well-being of our neighbors first, ensuring safe places of care and a healthier community for us all.”

Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health to Resume Elective, Non-Urgent Surgeries & Procedures

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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health announced today that it is taking the appropriate steps to safely resume some elective and non-urgent surgeries and procedures that were previously rescheduled out of an abundance of caution amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The decision to reschedule procedures when clinically appropriate was made in accordance with federal and state guidance and aimed to help preserve critical resources in the event of a surge of COVID-19 patients in the community.

Today, current projections indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in the region, which means less strain on healthcare resources.

“Resuming these important services is an essential component of meeting our community’s health needs and advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier,” said Bert Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Maria Parham Health. “As this work gradually gets underway in our hospital again, we remain committed to conserving critical supplies, being vigilant in our fight against COVID-19, and ensuring that our facility is a safe place for all patients, providers and employees.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria Parham Health has continued to carefully follow guidance from federal, state and local officials, monitor the prevalence of the virus in the community, and evaluate supplies and resources – including personal protective equipment like masks, gowns, gloves and goggles.

The decisions about which procedures can safely move forward will be made only after assessing a comprehensive pre-operative checklist and evaluating potential risks. The hospital will initially focus on scheduling patients with more time-sensitive health needs, and those decisions will be made in partnership with the attending physician/surgeon/proceduralist. Patients who are scheduled and approved for procedures must meet specific requirements, including passing standard COVID-19 screenings.

Surgical patients also will be asked to practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven days prior to their procedure to minimize potential exposure; check their temperature twice a day during this 7-day period and report temperatures over 100°F to their provider; and undergo testing for COVID-19.

Patients awaiting information about their previously postponed procedure can expect to hear from their provider or provider’s office to discuss rescheduling at the appropriate time.

Maria Parham Health will continue to screen and mask everyone who enters the facility and maintain a zero-visitor protocol for the foreseeable future. These important measures have had a positive impact on ensuring a safe environment, and they also are aligned with the federal government’s guidelines.

Additionally, the facility has implemented new processes and procedures to further protect the health of patients, providers and employees. Visit mariaparham.com to learn more.

As a reminder, if you are having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room. If possible, tell the dispatch agent if your emergency involves symptoms possibly related to COVID-19.