Shrewsbury site is 10th outpatient location in York and Adams counties

WellSpan Rehabilitation, a service of York Hospital, and Wilderman & Associates Physical Therapy, P.C., have reached an agreement for the hospital to purchase the operating assets of the physical therapy practice effective Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The practice will close briefly for minor facility upgrades and re-open on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at its current location, 73 East Forrest Avenue, Suite 210, Shrewsbury, under the name WellSpan Rehabilitation, a service of York Hospital.

The purchase of Wilderman Associates Physical Therapy, P.C. will expand WellSpan’s existing outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation services in York County and is consistent with the organization’s strategy of providing convenient, coordinated care. 

It will enhance WellSpan’s presence in this community, which already includes primary care, lab and diagnostic imaging services and obstetrics/gynecology. 

Patients choosing WellSpan Rehabilitation benefit from comprehensive rehabilitative care that ranges from sports medicine to occupational and speech therapy to inpatient rehabilitation.  Patients also benefit from rehabilitative care that is integrated and coordinated with other services required across the lifespan, including primary care, orthopedic care, neurologic care and other services. 

“Practice founder David Wilderman effectively met the physical therapy needs of his patients for many years.  We look forward to building upon the foundation he started by offering additional services that were not previously offered, including occupational and speech/language therapy,” said Kyle McGill, director of rehabilitation services for WellSpan Health. 

“Patients in the Shrewsbury area will now have enhanced access to WellSpan’s complement of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, including the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital that will open next spring.”
Chad Karpewicz, PT, will provide services at the new Shrewsbury location.  Karpewicz has 10 years of experience treating patients.  He will work closely with other members of WellSpan Rehabilitation and area physicians to provide quality, coordinated care

“We look forward to working more closely with patients and providers in southern York County,” said McGill. 
The Shrewsbury site is the 10th outpatient location for WellSpan Rehabilitation in Adams and York counties. 

Here are all of WellSpan’s rehabilitation sites:

Adams County
Adams Health Center
40 V-Twin Drive, Suite 101
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Aspers Health Center
2060 Carlisle Road
Aspers, PA 17304

Deatrick Commons
16C Deatrick Drive
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Fairfield
4910C Fairfield Rd.
Fairfield, PA 17320

Herr's Ridge
820 Chambersburg Rd.
Gettysburg, PA 17325

York County
Apple Hill
25 Monument Rd., Suite 175
York, PA 17403

Bannister Street
1575 Bannister Street
York, PA 17404

Queensgate Towne Center
2051 Springwood Road
York, PA 17403

Shrewsbury
73 East Forrest Avenue, Suite 210
Shrewsbury, PA 17361

York Hospital (pediatrics)
1001 S. George St.
York, PA 17405

Receiving the state awards was an “emotional and humbling experience”

Bonita Trapnell	Jodi Arnold

Bonita Trapnell, clinical director, and Jodi Arnold, a nurse in the G.I. department at York Hospital, both agree that receiving a Pennsylvania Nightingale Nursing Award is an “emotional and humbling experience.”

The two veteran WellSpan nurses were recognized at an awards gala, Friday, Nov. 4, at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center. More than 120 nurses across the commonwealth were nominated in six categories.

“It was an honor to be in a roomful of elite nurses,” said Trapnell, who won the Nursing Administration Award. “I felt very proud. “When you attend the event, you realize how prestigious it is. I only wish that every nurse could attend the Nightingale Awards. It would be so awesome.”

Arnold, who won the Patient Choice Award, said, “It was definitely a great honor. I was proud to accept the award, but I was deeply humbled. I believe I’m just a representative of all the wonderful people who I work with. Many others do similar things that I do.  It was an emotional night for me. I cried the whole time.”

Trapnell’s award marked the second consecutive year a WellSpan nurse has won the Nursing Administration Award. Astrid Davis, who was clinical director of the cardiovascular service line at the time, won the award in 2010.

Arnold is the first WellSpan nurse to win the Patient Choice Award. Patients must nominate a nurse for the award.

Valerie Hardy-Sprenkle, vice president of acute care nursing practice for WellSpan, praised both Trapnell and Arnold.

“Bonita is a strong, senior nursing leader who uses her talents to drive clinical initiatives forward which achieve outstanding results for our patients.

“She pulls teams together and galvanizes them toward a common goal. Bonita is very collaborative and very patient centered. “She’s respected and trusted by her peers and co-workers. Bonita is an excellent role model.”

Hardy-Sprenkle also cited Trapnell’s experience as one of the two longest-tenured clinical directors at York Hospital as well as her involvement with recent initiatives such as infusion management, decreasing sepsis mortality and decreasing incidents of c-diff.

Hardy-Sprenkle said Arnold, who was named the York Hospital Kitty Reisinger Heart of Nursing Award winner in May, is very deserving of the state honor.

“Jodi is incredibly compassionate, caring and patient centered,” she said. “She gives her whole heart to her patients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Jodi’s nominator wrote, “I would like to nominate this nurse for her never-ending kindness, compassion and caring toward her patients and their families. Her empathy, willingness to listen and selflessness personifies this nurse.”

For a complete list of Pennsylvania Nightingale Award winners, go to www.nightingaleawards.org.

Download WellSpan's mobile app today

You just cut your finger while preparing a salad. You need to know which WellSpan facility can stitch your finger. There’s an app for that. Okay, ReadyCare. How many people are already waiting? There’s an app for that. Good, only two.

Now you need directions. Yes, there’s an app for that too. All of these features and many more are part of WellSpan Health’s new mobile app.

“The WellSpan Mobile App is well above average for a health care system,” says Hal Baker, M.D., vice president and chief information officer. “I would put the app our team has produced up against any other health care organization’s app in the country.”

This new app provides you with easy, quick access to a number of features. You can find a facility, link to maps and get stepby-step directions. The app enables you to view pictures of newborns at both hospitals and watch WellSpan videos.

You can also check out the latest career opportunities or WellSpan news. With the WellSpan app you can even send eGreetings to hospital patients.

The WellSpan Mobile App is available to download from the Apple App Store, the Android Market and Windows Phone Marketplace.

Baker added there will be small upgrades and tweaks as the app is constantly improved. “We absolutely have aspirations to continually increase the functionality of the app. We want users to be able to access more information and increase their ability to interact with WellSpan.”

One of the next “tweaks” made will be adding the ability to request prescription refills through the WellSpan Mobile App. Any new upgrades will be automatically uploaded to any phone with the app.

A development team comprised of individuals from Enterprise Integration and eHealth worked with WellSpan’s Public Relations and Communications Department to ensure that the finished product supports WellSpan’s online strategy to connect with patients and other members of its communities.

Downloading the WellSpan Mobile App, along with “liking” us on Facebook and “following” us on Twitter are great ways to engage and interact with each other and those we serve.

Remember when you “like” us or “follow” us, you will be entered into a weekly prize drawing. Prizes will change each week and will include items such as gift certificates, movie tickets and other surprises. The sooner you “like” and “follow” us, the more opportunities you’ll have to win.

Jeremy Hetrick of Biomedical Engineering and Karen Fanus of the York Hospital Oncology Inpatient Unit are winners in the recent social media drawing. Each won two passes to Frank Theaters at Queensgate in York.

More information on WellSpan about Facebook and Twitter can be found in a previous Around WellSpan article. Also, please refer to WellSpan’s guidelines on social media.

In future Around WellSpan articles, we’ll cover topics such as:

• WellSpan Social Media 101
• WellSpan's YouTube channel
• Planned upgrade and additions to wellspan.org
• Strategies for replying to positive and negative online comments about WellSpan

Stay tuned for more information, but until then remember there’s an app for that.

Join the conversation!

The first class of VNA Hospice vigil volunteers recently completed training. Volunteers, front row, left to right, are Linda Smeltzer, Christy Yeiser, Joan Zeigler, Lucy Stevens, Maria Newcomer and Hospice volunteer coordinator Mary Kay Alpaugh; second row, left to right, Ruth Loucks, Sam Marshall, George Miller, Jack Spinelli and John Tierney. Suzanne Kahler and Denise Fannon were absent when the photo was taken.

When someone enters the final days of life, it’s often the little things that mean the most—a touch, a smile or just knowing that someone is present.

WellSpan VNA Hospice vigil volunteers are trained to provide this type of comfort and support to dying patients and their families. The first class of 13 volunteers recently completed their training.

“The presence of volunteers in the final 48 hours of life is important,” said Mary Kay Alpaugh, hospice volunteer coordinator. “They help the family and patient make the transition from life to death.”

Alpaugh said volunteers create a calming environment, which sets the tone. They also help family members cope with fear, anxiety and exhaustion.

“The vigil volunteers are trained and educated about death and dying issues,” said Alpaugh. “They can be a tremendous asset to patients and families.”

Alpaugh added that at times these specially trained volunteers may relieve the Hospice nurse from sitting at the bedside, allowing them to do other tasks.

The volunteers’ support and availability to the caregivers is also of great value. This allows them to be able to take time for their own needs and pause to rest. Vigil volunteers may be recommended by a Hospice team member or patients/caregivers may request the service.

Vigil volunteers are only assigned when accepted by the patient and family. Hours of coverage may be between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. with individual volunteers working four-hour shifts. The initial focus has been serving WellSpan VNA Hospice patients in nursing homes.

Vigil volunteer Linda Smeltzer said VNA provided kind, considerate and wonderful care to her mother after she suffered a stroke.  “VNA’s presence allowed me to keep working,” she said. “This is a way for me to give back.”

Volunteer George Miller added, “Having a loved one die is a traumatic and emotional time for family members. I want to be able to be a calming presence for them, and help them through hard times.”

Volunteer Ruth Loucks said, “I consider it a gift and a privilege to share time with a patient and family members as they transition from life to death. To me, it’s a calling.”

Recognized for his leadership at WellSpan

WellSpan President Bruce Bartels received the York County Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award last week at a dinner and ceremony held at the Valencia Ballroom, York.

The Business Achievement Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have:

• Developed a successful enterprise through creativity, perseverance and dedication
• Created jobs, product and opportunities
• Set a standard of excellence in the marketplace through their high moral and ethical values
• Thrust central Pennsylvania into economic prominence due to their dynamic leadership

D. Reed Anderson, Esq., of Stock and Leader, Attorneys at Law, and former chairman of the WellSpan Board of Directors, said,  “Working with Bruce over the years, I had a significant opportunity to watch true leadership in action.

“Bruce possesses a myriad of attributes that he melds together to achieve tremendous results. He has helped take WellSpan to the top echelon of the healthcare industry.

“He has a unique leadership style,” continued Anderson. “He has the ability to guide others, enlist the help of others, encourage people and instill confidence in them to succeed.

“WellSpan and the community have greatly benefited from his outstanding leadership.”

Anderson described Bartels as “quiet, thoughtful, focused and insightful.”

Bartels has served as president of WellSpan and its predecessor organizations since 1988.

His career at WellSpan has been marked by tremendous growth, focused on better meeting the needs of the community. The organization is now a regional, integrated health care delivery system, providing services needed throughout a person’s life in a coordinated and convenient manner.

Significant developments in the past 23 years include the creation of WellSpan Medical Group, WellSpan Health, South Central Preferred, Healthy York County Coalition, Healthy Adams County as well as construction projects such as the Century Project and the patient care tower at York Hospital, WellSpan Adams Health Center, the expansion of the Gettysburg Hospital Emergency Department, the Imaging Center and the Women’s Center on the Apple Hill Health Campus, the WellSpan Aspers Health Center, the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital and many others.

WellSpan serves 500,000 people in York and Adams counties and northern Maryland. It employs more than 8,400 people and generates more than one billion in revenue annually.

Past recipients of the business achievement award include George H. Glatfelter II, Thomas Wolf, Robert Kinsley, The Honorable George M. Leader, Robert W. Pullo, Louis Appell Jr., The Honorable William C. Goodling, Arthur Glatfelter, Robert Pikelwaldt and Thomas Norris.

WellSpan opened its second CareExpress location last week in the Giant Food Store at Delco Plaza, 1255 Carlisle Road, York.

A third CareExpress location is scheduled to open on Monday, Dec. 19, in the Giant Food Store at 3175 Cape Horn Rd. in Red Lion.

The first CareExpress location opened at 2058 S. Queen St., York, in the DJ Plaza in August.

CareExpress offers treatment for minor illness and injury such as sore throats, ear aches, insect bits, rashes, sinus infections, immunizations and urinary infections. It also offers physical exams for driver permits, sports and camp. Immunizations and wellness screenings also are available.

For staff members insured through WellSpan Plus, injury and illness treatment at CareExpress is covered at 100 percent with only an office visit co-pay. Physicals and wellness screenings are $59, self-pay at the time of service.

Hours for CareExpress are as follows:

• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 1-888-520-5060.

When a woman is pregnant, one of the first decisions she makes is what type of practitioner she wants to see for prenatal care and childbirth.

While many women seek the services of an obstetrician-gynecologist, certified nurse-midwives are an increasingly popular alternative.

On Jan. 3, WellSpan will open WellSpan Certified Nurse-Midwives in Gettysburg. Located in the Medical Office Building (455 S. Washington St., Suite 25), the new practice will feature Ann Orndorff and Marianne Jolin, two experienced certified nurse-midwives.

While the team will care for women of all ages, their primary focus will be providing a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth.

Certified nurse-midwives have been around for many years, but many women are still uncertain about the difference between an obstetrician and nurse-midwife.

Orndorff, who has practiced as a midwife in the Gettysburg community for more than 25 years, and Jolin, who brings 15 years of midwifery experience to the practice, follow midwivery model of care which includes:

• Monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
• Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery and post-partum support
• Minimizing technological interventions
• Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention

A certified nurse-midwife is a good choice for women who are in good health and have no serious chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease or diabetes.

“Choosing between a doctor and a midwife is a very personal decision and one that should be made after considering your personal needs and priorities,” says Orndorff.  “The best way to make an informed decision is to explore all of the options and do what feels right for you and your baby.”

WellSpan Certified Nurse-Midwives is accepting new patients. Appointments are scheduled daily during regular office hours by calling 337-4290.

Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital is environmentally friendly

The WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital on the Apple Hill Health Campus boasts a number of green features, including occupancy sensors, a heat recovery wheel, an irrigation system to water the landscaping and more. The 73-bed hospital is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012.

Designing an environmentally friendly hospital was on Bill DeFelice’s mind when he started working with an engineering firm on the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital on the Apple Hill Health Campus.

DeFelice, director of facilities management, said, “I didn’t want to do green things just for the sake of being green. I wanted to include green elements responsibly.

“When evaluating green features, I was looking for a five-to-seven year return on investment to be fiscally responsible.”

Some of the green features of the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital, which is expected to open in the spring of 2012, are:

• A white roof directly on top of the building. It is unable to be seen from ground level. Typically, buildings such as the new hospital have a black rubber roof. Studies show that you can save 30 percent on cooling expenses with a white roof, as it reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them.
• A flat-plate heat exchanger to take advantage of free cooling in the spring and fall. This mitigates the need to run expensive chillers for a minimal amount of cooling.
• Occupancy sensors will be located in all of the offices. They will automatically turn off the lights when a room is empty for a period of time. These sensors typically save about 50 percent on electricity costs for the
  rooms in which they are installed.
• A heat recovery wheel will help to heat up or cool down the air that goes into the operating rooms. ORs are required to use 100 percent outside air and have at least 15 air changes per hour. The new hospital will have 25 changes per hour. To help achieve these air changes cost effectively, the recovery wheel is an air-to-air exchange that will use the air leaving the OR to help heat up or cool down the outside air, without ever mixing the air streams.
• A fly wheel uninterruptable power source (UPS) will provide interim electricity until the emergency generator kicks in if the power goes out. A fly wheel UPS stores energy mechanically rather than chemically, as in typical battery fueled UPS devices. This is a much cleaner source of energy. With a traditional UPS device, the batteries which are very costly will need to be replaced every 10 years.
• An irrigation system will be installed to water the landscaping surrounding the new hospital. Drip irrigation ensures the water gets where it is needed when it is needed. It is much more efficient than watering with a hose. The irrigation system will save money on water and labor costs.

Limited tickets available to participants for special performance of Moms Let Loose!

Gettysburg Hospital will host the 17th annual Women’s Health & Wellness Conference on Saturday, March 10, 2012, in Gettysburg College’s Union Building.

“We are excited to again offer a quality program for women to have a special day to be educated, entertained and pampered,” said Dianne Moore, R.N., coordinator of women’s health services.

“The speakers, breakout presenters and exhibitors will share their expertise and sell great items to support the conference and local services. As in years past, it will be a day of sharing, networking, support and camaraderie, which are all very important to women.”

The event’s opening speaker will be Jane Hyde, president of Gettysburg Hospital and senior vice president of WellSpan Health. She will speak about the vital role women play in their families’ good health and how women can offer hope, health and wholeness on the journey of life.

The conference’s keynote presentation will feature Jana Stanfield, a million-record selling singer and songwriter. Stanfield’s unique style combines music with a message that entertains and encourages. She has used her wisdom, music and humor to inspire audiences throughout the world.

With the motto “Start Small, Dream Big, Live Large,” she started a record company in 1991 on her dining room table. Selling over one million CDs since then has made her company, Relatively Famous Records, one of the most successful businesses of its kind.

In addition to the presentations, attendees will choose between a variety of desired breakout sessions. This year’s topics include gliding to good health, the power of relationships, minimally invasive GYN procedures, self-nurturing, joint health, and topics on heart health and nutrition.

As in year’s past, the conference will also include continental breakfast and lunch, exhibits, gifts and educational materials.

This year’s event features an optional Friday evening program for attendees. On Friday, March 9, conference participants can take advantage of discounted tickets to a special performance of Moms Let Loose! at the Majestic Theater. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to women’s conference participants.

The cost to attend the daylong women’s conference is $45 through Feb. 24 and $50 up to the March 2 registration deadline. Tickets to the discounted Friday evening performance of Moms Let Loose! are available to conference participants for the reduced cost of $32.

Online registration is available through www.wellspan.org or click here. 

For more information on the conference or to receive a registration booklet with complete details, call 337-4272, ext. 1 or visit www.wellspan.org.

In 2011, WellSpan continued to meet the needs of those it serves through a variety of developments. Among our many achievements, we developed new partnerships, used technology to improve patient care and convenience, increased access, improved patient safety, pursued greater efficiencies and an enhanced patient experience.

The following stories illustrate the difference WellSpan made during the past year. They appear in no particular order.

WellSpan opens three CareExpress retail clinics

WellSpan opened it first CareExpress location at 2058 S. Queen St., York, in August, and locations in the Giant Food Stores, 1255 Carlisle Rd. in the Delco Plaza and 3175 Cape Horn Rd., in December.

“Opening retail clinics is a response to consumer demand for convenience,” said Patty McGuire, administrator for the WellSpan Medical Group. “Consumers don’t want to wait long and they want easy access in the evenings and on weekends.”

Based on WellSpan consumer research, 47 percent of York County residents believe there is a very great need or a great need for retail clinics.

CareExpress treats minor illnesses and conditions such as upper respiratory illnesses, allergy symptoms, urinary tract infections, sore throats, sprains, skin rashes and insect bites. So far, patient response to CareExpress has been very encouraging.

WellSpan named a Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Network

SDI, a health care and data consulting firm, named WellSpan to the select list for a fifth consecutive year. WellSpan was evaluated on its ability to operate as a unified organization in each of eight categories: integration, integrated technology, contractual capabilities, outpatient utilization, financial stability, services and access, hospital utilization and physicians.

“While it’s nice to be recognized for our efforts, the most important thing is how our efforts are providing better care for those in the communities we serve,” said Bruce Bartels, president of WellSpan.

He added, “While the future is challenging, I believe that by working together and remaining committed and focused on our integration objectives, we can enhance the work we’ve started and continue to meet the needs of the community.”

WellSpan, ranked No. 46, was one of only three Pennsylvania health care networks to make the list.

Gettysburg Hospital recognized as one of the top performers on key quality measures

The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America, named Gettysburg Hospital one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures.

Gettysburg Hospital was recognized based on data reported about evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.

"This recognition reflects the dedicated effort Gettysburg Hospital staff have made to enacting quality improvements. We understand that what matters most to patients is safe, effective care and we’re working to improve it every day,” said Charles Marley, D.O., vice president of medical affairs, Gettysburg Hospital and WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital.

Gettysburg Hospital is one of only 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals earning the distinction of top performer on key quality measures.

WellSpan completes the rollout of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) to its hospitals

CPOE is a capstone of the electronic health record. It was introduced at Gettysburg Hospital in November 2010 and at York Hospital in early 2011.

CPOE refers to any system in which clinicians directly enter medication orders, tests and procedures into a computer system, which then transmits the order to the pharmacy or appropriate department.

CPOE has the potential to greatly reduce errors by ensuring standardized, legible and complete orders. Studies have shown the CPOE reduces the length of stay, repeat tests, turnaround times for pharmacy, laboratory and radiology requests, while increasing cost savings.

William “Tex” Landis, M.D., a WellSpan hospitalist, said there’s a learning curve for physicians. But, he added, “The benefits to patients outweigh the challenges to providers.”

WellSpan expands its community partnerships

Several new partnerships highlighted the past year.

• WellSpan partnered with WITF in a nine-month “Facing Cancer Together” initiative, which includes a web site, blogs, videos, billboards, television and radio interviews.
• WellSpan and the York Revolution announced that WellSpan will be the official health care and sports medicine provider for the Atlantic League baseball team.
• WellSpan partnered with Bonneauville fire company in Adams County to provide oversight of emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
• WellSpan teamed up with the City of York to launch the “Barbers with a Heart” innovative program designed to educate African-American males about the risks of high blood pressure.

WellSpan launches a comprehensive hand hygiene campaign

Hand washing is the most effective and easiest way to prevent hospital-related infections, which account for approximately 100,000 patient deaths nationwide each year.

When WellSpan launched its campaign, the overall compliance rate was 44 percent. By mid-August, the compliance rate was 94 percent.

“I was enormously proud when I saw the latest hand hygiene statistics,” said Charles Chodroff, M.D., senior vice president and chief clinical officer, WellSpan.  “It’s one more thing that we’re doing to protect our patients. And, that’s what it’s all about.”

WellSpan Medical Group achieves milestones

All 27 WellSpan Medical Group family medicine and internal medicine practices achieved recognition as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) through the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

The PCMH puts the patient at the center of the health care system, and provides primary care that is “accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated, compassionate and culturally effective.”

The WellSpan Medical Group, ranked as one of the largest medical groups in Pennsylvania, also hired its 500th provider.

“Many communities have difficulty finding physicians to live and practice in their area,” said WMG President and WellSpan Senior Vice President Tom McGann, M.D. “We have a model that’s attractive to physicians and that enables us to bring quality primary care and specialty services to York and Adams counties.”

WellSpan Neuroscience and Pain Center opens in York

Five related services—Neurosurgery, Adult Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Physiatry and Interventional Pain Management—came together under one roof at 228 St. Charles Way. The move makes it possible for WellSpan to provide care that is more coordinated, integrated and convenient.

The facility allows for a variety of lifestyle management programs and activities focused on improving functions of daily living such as T’ai Chi, art therapy and dance.

The new center enables WellSpan to expand the number of office visits from 16,650 to more than 61,000 per year.

“Members of our community have high-quality, coordinated care available in their own backyard. They no longer have to travel to Hershey or Baltimore,” said Lori Clark, administrator of neurosciences.

WellSpan launches super utilizers pilot program

The program focuses on 12 patients at the York Hospital Community Health Center who have far more medical bills than their condition would seem to require.

The goal is to eliminate or significantly decrease barriers to allow patients to meet their health care needs and identify ways that our health system contributes to the problem.

A team of WellSpan primary care providers, social workers, other health care professionals and community agencies work together to look for innovative solutions to the patients’ barriers.

“What we’re learning so far is that patients do benefit from extra attention,” said Eve Gardner, a co-leader of the initiative. “Physicians feel as if their patients are calling them sooner about things instead of opting for the emergency department.”

WellSpan introduces mobile app

By downloading the WellSpan Mobile App from the Apple App Store, the Android Market or Windows Phone Marketplace, consumers can locate WellSpan facilities, get step-by-step directions, access job openings, watch videos, send eGreetings, check out the latest WellSpan news and more.

The mobile app is part of WellSpan’s online strategy to connect with patients and other community members.

“The WellSpan Mobile App is well above average for a health care system,” said Hal Baker, M.D., vice president and chief information officer. “I would put the app our team has produced up against any other health care organization’s app in the country.”

Plans are to enhance and expand the features of the WellSpan Mobile App.

Other noteworthy achievements during the past year include:

• York Hospital performs the first balloon cryoablation in the state.
• WellSpan and Penn State York team up to offer a master of education degree, specializing in medical simulation. It is thought to be the first program of its kind in the country.
• York Hospital introduces a restaurant style menu for its patients.
• WellSpan named among the Top 25 Most Connected Healthcare Facilities by Health Imaging and IT magazine for the sixth consecutive year.
• Gettysburg Hospital earns United Way of Adams County’s Robert C. Hoffman Award, which recognizes the team that raises the most money through corporate and employees gifts, for the fourth consecutive year.
• More than 18,000 patients enrolled in My eCare, which allows them to view their lab results, communicate with the doctor’s office, ask questions and request non-urgent appointments.
• Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and Adam Taliaferro were guest speakers in WellSpan’s Journey of Courage Speaker Series.
• Jane Hyde named WellSpan senior vice president and president of Gettysburg Hospital.
• Pastoral Care celebrates its 40th anniversary.
• A medical simulation study, led by Richard Haas, Ph.D., CRNA, chosen as the overall winning abstract at an international meeting.
• York Pediatric Medicine physician Brenda Singal named Pediatrician of the Year by Central Penn Parent magazine.
• WellSpan’s partnership with the York County Children’s Advocacy Center wins a nonprofit innovation award, presented by Highmark Blue Shield and Central Penn Business Journal.
• Leadership York names WellSpan Business of the Year.
• York Hospital Trauma Center receives a three-year accreditation.
• Value Analysis Program tops $5 million in savings.
• WellSpan Rehabilitation expands to southern York County.
• WellSpan nurses Bonita Trapnell and Jodi Arnold win Pennsylvania Nightingale Awards.
• Bruce Bartels, WellSpan president, earns York County Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award.
• York Hospital’s Pain Management Team receives statewide award for innovation and collaboration from the Pennsylvania Society of Health System Pharmacists.
• Healthy Adams County and Healthy York County Coalition conduct community health assessments.

Young mother experienced heart problems after birth of her baby

York Hospital T-2 staff members delivered Christmas gifts to Rebecca Sabold, left on the couch, her husband, Chris, directly behind her, their son, Daniel, seated in chair, and daughter Bella, being held by Emily Cooper, R.N. Other York Hospital staff members, from left to right on the couch, are Don Hornberger, R.N., Angie Robinson, R.N., and her husband, Rick.

Rebecca Sabold sat on her living room couch in Red Lion, surrounded by her husband, eight-year-old son and six-month-old daughter as nurses from T-2 at York Hospital delivered bags of Christmas gifts.

A week earlier, York Hospital staff members used some of the nearly $2,500 they raised for the Sabolds to pay the couple’s rent for November and December, avoiding eviction.

The Sabolds were overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity. What once looked like a bleak holiday season now was filled with hope, joy and appreciation.

It was the combination of human kindness, medical technology and a cardiothoracic surgeon’s expertise that makes this holiday story worthy of a Lifetime movie.

“This was our best Christmas ever,” offered Rebecca. “I couldn’t believe the generosity of the York Hospital staff. We were surprised by the gifts. We appreciate everything they did for us.”

In August, 29-year-old Rebecca was placed on a Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) to help her heart keep working. Rebecca’s heart was functioning at only 10 percent. She was physically and mentally exhausted, and a potential candidate for a heart transplant.

Given her illness, Rebecca could not work and her husband, Chris, could not work he had to stay home with the new baby and son. Consequently, the couple’s income dropped and bills began to mount up.

After delivering her baby, Bella, in June, Rebecca developed an immunologic response to her pregnancy. Her legs and feet swelled and she coughed constantly. A week later, she went to the York Hospital ED for an EKG and CT scan. She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and placed on medication.

LVAD implanted

Six weeks later, she hadn’t improved and was rehospitalized. Dr. Larry Shears, a WellSpan cardiothoracic surgeon, decided she should be placed on a LVAD, an implantable mechanical pump that helps pump blood from the left ventricle of the heart to rest of the body. A tube attached to the pump is connected to the pump’s battery and control system. The procedure requires open-heart surgery and has serious risks.

The LVAD often serves as a bridge to a heart transplant or as an assist until the patient’s heart becomes strong enough to effectively pump blood on its own.

Since average survival for a heart transplant patient is 13 years, Rebecca would have a longer life expectancy if her own heart could recover and she could keep it.

Rebecca was hospitalized six times from mid-July through the beginning of December. During her time at York Hospital, she bonded with many staff members and developed friendships.

“Becky was the first LVAD patient I had ever cared for,” said Don Hornberger, R.N. “I knew she was anxious about many of the things she was experiencing. We hit it off right away.”

Emily Cooper, R.N., open heart surgical clinical specialist, said, “I bonded with Rebecca and it has grown into a friendship. She lives close to me, so I would stop in periodically to check on her. All the staff members who had come in contact with her kept asking about how she was doing.”

Cooper led the effort to adopt Rebecca’s family for the holidays. Contributions came from T-2 staff, cardiothoracic physician assistants and surgeons, case management, social workers, clinical directors and open heart ICU staff members.

After more than four months on the LVAD, Dr. Shears determined that the device had allowed Rebecca’s heart to rest sufficiently enough for it to resume full function.

Removing the LVAD

Removing the LVAD was a complicated and tricky procedure. “Everything must be in perfect working order for the operation to be successful; if not, the patient could die,” said Shears. “This is why the procedure is rarely performed.”

Shears said it was one of the most difficult operations he has ever performed.

Rebecca admitted it was scary at first not being able to rely on the LVAD. “It was a little overwhelming,” she said. “I had gotten used to life on the LVAD, and I felt safer. I felt like it was my safety net.”

But Rebecca had complete faith in Dr. Shears and the York Hospital staff. “Becky always trusted York Hospital,” emphasized her husband Chris. “It was important for us to be at York Hospital. Everyone there was like family to us.”

Shears said Rebecca’s prognosis is good.

Community Benefit Report published online

The last few years have been tough for Susan Kittrell of York. Three years ago after having a routine tuberculosis test, providers noticed an abnormal reading and recommended a chest x-ray. The test showed a serious health risk: a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Kittrell had open bypass surgery to repair the aneurysm, but it wasn’t long after the initial surgery that she felt a burning in her spine that led her back to the hospital and into surgery for another aneurysm. This time, she required open heart surgery.

Then physicians saw something suspicious on a chest x-ray that ended up being another aortic aneurysm. Unfortunately, this aneurysm burst during surgery and physicians had to replace part of her aorta.

Kittrell’s health challenges over the past few years have made it impossible for her to return to her job at Dentsply. As a result, she lost her health insurance, which made it difficult for her to afford the critical care that she needed. Fortunately, Healthy York Network (HYN) was there.

“If it wasn’t for HYN, I don’t know where I would be,” said Kittrell. “After I lost my health coverage, I couldn’t afford the medicines that I needed to take, let alone the surgeries that were necessary to fix the aneurysms. Thankfully, the folks at York Hospital realized my challenges and connected me with HYN.

“I have been blessed with the best of care,” she added. “I thank God everyday for WellSpan Health and HYN. They have helped me during a difficult time and I can’t express my gratitude enough.”

More personal stories

This is one of just several personal stories you’ll find on a new website that showcases WellSpan Health's community benefit activities at www.wellspancommunity.org.

By going to the website, you can read how breast cancer patient Rita Allison enrolled in a clinical trial at the York Cancer Center and how a Gettysburg physician helped change Susan Williams’ approach to managing her diabetes and thus her life.

You’ll also learn about initiatives WellSpan supports for community health, the uninsured, learning, and caring for all. The Community Benefit website includes information about the role WellSpan plays in improving car seat safety; WellSpan’s partnership with the York County Children’s Advocacy Program and the $100 million of care WellSpan provided to the uninsured and the underinsured in 2011.

"The people of WellSpan Health share a sense of responsibility to the good health and well-being of our neighbors and each of us works very hard to ensure it," said Rick Ayers, director of public relations and communications.

"This new online resource will provide up-to-date information and highlight personal stories about the difference that our efforts make in the life of our communities."

It doesn’t matter what type of activity or exercise you choose as long as you enjoy it and do it regularly.  All exercise adds up to a healthier heart.  Here are some tips for exercising success:

• Determine the times and days when you will exercise and make an appointment with yourself.
• Be consistent.  Start with short-term, realistic goals.
• Consider cross-training, where you do different activities on different days, to avoid boredom.
• Be patient.  Results are usually noticeable around the fifth week of your workout.

Stress is one of the leading causes of heart problems.  The Pennsylvania Psychological Association offers these tips for a healthier heart:

• Identify unhealthy behaviors that increase your risk of heart disease and develop action plans for dealing with them.
• Avoid trying to fix every problem at once.
• Make time for yourself two or three times a week, even if it’s only 10 minutes.
• Ask those who care about you and/or a psychologist for support with the challenge of managing behaviors you want to eliminate.
  

Here are four tips for a healthier heart:

• Eat healthy: Consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources.
• Move your body:  Through aerobic exercise like jogging, biking, brisk walking and swimming, your heart can become more efficient.
• Reduce stress: Finding stress reducers can help lower your blood pressure and put you in the frame of mind to want to practice healthier behaviors.
• Quit tobacco use: Tobacco continues to be the leading cause of heart disease in otherwise healthy individuals.

Here are some interesting facts about women and heart disease:

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women, killing one-third of them.
• More than 200,000 women die each year from heart attacks—five times as many women as breast cancer.
• More women than men die of heart disease each year.
• Women are more likely to die within one year of a first recognized heart attack than men.
• Women with diabetes are 2.5 times more likely to have heart attacks.

WellSpan recently began providing staffing and medical oversight of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to the Gettysburg Fire Department.

The contractual agreement creates resource and financial savings for the fire company while ensuring that the community is served by professional EMTs who receive ongoing education and training.

The service agreement between WellSpan and Gettysburg Fire Department provides two leased EMTs to the company for 24 hours per day, seven days a week. WellSpan is responsible for handling employee-related needs such as training and employee benefits.

A similar service agreement went into effect earlier this fall between WellSpan and the Bonneauville Community Fire Company.

“The agreement ensures that professional EMTs will continue to be available to the Gettysburg Fire Department with the support and management expertise from WellSpan’s Emergency Medical Services,” said Tony DeFelice, administrative director, emergency medicine.

“The community benefits from this partnership by having professional EMT personnel who have access to WellSpan’s ongoing education and training, while fire department administrators will be able to focus their vital time on other key needs and issues.”

The agreement stipulates that a nine-member leadership team, representing more than 100 years of experience of emergency management services, manage the ongoing relationship between WellSpan and the local fire company. In addition, WellSpan emergency medicine physicians will provide medical direction to the team.

“The partnership with WellSpan will allow us to provide important EMT services while allowing us to focus our resources on fire fighting services,” said Allen Baldwin, chief, Gettysburg Fire Department.

“New state mandates that require medical direction for basic life support agencies would add to our company’s expenses. Through this agreement, we are able to maintain the EMT services without incurring a significant financial burden.”

Becker’s Hospital Review has included WellSpan Health on its list of “61 Integrated Health Systems to Know.”

The publication, which focuses on business and legal issues, wrote that the health systems were selected based on organizations’ access to care, physician alignment and inclusion of numerous and varied services along the continuum of care.

Health systems on the list have been recognized for integrated care by healthcare analytics company SDI, peer institutions via nominations and carefully researched by the Becker’s Hospital Review editorial board.

Other Pennsylvania health systems to make the list include UPMC, Geisinger Health System and Lehigh Valley Health Network.