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Palms
of Pasadena Hospital Earns Center of Excellence
Designated with a National Award
for Bariatric Surgery
(St. Petersburg, Florida); Palms
of Pasadena Hospital (POPH) has been named an American
Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) Center of Excellence
by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an organization
dedicated to pursuing surgical excellence in the delivery
of bariatric surgical care.
The award is peer reviewed by the most
competent doctors in the industry and the hospital receives
the designation in collaboration with bariatric surgeon,
Ernest Rehnke, M.D.
“We are extremely proud of this
designation,” said Kelly Adams, chief executive
officer of Palms of Pasadena Hospital. “It is
important because it allows patients to know that we
have a program with a demonstrated track record of excellence.
We are honored to work with Dr. Rehnke.”
Becoming a Designee
To earn a Center of Excellence designation, the Bariatric
Program at Palms of Pasadena Hospital underwent a site
inspection from the SRC during which all aspects of
the program’s surgical processes were closely
examined and data on health outcomes was collected.
Palms of Pasadena Hospital and other centers receiving
the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation
agree to continue to share information on clinical pathways,
protocols and outcomes. To be eligible for ASBS designation,
hospitals must perform at least 125 bariatric surgeries
annually, and individual surgeons must do at least 50
surgeries a year.
Why the Designation Was Created
Bariatric surgery is a complex and challenging undertaking.
Many of the patients, who are typically afflicted with
serious co-morbidities in addition to the burdens of
excessive weight, present sharply increased surgical
risks. Psychosocial challenges and the uncontrolled
complications of morbid obesity require highly competent
and compassionate support. Furniture, hospital equipment,
instruments and imaging resources must be suitable for
massive patients who often exceed their ideal body weight
by 100 pounds or more.
Especially important is a well-trained staff, capable
of dealing with the physical and emotional demands of
the morbidly obese.
Faced with these issues, the ASBS identified
the need to recognize the centers that perform well
and to help surgeons and hospitals reach optimal levels
of performance. The program was created to recognize
bariatric surgery centers, while helping hospitals and
surgeons continue to improve the quality and safety
of care provided.
“We are pleased that the medical
community is recognizing hospitals that excel in surgical
weight loss,” said Adams. “The number of
weight loss surgeries increases each year, and we believe
individuals choosing weight loss surgery should have
information about the programs they are considering
as well as affordable access to these procedures. Our
designation reaffirms our commitment to providing quality
care and services to our patients.”
Obesity in America
According to the SRC, obesity is America’s most
serious health epidemic. Over two thirds of US citizens
are overweight; a frightening statistic that continues
to increase each year. Of even greater concern, over
23 million Americans are morbidly obese, which means
that they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than
35, exceeding their ideal body weight by at least 100
pounds. One third of these, a population equal to that
of North Carolina, attain BMI’s greater than 40.
Those afflicted by these severe forms
of obesity are not only burdened by their bulk, that
are also confronted with life-threatening diseases that
may include diabetes, hypertension and severe pulmonary
compromise. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with
a number of serious conditions that severely undermine
the health of overweight patients, including heart disease,
high blood pressure and diabetes.
According to the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality, the number of US bariatric surgeries
more than quadrupled between 1998 and 2002 – from
13,386 to 71,733. Bariatric surgery helps many people
who are morbidly obese lose weight when all other methods
have failed.
About Our Program
The Bariatric Program at Palms of Pasadena Hospital
performs approximately 200 surgeries annually. Its program
is designed to help patients lose weight and keep it
off. The program’s goal is to go beyond surgery
by providing a life-changing program that includes nutritional
guidance, support groups and coordination of counseling
services.
The program is affiliated with experienced,
board-certified surgeons who specialize in the surgical
treatment of morbidly obese patients. We offer the Roux-en-Y
Gastric Bypass both open and laparoscopic as well as
the less invasive adjustable Lap Band. For more information
visit www.ObesityNoMoreFL.com.
About Our Hospital
Palms of Pasadena Hospital, fully accredited by the
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations,
was founded during 1963 and, over the years, has gradually
expanded services to meet the needs of our community.
Currently, Palms of Pasadena Hospital provides a broad
array of inpatient and outpatient services along with
specialty programs such as the Continent Ostomy Program,
Baraitric Care, Radiation Oncology, Sleep Disorder Program,
Wound Health and Home Health care. Its mission is to
provide quality healthcare by a team committed to value
and continuous improvement. Dedicated to this mission
are over 300 physicians, 900 full and part-time healthcare
professionals and over 175 volunteers. For more information,
visit the hospital’s website at www.palmspasadena.com
or call 727.341.7706.
Contact:
Susan Kay R.N., Dir. Specialty Surgical Services
Phone: 727.341.7706
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Palms
of Pasadena Hospital Names New Chief Nursing Officer
(December 15, 2005, St. Petersburg, Florida);
Kathy Saxon has been named Chief Nursing Officer for Palms
of Pasadena Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In 1983 Saxon began her career at Palms as a critical
care nurse. In 1990 she became coordinator of critical
care and in 1994 was promoted to director of nursing.
“This hospital and our community are fortunate
to have Kathy as a longstanding member of the Palms
family. She brings great experience, talent and leadership
to her new position,” said Palms Interim CEO Kelly
Adams.
Having earned her B.S.N. from the University of South
Florida, Saxon also holds certifications from the Florida
Risk Management Institute in healthcare administration,
healthcare risk management, medical legal consultation,
and leadership development. She is a member of the American
Association of Critical Care Nurses, Tampa Bay Organization
of Nurse Executives and is an advanced cardiac life
support instructor.
Contact: Debbie Carson, (727) 341-7545
dcarson@iasishealthcare.com |
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PALMS
OF PASADENA HOSPITAL OPENS NEWLY EXPANDED
AND RENOVATED EMERGENCY ROOM
(September 16, 2005, St. Petersburg, Florida)
After several years of planning and construction, Palms
of Pasadena Hospital has opened its newly expanded and
renovated Emergency Room.
“We’ve expanded our ER capacity from 10
beds to 22 beds, and more than doubled our space,”
noted Palms of Pasadena CEO Steven Greene. “Our
new ER is just one of the many demonstrations of the
investment that this hospital, and our corporate parent
IASIS Healthcare, will continue making in the coming
months and years to best serve the needs of our community.”
Over the past several years, improvements have been
made throughout the hospital’s campus including
the expansion of our comprehensive, technologically
advanced diagnostic imaging center. Over the next few
years, the hospital will continue improving its facilities
with special focus on inpatient and outpatient surgical
services and acute patient care areas.
Palms of Pasadena Hospital opened its doors in 1963
and over the years has expanded services and facilities
to meet the needs of a growing St. Petersburg, South
Pasadena, Gulfport and surrounding beach communities.
The hospital offers a broad array of general and specialty
healthcare services provided by 750 skilled and caring
employees, more than 300 physicians and nearly 200 volunteers.
Palms of Pasadena Hospital CEO Steven Greene; IASIS
Healthcare President & Chief Operating Officer Sandra
McRee and South Pasadena, Florida Mayor Dick Holms cut
the ribbon during the ceremonies held on September 12,
opening the hospital’s newly expanded and renovated
Emergency Room.
Nearly 400 community members attended the grand opening
and ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening
of Palms of Pasadena Hospital’s newly expanded
and renovated Emergency Room.
Palms of Pasadena Hospital’s
CEO Steven Greene addresses the nearly 400 community
members who attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting
ceremony celebrating the opening of the hospital’s
newly expanded and renovated Emergency Room. Dr. Carol
Pappas (l.), the hospital’s medical chief of staff
also spoke during the ceremony along with Sandra McRee,
president and COO of Palms’ parent company IASIS
Healthcare, S. Pasadena Mayor Dick Holmes, and Dr. Ramon
Pabalon, the medical director for the new ER.
Contact:
Debbie Carson, (727) 341-7545
dcarson@iasishealthcare.com
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PALMS
OF PASADENA HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION AND RENOVATION
PROJECT
Project to Include New Emergency Department
and Two New Patient Floors
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 19, 2004
– Palms of Pasadena Hospital announced today that
it will undergo a major expansion and renovation project
that will more than double the size of the emergency
department (ED) and add two new floors with 90 beds.
When completed the $23.5 million, three-phase project
will:
• More than double the size of the Emergency Department
• Increase the service capacity of the Emergency
Department from 10 to 20 beds
• Add two new patient floors and 90 new inpatient
beds
• Provide redesign and expansion of needed surgery
areas
• Add a total of 38,977 new square feet
“This expansion is in direct response to community
need,” said Todd Mann, CEO of Palms of Pasadena
Hospital. “Our hospital must grow to keep pace
with the patients who are turning to Palms of Pasadena
Hospital for medical care. We know what the future is
going to demand of our hospital and we want to be ready
for it.”
The project will consist of three construction phases.
“Phase one will begin with the renovation of existing
space to expand the surgery area and to relocate Outpatient
Surgery and some support services such as Medical Records.”
Mann said.
Phase two is the construction of a new, modern emergency
room, which will more than double the size of the department
to 10,807 square feet and 20 beds.
The third phase of the project will be the construction
of two additional floors over the new emergency department.
The new floors will each have 45 inpatient beds.
The project will also convert the current ED space
to outpatient processing and will include a new drop-off
canopy and lobby connector.
Work on the project is expected to begin in early May
with a groundbreaking for the new ED scheduled for early
this summer. The new emergency department is scheduled
for completion in approximately fourteen months, with
the patient tower following after that.
“By completing the project in phases, we will
be able to expedite the opening of the new emergency
department, making it accessible to our patients as
soon as possible,” said Mann. “We’ve
always been proud of the high quality care and service
provided by our ED, and now we can look forward to a
more modern space that will provide greater comfort
for our patients and a more efficient work environment
for our physicians and nurses.”
During construction, existing hospital services will
remain open and will function with full capabilities.
Palms of Pasadena Hospital is a 307-bed healthcare
facility. Palms of Pasadena provides general acute care
medical/surgical services with several key Centers of
Excellence including Joint Replacement, Continent Ostomy,
Bariatric Surgery (weight loss surgery), Wound Healing
and Sleep Disorders Centers.
Contacts:
Kim Fox, Regional Marketing Director
IASIS Healthcare
(615) 467-1317
Kathy Campbell, Marketing Director
Palms of Pasadena Hospital
(727) 341-7022
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COMPUTERIZED IMAGING SYSTEMS REPLACE CUMBERSOME
RADIOLOGY FILM JACKETS AT PALMS OF PASADENA HOSPITAL
Palms has installed a state-of-the-art Picture
Archive and Communication System or PACS, which replaces
the traditional film-based diagnostic images with a computerized
imaging system. All images from digital modalities including
CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Special Procedures, Ultrasound,
and Fluoroscopy are now sent directly into a computerized
imaging system. These digital images can then be called
up and displayed on high-resolution monitors.
In addition to the increased security PACS provides,
patients can now take their images to various specialists
on a CD rather than large, cumbersome sheets of film.
Also the physician can access security-protected patient
files from connected digital imaging monitors within
the hospital.
PACS imaging systems have several advantages:
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they save patients additional exposure
to x-rays since the images can be viewed in different
densities, levels of contrast and magnification
and can be manipulated from side to side. |
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they save valuable time because images are available
for reading by the Radiologists as soon as they
are acquired |
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they are able to bring up stored images instantly
to be printed on laser film or put on CD to be taken
to the patient’s physician/specialist |
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they can be used by physicians who can view the
stored images on digital monitors within the hospital,
including the emergency room and surgery |
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they do not lose patients images – no longer
will there be lost x-ray films |
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ANNOUNCING
THE ARRIVAL OF THE LATEST IN MRI TECHNOLOGY
Palms of Pasadena Hospital has acquired the latest
in MRI technology from G.E. Medical Systems.The new system
will make Palms of Pasadena Hospital one of only a few
sites in the country to feature the expanded technology
of the new Signa MRI system. This new MRI system strengthens
our commitment to provide the most advanced patient care
with state-of-the-art technology. G.E. has married the
look and feel of open MRI systems with the performance
of an advanced high-field system. It is the only wide-open,
high-field MRI system on the market that does not compromise
clinical performance. We are extremely excited to be able
to expand our MRI imaging capabilities to include neurological
(diffusion, etc.), angiography (run-offs, etc.), and cardiac
(function and anatomy) imaging. We trust this new addition
to our Hospital will provide greater diagnostic information
for patients and their doctors. At Palms of Pasadena Hospital
our mission is to provide quality healthcare by a team
committed to value and continuous improvement. |
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THE
PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT AT PALMS OF PASADENA HOSPITAL
On February 4, 2003, the Palliative Care Unit of
Palms of Pasadena Hospital officially opened to provide
complete care to patients diagnosed with terminal illness.
The Palliative Care Unit is unique in that it is the first
partnership of its kind with the Hospice of the Florida
Suncoast.
The Palliative Care Unit mirrors and compliments
hospice care, a Medicare benefit available to all patients
with six months or less life expectancy.
Often, when a patient is diagnosed with a terminal
illness, it is an emotionally difficult and confusing
time for the patient and family. It is also a time when
the patient is faced with serious decisions. The philosophy
of the Palliative Care Unit is to support death with dignity
by giving our patients and their families choice and control
over their care. We advocate for the patient’s and
family’s wishes, while providing comfort, pain management,
grief work, spiritual care, and case management services.
Patients and family members are given privacy and
time in a caring, compassionate, and accepting environment,
so they can work through their impending loss in a place
that embraces reconciliation and dignity.
The complete and integrated care provided on the
Palliative Care Unit serves to anchor the patient and
family as they face a challenging time. The Director,
Nancy Malloy, R.N., welcomes calls and visits from patients,
families, physicians, and other interested parties. For
more information, please call (727) 341-7726. |
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