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For Immediate Release Contact: David Reilly
508-778-3902
Neurosurgeons of Cape Cod Relocates to 46 North St., Hyannis
(Hyannis, February 16, 2010) Neurosurgeons of Cape Cod is pleased to announce today that it has relocated and expanded its practice, moving from 130 North Street to 46 North Street in Hyannis. The phone number remains the same – 508-771-0006.
In addition to neurosurgical expertise, the new facility will offer patients physical therapy, neurology, and pain management in the same location. “It’s one-stop shopping for patients,” said Patrick Murray, M.D., Chief of Neurosurgery at Cape Cod Hospital. “The new location offers more parking, more services and more convenience.”
Neurosurgeons of Cape Cod offers four neurosurgeons trained and experienced in treating all ailments and injuries related to the spine and the brain – Dr. Murray; Paul Houle, M.D.; Achilles Papavasiliou, M.D.; and Gordon Nakata, M.D. Trained at some of the world’s best universities, the group offers state-of-the-art treatment, including advanced, minimally-invasive surgical techniques. The new location now offers patients a full spectrum of services under one roof.
Cape Cod Healthcare is a comprehensive, regional healthcare system spanning the entire Cape. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Lord
508-778-3901
Blood Drive Scheduled at JFK Museum
(Hyannis, February 12, 2010) Cape Cod Hospital and the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, February 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the JFK Museum on Main Street in Hyannis.
Blood is needed every day to save lives in our community. The blood collected at Cape Cod Hospital stays on Cape Cod and is used for surgeries, traumas and other needs. One pint of blood can be used to treat as many as three people.
Donating blood not only helps your neighbor, but your neighborhood hospital as well. Between 7,000 and 8,000 units of blood are used at Cape Cod Hospital annually, yet only about 25 percent of it is donated. The remainder must be purchased from commercial suppliers.
Please help Cape Cod Hospital reach its goal to collect 1,000 more blood donations in 2010 than were collected last year.
Donating blood takes about 45 minutes. To register for the Feb. 25 blood drive, call 508-862-5273.
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA of Cape Cod), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org
For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Lord
508-778-3901
Falmouth Hospital Designated as BCBS Knee and Hip Replacement Center
(Falmouth February 2, 2010) Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts has recognized Falmouth Hospital as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement SM. The designation is given to “leading institutions that meet clinically-validated quality standards and deliver better overall outcomes in patient care,” according to Dr. Allan Korn, Chief Medical Officer of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
The program is part of a BCBSMA effort to collaborate with physicians and medical facilities to improve the overall quality and safety of specialty care.
“We are delighted to accept this designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts,” said Falmouth Hospital Chief Operating Officer Sue Wing. “It acknowledges the great care delivered throughout the hospital by our physicians and staff.”
The addition of the Falmouth Hospital Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement brings the nation’s number of Blue Distinction SM designations to more than 1,600.
“Improving quality of care is integral to transforming the health care system,” said Dr. John Fallon, Chief Physician Executive at BCBSMA. “Facilities like Falmouth Hospital are helping Massachusetts achieve this by ensuring patients receive the safest, most effective specialty care.”
The selection criteria used in designating the Centers for Knee and Hip replacement were developed in collaboration with expert physicians and medical organizations. Selection criteria included:
• An established knee and hip replacement program performing required annual volumes.
• An experienced knee and hip replacement surgical team.
• Full accreditation by a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-deemed organization.
• A comprehensive quality management program.
• Clinical outcomes that meet objective thresholds for specific procedures, such as complication rates and lengths of stay.
The goal of the Blue Distinction program is to give consumers in need of specialty care credible information to make more effective health care decisions. The program examines evidence-based quality measures, processes and outcomes for clinical care.
Note: Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means these facilities’ overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians’ and leading professional organizations’ recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) was founded 73 years ago. Today, headquartered in Boston, BCBSMA provides coverage to nearly 3 million members, 2.5 million in Massachusetts. BCBSMA believes in rewarding doctors and hospitals for delivering safe and effective care, and in empowering patients to take more responsibility, become educated health care consumers and become stronger partners with their doctors. BCBSMA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Falmouth Hospital is a partner within Cape Cod Healthcare, a comprehensive, regional healthcare system spanning the entire Cape. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org
Construction to Begin at Cape Cod Hospital
(Hyannis, January 28, 2010) Cape Cod Healthcare announced today that demolition work will begin on Monday, Feb. 1, on several construction projects at Cape Cod Hospital. The work will include renovation of the patient registration area, main corridor and front façade of the hospital.
For the patient registration area renovation, the gift shop will be temporarily relocated to the Lorusso Conference Room in the Mugar Wing of the hospital. The Casual Gourmet snack bar will close on Friday, Jan. 29. Discussions about future locations for the gift shop and snack bar are ongoing.
For the façade work, demolition will begin Monday, Feb. 1, and the construction phase is scheduled to begin in mid- to late-February.
Temporary walls will go up next week to keep patients and visitors safe as they walk through the main corridor area. Actual construction in this area will begin on Feb. 18.
All three projects are expected to be finished by June 4.
There will be signs and other guides to help those entering the hospital to navigate the entire construction area. The front entrance and lobby, as well as the information desk, will remain open during construction.
We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding, while we work to make Cape Cod Hospital more patient and visitor-friendly, as well as improve its appearance.
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org
For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Lord
508-778-3901
CCHC Lifts Under-18 Visitor Restrictions
(Hyannis, January 8, 2010) Due to a decrease in the number of cases of H1N1 on Cape Cod and an increase in availability of H1N1vaccine, Cape Cod Healthcare announced today it has lifted its restriction of visitors under the age of 18 for Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital. Visitors of all ages are now welcome again at both hospitals.
Cape Cod Healthcare made the decision to restrict visitors under 18 last November, as a way to protect patients most at risk for H1N1 influenza and the seasonal flu. The restriction was to have stayed in place until April – the end of the flu season – or until there was a consistent decrease in patients testing positive for Influenza A, which includes H1N1.
Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital data shows that Influenza A activity peaked in mid-November and has steadily decreased since then. Similar decreases in cases have been seen statewide and nationwide as well.
The limited availability of both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines due to manufacturing issues back in the fall added to the decision to restrict visitors at the two hospitals. But, the vaccine is now widely available, and many children, as well as adults, have been immunized.
“The risk of H1N1 made it critical that we do everything we could to protect our staffs, our patients, and our community,” said Mike Lauf, CCHC Chief Operating Officer. “We are now comfortable that the risk has subsided enough for us to again be able to welcome all visitors to our hospitals.” While the visitor restriction has been lifted, CCHC continues to ask the general public to avoid visits to friends or family if they have cold or flu symptoms.
CCHC’s website, www.capecodhealth.org, has access to the latest available information on H1N1 and seasonal flu via links to the federal CDC website and the state DPH website. These documents are available in Portuguese and Spanish, as well as English. “We thank everyone for their cooperation,” Lauf said, “and for helping us make our hospitals as safe as possible during this influenza season.”
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: David Reilly
1-508-778-3902
Sandwich Health Association Meeting Set for Oct. 26
Group to Support CCHC with Funds
to Hire N.P.’s, Others
(Sandwich, Oct. 20, 2009) The Sandwich Health Association, Inc. will hold its annual dinner meeting at the Sandwich Glass Museum on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at 6:00 pm. During the dinner, the Association will announce a donation of $30,000 to help CCHC recruit primary care physicians and mid-level practitioners to Sandwich. Cape Cod Healthcare representatives, including physicians from the system’s MACC (Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod) practices will be on hand at the annual meeting to accept the donation.
“We’re delighted to present these funds to CCHC so that we will eventually have a new Nurse Practitioner and hopefully, primary care help in our town,” said Joan Houlihan, ED, President of the Sandwich Health Association. “We look forward to working with CCHC on other programs and initiatives that benefit the Town of Sandwich going forward.” Upon being hired, the new Nurse Practitioner will move into CCHC’s MACC Sandwich practice, located at 2 Jan Sebastian Drive. MACC represents CCHC’s employed physician groups’ subsidiary.
“We’re thrilled that the Sandwich Health Association has stepped forward with this donation,” explained Keith Yorke, Director of Physician Relations, CCHC. “The group understands the challenges facing physician recruitment all over the country, and how Nurse Practitioners will play an increasingly important role in physician practices in the future in towns like Sandwich, as well as other Cape towns.”
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has also completed specific advanced nursing education and training in the diagnosis and management of common, as well as a few complex medical conditions. Nurse Practitioners provide a broad range of health care services; and can treat both acute and chronic conditions through comprehensive history taking, physical exams, physical therapy, ordering tests and therapies for patients, within their scope of practice. Perhaps most importantly, hiring a Nurse Practitioner allows the physician practice to be opened up to accept more patients.
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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For Immediate Release508-778-3902
William Litterer, D.O., Joins CCHC
In New Physician Partnership Role
(Hyannis, Oct. 19, 2009) Cape Cod Healthcare is pleased to announce that William E. Litterer, D.O., FACP, has accepted a newly created role to forge economic and clinical partnerships between the hospitals and the physicians on Cape Cod.
In his new role as Medical Director for Physician Organizations and Managed Care Relations, Dr. Litterer will be charged with bringing physicians and the hospitals together to create new partnerships of mutual benefit to physicians, CCHC and the citizens of our community.
“At this time of rapid change in health care delivery and reimbursement, we need to work together to forge as strong a relationship as possible with our physicians,” said Richard F. Salluzzo, M.D., President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare. “Dr. Litterer will play a vital role in helping us overcome some historic challenges in terms of partnering with our physicians.”
Dr. Litterer, who will continue his active medical practice in Falmouth while taking on the new responsibilities at CCHC, has resigned his post as medical director of Physicians of Cape Cod.
“We all recognize that going forward, the physicians and CCHC need to be colleagues working toward common goals,” Dr. Litterer said.
Dr. Litterer has been a member of the Falmouth Hospital staff since 1990. He earned his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, and did his residency at St. Michael’s Medical Center in New Jersey. He is board certified in internal medicine.
Cape Cod Healthcare is a comprehensive, regional healthcare system spanning the entire Cape. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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For Immediate Release Contact: David Reilly
508-778-3902
CCHC Announces Plans to Close Three Programs
(Hyannis, August 25, 2009) Cape Cod Healthcare today announced that it has eliminated three programs: School-Based Health Centers, Diabetes Education, and the VNA Mobile Health Link Van. The resources used to support these programs will be redirected to areas that are more focused on CCHC’s hospital-driven mission.
“We must ensure that CCHC remains sustainable not for only one year, but over the long term,” said Michael K. Lauf, Chief Operating Officer. “It is important that we look closely at every program each and every year. We, like all successful organizations, have to remain nimble to remain viable and make sure we get value out of all of our programs. That’s why we are closing these three programs.”
CCHC operated two school-based health centers – at Barnstable High School and at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich. “We will work with both schools over the next few months to transition the programs and ensure that students are placed in appropriate treatment programs as needed,” Lauf said.
Educational resources dedicated to the diabetes education program will be redirected instead to physician offices. “We are working on a transition plan to ensure that patients who use this service are able to access similar services, through their physicians’ offices or in the community,” Lauf said.
The VNA Mobile Health Link van was designed to link the uninsured and underinsured with health education and preventive screening services. Given that the Commonwealth has implemented an insurance program for all residents, the need for the van is, in effect, eliminated.
“We have to look at long-term sustainability and make sure we are as strong as possible in acute hospital care and flexible enough to enhance access to our services for all Cape Codders,” Lauf said.
Cape Cod Healthcare is a comprehensive, regional healthcare system spanning the entire Cape. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Lord
508-778-3901
Aug. 26 Set for Wilkens Ambulatory
Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony
(Hyannis, August 20, 2009) Cape Cod Healthcare has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for 3:00 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 26 for the Wilkens Ambulatory Medical Complex on Attucks Lane in Hyannis. The ceremony will kick off the 18-month construction phase for the first building in the Complex – the 30,000 square-foot Ellen B. and Richard S. Cuda Diagnostic Pavilion. Upon completion, this new outpatient facility will house both an imaging center and a women’s imaging center, and will include the latest diagnostic technologies available.
Honored guests will include Maureen and Frank Wilkens of Osterville and Palm Beach, Florida, whose gift of $5 million helped make the project possible. Additional honorees scheduled to attend include benefactor Bart Tomlinson of Osterville, who has designated $4.5 million of his estate to the project; Ellie and Dick Cuda of Orleans, who gave $2.5 million for women’s imaging services; and Shirley and Charlie Rogers of Cotuit, who provided a gift of real estate valued at $1.4 million. Public officials and other guests are expected to attend.
“As we focus on the future health care needs of Cape Codders, it is critical that we have competitive offerings in terms of imaging services and patient convenience,” said Richard F. Salluzzo, M.D., MBA, President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare. “The Cuda Diagnostic Pavilion at the Wilkens Ambulatory Medical Complex accomplishes this for us. We are deeply grateful to our many benefactors, especially the tremendous generosity demonstrated by the Wilkens, Cuda, Tomlinson and Rogers families. Their support will benefit Cape Cod residents and visitors for years to come.” The project is primarily funded via philanthropy and CCHC will continue to seek future philanthropic support for the project.
Scheduled to open in 2011, the Cuda Diagnostic Pavilion will offer patients access to the latest technologies and advanced imaging equipment at a convenient location, including MRI, CT, Radiology, Fluoroscopy, and Mobile PET (Positron Emission Tomography). Women’s imaging services will include Digital Mammography, dedicated breast ultrasound and Bone Density procedures. Services and staff currently operating at the Cape Cod Hospital Breast Care Center will be relocated to the new facility on Attucks Lane. In addition, with more outpatient volumes going to the Cuda Diagnostic Pavilion, Cape Cod Hospital’s main campus will be able to provide more efficient, accessible outpatient imaging services, as well as inpatient and Emergency Department imaging services.
“This state-of-the-art facility will enhance our ability to provide the best radiology care possible to the Cape community,” said Nicolas Argy, M.D., Director of Radiology Services at Cape Cod Hospital. “You will not get better radiology services anywhere in the country.”
Designated off-site parking will be provided for the Aug. 26 event and refreshments will be offered. The facility is located on the 40-acre site abutting B.J.’s Wholesale Goods.
Cape Cod Hospital is a partner within Cape Cod Healthcare. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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Falmouth Hospital Cancer Committee Set to Exhibit
Prevent Cancer Super Colon™ Aug. 1.
(Falmouth, July 8, 2009) As part of a local effort to educate people and raise awareness about Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Falmouth Hospital’s Cancer Committee will host the Prevent Cancer Foundation Super Colon™ on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8AM-4PM on the Commons in front of Falmouth Public Library, 300 Main Street in Falmouth.
Falmouth Hospital’s Cancer Committee has scheduled this event in partnership with the national Prevent Cancer Foundation Super Colon™ tour. Since 2003, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has crossed the country with its exhibit as part of a campaign to educate Americans that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. The inflatable, 20-foot-long, 8-foot-high horseshoe-shaped replica of a human colon is an interactive educational tool. The exhibit is free and handicapped accessible. Visitors can see four internal views of the colon: healthy colon tissue, tissue with non-malignant colorectal disease like Crohn’s and colitis, colorectal polyps, and various stages of colorectal cancer.
Visitors are educated about the importance of screening, about risk factors and symptoms, prevention tips and treatment options for colorectal cancer.
“The only way to really prevent colon cancer is to have a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50, or earlier, if you are in a high risk group,” said Falmouth Cancer Liaison Physician Peter Hopewood, M.D. “The Prevent Cancer Foundation Super Colon™will teach you why a screening colonoscopy saves lives by stopping cancer before it starts.”
The Prevent Cancer Foundation encourages cancer prevention through research, screening and early detection of all preventable cancers. For more information about the Prevent Cancer Super Colon™, visit www.preventcancer.org.
Falmouth Hospital is a partner within Cape Cod Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. CCHC has more than 450 physicians and 4,600 employees, two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Lord
508-77...
Falmouth Hospital Honored Nationally for Stroke Care
(Falmouth, July 7, 2009) Cape Cod Healthcare is pleased to announce that Falmouth Hospital has received the “Get With the Guidelines” Gold Performance Achievement Award from the American Stroke Association for its strict adherence to practices that best treat and prevent this devastating condition. The hospital is one of just 175 around the country to receive the award this year, out of 1,580 eligible hospitals nationwide.
“The American Stroke Association commends Falmouth Hospital for its success in implementing standards of care and protocols,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., vice-chair of the national “Get With the Guidelines” Steering Committee.
The award acknowledges the hospital for maintaining at least 85 percent over a consecutive 24-month period on certain measures, such as aggressive and appropriate use of medications like the clot-busting drug, tPA, antithrombotics and anticoalgulation therapy, as well as DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol-reducing drugs and educational efforts.
Falmouth Hospital Stroke Nurse Coordinator Jean Estes said the hospital adhered to 100 percent of the measures from January 2007 to January 2009, and the success is still ongoing. She credited Stroke Program Director Michael Leahy, M.D., for his leadership, and praised the entire stroke team at the hospital – the Emergency Department, cardiologists, neurologists, hospitalists, imaging, physical therapy and nurses on the medical floors.
“We are delighted that Falmouth Hospital has been recognized for its exceptional care given to stroke patients and their families,” said Cape Cod Healthcare President and CEO Richard Salluzzo, M.D., MBA. “Stroke patients who come to Falmouth Hospital, as well as Cape Cod Hospital, can be assured they are receiving the latest and best treatment.”
GWTG–Strokeuses the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals’ guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second stroke. ThroughGWTG–Stroke, customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients’ individual risk profiles. The take-away materials are written in an easy-to-understand format and are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the GWTG Patient Management Tool provides access to up-to-date cardiovascular and stroke science at the point of care.
According to the American Stroke Association, each year approximately 700,000 people suffer a stroke — 500,000 are first attacks and 200,000 are recurrent attacks. Of stroke survivors, 21 percent of men and 24 percent of women die within a year, and for those aged 65 and older, the percentage is even higher.
“All of the healthcare professionals at Falmouth Hospital are dedicated to following stroke protocols and providing the best care possible,” said Susan Wing, Chief Operating Officer, Falmouth Hospital. “This national recognition from the American Stroke Association means our patients and their families should feel very confident as well.”
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Falmouth Hospital is a partner within Cape Cod Healthcare, a comprehensive, regional healthcare system spanning the entire Cape. Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians, 4,500 employees and 1,100 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org
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Contact: David Reilly 508-539-6167
For Immediate Release Contact: David Reilly
508-77...
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Educational Seminars Scheduled
(Hyannis, June 15, 2009) Cape Cod Healthcare and Medtronic, a worldwide leader in medical technology, are pleased to announce a series of three free educational events for people suffering from the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. Cape Cod Healthcare’s four board-certified neurosurgeons – Patrick J. Murray, M.D., FRCS; Paul J. Houle, M.D.; Achilles K. Papavasiliou, M.D.; and Gordon K. Nakata, M.D. will present at each of the three sessions.
The sessions will take place at the following dates, times and locations:
o Thursday, June 18, at 7:00 pm, at the Cape Codder Resort, 1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis. RSVP – 1-87....
o Wednesday, June 24, at 7:00 pm, at the Coonamesset Inn, 311 Gifford Street, Falmouth. RSVP – 1-87....
o Tuesday, June 30, at 7:00 pm, at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court Street, Plymouth. RSVP – 1-877-211-2686 .
These presentations are free and open to the public. They present an opportunity for patients with spinal stenosis to meet with the physicians and learn more about the management and treatment of their disease. Please call the numbers above to register or for more information.
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common reason for back surgery in people over the age of 65 in the United States. LSS is a sometimes painful condition caused by a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing of the spinal canal can impinge and put pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord, causing pain and discomfort. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, often notice pain in the buttocks or a “pins and needles” sensation in the thigh or leg that occurs when standing (extension) or walking. The discomfort is usually relieved by bending forward (flexion) or with sitting. In some cases, a patient will complain of leg pain and weakness without having any back pain.
Symptoms often limit self-supporting daily activities, work, social and recreational pursuits. Lack of activity can lead to obesity, depression and general physical deterioration. These educational events will help patients understand their disease and how to manage their condition. LSS patients will understand treatment options including: non-operative therapy, traditional surgery and a new minimally invasive technology.
About Cape Cod Healthcare
Cape Cod Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. The system has more than 450 physicians and 4,600 employees, two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
About Medtronic and the Medtronic Foundation
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com) headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. The Medtronic Foundation is committed to improving the health of people and communities. Its grant making is focused in three areas: health, education and community.
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For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Lord 508-778-3901
Cape Cod Hospital School-Based Health Centers
Announce Talk on Teen Behaviors
(Barnstable, March 4, 2009) With prom and graduation season approaching, the Cape Cod Hospital School-Based Health Centers will sponsor a timely talk on teen behavior from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 30, at the Barnstable High School Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis.
Keynote speaker for the event will be Stephen Wallace, Chairman and CEO of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and author of the new book, "Reality Gap: Alcohol, Drugs and Sex – What Parents Don’t Know and Teens Aren’t Telling."
Wallace will share what he has learned as a school psychologist and adolescent counselor, as well as results of original and ground-breaking research by SADD and Liberty Mutual Insurance on teen behaviors. His talk will reveal a portrait of modern-day adolescence filled with potentially deadly behaviors carefully hidden from parents and other adults. He will also deliver a message of hope and inspiration by pointing to the powerful role parents and other mentors can play in the lives of young people.
Among the topics Wallace will discuss are:
- When certain behaviors are likely to peak
- What factors most influence good and bad choices
- The importance of parental expectations and modeling
- How positive risk-taking can make negative risk-taking less likely
The March 30 event is free and open to the public. Those planning to attend are asked to call 50....
The Cape Cod Hospital School-Based Health Centers are located at Barnstable High School in Hyannis and Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich. The Centers bring the doctor’s office to the schools, providing a comprehensive range of services to meet physical and behavioral needs of students.
Cape Cod Hospital is partner within Cape Cod Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. The system has more than 400 physicians and 4,600 employees, two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information on the organization or the School-Based Health Centers, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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For Immediate Release Contact: Robin Lord 508-778-3901
Falmouth Hospital Schedules
12th Annual Emergency Care Symposium
(Falmouth, February 24, 2009) Falmouth Hospital’s Emergency Department will present its 12th Annual Emergency Care Conference (formerly called the Annual Trauma Symposium) on Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The program will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Sea Crest Resort and Conference Center, 350 Quaker Road in North Falmouth.
The symposium, which is open to physicians, EMTs, EMT-Ps, nurses, and allied health personnel, is designed to provide participants with up-to-date information regarding pre-hospital and in-hospital care of trauma victims. This year’s event will feature a variety of speakers and topics, including:
- "New Trends in Trauma Resuscitation," by George Velmahos, M.D., Chief of Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery and Surgical Critical Care at Massachusetts General Hospital.
- "Preparing for Pediatric Emergencies," and "Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies" by David Nelson, M.D., Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
- "Practical Approach to the Cardiac Arrest Survivor," by David Seder, M.D., Medical Director of Neurocritical Care at Maine Medical Center. The Center has considerable experience in the use of therapeutic hypothermia in cardiac arrest treatment.
- "Critical Burns in the Pediatric Patient," by Robert Sheridan, M.D., Chief of Burn Surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
The cost for the symposium is $65.00 for EMTs and EMT-Ps; $75.00 for nurses; and $100.00 for physicians. Continuing education hours and CMEs will be available. Deadline for enrollment is March 10. Checks should be sent to Eileen O’Keeffe at Falmouth Hospital Emergency Dept., 100 Ter Heun Dr., Falmouth 02540. For more information, call 50... or e-mail Lgriffin@capecodhealth.org.
Falmouth Hospital is a partner within Cape Cod Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. The system has more than 400 physicians and 4,600 employees, two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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For Immediate Release Contact: David Reilly 50...
CCHC and Shields Health Care Group
Form Joint Venture for PET/CT Services
(Hyannis, February 23, 2009) Cape Cod Healthcare and Shields Health Care Group announced this month that they have formed a joint venture to introduce PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography combined with Computed Tomography) cancer imaging services to Cape Cod.
"We’re very happy to launch this service on the Cape," said Joe Martins, PET/CT Operations Director at Shields Health Care Group. "What excites referring doctors the most about this technology is the amount and quality of information they can get in a single scan."
"Our partnership with Shields will be of great benefit to our cancer patients," added Michael Lauf, Chief Operating Officer, CCHC. "PET has three key areas where it has an important impact to patient care and outcomes: early cancer detection; staging the progression of cancer; and monitoring the success of therapy. PET provides another tool in our comprehensive oncology services program."
The PET/CT unit will be available at the Fontaine Medical Center, 525 Long Pond Road in Harwich, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, effective Feb. 23, 2009. Additional hours will be announced at a later date. Call 1-866-258-4PET (4738) to schedule a PET/CT scan or for more information.
One in three people will experience cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.3 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year alone in the United States.
CT scanners provide good detail of the inside of the body, but they do not show which cells are active, or how active they are. This is what the PET scan can do. PET scanners take advantage of the fact that cancer cells burn the sugar glucose at unusually high rates. Patients to be scanned are given an injection of radioactive glucose. The decay particles given off by that glucose are called positrons, and can be detected by the scanner. By calculating precisely where the source of the positrons is located in the patient, PET can locate where in the body cancer cells are burning glucose at unusually high levels.
Combining CT with PET is the best of both worlds. It not only provides the ability to identify the presence or extent of disease via PET, it also gives the correlative CT to pinpoint exactly where a follow-up biopsy, therapy or surgery should be performed.
A PET/CT scan typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. Medicare, Medicaid and most private payers cover the cost of a PET/CT scan. While not all cancer types are eligible for PET/CT insurance payments, the cancers that affect the largest number of people are, including lung, breast, colorectal, lymphoma, melanoma, head & neck, esophageal, and thyroid cancers.
About Cape Cod Healthcare
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 450 physicians and 4,500 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at http://www.capecodhealth.org/.
About Shields Health Care Group
Shields Health Care Group is an independent, New England-based medical service provider with a national reputation for blending exceptional customer service with superior technology. A family-owned and operated business for over 25 years, Shields Health Care Group operates a network of 21 imaging centers, 5 PET/CT locations and 3 Radiation Oncology centers which offer the most advanced technology. For more information, visit http://www.shields.com.
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For Immediate Release Contact: David Reilly 50...
Cape Cod Healthcare Opens
Walk-In Care Center in Bourne
(Hyannis, November 3, 2008) Cape Cod Healthcare is pleased to announce that its Bourne Clinic has reopened as an expanded "walk-in care center," providing patients same-day access to a doctor’s care, even without an appointment. The walk-in care center is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Friday; and 9:00 am to noon on Saturday.
Until now, the center in Bourne has been operated as part of the Emergency Department at Falmouth Hospital, and clinical staffing has been provided by emergency department physicians. Under the new model in Bourne, the center will now operate as an outpatient facility, run by Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod (MACC), Cape Cod Healthcare’s employed physician practices subsidiary. This model has also successfully been used at Cape Cod Healthcare’s Fontaine Medical Center in Harwich.
"The result of this change will be more access and convenience for patients coming to our Bourne Center," said Charles Hulse, Executive Director, Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod. "If you are sick, or injured – but not badly enough to go the emergency department – you can now walk in to the Bourne Center to be seen that day."
The center is housed in the Bourne Health Center, at 1 Trowbridge Place. In addition to MACC primary care physicians, the complex also includes a MACC Internal Medicine practice and a MACC orthopedic practice, C-Lab, physical therapy, imaging services, and a privately-owned pharmacy. Patients looking for more information about the new "walk-in care center" in Bourne can call 508-743-0322 . Specialty co-payments may apply.
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 400 physicians and 4,000 employees, Cape Cod Healthcare has two-acute care hospitals, the largest home health services agency on the Cape (VNA), a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility and numerous health programs. For more information, visit Cape Cod Healthcare’s web site at www.capecodhealth.org.
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Dr. Joy Browne
Coast to Coast with George Noory
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