News from Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group

November 19 | Southcoast experts address new mammogram recommendations

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:45:50 -0500

"On November 16, 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) made new recommendations regarding mammograms. Though the recommendations do not have any bearing on the standard guidelines, the widely publicized results have caused great anxiety and confusion among the public. We hope that the following information will clarify this important topic."

— Therese M. Mulvey, MD
Physician-in-Chief & Medical Oncologist
Southcoast Center for Cancer Care

Southcoast Hospitals continues to strongly recommend that women follow the guidelines issued by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society:

Women in their 40s and older should get a mammogram every year. A woman's chance of getting breast cancer is greater as she ages.
A clinical breast exam should be part of a woman's annual health exam when they are in their 20s and 30s. Women who are considered high risk should begin having mammograms earlier than 40 years old. The decision about when to begin screening should be based on shared decision-making between patients and their health care providers, taking into account personal circumstances and preferences.
A breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast changes to a health professional right away. [www.southcoast.org/breast/bse.html]

Additional information can be found online at www.southcoast.org/breast/.

Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

I am 46 years old, should I still get a mammogram?

The recommendations by the USPSTF guidelines released in November 2009 have caused great confusion and anxiety among women. According to the U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the Task Force has presented some new evidence for consideration, but policies remain unchanged. Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year. (Please see the above guidelines for more information.)

In a statement issued on November 18, 2009, by Secretary Sebelius: "My message to women is simple: Mammograms have always been an important life-saving tool in the fight against breast cancer and they still are today. Keep doing what you have been doing for years — talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make the decision that is right for you."

www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/11/20091118a.html

If I am in my 40s, is it okay to do a breast self-exam instead of receiving a mammogram?

Women in their 40s should continue to receive annual mammograms. It is also important that women know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any new breast changes to a health professional as soon as they are found. A breast self-exam is another method for determining changes in the breast tissue. Decisions about an individual's breast health should be made between patients and their health care providers, taking into account personal circumstances and preferences.

www.southcoast.org/breast/bse.html

What is a digital mammogram? What does it mean when Southcoast says they are "100 percent digital?"

Digital mammography allows us to provide you with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

Unlike other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is X-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny "spots," called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast and zoom in for close ups of specific areas of interest.

Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology. Another convenience of digital mammography over film-based systems is it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure, reducing your exposure to X-rays.

Digital mammography feels identical to conventional screening from a patient's perspective, though women may notice shorter exam times and a reduction in call-backs to obtain additional images.

www.southcoast.org/radiology/digitalmammography.html

100% Digital Mammography

Southcoast Health System has 100 percent digital mammography services at all nine of its mammography service locations from Fall River to Wareham.

Southcoast is the primary provider of breast health services in the region, performing more than 40,000 mammograms a year.

Southcoast patients have access to the most comprehensive digital mammography system with 13 units installed at nine sites in Fall River, North Dartmouth, New Bedford and Wareham. Several of our sites have also been upgraded with other modalities to provide our patients with the most complete breast imaging services available on the South Coast, including digital mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and stereotactic breast biopsies.

Southcoast offers mammography services at its three hospital sites — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham — and at several offsite locations, including the Center for Women's Health at
Faunce Corner in North Dartmouth, Truesdale Clinic in Fall River, the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center in New Bedford and several physician offices.

Southcoast Health System health care providers welcome your questions, call a mammography location near you and listed at www.southcoast.org/breast/ or one of the following:

Charlton Memorial Hospital:

St. Luke's Hospital:

Tobey Hospital:

Center for Women's Health: 508-998-0600

November 16 | Southcoast breaks ground on new Cancer Center in Fairhaven

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:09:34 -0500

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals held a ceremony today as it officially broke ground on its new flagship Southcoast Center for Cancer Care in Fairhaven that, when completed, will provide convenient access to advanced cancer services to residents in the eastern part of the South Coast region.

The center will create about 40 new permanent jobs and about 250 temporary construction jobs.

"This is a very exciting day for Southcoast, the town of Fairhaven and everyone who resides throughout the region as we gather to mark the beginning of our promise to bring the very best, seamless cancer care to the entire South Coast," John B. Day, President & CEO of Southcoast Health System.

The new Southcoast Center for Cancer Care, scheduled to open in early 2011, will ensure coordinated, high-quality, streamlined care for cancer patients and their families. It brings together state-of-the-art radiation therapy and medical oncology, such as chemotherapy, in a beautiful and peaceful setting conveniently located off Interstate 195 in Fairhaven. The new outpatient center will also have the very latest advanced technology — from radiation therapy to diagnostic testing and imaging — to meet the growing needs of the region's cancer patients.

"The Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care puts patients squarely at the center, providing access to a full range of medical and radiation oncology services — without having to travel," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "The new center will also address the fragmentation of oncology services currently offered in the region; and have outstanding physicians, nurses and staff who are solely dedicated to giving our patients the best, most compassionate care — right here, close to home."

The Fairhaven center will be the flagship outpatient center for Southcoast Hospitals' cancer services program, which currently includes radiation therapy and medical oncology in Fall River and medical oncology in North Dartmouth. The North Dartmouth center will relocate to Fairhaven when the center opens in early 2011.

In July, Southcoast Hospitals opened its Southcoast Center for Cancer Care in Fall River in the Mitchell Building at Charlton Memorial Hospital. The Fall River center offers a full range of oncology services, including advanced radiation therapy, medical oncology at Charlton's Jarabek Center, support services and free valet parking. The Fall River location will serve as the satellite location to the Fairhaven center.

The estimated cost for both the new Fairhaven and Fall River cancer centers is about $60 million. The Fairhaven building project will create up to 250 temporary construction jobs over the life of the project. The center will employ about 55 staff, of which about 40 will be permanent new clinical and support jobs.

Meeting a Growing Need

"Having the new Southcoast Center for Cancer Care located here, in Fairhaven, is extremely important because, until now, those who live east of New Bedford had the most difficulty accessing cancer care that was close to home and convenient," said Elizabeth H. Kunz, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Southcoast Hospitals Group.

There is a growing need for cancer treatment in the region and Southcoast is committed to making sure patients have access to the very latest technology and care delivered by a dedicated and experienced staff. Currently patients in the eastern section of the region may receive fragmented care and, in many cases, travel great distances for cancer treatments, many of which require daily visits.

Leading the clinical team is Therese M. Mulvey, MD, a board-certified physician in medical oncology and internal medicine, who will serve as the Physician-in-Chief for oncology services for both the Fairhaven and Fall River centers.

"Our new services, staff and locations are designed with one goal in mind — to bring our patients and their families the very best cancer treatment possible and make it available right here in your own community," Dr. Mulvey said. "It is important that the South Coast communities have access to high-quality oncology services without having to travel. We hope to empower patients to receive high-quality care in their own communities, with shared decision making among specialists and patients."

Unique to Southcoast's program is the dedicated "Patient Navigator." The Patient Navigator is a "go-to" person to help coordinate appointments, answer questions and point patients and families in the right direction and guide patients through their care. The Patient Navigator manages all aspects of the patient's care, including appointments with physicians, radiology and laboratory services, medication and pain management, support services, transportation and any questions the patient or family members may have during their visit or after they return home.

"Southcoast is able to commit to building this center — to bringing the very best medical team here — because we know we can count on the support of our communities to help build this exceptional new cancer center," said Carl Ribeiro, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Southcoast Health System. "On behalf of the Boards of Trustees for both the Health System and Hospitals Group, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your ongoing generosity. This new cancer center is a testament to our communities' good will and unwavering support and will make a difference in thousands of lives going forward."

More information about the Southcoast Center for Cancer Care call 877-822-2732 or online at www.southcoast.org/cancercare/.

November 13 | Flagship Cinemas teams up with Southcoast Blood Bank for Twilight~New Moon's premiere weekend

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:50:27 -0500

Click to download a PDF poster

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Flagship Cinemas New Bedford will team up with the Southcoast Blood Bank for the "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" weekend premiere on Sunday, November 22, from noon to 6 p.m.

Those who donate blood during the event will receive a free bag of popcorn as a thank you for donating, compliments of Flagship Cinemas New Bedford.

The blood drive will take place on the Southcoast Health Van, which will be located at Flagship Cinemas, 500 Kings Highway in New Bedford. Free health screenings will also be offered.

Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Health Van and at local businesses. When you donate at a Southcoast-sponsored blood drive, the blood stays local, helping to keep your community blood supply strong. The Southcoast Health Van schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van/ or by calling 508-961-5320.

Follow us on Twitter for daily updates on the Southcoast Blood Drives and Southcoast Health Van locations. Find a link to our Twitter feed at www.southcoast.org/connect/.

November 9 | Southcoast Hospitals celebrate volunteers for many years of service

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:36:04 -0500

WESTPORT, Mass. — Volunteers at Southcoast Hospitals Group, who contributed more than 90,000 hours of service over the past year, were honored October 7 at an annual reception at White's of Westport Restaurant.

Award pins were given to volunteers who have reached milestones in hours of service at the three hospital sites and the Southcoast Hospice program, starting at 100 hours.

Adeline DeSousa, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, was honored for 31,500 hours.
Corrie Rogers, Tobey Hospital in Wareham, was honored for 11,000 hours.
Maurice Vannier, Charlton Memorial in Fall River, was honored for 11,000 hours.

"Volunteers have worked 90,933 hours this past year," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group, as he thanked the volunteers. "During these many hours, they have brought comfort to our patients and assistance to our staff. Southcoast Hospitals is truly grateful for their devotion."

Therese M. Mulvey, MD, Physician-in-Chief & Medical Oncologist at the Southcoast Center for Cancer Care, also expressed gratitude to the volunteers and spoke about the future of cancer care and services in the South Coast region.

Charlton Memorial Hospital

Award Recipients

Maurice Vannier was honored for having the most volunteer hours at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. From left, Keith Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals, Agatha St. Amour, Director of Volunteer Service, Southcoast Hospitals, and Maurice Vannier, Charlton Memorial in Fall River, was honored for 11,000 hours.

100 Hours at Charlton

Judith Amaral, Patient Representative
Janice Arruda, Pastoral Care
Natalia Arruda, Gift Shop
Victoria Botelho, Purchasing
Maria Carmo, Pastoral Care
Cecile Chicca, Pastoral Care
Carol Cioe, Pastoral Care
Alfred Correia, Pastoral Care
Vivian Costa, Gift Shop
John Cummings, Volunteer Office
Dawn Cunningham, Surgery Center
Paul Cyr, Pastoral Care
Michael DeJesus, Volunteer Office
Debra Fontaine, Pastoral Care
Larry Garside, Medical Staff Office
Deborah Gordon, Pastoral Care
Patricia Healey, Pastoral Care
Sheila Holleran, Patient Representative
Stanley Janczura, Volunteer Office
Bridget Kaegael, Mended Hearts/Cardiac Surgery
Tim Kirkman, Patient Registration
Mary Ann Lamontagne Mended Hearts/Cardiac Surgery
Christine Lopiano, Pastoral Care
Rossario Lopiano, Pastoral Care
William Lynch, Pastoral Care
Eleanor Mellor, Information Desk
Michael O'Connell, Volunteer Office
Elizabeth Sylvia, Knitting
Scott Warner, Transport
Wayne Yee, Pastoral Care

500 Hours at Charlton

Robert Chouinard, Pastoral Care
Constance Daley, Pastoral Care
Susan Foster, Surgery Center
Pauline Frates, Information Desk
Mary Frederick, Information Desk
Elaine Genereux, Knitting
Brain Legault, Information Desk
Veronica McCarthy, Gift Shop
Maureen Solomon, Gift Shop
Edie Sosnoskie, Gift Shop
Arnold Waterman, Patient Representative

1,000 Hours at Charlton

Ann Beben, Surgery Center, Human Resources
Dino Branco, Pastoral Care
Jose Branco, Pastoral Care
Margaret Brown, Patient Representative
Robert Colley, Information Desk
Joseph Levesque, Pastoral Care
Dolores Minkin, Mended Hearts/Cardiac Surgery, Surgery Center
Barbara Mumford, Gift Shop
Pauline Theberge, Education Services
Lillian Valcourt, Gift Shop

1,500 Hours at Charlton

Veronica Beaulieu, Information Desk
Maxine Cobb, Flowers/Mail
Henry Dion, Pastoral Care
Raul Fernandes, Mended Hearts/Cardiac Surgery
Joseph Mlynek, Mended Hearts/Cardiac Surgery
Emma Pavao, Pastoral Care
Roger Pelissier, Mended Hearts/Cardiac Surgery
Henry Sylvia, Graphic Arts

2,000 Hours at Charlton

Debbie Roy, Cafeteria
Marion Saurette, Pastoral Care
June Smith, Knitting
Jeanne Woodward, Pastoral Care

2,500 Hours at Charlton

Vincent Hebert, Southcoast Center for Cancer Care
Cecile Letourneau, Gift Shop

3,000 Hours at Charlton

Eleanor Lechan, Gift Shop

4,000 Hours at Charlton

Patricia Boyer, Gift Shop

4,500 Hours at Charlton

James Brayton, Information Desk

5,500 Hours at Charlton

Barbara Bell, Emergency Dept.
Russell Bell, Emergency Dept.
Gabrielle Partridge, Administration

6,500 Hours at Charlton

Janet Rancourt, Information Desk

11,000 Hours at Charlton

Maurice Vannier, Information Desk (pictured)

St. Luke's Hospital

Award Recipients

Ed Fernandes was honored for 12,000 hours of volunteer time at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. Not in attendance were Adeline DeSousa and Maria Oliver with more than 31,500 hours. From left, Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO Southcoast Hospitals Group, Agatha St. Amour, Director of Volunteer Services, Southcoast Hospitals Group, and Ed Fernandes, St. Luke's Volunteer, was honored for 12,000 hours.

100 Hours at St. Luke's

Priscilla Demers, Nursing
Cynthia Farrell, Patient Representative
Cheryl Gouveia, Southcoast Hospice
Kathleen Lang, Southcoast Hospice
Patricia Marshall, Southcoast Hospice
Anne Nolin, Southcoast Hospice
Ronald Nolin, Southcoast Hospice
Helen Heffernan, Information Desk
Maria Negalha, Pastoral Care
Maria F. Pacheco, Pastoral Care
Marilyn Pacheco, Pastoral Care
Alice Pfeninger, Patient Representative
Shirley Purrington, Health Information
Mary E. Silva, Southcoast Hospice
Anne Silveira, Southcoast Hospice
David Souza, Transportation
Rita Souza, Gift Shop
Paula Sullivan, Southcoast Hospice
Jacqueline Swanson, Southcoast Hospice
Gerard Tanguay, Southcoast Hospice
Fr. John of the Trnity, Pastoral Care
Jeannine Watts, Pastoral Care

500 Hours at St. Luke's

Mary Ann Buss, Nursing
Normand Cabral, Transportation
Claire Catulo, Pastoral Care
James Corrado, Pastoral Care
Mary Ellen Emmons, Pastoral Care
Debra Kennedy, Admitting
Robert Kowalski Jr, Southcoast Hospice
Mary Lucy Pereira, Information Desk
Debra Pauline, Southcoast Hospice
Gloria Richard Chartier Southcoast Hospice
Cecelia Russell, Nursing/Volunteer Dept.

1,000 Hours at St. Luke's

Bethany Barrow, Mailroom/Social Services
Robert Colley, Southcoast Hospice
Paul Gosselin, Transportation/Surgery Center
Elaine Lancaster, Information Desk
Anne Marcotte , Nursing
Lesbelia Resendes, Southcoast Center for Cancer Care
Vivian Whalley, Admitting

1,500 Hours at St. Luke's

Diane Binning, Nursing
Marilyn Collins, Information Desk/Surgery Center
Jean Coury, Patient Representative
Jennifer Demers, Nursing
Rose Duarte, Admitting/Flowers
Celeste Lake, Southcoast Hospice
Bella Perry, Transportation
Dolores Rodrigues, Nursing
Andrea Rousseau, Mailroom/Transportation
Louis Silverstein, Information Desk/Surgery Center

2,000 Hours at St. Luke's

Pauline Brunelle, Southcoast Hospice
Elvira Fernandes, Library
Raymond Guy, Transportation
Phyllis Peckham, Southcoast Hospice

2,500 Hours at St. Luke's

Florence Gonsalves, Employee Health
Patricia Halloran, Gift Shop
Olivia Telesmanick, Volunteer Office

3,000 Hours at St. Luke's
Michael Araujo, Transportation
Joan Cote, Southcoast Hospice
Patricia Marujo, Oncology
Barbara Adams, Surgery Center

3,500 Hours at St. Luke's

Lucy Bernardo, Human Resources/Info. Desk/Pastoral Care
Jacqueline Morin, Southcoast Hospice
Norma Oste, Surgery Center

4,500 Hours at St. Luke's

Mary Ann Touhey, Rehab
Gloria Vincent, Health Information

5,500 Hours at St. Luke's

Lorette Viens, Gift Shop

6,000 Hours at St. Luke's

Richard Nissen, Mailroom/Transportation

12,000 Hours at St. Luke's

Edward Fernandes, Emergency Dept/Gift Shop (pictured)

31,500 Hours at St. Luke's

Adeline DeSousa, Admitting/Mailroom

Many years of dedication at St. Luke's

Marie Oliver, Gift Shop

Tobey Hospital

Award Recipients

Corrie Rogers was honored for having the most volunteer hours at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. From left, Agatha St. Amour, Director of Volunteer Service, Southcoast Hospitals, Corrie Rogers, Tobey Hospital in Wareham, was honored for 11,000 hours, and Keith Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals.

100 Hours at Tobey

Kaitlyn Anderson, Emergency Dept.
Robert Richards, Pastoral Care
Kathryn Conroy, Emergency Dept.
Phyllis Ducary, Emergency Dept.
Joan Holway, Information Desk
Glenn Monterio, Pastoral Care
Marcella Regan, Information Desk
Carol Rhodes, Patient Representative
Eileen Styblo, Emergency Dept.

500 Hours at Tobey

Arlene Barrett, Pastoral Care
Cathy Bergeron, Information Desk
Joyce Houlihan, Patient Representative
Yvonne Jackson, Transportation
Judith MacGregor, Gift Shop
Alice Mercier, Pillow Maker
Pauline Parkinson, Transportation
Barbara Ramsay, Pastoral Care
Jean Reitsma, Information Desk
Marc Ciano, Emergency Dept.

1,000 Hours at Tobey

Maureen DeWitt, Information Desk
Bonnie Murphy, Gift Shop
Ronna Santoro, Gift Shop

1,500 Hours at Tobey

Carl Whitcomb, Transportation
Emma Williams, Medical Records

2,000 Hours at Tobey

Diane Cremonini, Patient Representative
Helen Fisher, Gift Shop

2,500 Hours at Tobey

Patricia Figueredo, Gift Shop
Shirley Kurcharski, Rehab Clinic

4,000 Hours at Tobey

Lucille Dardis, Information Desk
Louise Thunert, SDC

11,000 Hours at Tobey

Corrie Rogers, Rehab Clinic (pictured)

November 5 | Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial announces school supply recipient

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:53:09 -0500

Pictured from left are Ann Petrella, Charlton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary member; Agatha St. Amour, Director of Volunteer Services, Southcoast Hospitals Group; Sandy Soderstrom, Assistant Principal; Maria Ponte, Principal; Edie Sosnoskie, Charlton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary President, and Marion Greer, Educational Chair.

FALL RIVER, Mass. — The Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial Hospital announced this year's recipient of the Auxiliary's school supply donation program is the first grades at the John J. Doran School in Fall River. The schools supplies were delivered at the beginning of the school year.

Edith Sosnoskie, President of the Auxiliary, said the donation was especially important this year due to the reduced funding that the Fall River school system has had to incur. "As ambassadors to Charlton Memorial Hospital, our Auxiliary members are extremely proud to help the John J. Doran, in any way possible," she said.

The Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial Hospital is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to render service to Charlton Memorial Hospital, its tax-exempt subsidiaries, its patients and to assist in promoting the health and welfare of the community. The Auxiliary raises money throughout the year by hosting fundraisers, a spring fashion show and various cake, jewelry and apparel sales. They also run the hospital gift shop with all proceeds going toward the hospital.

For more information or to join please call 508-679-7038.

November 4 | Health Column: What you should know about morning sickness

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:39:40 -0500

By Christian S. Pope, DO, FACOG
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

HealthCare for Women Inc., New Bedford and Mattapoisett

Dr. Pope practices at St. Luke's Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group. He can be reached at 508-999-6245.

Dr. Pope is a featured columnist for The Standard-Times on women's health topics. Check out Dr. Pope's column the first Tuesday of every month at www.southcoasttoday.com.

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is common and affects 80 percent of pregnant women. The spectrum of symptoms ranges from mild nausea to unmanageable vomiting which can deplete the body of vital nutrients resulting in hospitalization. It may simply be a nuisance to most women or may be severe enough to affect the health of both the pregnant woman and her fetus.

What Causes morning sickness?

It has been theorized that nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is an evolutionary adaptation that developed to protect the pregnant woman and her fetus from foods that might be potentially dangerous. This theory may in fact explain the temporary aversions to tastes and smells that pregnant women experience.

Hormones

Symptoms are a reaction to the changes your body is going through such as, high pregnancy hormone levels (bBHCG) that are made from the placenta. These levels rising exponentially during the first trimester and peak at 10 weeks pregnancy, a point when symptoms are at their worst, then slowly decline over the remainder of the pregnancy.

Estrogen

Another hormone known to influence nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is estrogen. High estrogen levels associated with pregnancy contribute to nausea.

Gastrointestinal

Your gastrointestinal symptom slows during pregnancy. It takes longer for food to empty from your stomach into your small intestine, and it takes longer for food to digest. This slow down in food travel also contributes to symptoms of fullness and nausea, especially early in pregnancy. This is also why frequent small meals, rather than three large meals, are encouraged during pregnancy for better absorption and tolerance.

Risk Factors

Women with more than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc), uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, or history of nausea and vomiting in previous pregnancy, are at a higher risk of increased nausea in pregnancy.

Additionally, daughters and sisters of women who had severe nausea and vomiting, are more likely to have similar symptoms, and having a history of motion sickness and migraines have also been described as risk factors in some studies.

Is my baby okay?

The effect of nausea/vomiting on the fetus really depends on the severity of the condition. With mild to moderate symptoms, there is usually nothing to worry about. However, in women with severe symptoms, lower birth weights may occur. Severe symptoms relate to those patients whom required long-term treatment with medications throughout their pregnancy and/or require multiple hospital admission for rehydration with intravenous hydration.

In women who suffer from symptoms throughout their pregnancy, frequent fetal growth ultrasounds are recommended to assure normal fetal growth and development.

Curiously numerous studies have shown a lower rate of miscarriage among women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. This is thought to be due to vigorous placental synthesis in a healthy pregnancy.

Are non-medicinal therapies effective for treatment?

Treatment begins with prevention.

Few studies have shown that women who were already taking a multivitamin at the time of conception were less likely to need intervention for vomiting in pregnancy. Besides a multivitamin, recommendations to alleviate signs of nausea/vomiting include rest and avoidance of sensory stimuli that can provoke symptoms. For example, avoiding spicy or fatty foods, eating mostly bland or dry foods, high-protein foods, and plenty of small volumes of liquids, especially in the morning helps prevent symptoms. Ginger-ale may help some patients due to the mixed sugar and carbonation content. Also, frequent small meals is encouraged.

Ginger capsules (250mg) four times daily has shown promise among some women in improvement of symptoms. Additionally, pressure with wrist bands or electrical stimulation at the P6 (Neguian) point on the inside of the wrist has shown improvement in symptoms in many women. Also, never underestimate the power of acupuncture in preventing or improving the worst cases of vomiting in pregnancy.

Are medical therapies effective for treatment?

Yes. Sometimes.

Here they are:

Vitamin B6 10-25mg four times daily
Phenergan 12.5-25mg four times daily
Reglan 5-10 mg four times daily
Zofran 8mg three times daily
Tigan 100mg three times daily ( rectal suppository….in severe cases where you cannot keep anything down..at this point you'll try anything)
Steroids in a tapering dose after 10 weeks of pregnancy only

Hyperemesis gravidarum

This is a severe form of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy that causes dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, possible reversible kidney and liver insults, and warrants hospitalization with intravenous and electrolytes replenishment. Rarely patient need IV nutrition for prolonged periods of time, known as TPN (total parenteral nutrition), where liquid food is infused through an intravenous line either in the hospital or at home. For more information on this severe form of ‘morning sickness' you may visit the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation at www.hyperemesis.org.

Final Thoughts

Your body goes through many changes in pregnancy, with nausea and vomiting being a frequent normal result of these changes. Usually, passing of time results in improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. If symptoms become severe, there are many treatment options available which may help. And remember, every pregnancy is different and no one knows your body better than you.

November 4 | Southcoast to host forum on future of quality care on November 16

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:57:38 -0500

WHAT:

Southcoast Hospitals, the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence and AARP Massachusetts will sponsor an event to highlight efforts underway to improve the quality of health care in Massachusetts.

Hosted by Southcoast Hospitals Group, the event will discuss the challenges faced by patients and health care providers, including variations in quality health care and efforts underway to improve safety and quality.

WHEN:

Monday, November 16

6 to 7 p.m.

WHO:

The panel will include:

Linda Fitzgerald, State President, AARP Massachusetts.
Linda Kenney, Executive Director, MITSS (Medically Induced Trauma Support Services).
Marilyn Kramer, Executive Director, Partnership for Healthcare Excellence.
E.J. McMahon, MD, MBA, FCAP, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Southcoast Hospitals Group.

WHERE:

McBratney Amphitheatre
St. Luke's Hospital

101 Page Street, New Bedford, Mass.

RSVP:

info@ partnershipforhealthcare.org or 617-399-8368

About The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence

The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence is the first statewide effort of its kind to focus specifically on patients — helping them to play a greater role in improving the quality of their health care. The Partnership is a broad-based coalition with participants from every segment of the health care community. Its members include consumer associations, disease and advocacy organizations, doctors, nurses, insurers, business groups, labor, public health advocates and other health care leaders. For more information, including a complete listing of members of the Leadership Council, please visit www.partnershipforhealthcare.org.

About AARP

AARP is a non-profit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

October 29 | H1N1 testing not recommended by health officials: Health care providers are advised to manage and monitor symptoms rather than rely on a test that may not be accurate

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:56:26 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals continues to see an increase of influenza-like illnesses across its three hospitals and multiple physician practices. After receiving guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Southcoast Hospitals is not recommending a rapid flu test if H1N1 (Swine) flu is suspected.

"Rapid testing for influenza is not recommended for screening of H1N1 at this time," said E.J. McMahon, MD, MBA, FCAP, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"Rapid tests can have low sensitivity for H1N1 flu," Dr. McMahon said. "These tests should not be used to rule out the presence of H1N1. If a rapid test is positive for influenza A, the patient can be presumed to have H1N1. In a number of cases, if a rapid test is negative, the patient may still have H1N1. Health care providers are advised to manage and monitor symptoms rather than rely on a test that may not be accurate."

According to Massachusetts DPH: "Decisions regarding treatment, selection of antiviral agents and isolation should be based on clinical factors, and should not be contingent on laboratory confirmation."

Southcoast's policy states that if there are compelling clinical or public health concerns, rapid testing will be used. This decision will be made by the individual health care providers.

On the public health level, early testing for purposes of surveillance provides a useful picture of how the virus is spreading. On the hospital and community level, whether it is H1N1 (Swine) flu or seasonal flu, the treatment would be the same.

"H1N1 flu is treated the same as seasonal flu — there is no benefit in knowing whether it is H1N1 flu or not," Dr. McMahon said. "What patients do need to know is that this virus can be very serious, so it is important to monitor you or your child's symptoms, practice good hygiene and hand washing. Also note that special populations, such as, pregnant women, people ages 6 months to 24 years old, all people with chronic illness, asthma or diabetes, should receive the vaccine when it is available."

Dr. McMahon also explained that the seasonal flu is not currently circulating in our region. If a person has flu-like symptoms, it is most likely H1N1 (Swine) flu, he said.

For more information on flu prevention and facts visit www.southcoast.org/flu/. You can also receive weekly tips from Southcoast and Dr. McMahon in a weekly video podcast available on Southcoast's flu Website or through iTunes.

October 22 | Southcoast Hospitals updates hospital visitor policy for flu season; maternity and pediatric units only those over 18, including siblings

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:03:06 -0400

Subscribe to our weekly video podcast, "Flu Facts: Spread the message, not the flu," through iTunes.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group has updated its visitors policy to limit visitor access to maternity and pediatric units to protect the patients most at-risk for H1N1 (Swine) flu and seasonal flu. The policy applies to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

"Southcoast Hospitals is asking the public to avoid visits to friends and family in the hospital if they have cold or flu symptoms," said Patrick Gannon, RPh, Vice President of Quality & Safety for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "As of Monday, October 26, we are limiting visitors to the maternity and pediatric units at our three hospitals to only those over the age of 18 years old, including siblings. Children who are sick at any time of the year should never come to the hospital to visit a patient."

Maternity and Pediatric Unit visitor policy

Southcoast has maternity units at all three hospital sites and pediatric units at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham. For the safety of all of the infants and children receiving care at the hospital, their parents and guardians and hospital staff, no visitors will be allowed under the age of 18, including siblings, effective Monday, October 26.

"It is always important to protect against the flu, but this year the added threat of H1N1 (Swine) flu makes it even more important that we all do our part to protect ourselves and our community," said Marcia Liggin, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "The decision to limit visitors to the maternity and pediatric units is an industry-wide practice that is based on recommendations of federal health officials."

In addition, no visitors with cold or flu symptoms will be allowed. Liggin said the policy will continue to be reviewed as the flu season progresses.

"We understand this may be a disappointment to our parents, but H1N1 poses a serious health risk to infants and children in our care and our staff members," said Janine Fontaine, RN, Director of Women's Health for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Infants are thought to be at higher risk for severe illness from H1N1 and little is known about the prevention of H1N1 flu infections in infants. It is our responsibility to be proactive in keeping them safe."

Fontaine also said that because the babies do not yet have their own immunity and are not able to receive protection against the flu virus through vaccination, public health officials recommend that the following people who are in contact with infants receive the H1N1 vaccine:

Pregnant women.
New mothers, fathers and guardians.
Household contacts and caregivers of infants who are less than 6 months old.
Children 6 months to 24 years.
Persons age 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

General Visitor Policy

Surgical masks, antibacterial hand sanitizer, tissues and general information in multiple languages on the flu are available at all of the hospital's main lobby entrances and Emergency Department entrances.

Patients and people entering the hospital with cold or flu symptoms are asked to wear surgical masks that will be provided by hospital staff. The hospital also requests patients to practice safe hygiene by washing hands and/or using the antibacterial dispensers located throughout public areas and patient floors.

Visitors who are in the hospital for non-critical situations and who have obvious cold or flu symptoms may be given a mask and asked to leave the hospital for the safety of our patients and employees.

E-Mail a Patient

Another option for people who want to stay in touch with a loved one or friend who is a patient at Southcoast Hospitals is the "E-Mail a Patient" program. By clicking on the "E-Mail a Patient" link, anyone can create a private message and have it delivered to a patient Monday through Friday. Every effort is made to deliver the message the same day it is sent.

"E-mail is a great option for keeping in touch with a loved one in the hospital — especially during cold and flu season," Liggin said.
To send an e-mail to a patient, go to www.southcoast.org/email/, select the hospital site and complete the simple form.

Southcoast Hospitals Group continues to monitor, plan and implement a regional response to the H1N1 (Swine) flu outbreak — including a Website, weekly video podcast and flu clinic information — to keep people informed of the latest developments.

A primary source of information and crucial link to local health facts is the hospitals' Website: www.southcoast.org/flu/. The latest recommendations, updates and guidance from federal and state health experts is compiled in one convenient location along with additional local resources.

A weekly video podcast, "Flu Facts: Share the message, not the flu," is available on Southcoast's Website or through iTunes.

Southcoast also sends out regular updates on Twitter and Facebook. Get connected at www.southcoast.org/connect/.

October 14 | Southcoast Hospice introduces "Caring for Caregivers"

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:05:59 -0400

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care and Infusion Services is introducing a new program, "Caring for Caregivers." Free and open to the public, this new support group is facilitated by Drs. Robert and Barbara Greene and will focus on how caregivers can care for themselves as they care for another.

The first program is scheduled for Monday, November 2, from 6:30 p.m. at the Southcoast Hospice offices located at 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven. For more information or to register, call Jo-Ann Richard at 508-984-0277.

October 14 | Southcoast Hospice to hold Annual Interfaith Memorial Service

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:52:49 -0400

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Home Infusion Services will be holding its Annual Interfaith Memorial Service on Wednesday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., North Dartmouth.

Southcoast's Annual Interfaith Memorial Service celebrates the lives of those who have passed and provides comfort for all who are grieving a loved one during the holiday season. An informal social gathering with family, friends, hospice and palliative care staff and volunteers will follow in the church hall.

Southcoast offers bereavement support groups for adults, adolescents and children all year long. For more information, call Southcoast Hospice at 508-984-0202.

Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services, located at 200 Mill Road in Fairhaven, is a department of Southcoast Hospitals Group. Southcoast Home Care provides comprehensive, preventive and rehabilitative home health care to residents of the Greater New Bedford and Wareham areas and is a preferred HomMed Home Health Care Agency of Choice.

October 14 | Tobey Hospital names Chief Philanthropy Officer

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:14:33 -0400

Clare F. Healy

WAREHAM, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group announced the appointment of Clare F. Healy as Chief Philanthropy Officer for Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

A native of Marion, Healy most recently served as Regional Development Director at Brown University in Providence, R.I., leading efforts in the Midwest and Great Lakes region for Brown's $1.4 billion Campaign for Academic Enrichment. Prior to that she lived in New York City where she has more than 10 years of experience in development for non-profit organizations, including Special Olympics New York, Junior Achievement of New York and Citymeals-on-Wheels. She also worked within the for-profit sector at companies that include Bank of America, Wells BDDP and Grey Advertising.

Healy attended Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Theater Arts. She was active in numerous community groups in Manhattan, now serves on the Board of Trustees for Elizabeth Taber Library and locally does various non-for-profit committee work for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Marion Historical Society and Community Nurse and Hospice.

She can be reached at Tobey Hospital, External Affairs, 508-273-4364.

October 9 | Sen. Bill Bradley addresses Southcoast Hospitals Group physicians

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:42:31 -0400

Former Sen. Bill Bradley talked about health reform with physicians from Southcoast Hospitals Group

Photo credit: Deborah Hynes

SWANSEA, Mass. — Former Sen. Bill Bradley called for health care reform that focused on the "health of the patient" and a new system that offers "total transparency" for quality and cost last night at the Southcoast Hospitals Group physician annual meeting.

"I think we have the best health care in the world, but we do not have the best health care system," said Bradley, addressing more than 170 Southcoast Hospitals Group physicians in Swansea.

"The health of the patient has to be the central goal of the entire system and incentives [for hospitals, physicians, insurers and medical device manufacturers] have to be aligned to achieve that objective," he said.

"We need to be clear: There are no partial answers. The goal is to improve the overall health of all people, to keep our technological edge, to cover the unexpected [health incident] and to allow people to die in dignity."

Bradley, who is now a managing partner at Allen & Co. in New York and hosts a radio show on Sirius XM Radio, was invited to speak through Rev. Dr. Robert Lawrence, Senior Minister of the First Congregational Church of Fall River and a longtime supporter of Southcoast and Charlton Memorial Hospital.

"Southcoast physicians were honored to host Sen. Bradley at our annual meeting. During a tumultuous time in our nation's economy and the ongoing challenges of health care reform, the Senator offered some interesting perspectives as the debate continues over the future of health care in the U.S.," said E.J. McMahon, MD, MBA, FCAP, Chief Medical Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "We are extremely grateful to Rev. Lawrence for making it possible for our physicians to hear from Sen. Bradley."

Bradley's vision for health care reform included national health goals for all hospitals, physicians, insurers and the government, including reducing infant mortality, addressing diseases such as diabetes and having "total transparency" of the system.

"We need total transparency on quality and cost," he said. "We need to be able to look into every hospital to see what is happening on that day, in that month or in that year. [Hospitals and physicians] should be paid for how well you manage a patient's care over the course of an illness — from diagnosis and treatment to rehab to disease management."

With health reform being debated in Congress and in the news media, Bradley said bipartisan support would be essential for achieving reform. That means combining universal coverage with tort reform.

"We need to use conservative means to achieve liberal ends," Bradley said. "Everyone should be covered with a basic benefit. There can always be an option to buy more deluxe coverage. Insurance companies will have to compete to provide the best plans. And we need genuine malpractice reform with medical courts that have experts as judges.

"Universal coverage and malpractice reform — put them together and you get 70 votes."

Like most of society, Bradley noted that health care is increasingly operating in a more globalized world, including treating diseases that jump international boundaries and using telemedicine to read X-rays and other tests.

"What's important to keep in mind is the context in which we are doing reform — globalization," he said. "Diseases are spread globally, just look at SARS and swine flu. We live in a globalized, highly technological world and health care is part of a global supply chain."

As evidence of a broken health care system, Bradley pointed to some "sobering statistics," such as runaway costs, which he said have outpaced inflation by as much as three times, and medical errors that cause 195,000 in-hospital deaths each year. The U.S. also leads the world in obesity, is 12th in life expectancy and 17th in infant mortality.

Some 47 million people in the U.S. currently go without health insurance, which Bradley said is equivalent to all of the combined population of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and New Mexico.
"Hospitals are like every other player in this drama — you can imagine better days with a different system," he said.

With regards to how the estimated $800 million to $1.2 trillion tab is funded, Bradley said $625 billion would come from new taxes but the balance would need to be found in the way health care is delivered and in malpractice reform. Businesses currently receive an annual federal subsidy of $160 billion for health care, which could also go toward paying for reform.

October 9 | St. Luke's Hospital names Chief Philanthropy Officer

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:15:18 -0400

Robin Marek, CFRE

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group announced the appointment of Robin Marek, CFRE, as Chief Philanthropy Officer for St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

Marek has more than 25 years of experience in development for non-profit institutions in Rhode Island, including Brown University and the Providence Health Centers. She most recently served as Executive Director of Development at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. Prior to that position she served as the initial Executive Director of the Kent Hospital Foundation in Warwick, R.I., where she helped create the hospital's philanthropic foundation in 2000 and led the foundation's first comprehensive campaign to renovate and expand its Emergency Department.

Marek attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and received a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

She is on the Board of Directors for the Partners for Philanthropic Planning, Rhode Island, and is a member of Leadership Rhode Island. Marek lives in North Kingstown, R.I., with her husband, David Beutel.

October 6 | Free skin cancer screenings announced at Southcoast Cancer Center in Dartmouth

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:23:25 -0400

DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Get your skin checked by a dermatologist and know the signs of skin cancer. Southcoast Hospitals Group is offering free skin cancer screenings on Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Southcoast Center for Cancer Care at 480 Hawthorn Street in North Dartmouth.

Dermatologists who specialize in the treatment of skin disease and disorders will conduct the screenings and provide information on skin cancer prevention and services for cancer patients. Space is limited and pre-registration for the screening is required. To register please call the Southcoast Center for Cancer Care at 1-774-206-4000

October 1 | Southcoast takes leadership role in regional flu response: Weekly podcast, health facts and community guidance at www.southcoast.org/flu/

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:24:51 -0400

Subscribe to our weekly video podcast, "Flu Facts: Spread the message, not the flu," through iTunes.

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group continues to monitor, plan and implement a regional response to the H1N1 (Swine) flu outbreak, including a Website and weekly video podcast to keep people informed of the latest developments.

Working on multiple fronts, inside the hospital walls and beyond, Southcoast is providing outreach information to community members, high-risk populations and coordinating with local health agencies on community H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccination programs.

Information is changing daily and it is difficult to keep up-to-date. A primary source of information and crucial link to local health facts is the hospitals' Website: www.southcoast.org/flu/. The latest recommendations, updates and guidance from federal and state health experts is compiled in one convenient location along with additional local resources, such as:

Weekly video podcast, "Flu Facts: Spread the message, not the flu," featuring Eugene McMahon, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group. Each week the podcast will cover key facts about the flu and news and information about local resources, such as flu clinics. The podcast is available at www.southcoast.org/flu/ or through iTunes.
Frequent "Flu Facts" and updates via Facebook, Twitter and Southcoast eNews.
Easy links to federal and state officials to find the latest news and information.
Helpful tips and fact sheets.
A "Quick Poll" visitor response on all things flu, such as "When is the best time to hold a flu clinic?" and "Do you plan to get the H1N1 flu shot?" Polls will change each week.
Guidance for special populations, including pregnant women, what you can do and caring for someone with the flu at home.
A free "Flu Facts" poster for the public encouraging proper hygiene that can be downloaded and displayed in public areas.
Listings of H1N1 flu clinics (once the vaccine becomes available).

"Southcoast continues to dedicate significant resources to monitoring and responding to the H1N1 (Swine) flu outbreak. Our regional health care network provides our community members a coordinated response and consistent local information," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO, Southcoast Hospitals Group. "We are encouraging community members to take advantage of the resources that are available through Southcoast and federal and state health experts."

Southcoast will be hosting H1N1 (Swine) flu clinics once the vaccine is available. Hospital officials have also been meeting with local health agencies throughout the South Coast region regarding joint clinics and providing staff and expertise for distribution and administration of the vaccine.

General information on influenza is also available through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's free health information line by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in Massachusetts.

October 1 | Health Column: Health Column: Enough is enough ... an end to heavy menstrual bleeding

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:50:08 -0400

By Christian S. Pope, DO, FACOG
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

HealthCare for Women Inc., New Bedford and Mattapoisett

Dr. Pope practices at St. Luke's Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group. He can be reached at 508-999-6245.

Dr. Pope is a featured columnist for The Standard-Times on women's health topics. Check out Dr. Pope's column the first Tuesday of every month at www.southcoasttoday.com.

Heavy menstrual bleeding or "menorrhagia" afflicts one in five women; that is approximately 10 million women in the U.S., including one-third of all baby boomers. Menorrhagia is a clinical term used in gynecology to describe menstrual periods that are heavy, prolonged or restrict a woman's quality of life. Patients who perceive that their periods are heavy can be offered various FDA-approved treatment options.

What are the physical & psychological consequences of menorrhagia?

Symptoms range from severe pain and cramping to fatigue, emotional turmoil and embarrassment. Regardless of your symptoms, heavy menses can be restrictive to lifestyle, social activities and may result in missed work time.

In a recent survey of women suffering from heavy periods, nearly 60 percent reported lack of confidence and 70 percent felt they could not perform effectively at work or other activities and often missed plans or athletic events. Eighty percent of women claimed that they experience anxiety surrounding their menstrual cycle. Four out of five women also report a negative impact on their sexual relationship. Additionally, menorrhagia is also a common cause of iron deficiency anemia. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Women's Health Resource Center, nearly 40 percent of women with menorrhagia developed anemia. Anemia is a common cause of fatigue and propensity to develop bladder infections and often requires treatment with iron replacement therapy.

What are the current treatment options?

Hormonal Therapy: Oral contraceptives are commonly used. For women who would like to keep their child-bearing options open, oral contraceptives may help alleviate heavy bleeding. However, research shows hormonal therapy is effective in reducing or eliminating heavy periods in less than 50 percent of cases. Side effects and potential risks of oral contraceptives need to be weighed against the success rate in improving symptoms.

Mirena Intrauterine Device: A non FDA-approved option for menorrhagia is a 5-year long acting contraceptive that is placed within the uterus during an office visit. It releases a hormone called progesterone locally within the uterus that over several months causes menses to lighten with as many as 25 percent of women experiencing no menses 12 months after its insertion. Side effects range from mild cramping to irregular bleeding for the first several months.

Endometrial Ablation: A highly successful outpatient procedure that permanently treats the uterine lining that causes menstrual bleeding. Because of its safety, high efficacy and minimal recovery time, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that it be considered as a first-line treatment for women with problem periods caused by heavy menstrual bleeding who have completed child-bearing, bypassing the potentially less successful option of hormonal therapy.

Endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure that takes just a few minutes and requires no general anesthesia, no abdominal incisions, minimal recovery time and return to normal activities the day following the procedure. Results demonstrate that nearly 80 percent of women achieved complete cessation of their periods, and 98 percent had a significant improvement in the amount of menstrual bleeding. Studies have consistently demonstrated improved quality of life, reduced PMS symptoms as well as menstrual related cramping after endometrial ablation has been performed.

Two types of endometrial ablation with the highest success rates are Novasure® and Thermachoice® endometrial ablations. You may learn about these procedures from discussion with your gynecologist and related websites at www.novasure.com, www.gynecare.com/thermachoice and www.southcoast.org/women/.

Hysterectomy: Approximately 600,0000 hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. each year. The most common reasons leading to the procedure are excessive menstrual bleeding, uterine fibroids and uterine cancer. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Some women also warrant removal of the cervix and/or ovaries for reasons unrelated to their bleeding concerns. It is important to note that just because you're having a hysterectomy, does not mean that you are having your ovaries removed, which would mean no change in your daily hormone levels. Hysterectomy equals no more periods, not menopause.

Curiously, most hysterectomies in the U.S. are still being performed through a six inch incision in the lower abdomen. In the Southcoast, gynecologists are performing most hysterectomies laparoscopically, that is, through three tiny one to two centimeter incisions in the abdomen. This allows for only one overnight hospital stay, less blood loss at surgery, lower infection risk, less postoperative pain, much faster recovery time of about two weeks with a better cosmetic outcome on the skin.

In the upcoming year, the newest innovation may likely be entering our area with hysterectomies being performed through a single two cm incision hidden in the navel area. Again, all the benefits of a minimally invasive approach to a hysterectomy.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a potentially serious and restricting medical condition that forces sufferers to make lifestyle changes. Women dealing from menorrhagia now have a variety of highly successful treatment options available to them which can greatly improve their quality of life.

September 24 | Shawmut Diner to host Southcoast blood drive on October 15

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:02:49 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Shawmut Diner in New Bedford will host a blood drive with the Southcoast Blood Bank on Thursday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Owners Phil and Celeste Paleologos are offering $3 off breakfast and lunch the day of the drive for all blood donors.

"Our community is similar to an extended family, and we are all linked by giving blood to help each other," Phil Paleologos said.

The blood drive will take place on the Southcoast Health Van located at Shawmut Diner, 943 Shawmut Avenue in New Bedford. Free health screenings will also be offered.

As an added incentive, during the month of October donors receive a free half-pound of Dorothy Cox chocolate-covered cranberries.

Follow us on Twitter for daily updates on the Southcoast Blood Drives and Southcoast Health Van locations. Find a link to our Twitter feed at www.southcoast.org/connect/.

September 23 | Dorothy Cox offers a sweet incentive for Southcoast Blood Donors: During the month of October blood donors receive a half-pound of chocolate covered cranberries

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:35:16 -0400

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital and Dorothy Cox Chocolates are teaming up this October on a sweet incentive. Anyone who donates blood at a Southcoast sponsored blood drive during the month will receive a free half-pound of Dorothy Cox chocolate covered cranberries.

"Our donors look forward to this great incentive by Dorothy Cox each October," said Susan Oliveira, Team Leader for the Southcoast Health Van and Southcoast blood donor recruitment program. "We are very grateful for the Cox Family's ongoing support."

Anyone who donates blood at a Southcoast location during the month of October will receive a certificate for a free half-pound of Dorothy Cox chocolate-covered cranberries — you can choose from milk-, dark- or yogurt-covered. The certificate is redeemable at Dorothy Cox Chocolates at 115 Huttleston Ave. in Fairhaven.

"When you give at a Southcoast sponsored blood drive, the blood is used right here at your local hospital. Supporting the Southcoast Blood Bank is a great way for all of us to help our neighbors and give back to the community," said Dorothy Cox, owner of Dorothy Cox Chocolates in Fairhaven.

Where to donate

The Southcoast Blood Bank: The Southcoast Blood Bank is located at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, off the main lobby. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call 508-961-5320. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/.

Community Blood Drives: Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Health Van and at local businesses. The schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van/ or by calling 508-961-5320.

Follow us on Twitter for daily updates on the Southcoast Blood Drives and Southcoast Health Van locations. Find a link to our Twitter feed at www.southcoast.org/connect/.

September 22 | Southcoast's Women's Health Fair to be held on October 3

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:15:37 -0400

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Southcoast's annual "Morning of Health for Women" will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Southcoast Center for Women's Health, 300B Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth.

This year Southcoast will be hosting free screenings for endovascular treatment of varicose veins with Salman Bashir, MD. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling the Southcoast Wellness Line at 1-800-497-1727.

Free and open to the public, highlights of the free events include:

Body by Design
Curves of Dartmouth
Reiki
Fabulous Foundations
Acupuncture
Hypnotist
Massage
Reflexology
YWCA

The event will feature the following Southcoast experts who will answer your questions about breast health:

Patricia Andrade, MD, surgeon, Southcoast.
Anne Ruggieri, MD, radiologist, Southcoast.
Rose Zolnierz, RN, nurse practitioner from Healthcare for Women.
Valerie Tjersland, RT, mammography technologist, Southcoast.
Denise Mercier, a breast cancer survivor.

The Southcoast Health Van will provide free screenings for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and bone density.

To register, call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 1-800-497-1727. Walk-ins will be accepted on the day of the event.

September 17 | Open house & tours planned for Southcoast Center for Cancer Care on Saturday, October 3

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:22:49 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — The public is invited to tour the new Southcoast Center for Cancer Care on Saturday, October 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The Southcoast Center for Cancer Care doctors, patient navigator and health care team will be conducting tours of the new center, presenting health information and answering questions throughout the afternoon.

Highlights of the Southcoast Center for Cancer Care open house include:

Meet our physicians, patient navigator and care team.
Tour the new center.
Fall-themed entertainment and family-focused activities:
- Pumpkin decorating station for kids.
- Professional pumpkin carver.
- Healthy cooking demonstrations.
Health information.
Prizes & giveaways.

The Southcoast Center for Cancer Care is located in the Mitchell Therapies Building at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. The entrance to the new center and the activity tent will be located off Prospect Street at the back of Charlton Memorial Hospital. Ample parking is available. The event will take place rain or shine. No registration necessary. For more information, call 508-961-5899.

Southcoast Hospitals Group announced the opening of its new Southcoast Center for Cancer Care in Fall River this past July. Located at Charlton Memorial Hospital, the new cancer care center is the first step toward bringing coordinated care and advanced oncology services to the entire South Coast region — from Fall River to Cape Cod.

The new comprehensive center provides a full range of oncology services, including image-guided radiation therapy, the very latest technology available in radiation treatment for cancer. The radiation therapy program will utilize IGRT, IMRT and PET/CT technology, which is considered the very latest technology available in radiation treatment for cancer. The Cancer Center will also specialize in the latest chemotherapies, surgery and advanced diagnostic imaging. Support services, educational materials and screenings will be offered in collaboration with the American Cancer Society.

Team of Caregivers

Southcoast has pulled together an outstanding team of professionals, including physicians from some of the major academic cancer centers around the country. Patients undergoing cancer treatments may receive care from medical, radiation and/or surgical oncologists. Other members of the team include oncology nurses, technologists, pharmacists, social workers and nutritionists.

Leading the team is Therese Mulvey, MD, a board-certified physician in medical oncology and internal medicine. She joined Southcoast as Physician-in-Chief for Oncology Services from Commonwealth Hematology Oncology in Quincy, Mass., New England's largest private cancer care network, where she has practiced since 1991 and served as president.

Comforting care

Southcoast's new Cancer Centers also has a dedicated "Patient Navigator" to make sure every patient's journey through cancer treatment is as smooth as possible. The Patient Navigator is a "go-to" person to help coordinate appointments, answer questions and point them in the right direction will guide every patient through their care. This coordinator will manage all aspects of the patient's care, including appointments with physicians, radiology and laboratory services, medication and pain management, support services, transportation and any questions the patient or family members may have during their visit or after they return home.

September 15 | Southcoast Diabetes Management Program moves to Dartmouth Place

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:31:54 -0400

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. — The Southcoast Diabetes Management Program's Greater New Bedford location has relocated to Dartmouth Place, 49 State Road, Mashpee Building, Dartmouth, Mass.

Southcoast Diabetes Management Program, which is certified by the American Diabetes Association, is a comprehensive series of classes designed to give adults and their families the knowledge to live their lives with diabetes.

Education is offered in small group sessions or individually as necessary. The program addresses all aspects of diabetes self-management including meal planning, medication management, complications of diabetes and much more.

Call our toll-free number at 877-212-9135 or speak to your physician about a referral to our program. Additional information is available at www.southcoast.org/diabetes.

Southcoast Diabetes Management Programs are also available in Fall River and Wareham:

Charlton Memorial Hospital

Tobey Hospital
43 High Street

Wareham, MA 02571
1-877-212-9135

September 11 | Southcoast Health System Obligated Group, MA 2009D, 1998A Revenue Bonds Rated 'A', Outlook Stable

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:46:06 -0400

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

Employees, trustees and medical staff of Southcoast Health System, Southcoast Hospitals Group and its subisiaries are considered insiders and neither they nor their immediate family members can invest in these bonds.

BOSTON (Standard & Poor's) — Sept. 11, 2009 — Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A' rating, and stable outlook, to Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority's $57.4 million series 2009D revenue bonds and the $63.5 million remaining on the series 1998A revenue bonds, issued for Southcoast Health System Obligated Group.

In the coming weeks, Standard & Poor's expects to assign a joint-criteria rating on Southcoast's $47.4 million series 2008C bonds outstanding. The rating service will base its rating on Southcoast Health System's combined credit quality and Bank of America's rating, the letter of credit provider.

Southcoast's strengths include a strong balance sheet with ample liquidity and light leverage for the rating, as well as a dominant business
position in its core market, highlighted by a 70% market share in its primary service area. Southcoast also benefits from a strong and unified management team across all three of its hospitals and across the system overall.

The stable outlook reflects Southcoast's healthy balance sheet and improved financial operating performance through the fiscal 2009 interim period. Standard & Poor's understands fiscal 2010 will be a challenging Medicaid reimbursement year for the organization. Management's quick action to contain costs and the knowledge that management expects offsetting growth in other areas of reimbursement, however, mitigate the rating service's concerns.

"If Southcoast is able to stabilize its operating margins over the next few years, without diluting liquidity, we believe a positive outlook and/or a higher rating is possible," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Jennifer Soule. "It is also our opinion that a lower rating would likely only occur if Southcoast's financial profile, specifically its strong liquidity, were to deteriorate significantly."

Organizational challenges include volatile operating earnings over the past five fiscal years due to fluctuating government reimbursement and declines in some areas of utilization and the effect of recessionary and investment market pressures over the past 12 months on the system. While Southcoast's income statement metrics are below Standard & Poor's medians for an 'A' rating, its balance sheet metrics are far more favorable.

This balance of credit characteristics, coupled with its dominant business position, supports the current rating.

RELATED RESEARCH

USPF Criteria: "Not-For-Profit Health Care," June 14, 2007
USPF Criteria: "Debt Derivative Profile Scores," March 27, 2006

Complete ratings information is available to RatingsDirect subscribers at www.ratingsdirect.com. All ratings affected by this rating action can be found on Standard & Poor's public Web site at www.standardandpoors.com; select your preferred country or region, then Ratings in the left navigation bar, followed by Find a Rating.

Primary Credit Analyst:
Jennifer Soule, Boston
(1) 617-530-8313
jennifer_soule@standardandpoors.com

Secondary Credit Analyst:
Martin D Arrick, New York
(1) 212-438-7963
martin_arrick@standardandpoors.com

September 8 | Space remains for Free Vascular Screenings at Charlton and Tobey: Regular vascular screenings can detect PVD, a potentially serious circulatory problem

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:01:01 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group is sponsoring a series of free vascular screenings this fall. Appointments are required and on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 800-497-1727. No walk-ins will be accepted on screening days.

FALL RIVER

Screenings will be held at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Ave. in Fall River on the Southcoast Health Van from 5 to 7 p.m. The van will be located outside the hospital's main entrance.

Wednesday, Sept. 9
Wednesday, Sept. 30
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Monday, Oct. 19
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Wednesday, Nov. 4

WAREHAM

Screenings will be held at Tobey Hospital, 43 High St. in Wareham from 5 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Thursday, Nov. 5

The screenings are basic vascular screenings that can help detect a condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The non-invasive screenings are performed by a trained nurse and take approximately 20 minutes. Patients should arrive 15 minutes prior to screening time.

What is PVD?

According to the American Heart Association, PVD occurs mainly in the vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles. If left untreated, PVD can result in peripheral artery disease (PAD) a condition that puts people at higher risk of death from stroke and heart attack due to the risk of blood clots.

"Because the symptoms of PVD usually disappear after rest, many sufferers do not seek help because they believe their pain is a normal part of growing older," said Gail Perzentz, RN, who conducts the screenings at St. Luke's Hospital. "Regular vascular screenings can detect PVD, a potentially serious circulatory problem characterized by an ache, pain or cramping in the legs, calves or buttocks while walking or exercising."

For more information on PVD, www.americanheart.org.

September 3 | Health Column: H1N1 2009 & Pregnancy: Where are we now?

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:35:16 -0400

By Christian S. Pope, DO, FACOG
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

HealthCare for Women Inc., New Bedford and Mattapoisett

Dr. Pope practices at St. Luke's Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group. He can be reached at 508-999-6245.

Dr. Pope is a featured columnist for The Standard-Times on women's health topics. Check out Dr. Pope's column the first Tuesday of every month at www.southcoasttoday.com.

H1N1 2009 & Pregnancy: Where are we now?

In the spring of 1918, the most lethal pandemic in history accounted for nearly 100 million deaths worldwide with 600,000 deaths in the United States alone. Remarkably, instead of deaths limited to the extremes of age, and chronically ill as is typical for seasonal influenza, this pandemic hit even the healthiest population segment. Strikingly, there was a high mortality rate among pregnant women.

There is no question that medical treatment and prevention is more sophisticated than in 1918, however it's successor, H5N1 or "bird flu" from Southeast Asia was responsible for a high mortality rate of 64 percent in birds and humans, with six pregnant women infected, four of which died.

What do pregnant women need to know?

Since the virus was initially acquired in Mexico, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported 34 cases of H1N1 swine influenza in pregnant women in thirteen states. Given the increased morbidity and mortality that pregnant women face with influenza infection, it may not be surprising that the second mortality reported in the U.S. occurred in a woman 35 weeks pregnant this past April. In general, it is estimated that there is approximately one reported case per 100,000 of H1N1 in pregnant women; and pregnant women with confirmed cases of H1N1 are four times more likely to be admitted to the hospital than the general population.

Symptoms in the confirmed cases of H1N1 include fever and cough in more than 95 percent of cases. Also a runny nose, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath and muscle aches were reported in about half the cases, with vomiting and diarrhea reported less frequently. In general, symptoms reported are similar in both pregnant and non-pregnant women; however, pregnant women were more likely to report shortness of breath.

Little is known about the effects of H1N1 on the fetus, as most of the pregnant women who tested positive have not given birth yet. Similar to seasonal influenza, much is still unknown, but it is considered infrequent for the virus to pass through the placenta.

The CDC expects a vaccine to protect against H1N1 influenza to be available this fall.In the meantime, the CDC has recommended that pregnant women with symptoms suggestive of influenza be treated with an antiviral medication, Tamiflu (oseltamivir), and those with significant exposure should receive a prophylactic course of the medicine.

Vaccination is key

Once available, vaccination will be a vital element of the public health response to this influenza.

At present, the morbidity and mortality related to the current H1N1 influenza is relatively low. However, public health officials have concerns that the virus could mutate during these summer months and produce a second phase of illness in the fall, with more severe morbidity and possibly mortality.

Pregnant women are considered a high-priority group for receipt of pandemic influenza vaccine. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy for both the seasonal influenza and the H1N1 virus is the best way to protect against the flu.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that pregnant women have one of the lowest inoculation rates of all adult population groups recommended to receive the vaccine.* Information about the safety of influenza vaccine during pregnancy is scarce, but available data suggests no evidence of harm to either mother or infant.

Whether you are pregnant or not, it is important to take preventive steps against the flu. Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol based antibacterial. Try to avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes or nose. This is how germs are transmitted. If you are pregnant and have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of H1N1, consult your physician immediately.

Southcoast Hospitals has compiled an H1N1 facts page including the latest guidelines from the CDC for pregnant women: http://www.southcoast.org/health/h1n1flu.html.

* Recommendation by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

August 25 | Southcoast announces region's first Wound Care Center

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:51:09 -0400

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group announced plans today to open the region's first comprehensive Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Program for the treatment of chronic and non-healing wounds. The center will be located at Charlton Memorial Hospital, the Fall River site of Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Created in partnership with Diversified Clinical Services, the world's largest wound care management company, the Southcoast Wound Care Center will offer the latest in hospital-based outpatient wound care, including circulatory system diagnostics and treatment, nutrition, pain management, diabetes care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, also known as HBOT.

"Southcoast continues to invest in the future by providing high-quality, well-respected programs such as bariatric surgery, cardiac care and comprehensive oncology services throughout the entire South Coast region," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "This comprehensive program will provide a multi-disciplinary approach to the management of complex wounds and state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen therapy to further enhance the services we currently offer."

The Southcoast Wound Care Center will be located in an existing wing of Charlton Memorial Hospital, adjacent to the main entrance. Southcoast will be working with Diversified Clinical Services, the pioneer and leader in wound management services, to integrate the new center into Southcoast's existing clinical programs and primary care services. Diversified brings clinical expertise to train Southcoast staff and physicians and will provide program oversight and access to clinical protocols.

"Beginning in February 2010, the South Coast region will have its first dedicated wound care center offering patients comprehensive services in one location," said Ellen Banach, Senior Vice President of Strategic Services for Southcoast. "Dedicated wound care centers have proven to be the most effective way to treat patients with non-healing or chronic wounds. Partnering with the nation's leading provider of wound care services further guarantees that patients receive the highest quality care through the area's most experienced physicians and our coordinated team of health care professionals."

Comprehensive wound care centers treat wound problems with a variety of clinical treatments, including the removal of damaged tissue (a technique known as debridement), medicines, dressings and a wide range of support services. An essential part of the program is the collaboration with the patient's primary care or referring physician and continued patient education.

The new Southcoast Wound Care Center will utilize the most up-to-date approaches to wound healing and prevention, drawing upon the newest scientific advances in wound care including the region's first on-site chamber designed to deliver high doses of healing oxygen directly to help improve difficult wounds.

Nationally some 7 million people suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds — a serious disorder that can lead to amputation and dramatically impaired quality of life.

"Associated with inadequate circulation, vascular insufficiency, obesity and immobility, non-healing wounds occur most frequently in the elderly and in people with diabetes," said Gerald Monchik, MD, a surgeon at Charlton Memorial Hospital and founding member of Truesdale Surgical Associates. "Studies have shown that specialized wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates wound healing, reduces amputation rates and helps patients avoid hospitalization."

In addition, Fall River has the highest mortality rate for diabetes in Massachusetts, suggesting that cases here are more severe and more complicated. The New Bedford area ranks third.

"The need for improved wound care in Fall River is compelling," said Martin Fogle, MD, the Director of Endovascular Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital and a physician-surgeon in PrimaCARE's Center for Vascular Diseases. "The South Coast region has one of the highest rates of hospitalizations for patients with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and obesity, all being conditions associated with poor circulation. Proper medical care emphasizes not only good medical management of the primary disease, but also aims to prevent and treat the associated complications.

"Identifying and treating patients promptly is the best way to heal troublesome wounds, avoid hospitalization and return people back to their productive lives as soon as possible," Dr. Fogle said.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

During hyperbaric oxygen treatments, the patient lies comfortably, breathing pure 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. Known for the treatment of decompression sickness, or "the bends," and carbon monoxide poisoning, HBOT is also an effective treatment for fighting certain types of infections and for healing complex wounds.

"Hyperbaric oxygen delivers high concentrations of oxygen through the bloodstream to the tissues surrounding the wound, stimulating the healing process," Dr. Monchik said. "This can be the missing link needed to promote healing in difficult wounds. The Southcoast Wound Care Center will be a valuable added resource for a significant number of our patients."

Most HBOT treatment sessions last approximately two hours. Not every patient is a candidate for HBOT, but this beneficial tool is available to every Wound Care Center patient who may benefit from enhanced oxygen delivery to the healing tissues.
More information can be found at www.southcoast.org/woundcare/.

August 20 | Southcoast announces restructuring that will impact some jobs

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:47:36 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group today announced it would eliminate 93 positions in a restructuring that was triggered in large part by lower reimbursement expected from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Medicaid managed care payors.

It is estimated that, by the time Southcoast's unique "deployment process" is completed in six months, approximately 20 to 40 people will actually be laid off.

Patient safety and quality care continues to be Southcoast's top priority and will not be affected by the changes.

"The impact of lower reimbursement from state programs such as MassHealth and BMC HealthNet require us to restructure the way we deliver care and manage our operations to remain fiscally sound," Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group, said in a letter to all employees on Thursday, August 20.

In his letter to employees, Hovan wrote: "This is one of the most difficult letters I will ever have to write, because some of our very dedicated colleagues will be learning that their positions have been eliminated. Doing so requires us to make decisions — some of which are painful and all of which we take very seriously — to ensure that Southcoast continues to be here to serve those who count on us, every day, for their most pressing health care needs."

Hovan also said the hospital continues to be squarely focused on quality of services and exceptional patient care. "We assure our communities, medical staff and employees that the proposed cuts will not impact the level of patient care or patient services being provided by Southcoast hospitals and its affiliates. Patients and their families will continue to receive the high-quality services and care they have come to expect and depend on every day," he wrote.

All non-union employees whose positions were eliminated are eligible for Southcoast's deployment process, which has been used very successfully in the past to find other positions for the majority of people who are affected by the elimination of a position. During the six-month process, affected employees receive their current rate of pay, the same number of hours and the same schedule. Union employees at Tobey Hospital, the only hospital with unions, will be addressed according to the terms of their current contract.

The positions eliminated span across many departments at all Southcoast sites and locations and includes clinical, support, union and non-union and administrative staff. It also includes five leadership positions, which are in addition to four leadership positions eliminated in January.

Fiscal challenges facing Southcoast and all hospitals

During the past several months, Southcoast has been addressing significant financial issues that confront Southcoast as well as every other health care organization across the region.

Despite the downturn in the economy, Southcoast has been able to achieve a positive operating margin largely because of the tremendous efforts put forth by hospital leadership and staff this year. While many other organizations already announced large layoffs and other actions, such as pay cuts, Southcoast has had to make modest changes this year with a minimal impact on its workforce. Without these proactive steps, Southcoast would have been facing much more severe cuts and layoffs.

"Southcoast has been a fiscally well-run organization over the years," Hovan said. "We have been attentive to the management of costs, effectively flexing our expenses as volumes and our average daily census decreased. We also introduced new tools, such as Lean and Six Sigma, that helped us save several million dollars this year.

"In health care we have the unfortunate additional challenge that government payors, such as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the federal government, have the ability to reduce what they pay us to provide care for Medicaid and Medicare patients. This decrease in payment — particularly by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Medicaid managed care plans, such as BMC HealthNet — has impacted us since July of this year, and will extend through all of our next fiscal year," Hovan said. More than two-thirds (71 percent) of Southcoast's payments come from either the federal (Medicare) or state (Medicaid) governments.

Southcoast also announced a pay freeze for all employees during Fiscal Year 2010 and will continue to reevaluate its health insurance benefits, which after wages is the single largest item in its budget, costing about $35 million annually.

"These are certainly challenging times for Southcoast and for each of us as employees," Hovan said. "We are committed to assisting each person impacted by a job elimination or change. We also deeply appreciate our employees and medical staffs' support for the budgetary actions, including the wage freeze, which will save about 200 other jobs that would have been reduced without such action. We will also continue to build Southcoast for our future. Most importantly, we will fulfill our mission of ‘caring for the health of our communities' by providing excellent patient care each and every day."

As the region's largest employer with some 6,000 employees, Southcoast has always taken a financially responsible and conservative approach to managing its operations and implementing capital improvement projects or expansion plans. This approach has served Southcoast extremely well since the merger of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham in 1996, helping to weather periodic economic downturns better than many other hospitals in Massachusetts. Southcoast continues to invest in new technologies and growing services in an effort to be able to better address the needs of the community and these challenging economic times.

August 12 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 5 p.m. EDT; all patients treated & released)

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:53:06 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The final patient was discharged August 12 from St. Luke's Hospital after recovering from ailments suffered during the hazardous materials incident in New Bedford last week.

A total of 120 people treated at both hospitals after the hazardous materials situation on Monday, August 3, at ABC Disposal, 1245 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford. St. Luke's Hospital received 66 patients. Another 54 victims were treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River related to the incident. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

Final totals, August 3 through 12:

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (all since treated & released)
- Treated & released: 66
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 2 (all since treated & released)
- Treated & released: 54

St. Luke's Hospital was notified at 11 a.m. of a hazardous materials situation in the New Bedford community. Under the direction of the New Bedford Fire Department, St. Luke's Hospital began the process of decontaminating victims.

"I want to thank everyone at Southcoast Hospitals, especially in our Emergency Departments, for their exceptional response to this very serious incident," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "I am extremely proud of the many members of our hospital staff who responded with the professional competence and skill expected by our patients in providing emergency care in coordination with emergency response staff from local cities and towns."

"Southcoast Hospitals is also grateful to all of the first responders and City of New Bedford officials, especially Mayor Scott Lang, for their support, professionalism and outstanding response during this incident," Hovan said.

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 11 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 5 p.m. EDT; 1 patient released, 1 remains hospitalized)

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:46:55 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — One patient was discharged August 11 after suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident last week. One patient remains hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital and was listed in fair condition.

The patient who was hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River was discharged Sunday, August 9.

Current totals:

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 65
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Treated & released: 54

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 10 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated noon EDT; 1 patient released, other conditions remain unchanged)

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:44:07 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — One patient was discharged August 9 after suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident last week. The conditions remain unchanged for two patients who remain hospitalized.

As of noon EDT on August 10, two patients remained hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital. Both were listed in fair condition.

The patient who was hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River was discharged Sunday, August 9.

Current totals:

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 2 (both fair condition)
- Treated & released: 64
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 9 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated noon EDT; conditions remain unchanged)

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:15:28 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The conditions remain unchanged for the three patients who remain hospitalized after suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident earlier this week.

As of noon EDT on August 9, two patients remained hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital and one patient remained hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. All were listed in fair condition.

Two patients were discharged August 6 from St. Luke's, including Luis Vega, who was one of the victims listed in critical condition after the Monday incident.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 2 (both fair condition)
- Treated & released: 64
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 8 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated noon EDT; conditions remain unchanged)

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:35:40 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The conditions remain unchanged for the three patients who remain hospitalized after suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident earlier this week.

As of noon EDT on August 8, two victims remained hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital and one patient remained hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. All were listed in fair condition.

Two patients were discharged August 6 from St. Luke's, including Luis Vega, who was one of the victims listed in critical condition after the Monday incident.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 2 (both fair condition)
- Treated & released: 64
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 7 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 5 p.m. EDT; Correction & Update: Friday firefighter exposure was NOT believed to be from haz-mat waste)

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:02:21 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Five New Bedford firefighters were transported to St. Luke's Hospital on Friday afternoon as a precaution after exposure to an odor coming from inside a rescue squad vehicle that was on the scene of the August 3 hazardous materials situation at a waste disposal plant.

All firefighters were treated and released.

The Friday incident occurred at the Pleasant Street Fire Station in New Bedford and was believed to have involved the truck's batteries and battery charger, said New Bedford Fire Chief Paul Leger. The firefighters showered at the station, put on fresh clothes and were transported to St. Luke's as a precaution, Leger said.

Haz-Mat Incident Patients Update

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Patients suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident earlier this week continue to improve.

As of 5 p.m. EDT on August 7, two victims remained hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital and one patient remained hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. All were now listed in fair condition.

Two patients were discharged August 6 from St. Luke's, including Luis Vega, who was one of the victims listed in critical condition after the Monday incident.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 2 (both fair condition)
- Treated & released: 64
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 7 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 3 p.m. EDT; 5 firefighters transported Friday to St. Luke's after exposure at Pleasant Street station)

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:22:35 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Five New Bedford firefighters were transported to St. Luke's Hospital on Friday afternoon after reportedly being exposed to waste material from the August 3 hazardous materials situation at a waste disposal plant.

All firefighters were from the Pleasant Street Fire Station in New Bedford. All were in fair condition in the St. Luke's Emergency Department.

Patients suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident earlier this week continue to improve.

In addition to the firefighters, as of 3 p.m. EDT on August 7, two victims remained hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital and one patient remained hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. All were now listed in fair condition.

Two patients were discharged August 6 from St. Luke's, including Luis Vega, who was one of the victims listed in critical condition after the Monday incident.

The firefighters make a total of 125 people treated at both hospitals after the hazardous materials situation on Monday, August 3, at ABC Disposal, 1245 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford. St. Luke's Hospital received 66 patients. Another 54 victims were treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River related to the incident. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 125 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 71 total
- Admitted: 2 (both fair condition)
- Emergency Department: 5 (all fair condition)
- Treated & released: 64
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 7 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 12:30 p.m. EDT; 3 remain hospitalized, all in fair condition)

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:39:49 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Patients suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident earlier this week continue to improve.

As of 12:30 p.m. on August 7, two victims remain hospitalized at St. Luke's Hospital and one patient remains hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. All are now listed in fair condition.

Two patients were discharged August 6 from St. Luke's, including Luis Vega, who was one of the victims listed in critical condition after the Monday incident.

Some 120 people were treated at both hospitals after the hazardous materials situation on Monday, August 3, at ABC Disposal, 1245 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford. St. Luke's Hospital received 66 patients. Another 54 victims were treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River related to the incident. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 2 (both fair condition)
- Treated & released: 64
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 6 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 4 p.m. EDT; 2 patients released; 3 remain hospitalized)

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:27:59 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Patients suffering from ailments from the hazardous materials incident earlier this week continue to improve.

Two patients were discharged August 6 from St. Luke's Hospital, including Luis Vega, who was one of the victims listed in critical condition after the Monday incident.

Two victims remain hospitalized at St. Luke's and one patient remains hospitalized at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 2 (1 serious condition, 1 fair condition)
- Treated & released: 64
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 6 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 9:30 a.m. EDT; updated patient conditions)

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:10:07 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Both patients listed in critical condition at St. Luke's Hospital have improved. Luis Vega has improved to good condition and the second patient (hospital does not have approval to release name) has improved to serious.

[As mentioned, there will be no media interviews with Mr. Vega at the hospital. The 11 a.m. interview has been canceled.]

Some 120 people were treated at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River following a hazardous materials situation Monday, August 3, at ABC Disposal, 1245 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford.

As of 9:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, August 6, St. Luke's Hospital had received 66 patients. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

In addition to the 66 victims brought to St. Luke's, another 54 victims were treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River related to the incident. Two people were admitted in fair condition. One has been discharged. The rest were treated and released.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (1 serious condition, 1 good condition, 2 fair condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 5 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 1:30 p.m. EDT; updated patient conditions)

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:12:15 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Luis Vega, one of the four victims treated at St. Luke's Hospital from the ABC Disposal incident in New Bedford on Monday, August 3, has been downgraded to fair condition. He does not wish to do any media interviews at this time.

As of 1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 5, St. Luke's Hospital had received 66 patients. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

Four people were admitted to St. Luke’s Hospital. One person remains in critical condition, one has improved to fair condition and two remain in fair condition. No additional information will be released on these patients. All remaining patients at St. Luke’s were treated and released.

In addition to the 66 victims brought to St. Luke’s, another 54 victims were treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River related to the incident. Two people were admitted in fair condition. One has been discharged. The rest were treated and released.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (1 critical condition, 3 fair condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 5 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 10:30 a.m. EDT; 1 Charlton patient released)

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:42:49 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Some 120 people were treated at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River following a hazardous materials situation Monday, August 3, at ABC Disposal, 1245 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford.

As of 10:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 5, St. Luke's Hospital had received 66 patients. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

Four people were admitted to St. Luke's Hospital. One person remains in critical condition, one has improved to serious condition and two remain in fair condition. No additional information will be released on these patients. All remaining patients at St. Luke's were treated and released.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (1 critical condition, 1 serious condition, 2 fair condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 1 (fair condition)
- Treated & released: 53

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 4 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 2 p.m. EDT; updates numbers & conditions)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:50:23 -0400

As of 2 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 4, St. Luke's Hospital had received 66 patients. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 120 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (1 critical condition, 1 serious condition, 2 fair condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 54 total
- Admitted: 2 (2 fair condition)
- Treated & released: 52

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 4 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 11:30 a.m. EDT)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:39:21 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following is an overview from Southcoast Hospitals Group at 11:30 a.m. EDT (no changes since 7:30 a.m. update):

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 119 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (2 critical condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 53 total
- Admitted: 1
- Treated & released: 52

These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.
Families of patients are asked to call the Patient Information line at 508-985-7000 for additional information.

The next update will be released at 2 p.m. EDT.

August 4 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 7:30 a.m. EDT)

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:46:52 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following is an overview from Southcoast Hospitals Group at 7:30 a.m. EDT (no changes since Monday, August 3, at 10:30 p.m. update):

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 119 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (2 critical condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 53 total
- Admitted: 1
- Treated & released: 52

The next update will be released at 11:30 a.m. EDT.

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 10:30 p.m. EDT)

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:29:01 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following is an overview from Southcoast Hospitals Group at 10:30 p.m. EDT (no changes since 8:30 p.m. update):

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 119 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (2 critical condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 53 total
- Admitted: 1
- Treated & released: 52

The next update will be released Tuesday, August 4, at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 8:30 p.m. EDT)

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:46:28 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following is an overview from Southcoast Hospitals Group at 8:30 p.m. EDT:

Treated at Southcoast Hospitals Group: 119 total
St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford: 66 total
- Admitted: 4 (2 critical condition)
- Treated & released: 62
Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River: 53 total
- Admitted: 1
- Treated & released: 52

The next update will be released at 10:30 p.m. EDT.

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 5:15 p.m. EDT; revised numbers — 66 at St. Luke's, 51 at Charlton)

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:24:13 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Some 117 people were treated at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River following a hazardous materials situation Monday at ABC Disposal, 1245 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford.

As of 5:15 p.m. EDT, St. Luke's Hospital had received 66 patients. These patients included employees of ABC Disposal and many first responders, including EMS paramedics, police and firefighters.

Two people remain in critical condition and two people are in fair condition. No further information will be released on these patients. Approximately 10 patients were still being treated at St. Luke's, but were expected to be released soon. All remaining 52 patients at St. Luke's were treated and released.

In addition to the 66 victims brought to St. Luke's, another 51 victims were sent to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. All were treated and released.

Families of patients are asked to call the Patient Information line at 508-985-7000 for additional information.

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation: Update: 2:45 p.m. EDT (families advised to call Patient Information at 508-985-7000)

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:51:38 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — St. Luke's Hospital was notified at 11 a.m. of a hazardous materials situation in the New Bedford community. The incident happened at ABC Disposal, 1245 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford.

Under the direction of the New Bedford Fire Department, St. Luke's Hospital began the process of decontaminating victims.
As of 1 p.m. EDT, St. Luke's Hospital had received 33 patients — six patients by ambulance, two of whom were in critical condition, 26 patients by bus from the site, all of whom were in good condition. One EMS provider had been treated.

Families of patients are asked to call the Patient Information line at 508-985-7000 for additional information.

Some of the symptoms being seen were nausea, respiratory distress and dizziness.

In addition to the 33 victims brought to St. Luke's, another 22 victims were sent to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River — five by ambulance and 17 by bus. All were in good condition.

The hospital will be participating in a news conference at 2 p.m. at the Incident Command Center on Shawmut Avenue.

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation: Update: 2 p.m. EDT (change to 2 victims in critical condition)

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:04:48 -0400

Some of the symptoms being seen were nausea, respiratory distress and dizziness.

In addition to the 33 victims brought to St. Luke's, another 22 victims were sent to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River — five by ambulance and 17 by bus. All were in good condition.

The hospital will be participating in a news conference at 2 p.m. at the Incident Command Center on Shawmut Avenue.

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:21:00 -0400

Under the direction of the New Bedford Fire Department, St. Luke's Hospital began the process of decontaminating victims.
As of 1 p.m. EDT, St. Luke's Hospital had received 33 patients — six patients by ambulance, three of whom were in critical condition, 26 patients by bus from the site, all of whom were in good condition. One EMS provider had been treated.

Some of the symptoms being seen were nausea, respiratory distress and dizziness.

In addition to the 33 victims brought to St. Luke's, another 22 victims were sent to Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River — five by ambulance and 17 by bus. All were in good condition.

The hospital will be participating in a news conference at 2 p.m. at the Incident Command Center on Shawmut Avenue.

Updates will be issued as the situation warrants.

July 23 | St. Luke's Auxiliary announces 2008-2009 scholarship winners

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:27:05 -0400

Pictured left to right: Patricia Gardner, co president of the St. Luke's Auxiliary, Phillip Teves, James Nightingale, Rayana Grace, Christopher Szala, Shauneen Crane, Scholarship chair, Muriel Morse, Co-President of the St.Luke's Auxiliary.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — At its annual spring luncheon held June 2 at the Waterfront Grill of New Bedford, the St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary awarded five $1,000 scholarships to area high school students entering college in the fall to pursue a career in the health care field.

The 2008-2009 Scholarship winners were:

Christopher Szala, a graduate of Dartmouth High School, who will be entering Boston University to become an anesthesiologist.

Matthew Macedo, a graduate of New Bedford High School, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to study pre-medicine.

James Nightingale, a graduate of New Bedford High School, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to study pre-medicine and go on to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Phillip Teves, a graduate of Bishop Stang High School, who will be attending Tufts University in Boston to study pre-medicine.

Rayana Grace, a graduate of New Bedford High School, who will be attending Boston College to study pre-medicine and go on to become a pediatrician.

The St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary scholarships are awarded annually to staff, Auxilians, volunteers or their spouses, children or grandchildren who are enrolled in an accredited health care program.

The St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary is a great way to become involved in your community hospital. The mission statement of Southcoast's Auxiliaries is to render services to the hospital, its patients and its tax-exempt subsidiaries and to assist Southcoast Hospitals Group in promoting the health and welfare of the communities it serves.

Members serve as ambassadors to the community on behalf of the hospital. For more information, please contact Agatha St. Amour at 508-961-5353 or E-mail: sainta@southcoast.org.

July 20 | Bike run to benefit St. Luke's Hospital set for August 16

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:43:19 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Maintenance & Engineering department at St. Luke's Hospital will be sponsoring its 2d annual bike run in memory of their colleague and friend, Andy Irwin who worked at St. Luke's for more than 25 years and passed away in 2008.

Proceeds from the motorcycle run will be donated in his memory to benefit St. Luke's Hospital.

Rain or shine, the run will take place on Sunday, August 16, at 8:30 a.m. Meeting location is the IHOP restaurant at 2 Bourne Rotary Circle in Buzzards Bay.

Richie Sylvester and Steve Simard of the Maintenance & Engineering department at St. Luke's Hospital are coordinating the run, which will go between Bourne and Provincetown. Autos are welcome to participate.

For more information, please contact the Maintenance & Engineering department at 508-961-5150.

July 9 | Southcoast Center for Cancer Care opens in Fall River: Top local oncologist chooses to join new Southcoast program offering seamless care for cancer patients

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:50:34 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group today announced the opening of its new Southcoast Center for Cancer Care in Fall River. Located at Charlton Memorial Hospital, the new cancer care center is the first step toward bringing coordinated care and advanced oncology services to the entire South Coast region — from Fall River to Cape Cod.

Southcoast also announced today that one of the region's top medical oncologists has chosen to join the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care. Mark Shparber, MD, a medical oncologist/hematologist who has served the Greater Fall River region for more than 20 years, will join the team of top-tier clinicians in September. He is currently practicing at the Hudner Oncology Center at Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River.

"Southcoast is ushering in a new era of cancer care in our region. Never before have the residents of Southeastern Massachusetts and neighboring Rhode Island had access to this level of comprehensive oncology services backed by their own regional health system," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "The level of care being provided by this stellar team of professionals further solidifies Southcoast's commitment to the entire South Coast region."

Comforting care

Southcoast's new Cancer Centers will also have a dedicated "Patient Navigator" to make sure every patient's journey through cancer treatment is as smooth as possible. The Patient Navigator is a "go-to" person to help coordinate appointments, answer questions and point them in the right direction will guide every patient through their care. This coordinator will manage all aspects of the patient's care, including appointments with physicians, radiology and laboratory services, medication and pain management, support services, transportation and any questions the patient or family members may have during their visit or after they return home.

"After meeting with oncology patients from across the region, we determined that one of the hardest parts of undergoing a cancer diagnosis is managing the many appointments, medications, transportation concerns and any issues that may arise during treatment," said Linda Bodenmann, Chief Operating Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Our Patient Navigators will guide our patients in a compassionate and comprehensive manner so they are getting the best care possible in a hassle-free environment."

The newly renovated area at Charlton also offers patients and their families a comforting, spa-like environment with a host of amenities such as valet parking, personal TVs in the chemotherapy treatment area, Internet access, refreshments and a resource library.

The Fall River cancer center will operate as an extension of Southcoast's new flagship cancer center in Fairhaven that was announced last year and is slated to open in 2011. The Fairhaven center will be located on Mill Road and will address the fragmented cancer care and growing need for advanced comprehensive cancer services in the eastern portion of the region. Patients in that part of the South Coast currently have to travel long distances for cancer care. Charlton's cancer center is operational before the Fairhaven site is completed due to the longer construction schedule for Fairhaven. Southcoast's existing cancer center in North Dartmouth, formerly known as The Oncology Center, will stay operational until the Fairhaven center opens in 2011.

"In anticipation of the main Southcoast Center for Cancer Care in Fairhaven, we have upgraded our regional system of cancer services. Previously oncology services in the region were fragmented among providers and services," Bodenmann said. "Our patients and their family members will have access to the same team of experts and services whether they are at our Fall River or North Dartmouth sites."

Current services at the North Dartmouth location will be upgraded to reflect the full-range of care provided through Southcoast's new cancer program. Cancer patients at both locations will receive treatment from our expanded team of cancer specialists, including being appointed a Patient Navigator.

Patients who receive medical treatment at the North Dartmouth location, and need radiation services, will be offered a free shuttle to and from the Fall River cancer center. Staff will coordinate appointments at both sites. Families are welcome to ride on the shuttle as well.

Clinical Leadership

Mark Shparber, MD
Medical Oncologist

Mark Shparber, MD, medical oncologist is the latest physician to join the Southcoast oncology team. Having been a part of the Charlton Memorial medical staff for 20 years, he brings a unique perspective on the region's demographics and the patients he will continue to serve.

"I am proud to join the oncologists who will be leading Southcoast's cancer program. Practicing at Southcoast Cancer Centers will allow me to reach patients who in the past have had to travel to receive their care elsewhere," said Dr. Shparber. "Fittingly, I have an intimate knowledge of the health challenges facing our community members and the patients who I will be caring for. My unique role on the team will be offering this insight as a way to target the most critical services that may be absent at the present time."

Dr. Shparber has been part of the Charlton Memorial medical staff for two decades and serves on various committees at Southcoast Hospitals, including the Southcoast Cancer Committee, the Bioethics Committee, Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee, the Credentialing Committee, and as Chairman of the Charlton Memorial Internal Review Board (IRB) Committee. He is also the current Medical Director of Hospice Outreach program in Fall River.

Dr. Shparber earned a fellowship in hematology/oncology at the New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center in New York City, where he also performed his internal medicine internship training and internal medicine residency in conjunction with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He received his Medical Degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.

In addition to Dr. Shparber, Southcoast has pulled together an outstanding team of professionals, including physicians from some of the major academic cancer centers around the country. Patients undergoing cancer treatments may receive care from medical, radiation and/or surgical oncologists. Other members of the team include oncology nurses, technologists, pharmacists, social workers and nutritionists.

"Our new services, staff and locations are designed with one goal in mind — to bring our patients and their families the very best cancer treatment possible and make it available right here in your own community," said Therese M. Mulvey, MD, the Physician-in-Chief of Oncology Services for the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care. "It is important that the South Coast community have access to high-quality oncology services and leading-edge clinical cancer research without having to travel. We hope to empower patients to receive high-quality care in their own communities, with shared decision making among specialists and patients."

Dr. Mulvey is a board-certified physician in medical oncology and internal medicine. She joined Southcoast from Commonwealth Hematology Oncology in Quincy, Mass., New England's largest private cancer care network, where she has practiced since 1991 and served as president.

Southcoast also recently announced Teresa Boyle, MD, Radiation Oncologist, a board-certified physician in radiation oncology and internal medicine is joining Southcoast from Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Tex., an affiliated institution of the Texas A&M Health Science Center; and Todd F. Roberts, MD, MSc., Medical Oncologist, is joining Southcoast from Hematology and Oncology Specialists, LLC, in New Orleans, where he served as Director of Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.

"We will continue to pursue our goal of being recognized as a top provider of care in every clinical service we offer," Hovan said. "Cancer is a growing health problem that will soon surpass heart disease. We want to ensure that no matter where a patient lives in the South Coast, they have access to expert, compassionate and comprehensive cancer care."

For more information on Southcoast's cancer services visit www.southcoast.org/cancercare/.

July 8 | Health Column: Local physician answers questions about menstrual migraines

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:33:12 -0400

Christian S. Pope, DO, FACOG
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

HealthCare for Women, Inc., New Bedford and Mattapoisett

Dr. Pope practices at St. Luke's Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group. He can be reached at 508-999-6245.

Menstrual Migraines: Really?

Migraine headaches can affect your quality of life and in some case become debilitating. Women in particular have a higher rate of migraines, approximately 18 percent of women as compared to 6 percent of men. Women in their reproductive years are the most severely impacted group of migraine sufferers and are not often aware of the connection. There are number of factors, treatments and preventive methods that should be considered before you can determine the cause and treatment for you.

What is a migraine attack?

Migraine attacks present as a complex constellation of symptoms of which headache is the most prevalent. In women, initiation of migraine attacks is often linked to the hormonal milieu associated with one's menstrual cycle. Therefore, migraines often wax and wane throughout a women's reproductive life in response to hormonal events. More than half of women with migraines report an association between migraine and menstruation, and these attacks are described as more debilitating than migraines occurring at other times. More importantly, they are very real.

Migraine headaches and the menstrual cycle.

In general, the migraine headache results from both alterations and widening of blood vessels within the brain that effect surrounding nerves and sensory nervous pain pathways. It certainly is a complex neurobiological event involving a person's neurologic system and blood flow in the brain. Unfortunately, it is still not completely understood.

What is the "trigger?"

There is a genetic predisposition to having migraines, in which those with family histories may have a lower threshold for sensory activation than those without a family history of migraine headaches. Multiple risk factors or "triggers" are also associated with migraine attacks: alcohol consumption, excessive stress, dietary changes, change in sleeping patterns, and hormonal change due to menstruation.

Menstrual migraines affect 12 million women and are defined as occurring two days before and/or three days after the start of menstruation. Migraines associated with menstruation do not occur at any other time during the menstrual cycle, and women must experience attacks in two out of three cycles. Symptoms are described as a one-sided headache, pulsating quality,moderate to severe intensity and aggravation with physical activity. In addition, sufferers may experience nausea, but usually not light and sound sensitivity.

Why do I have wacked out hormones?

There is a diminished secretion of ovarian hormones during the premenstrual phase, including a decline in progesterone and estrogen levels. It is thought that the consistent ebb and flow in the hormonal milieu during the reproductive cycle functions as a trigger in provoking migraines. Studies have shown that an abrupt drop in estrogen levels following a period of sustained high levels with trigger migraines. This drop occurs right before menses begins. Other hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle are increases in prostaglandin levels, magnesium deficiency, and drops in serotonin levels. What? Wacked out hormones? No, just kidding, this is considered a normal fluctuation in hormone levels.

Does anything help?

There is no standard quick fix. It depends on the patient. Treatment should be tailored to the individual woman's needs and severity. A combination of patient education and behavior modification with pharmacologic therapies usually works well. Many women try non-medical treatment to manage their migraines before they begin drug therapy. Such therapies include behavior modifications such as relaxation strategies and training, as well as physical therapies like acupuncture, yoga, osteopathic cranio-sacral manipulation, massage, Rolfing, and increased in regular exercise. Quitting smoking and not consuming excessive alcohol are also recommended.

Keep a headache diary.

A headache diary can be an excellent and effective tool in tracking symptoms, severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Triggers can usually be found based on analysis of the headache diaries and should be avoided as much as possible. Make sure you share this diary with your physician.

What medications work?

There are two ways to treat migraine headaches: acute therapy, of which there are classes of medications to abolish a headache right away; and preventive therapy, of which there are several options.

The three classes of medications that treat a menstrual migraine effectively are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), Triptans, and Ergots. As a general guideline, if at least 80 percent relief from headache pain is not achieved after taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or Advil, for a period of 4-6 hours, or if treatment needs to be used continuously for more than two days, you should contact your physician as prescription treatment may be suggested.

A quick note, taking pain relievers for an extended period of time can lead to other serious side effects such as liver damage and stomach ulcers, therefore their use should not be long-term.

Naproxen sodium is the first line NSAID treatment for the treatment of migraine and usually does the trick.

Preventive medications.

Preventive medications used include b-blockers, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, NSAIDS, hormonal therapy (hormonal and oral contraceptives, estrogen topical patches and gels) and rarely GnRH agonists. Short-term prevention is effective in women with predictable menstrual cycles. Perimenstrual treatment such as Naproxen or Frovatriptan with monthly regimens can work. Estrogen treatment has also proven to be effective to try to prevent the sudden drop in estrogen levels that accompanies the onset of menses and the prevailing headache. All such medications carry potential risks that must be considered and the benefits of alternative therapies should be reviewed together with your physician prior to starting treatment.

Treatment can help restore your quality of life.

Migraine is a common, complex and bewildering malady, affecting nearly 28 million Americans and often associated with substantial disability. Menstruation often is a significant trigger of migraine in women and causes major disruption in women's quality of life. Multiple treatment options are now available for both acute and prevention of migraine that help restore the function and quality of life in women with menstrual migraine. Menstrual migraines, yes really.

Please credit:
Christian S. Pope, DO, FACOG
Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
HealthCare for Women, Inc., New Bedford and Mattapoisett

Dr. Pope practices at St. Luke's Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group. He can be reached at 508-999-6245.

July 7 | Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial Hospital announces 2008-2009 scholarship winners

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:42:45 -0400

Pictured left to right: Bethany Bates, Michael Grinnell, scholarship recipients, Maria Resendes, scholarship committee member, Eric Dibiasio-White, Shelby Soule, Chelsea Brown, scholarship recipients, Marilyn Roderick, scholarship committee member.

FALL RIVER, Mass. — The Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial Hospital recently announced $5,000 in scholarship awards for individuals who are pursuing a career in health care.

The Auxiliary presented five $1,000 scholarship awards to area high school seniors at a reception held on June 10 at Bittersweet Farm in Westport, Mass. The awards were presented by the scholarship committee made up of Marilyn Roderick, chairperson, Marion Greer, Maria Resendes, and Susan Smith.

The 2008-2009 Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial Hospital winners are:

Bethany Bates, a graduate of Westport High School, who will be attending the University Rhode Island in North Kingston, R.I. to pursue a degree in pharmacy.
Chelsea Brown, a graduate of Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School, who will be attending the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H. to pursue a degree in kinesiology (human kinetics).
Eric DiBiasio-White, a graduate of Somerset High School, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to study pre-medicine.
Michael Grinnell, a graduate of Durfee High School, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to study pre-medicine.
Shelby Soule, a graduate of Apponequet High School, who will be attending Salve Regina University in Newport to pursue a degree in nursing.

June 25 | Southcoast Hospitals' marketing team earns 15 awards: National and regional awards presented in marketing, public relations, design, publications and video production

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:08:14 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals' Marketing & Public Relations team has earned 15 national and regional awards in marketing, public relations, graphic design, publications and video production.

The New England Society for Healthcare Communications bestowed eight of the awards, including gold award recognition for the gastric bypass advertising campaign, public relations campaign for the St. Luke's Shuttle program and the Annual Meeting video.

The other seven awards were presented by Healthcare Marketing Report magazine and included a gold award for the cardiac surgery public relations program, specifically the coordination of "HEARTSTOPPING: A five-part series" from The Herald News that followed a local patient through open heart surgery at Charlton Memorial Hospital; and a silver award for Southcoast's "Breathe Better" campaign created to limit smoking on hospital property and raise public awareness on the health benefits of quitting.

"Southcoast's Marketing & Public Relations team consistently displays the ability to creatively and effectively reach out to the communities of the South Coast region. These awards recognize the top-quality work our team produces and also honors our success in communicating important health information to our community members," said Jim Rattray, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs for Southcoast Health System.

Current Southcoast ad campaigns can be viewed online at www.southcoast.org/news/ads.html. All of Southcoast Hospital's ads, publications and public relations programs are produced in-house by Southcoast's Marketing & Public Relations team. Southcoast has won multiple awards in these competitions numerous times over the past nine years.

June 24 | Health Column: Local physician clears up FDA advisory on Zicam and loss of smell

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:19:10 -0400

Written by Wendy B.R. Stern, MD
Northeast Ear Nose and Throat
Otorhinolaryngologist at St. Luke's and Tobey hospitals

Massachusetts Society of Otolaryngology

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a Public Health Advisory on June 16, 2009, regarding a popular over the counter homeopathic cold remedy called Zicam.

The advisory read, "FDA is alerting consumers that Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size, a discontinued product that consumers may still have in their homes, have all been associated with long lasting or permanent loss of smell (referred to as anosmia)." http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PublicHealthAdvisories/ucm166059.htm
Important note: This advisory does not concern oral zinc tablets and lozenges taken by mouth. The FDA has a helpful site on drug disposal.

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

According to this advisory, these Zicam products have been associated with the loss of smell in 130 patients while hundreds more have filed similar complaints. So what is Zicam? How could the FDA have not known about this possible side effect and why is sense of smell so important?

Zicam is produced by Matrixx Initiative and is promoted as a cold remedy that is marketed as a product that will lessen the intensity of cold symptoms, such as congestion and runny nose. Zicam's active ingredient is zinc. Some of the products are swallowed and some of the products are placed directly into the nose using a gel or a swab. As a homeopathic product, it falls outside the tight scrutiny of the FDA. Homeopathic remedies are typically diluted drugs made from natural ingredients. The public perception is that they are safer than drugs, but many homeopathic remedies can have serious side effects. In fact, hundreds of these remedies have been implicated in health problems ranging from thinning of the blood to nausea to attempted suicide and now in the case of Zicam, the loss of smell. The Zicam products that are directly applied to the nose are the ones the FDA has cited.

Smell is important. Most people do not realize the extent of smell and often confuse taste with smell. In fact, taste is very basic. The tongue and the taste buds generally distinguish between salty, sour, sweet and bitter. Everything else is smell. Food tasters will actually sniff the food first and then exhale through their nose in order to appreciate the "taste" of food. Not only does smell bring pleasure to eating and enjoying things like flowers and perfumes, it also serves to warn and protect us against danger. For example, when people lose their ability to smell they might not notice a gas leak or recognize spoiled food.

There are many common reasons to lose one's sense of smell. A cold can temporarily or in rare cases, permanently cause the loss of smell. Any structural problems with the nose, such as polyps or a deviated nasal septum, can also affect a person's ability to smell. More serious things like head trauma or brain tumors, can also cause the loss of smell. Some people are born with a limited sense of smell.

Most people have the most accurate sense of smell between the ages of 30 and 60 and unfortunately, many people lose this ability as part of the aging process. Drugs and chemicals can also injure the neurons responsible for the sense of smell. An interesting note, one of the most widely used drugs that injures smell is tobacco smoking. In the case of Zicam, it is believed that the active ingredient Zinc may be the offender.

Therefore, what should one do if they have a cold and would like to safely alleviate some of their symptoms? I would recommend the old fashioned, tried and true use of sinus irrigations with salt water. There are many over the counter sinus rinse kits that are safe to use such as the nettie pot. There are also homemade recipes with Kosher salt and baking soda. Our recipe is available on our website www.northeastent.com. If your cold is severe or lasts longer than expected, see your doctor.

Please credit:
Wendy B.R. Stern, MD
Northeast Ear Nose and Throat
Otorhinolaryngologist at St. Luke's and Tobey hospitals

Massachusetts Society of Otolaryngology

June 19 | Donate blood this July and the pizza's on us: Domino's Pizza will give a free pizza to anyone who donates a pint of blood during July

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:44:12 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital has teamed up again this year with area Domino's Pizza stores in a "Pizza for a Pint" promotion during the month of July.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Domino's Pizza again this July," said Ralph K. Ito, Ph.D., Director of Laboratory & Pathology, Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Domino's commitment and support of Southcoast's blood donor program is a great gift to the community and further ensures that our local blood supply is strong."

The Southcoast Blood Bank is the only blood donation venue that directly supports the South Coast communities' blood supply. When you donate blood at a Southcoast-sponsored blood drive you are helping to keep your local blood supply strong — so it is there when you need it.

Lead by Nelson Hockert-Lotz, owner of the Domino's Pizza stores on Kempton Street and Rockdale Avenue in New Bedford, participation will include all Domino's in Bristol County — Fall River, New Bedford, Somerset and Taunton. Anyone who donates blood at the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital, or at any of the community blood drives hosted by the Southcoast Blood Bank, during the month of July will receive a certificate for a free large one-topping pizza redeemable at all Domino's located in Bristol County. The offer is good for any pick-up order or can be combined with a home delivery order. The certificate will not be recognized for home delivery orders of a large one-topping pizza alone.

Check out these great events:

Bay Sox kick-off event Friday, June 26

Southcoast Hospitals Night at the New Bedford Bay Sox will be Friday, June 26. The Southcoast Health Van will be conducting health screenings and holding a blood drive. Domino's Pizza will kick-off the July promotion by offering certificates for a free, large one-topping pizza at this event when they donate blood. Please remember to bring two forms of identification if you plan to donate. (The official Domino's Pizza promotion will begin on July 1, 2009.)

AHA! Night on Thursday, July 23

As part of the July promotion Southcoast Hospitals will be sponsoring AHA! Night on Thursday, July 23, in downtown New Bedford. The Southcoast Health Van will be conducting health screenings and holding a blood drive. All donors will receive a free pizza voucher. Please remember to bring two forms of identification if you plan to donate blood.

Where to donate

The Southcoast Blood Bank: The Southcoast Blood Bank is located at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, off the main lobby. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment call 508-961-5320 (www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/).

Community Blood Drives: Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Health Van and at local businesses. The schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van/ or by calling 508-961-5320.

Follow Southcoast Hospitals on Twitter (@SouthcoastHosp) to receive daily updates with the Southcoast Health Van's location.

June 18 | Southcoast offers the latest treatment for varicose veins: Free screenings scheduled in Dartmouth and Fairhaven

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:37:06 -0400

DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals' is offering free spider and varicose vein screenings on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Center for Women's Health in North Dartmouth. Appointments are required, please call 1-800-497-1727 to register.
The screenings will identify whether patients are a candidate for the minimally invasive laser vein ablation treatment called Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT®).

Slightly more common in women than in men, spider and varicose veins are unsightly and cause pain, swelling, fatigue, skin discoloration and non-healing sores. Many people find they need to sit down in the afternoon and elevate their legs to relieve these symptoms. In more severe cases, venous insufficiency and reflux can cause darkening of the skin and sores that may be very difficult to treat.

"The problems arise because the valves in the veins become incompetent, impairing normal flow of blood from the legs to the heart," said Michael Merport, MD, Interventional Radiologist at Southcoast Hospitals Group. "The screening is quick and the results will determine whether the patient is a candidate for EVLT. This minimally invasive procedure is beneficial to the patient because it is less invasive and can eliminate the need for surgery or vein stripping."

Performed by an interventional radiologist, the screening consists of an ultrasound of the leg to assess the venous anatomy, vein valve function and venous blood flow changes, which can assist in diagnosing venous insufficiency. These results will determine whether a patient is a candidate for the quick, minimally invasive procedure.

"The condition is very common. Age, family history of varicose veins and multiple pregnancies are the most common risk factors accelerating and worsening varicose veins," Dr. Merport said. "The EVLT treatment is FDA approved and takes less than an hour to perform. It is an outpatient procedure that in most cases provides immediate relief of symptoms."

Patients interested in endovenous laser treatment can call the Center for Women's Health at 508-998-0625 to schedule a consultation with an interventional radiologist. More information on EVLT can be found at http://www.southcoast.org/radiology/evlt.html.

In addition to the June screening, Southcoast Hospitals will also be hosting a free screenings in Fairhaven on Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gloria & Company, 211 Alden Road in Fairhaven. Register by calling Gloria's at 508-999-1899. Walk-ins are also welcome.

June 17 | A healthy Tweet: Southcoast Hospitals connects with region by using social media

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:10:17 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group has taken steps to increase community health care awareness by using social media vehicles such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, email and RSS feeds.

"Southcoast is always looking to make sure we make it easy for our community members and patients to connect with us," said Jim Rattray, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs for Southcoast Health System. "We are keeping up with the way people are getting their news and information by using the latest and most popular social media methods. It helps us stay in touch with our community in an easy and convenient way."

Adding to its award-winning Southcoast eNews monthly email newsletter, Southcoast recently launched new social media channels that allow the public to keep up to date with the latest news at all three hospitals. In the past few months, the number of "followers" and "friends" has nearly quadrupled.

"Southcoast's weight-loss surgery program has been using an online discussion forum for several years," Rattray said. "The space offers the program's more than 1,000 patients an opportunity to share diet, recipes, exercise tips and connect with others who are on the same journey."

Rattray also noted the hospital's "E-Mail a Patient" program has become a very popular way for loved ones and friends to send greetings to patients while they are hospitalized.

Social media generally refers to Internet-based vehicles to allow users to send out and receive information from others. It is free to sign-up for an account and everyone is invited to follow Southcoast on Twitter, join Southcoast's Facebook page, subscribe to Southcoast's RSS feeds or watch videos on Southcoast's YouTube channel. With a Web browser or the proper third-party software (also free in most cases), the updates can be received on your computer or mobile phone.

Southcoast has grouped all of its social media links at www.southcoast.org/connect/.*

"As the use of social media evolves, we will continue to update or direct content that is more tailored for the individual outlets," Rattray said. "Right now followers can read daily tweets about news and events, including free health screenings, or watch Southcoast's TV ads and videos on our YouTube channel. Our goal is to keep the information fresh and informative no matter what method you choose."

Recent posts on Southcoast's Twitter feed include health tips, the Southcoast Health Van's daily schedule, links to news articles and advance notice of free health screenings. Southcoast even runs periodic contests and giveaways for followers, including chances to win tickets to a New Bedford Bay Sox game.

* Direct links:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SouthcoastHosp

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/nctahf

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SouthcoastHospitals

RSS: www.southcoast.org/connect/rss.html

June 10 | Charlton Memorial Hospital offers free skin cancer screenings

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:47:33 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Before the summer begins, get your skin checked by a dermatologist and know the signs of skin cancer. Southcoast Hospitals Group is offering free skin cancer screenings on Thursday, June 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Jarabek Treatment Center at Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Avenue, Fall River.

Dermatologist, Richard Waldman, MD, who specializes in the treatment of skin disease and disorders, along with registered nurses will conduct the screenings and provide information on skin cancer prevention and area services for cancer patients. Space is limited, pre-registration for the screening is required. To register please call the Jarabek Treatment Center at 508-679-7056.

According to Judith Pearson, clinical nurse manager of the Jarabek Treatment Center, which specializes in outpatient hematology and oncology, skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and can have different appearances depending on the type of growth.

"Skin cancer is directly related to sun exposure," Pearson said. "And it's not just the summer sun that is dangerous. It is important to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays no matter the season and to have your skin checked during your regular health checkups."
The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer-related checkup, including a skin exam when you have your regular health exams. For more information about skin cancer visit: http://www.southcoast.org/summer/skin.html.

Southcoast Hospitals provides oncology services at the Jarabek Center for Diagnosis & Treatment at Charlton Memorial Hospital, The Oncology Center in North Dartmouth, St. Luke's Hospital and the outpatient department at Tobey Hospital.

As part of Southcoast's commitment to cancer care in the community, new multidisciplinary teams of doctors, nurses and affiliated health professionals have been formed to address particularly serious cancer problems affecting our communities. Southcoast hosts screenings throughout the year at the three hospital locations and on the Southcoast Health Van. For a schedule of free screenings or programs in your area visit www.southcoast.org/calendar/.

June 9 | Southcoast Hospitals honor employees for years of service

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:50:56 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. —Southcoast Hospitals Group recently honored employees who have reached significant milestone years of service at its three hospitals — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

"Southcoast has a long tradition of recognizing and congratulating employees for their long-standing commitment to providing quality patient care and services — and I am proud to help continue that tradition," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Approximately 900 Southcoast employees are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. That's what makes working at and going to a Southcoast hospital so special — the sense of neighborliness and family that accompanies great care and decades of experience. Thank you to all of our Southcoast employees for all you do for our patients — and each other — every day"

Southcoast Hospitals' employees are recognized at five-year intervals for years of continuous service based on their date of hire. This year Southcoast celebrated 898 anniversaries with the following milestone achievements of 45, 40 and 35 years:

Celebrating 45 years (by hometown):

Fall River
Elaine Wilcox
Educational Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

New Bedford
Verna Arruda Aguiar
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Somerset
Jeannine Levesque
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Wareham (2)
Patricia Bell
Laboratory, Tobey Hospital

Ruth Haskell
Environmental Services, Tobey Hospital

Westport
Sharon Santos

Laboratory, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Celebrating 40 years (by hometown):

Acushnet (4)
Margaret Ferreira
Imaging Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Raymond Lemery
Food & Nutrition, St. Luke's Hospital

Gerard Perron
Materials Management, St. Luke's Hospital

Constance Lemery
Imaging Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Assonet
Sally Berthelette
Rehab Nursing Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

East Freetown (2)
Kathleen Gonsalves
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Kathleen Konelick
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Fairhaven
Jeanne Fontinha
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Fall River (5)
Richard Beland
Respiratory Care, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Cheryl Donnelly
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Maureen Gauthier
Occupational Health, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Judith Pearson
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Nancy Wright
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

New Bedford (7)
Glenn Martin
Central Processing, St. Luke's Hospital

Mary Ann Rogers
Admitting, St. Luke's Hospital

Janice Selley
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Linda L. Silva
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Susan Telesmanick
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Jean Wing
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Susan Wood
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

North Dartmouth (2)
Louis Velazquez
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Carol Ziarnik
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Portsmouth, R.I.
Deborah Medeiros
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Rehoboth
Geraldine Laforge
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

South Dartmouth
Elizabeth Turner
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Somerset (2)
Claire Almeida
Laboratory, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Sally Doucette
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Swansea
Barbara Cummings
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Tiverton, R.I.
Carol Renaud
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

West Wareham
Esther Roe
Maintenance & Engineering, Tobey Hospital

Westport (2)
Stephen Major
Respiratory Therapy, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Patricia Nicolan

Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Celebrating 35 years (by hometown):

Acushnet (6)
Rita Amaral
Respiratory Therapy, St. Luke's Hospital

Doreen Cormier
Food & Nutrition, St. Luke's Hospital

Roberta Fuller
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Rosemary Hubert
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Laura Paulson
Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Infusion

Helen Prachniak
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Assonet
Diana Rodrigues
Quality Data, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Berkley
Jane Rego-Kalif
Laboratory, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Bristol, R.I.
Patricia Francis
Pharmacy, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Dartmouth (6)
Duarte Araujo
Maintenance, St. Luke's Hospital

Irene Casey
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Joan Nesse
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Margaret Ouellette
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Linda Quirk
Outcomes Management, St. Luke's Hospital

Jane Zexter
Care Coordination, St. Luke's Hospital

North Dighton
Elaine Clarke
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Fairhaven (3)
Janet Santos
Imaging Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Gail Smith
Health Information Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Catherine Henebury
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Fall River (10)
James Almond
Materials Management, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Dora Boyd
Information Systems, Charlton Memorial Hospital

David Harrington
Respiratory Therapy, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Maria Hill
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Dorothy Masse
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Norman Mello
Materials Management, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Dawn Miville
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Luis Sousa
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Nancy Vandal
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Kay Watson
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

East Freetown (4)
Lionel Duarte
Security, St. Luke's Hospital

Susan Hirshlag
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Beth Robbins
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Sandra Sylvia
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Little Compton, R.I.
Margaret Chretien
Outcomes Management, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Marion
Karen Correia
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

New Bedford (17)
Jeanne Bernard
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Donna Brasseur
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Steven Brennan
Purchasing, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Debra Chmiel
Communications, St. Luke's Hospital

Eileen Connor
Imaging Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Debra Cruz
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Ann Goulart
Information Systems, St. Luke's Hospital

Jane Howland
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Rosemary Marshall
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Debra Mello
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Michael Mello
Food & Nutrition, St. Luke's Hospital

Fatima Oliveira
Food & Nutrition, St. Luke's Hospital

Patricia O'Neale
Information Systems, St. Luke's Hospital

Roger Ouellette
Laboratory, St. Luke's Hospital

Sandra Rego
Graphic Arts, St. Luke's Hospital

Hilda Sud
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Maribeth Turner
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Plymouth
Judith Allison
Patient Services, Tobey Hospital

Portsmouth, R.I.
Anne Pimentel
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Rehoboth
Edward Darowski
Imaging Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Sagamore
Janice Luizzi
Perioperative Services, Tobey Hospital

Somerset (5)
Susan Beaulieu
Pharmacy, Charlton Memorial Hospital

David Camara
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Joanne Ganem
Environmental Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Joann Souza
Laboratory, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Karen Souza
Health Information Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Swansea (6)
Gail Laberge
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Marjorie Lasson
Laboratory, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Paul McCormack
Imaging Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Phyllis Rutkowski
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Debra Souza
Patient Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Judith St. Pierre
Information Systems, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Taunton
Donna Berthelette
Perioperative Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Tiverton, R.I. (2)
Elizabeth Faria
Health Information Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Julia Kosinski
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Wareham (2)
Donna Cattabriga
Patient Services, Tobey Hospital

Valerie Young
Perioperative Services, Tobey Hospital

Westport (5)
Kathleen Arruda
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Patricia Arruda
Imaging Services, St. Luke's Hospital

Carol-Lee Chretien
Patient Services, Charlton Memorial Hospital

Debra Desmarais
Imaging Services, Southcoast Hospitals Group

Patricia Freitas

Care Coordination, Charlton Memorial Hospital

June 4 | Tobey Hospital Guild announces 2008-09 Scholarship Award Recipients

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:38:51 -0400

Pictured left to right: Josephine Praino, Tobey Hospital Guild Scholarship Chair, Danielle Bruno, Janine Price, Brittany Nyman, scholarship recipients, and Ronna Santoro, Tobey Hospital Guild President.

WAREHAM, Mass. — The Tobey Hospital Guild recently announced $3,000 in scholarship awards for individuals who are pursuing a career in health care.

Tobey Guild Scholarship Chairperson Josephine Praino presented three $1,000 scholarship awards to three high school seniors at a reception held May 28 at the Mezza Luna Restaurant in Buzzards Bay, Mass.

"We wish the recipients continued success in their academic studies. It is always a difficult decision, but you all stood out among the best," Praino told the recipients.

The 2008-2009 Tobey Guild Scholarship winners are:

Danielle Bruno, a graduate of Carver High School, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to pursue a degree in nursing.

Janine Price, a graduate of Old Rochester Regional High School, who will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth to pursue a degree in nursing.

Brittany Nyman, a graduate of Wareham High School, who was awarded the Mary Ann Patrick Scholarship, who will attend Salve Regina College in Newport to pursue a degree in nursing. This scholarship is named in memory of artist and Tobey Hospital Guild member, Mary Ann Patrick, who passed away this year. Her husband, Phillip Patrick, presented the award to Nyman.

The Tobey Hospital Guild also presented Southcoast Hospitals with a check in the amount of $50,000. According to Guild President Ronna Santoro, $25,000 represents the last payment of the Guild's pledge to purchase an anesthesia machine for Tobey's Makepeace Maternity Center and the remainder will be used to help purchase fetal heart monitors for the Center.

"The Tobey Hospital Guild is proud to help mothers and newborns begin life with all the advantages made possible by today's technology. During these challenging economic times, it is especially important that we remember our mission to support our local community hospital," Santoro said.

The Tobey Hospital Guild is a great way for people to become involved in their community hospital. The mission statement of Southcoast's Auxiliaries and Guild is to render services to the hospital, its patients and its tax-exempt subsidiaries and to assist Southcoast Hospitals Group in promoting the health and welfare of the communities it serves.

Members serve as ambassadors to the community on behalf of the hospital. For more information, please contact Agatha St. Amour at 508-961-5353 or E-mail: sainta@southcoast.org.

May 18 | Southcoast recruits top-tier clinical leadership for new cancer program

Mon, 18 May 2009 17:19:37 -0400

Therese M. Mulvey, MD
Physician Leader for Oncology Services
Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group today announced the recruitment of key clinical leadership, including a renowned medical oncologist and nationally recognized expert as physician leader, for its new comprehensive cancer treatment program in Fall River and Fairhaven.

"We have recruited top-tier clinicians with a wealth of experience at top academic institutions around the country to lead our new comprehensive cancer program," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "These physicians bring to Southcoast a commitment to combining the very best in cancer treatment, technology and expertise to meet the growing needs of our region's cancer patients."

Leading the clinical team is Therese M. Mulvey, MD, a board-certified physician in medical oncology and internal medicine, who will serve as the Physician Leader for Oncology Services for Southcoast's new Centers for Cancer Care. The Fall River center opens in July and the Fairhaven site in 2011.

Dr. Mulvey, who will join Southcoast in July 2009, is currently with Commonwealth Hematology Oncology in Quincy, Mass., New England's largest private cancer care network, where she has practiced since 1991 and served as its president.

Dr. Mulvey has dedicated her career to providing state-of-the-art community-based care for cancer patients. As the Physician Leader for the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, she plans to continue her affiliations with many leading academic medical centers to ensure that patients of the South Coast region have access to high-quality oncology services and leading-edge clinical cancer research without having to travel. Her philosophy is to empower patients to receive high-quality care in their own communities, with shared decision making among specialists and patients. Dr. Mulvey will serve as the Physician Leader for the two Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care.

"The Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care will greatly benefit from Dr. Mulvey's strong leadership and vision for a comprehensive, community based oncology program," Hovan said. "Dr. Mulvey has dedicated her career to bringing ‘big city' medicine to the inner city and suburbs. Recognizing the great need for personalized, high-quality cancer care services locally, she shares Southcoast's mission to meet the needs of our diverse communities by providing high-quality care, close to home."

Dr. Mulvey began her career at Carney Hospital in Boston and served as an attending physician at Quincy Hospital and Milton Hospital. She has also been a consulting physician at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.

She received her education and post-graduate training at several tertiary facilities in Boston, including a research and clinical fellow in hematology and oncology from Massachusetts General Hospital, and a clinical fellow in hematology and oncology from Tufts-New England Medical Center, where she also performed her residency. Dr. Mulvey received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine.

She has published numerous articles, abstracts and book chapters and most notably serves as the Associate Editor for The Journal of Oncology Practice. She is the Immediate Past Chair of American Society Clinical Oncology's Clinical Practice Committee and is an Associate Professor for the Department of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine where she has received "Excellence in Teaching" awards.

For several years, she was named one of Boston Magazine's "Top Doctors" for Medical Oncology and Hematology ["The Top Doctors 2006, 2008" and "Best Docs 2007"].

Teresa Boyle, MD, Radiation Oncologist

Teresa Boyle, MD, Radiation Oncologist, will be joining the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care in Fall River, beginning in July, and at the future Fairhaven center. Dr. Boyle is a board-certified physician in radiation oncology and internal medicine and joins Southcoast from Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Tex., an affiliated institution of the Texas A&M Health Science Center.

She served as Chief Resident of Radiation Oncology at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, where she then served as Clinical Director of Lymphoma Service and Head & Neck Service.

Dr. Boyle performed her post-doctoral training at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and her residency in Internal Medicine at Carney Hospital, both in Boston. She received her Bachelors Degree from St. Mary's College in South Bend, Ind., and her Masters Degree in Education from Tufts University in Medford, Mass. She received her Medical Degree from Loyola University of Chicago.

She has published articles, abstracts and book chapters in numerous medical journals that are nationally recognized by her peers on topics such as breast cancer, lung cancer and the use of radiation therapy in various modalities.

Todd F. Roberts, MD, Medical Oncologist

Todd F. Roberts, MD, MSc., Medical Oncologist, joins Southcoast from Hematology and Oncology Specialists, LLC, in New Orleans, where he currently serves as Director of Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Tulane University Hospital and Clinics with their stem cell transplant program in New Orleans.

Dr. Roberts is a board-certified physician in medical oncology. He has a fellowship in bone marrow transplantation from Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, where he also served as Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology under the Tufts University School of Medicine affiliation. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada and performed his internal medicine internship at Harvard Medical School at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge. He performed his internal medicine residency at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Roberts' current areas of research include stem cell transplantation, leukemia, myelodysplasia (MDS, formerly known as "preleukemia"), Hodgkin's disease, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma (cancer that begins in plasma cells).
He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. He has served on numerous committees and boards and is currently a member of Hematology and Oncology Specialists Medical Research Committee.

Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care

Southcoast announced plans to open the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care in Fairhaven with a satellite location in Fall River last year. The Centers for Cancer Care will provide comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood diseases with a seamless link to the region's premier health care provider, Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"It is important that we create a seamless link between the two centers as a way to further ensures a collaborative approach to patient care. It will also give our patients access to a multi-disciplinary team of specialists and caregivers that can work together on the best course of treatment," Hovan said.

There is a growing need for cancer treatment in the region and Southcoast is committed to making sure patients have access to the very latest technology and care delivered by a dedicated and experienced staff. Currently patients in the eastern section of the region must settle for a patchwork of care providers and, in many cases, travel great distances for cancer treatments, many of which require daily visits.

The Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care will provide a full range of oncology services including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, lab and radiology services and patient supportive services, such as nutrition counseling and complementary therapies.

The center in Fall River will open in July 2009 at the Charlton Memorial Hospital site and the Fairhaven site is scheduled to open in 2011. Drs. Mulvey, Boyle and Roberts will begin seeing patients in July at the Fall River location.

Additional information on Southcoast's cancer program can be found on our website at www.southcoast.org/cancercare/.

May 18 | Southcoast Hospice Widows, Widowers support group dates

Mon, 18 May 2009 17:05:57 -0400

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services announces the "Widows, Widowers" support group dates. This support group provides encouragement, support and resources for those who have lost their life partner. The next six-week session will begin meeting on Thursdays from May 27 through July 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome to attend one session or all six.

For more information or to register, call Catherine Wrobel, Bereavement Coordinator at 508-984-0202.

About Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Infusion

Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services, a department of Southcoast Hospitals Group, is a private non-profit agency that provides comprehensive, preventive and rehabilitative home health care to residents of the Greater New Bedford and Wareham areas.

Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, certified through the Medicare program and accredited by The Joint Commission.

May 13 | City recognizes Southcoast Blood Bank for service to community

Wed, 13 May 2009 15:24:11 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The New Bedford City Council presented the Southcoast Blood Bank with a resolution recognizing the years of support and peace-of-mind the blood bank brings to the South Coast communities. The resolution was offered by Brian K. Gomes, Councilor-at-Large; City Council President John T. Saunders; Linda M. Morad, Councilor, Ward One, and Jane L. Gonsalves, Councilor, Ward Five.

City Councilor Brian K. Gomes presented representatives from the Southcoast Blood Bank, past and present, with an honorary resolution for their years of dedicated service. Left to Right: Ralph K. Ito, PhD, Administrative Director of Southcoast Hospitals Laboratories & Pathology; John Laverty, MD, Medical Director of St. Luke's Laboratory & Pathology; City Councilor Brian K. Gomes; Nancy Chadbourne, Team Leader of Southcoast Blood Bank; Cheryl Cannon, St. Luke's Laboratory Site Manager, and Nancy Vital, retired Blood Bank Recruiter for Southcoast Blood Bank.

"There are many good reasons to commend and support the Southcoast Blood Bank's Blood Donor Program, but perhaps the most compelling is that Southcoast is the only local donor site that directly benefits the residents of the South Coast region — keeping our local blood supply strong so it is there when the community needs it," said Gomes, who presented members of the Southcoast Blood Bank with the resolution at the City Council meeting on April 23.

John Laverty, MD, Medical Director of the St. Luke's Laboratory & Pathology, and Ralph K. Ito, Ph.D., Director of Laboratory & Pathology for Southcoast Hospitals Group, accepted the award for the Southcoast Blood Bank.

"We are grateful to the New Bedford City Council and the many New Bedford city employees and businesses that support the Southcoast Blood Bank throughout the year," Dr. Ito said. "They are the 'heroes' of our city. We depend on your continued support — but most of all your friends, neighbors and family members depend on your support. When you give blood locally you save a life locally."

The resolution also highlighted the many individuals in the city of New Bedford who have made Southcoast's blood donor program a success. Totaling some 38,500 units of blood over a five-year period, the resolution outlines the following members of the community who donate to the Southcoast Blood Bank on an ongoing basis:

City Hall, District Court and the District Attorney's Office — 198 blood donors.

New Bedford Police Department — 127 blood donors.

New Bedford Fire Department employees — 124 blood donors.

New Bedford business sector has 97 organizations who participate and host blood drives through the year.

The Southcoast Blood Bank is self-supporting, meaning that 50 percent of the blood used across the three Southcoast hospitals comes from local volunteer donors. Typically, St. Luke's uses nearly 600 pints of blood a month. In addition to emergency cases, blood is needed for people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia.

The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or call 508-961-5320 to make an appointment.

The Southcoast Health Van hosts blood drives throughout the region. The schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van or by calling 508-679-7131.

May 12 | St. Luke's Hospital & NEED to host Operation Clean Sweep: Ward 5 neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:29:43 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group will co-host The St. Luke's Neighborhood Clean-up Day with New Bedford's Operation Clean Sweep and the St. Luke's neighborhood group, Neighbors Eager for Enlightened Development (NEED), on Saturday, May 16, (rain date May 23).

Spreading throughout New Bedford's Ward 5, the group will kick off the clean-up from their staging area located in the St. Luke's parking lot on the corner of Hawthorn and Page streets.

Volunteers are still needed, please pre-register before the clean up by calling 508-979-1493 or visit www.operationcleansweep.net.

"This is the first time in Operation Clean Sweep's history that a private organization approached us about doing a neighborhood clean-up," said Lynn Coish, Team Leader of New Bedford's Operation Clean Sweep. "We hope this will encourage more businesses and organizations to take a proactive role in giving back to the community and hosting their own neighborhood clean-up day."

Jim Rattray, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs at Southcoast Health System, said the hospital and NEED wanted to show all of the neighbors their ongoing support and dedication to beautifying the neighborhood.

"Southcoast is excited to host the St. Luke's clean-up day with New Bedford's Operation Clean Sweep and the neighborhood group, NEED," Rattray said. "It's a great way for our employees and their families to thank the neighbors for the support over the last several years. We know this will be a successful event for our neighborhood and for New Bedford. It is our goal to eventually host clean-up days at all three of our hospital sites."

According to Rosalie Baker, who co-chairs the neighborhood group, NEED, with Priscilla Demers: "The neighbors welcome the opportunity to work together with St. Luke's Hospital to make our neighborhood a better, more beautiful place for all of us. This clean-up is a tangible example of how neighbors and institutions, like St. Luke's Hospital, can collaborate for everyone's benefit."

Southcoast will provide refreshments and pizza for lunch from Domino's Pizza, Operation Clean Sweep's "official pizza." A live broadcast will take place during the event on FUN 107 by JR, of "JR & Sharon in the Morning." Volunteers will also receive a coupon redeemable at St. Luke's Hospital for a cup of award-winning clam chowder served on clean-up day or any Friday.

The Southcoast Health Van will also be onsite from 8 to 11 a.m. to provide free health screenings and a blood drive.

May 12 | St. Luke's Hospital & NEED to host Operation Clean Sweep: Ward 5 neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon

Tue, 12 May 2009 09:50:59 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group will co-host The St. Luke's Neighborhood Clean-up Day with New Bedford's Operation Clean Sweep and the St. Luke's neighborhood group, Neighbors Eager for Enlightened Development (NEED), on Saturday, May 16, (rain date May 23).

Spreading throughout New Bedford's Ward 5, the group will kick off the clean-up from their staging area located in the St. Luke's parking lot on the corner of Hawthorn and Page streets.

Volunteers are still needed, please pre-register before the clean up by calling 508-979-1493 or visit www.operationcleansweep.net.

"This is the first time in Operation Clean Sweep's history that a private organization approached us about doing a neighborhood clean-up," said Lynn Coish, Team Leader of New Bedford's Operation Clean Sweep. "We hope this will encourage more businesses and organizations to take a proactive role in giving back to the community and hosting their own neighborhood clean-up day."

Jim Rattray, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs at Southcoast Health System, said the hospital and NEED wanted to show all of the neighbors their ongoing support and dedication to beautifying the neighborhood.

"Southcoast is excited to host the St. Luke's clean-up day with New Bedford's Operation Clean Sweep and the neighborhood group, NEED," Rattray said. "It's a great way for our employees and their families to thank the neighbors for the support over the last several years. We know this will be a successful event for our neighborhood and for New Bedford. It is our goal to eventually host clean-up days at all three of our hospital sites."

Southcoast will provide refreshments and pizza for lunch from Domino's Pizza, Operation Clean Sweep's "official pizza." A live broadcast will take place during the event on FUN 107 by JR, of "JR & Sharon in the Morning." Volunteers will also receive a coupon redeemable at St. Luke's Hospital for a cup of award-winning clam chowder served on clean-up day or any Friday.

April 30 | Southcoast Hospitals posts swine flu information page (New: Links, tips)

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:35:15 -0400

Swine Flu Information

Download a fact sheet on Swine Flu from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (PDF):
English | Portuguese | Spanish | Khmer

Last Updated:
Thursday, April 30, 2009
9:30 p.m.
(Next update as needed)

At Southcoast, your health matters — and so does your peace of mind.

Southcoast's mission is to deliver the safest, highest quality care and services to our patients. We take pride in the excellent care we provide every day, and value the opportunity to be your local connection to critical health information and services.

Over the past weeks, our community members have asked many questions relating to the global swine flu outbreak. Rest assured that Southcoast has dedicated significant resources to monitoring the local situation and staying apprised of the ever-changing national and international situation.

What is Southcoast doing?

Southcoast continues to monitor the latest information, guidelines and events coming from our public health officials. Here are highlights of what is taking place behind the scenes:

The hospital is working internally on a number of priorities, including diligent surveillance and screening by our health care providers, infection prevention personnel and laboratories.

We continue to update our employees on the many levels of care necessary for this type of outbreak, including how to screen and report "suspected cases" of swine flu and how to treat and care for such cases.

We are constantly evaluating our current supplies that assist in prevention, protection and mitigation of an outbreak that may affect one person to multiple people. This ranges from masks and gowns to beds and medications. We report this information across the three hospital sites and externally to public agencies. An important part of this process is ordering additional supplies and coordinating with the state regarding access to antiviral supplies.

We are participating in regional, state and national emergency planning. Open lines of communication and coordinating efforts with Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Emergency Preparedness Bureau and Southcoast Emergency Preparedness Planning Partnership continue to be an essential part of our emergency preparedness. It is important to remember, the hospital's Emergency Preparedness Committee meets throughout the year to coordinate drills and plan for all types and levels of emergency incidents.

Our Public Information Officer is working closely with our local media outlets to provide the most up-to-date information regarding the hospital's readiness and role as well as any important information that our community members need to know about their local health care services.

Where to find local information on the swine flu?

Southcoast Hospitals Group posts information on our website on a regular basis.

We encourage you to follow us on Twitter or by RSS feed.

Southcoast Hospitals Twitter feed.

Southcoast Hospitals RSS feed.

City of New Bedford Health Department.

Where to find the facts on swine flu?

When in question it is always best to refer to the experts.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) or your own Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) provide daily if not hourly, updates on the following websites.

We have highlighted a few items that you will find on these informative sites:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health swine flu page

Massachusetts Department of Public Health blog

MASS 211 activated to help provide the public with information: Massachusetts residents can now call (2-1-1) for basic information about swine flu.

What you can do to stay healthy

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms in people with swine flu are similar to normal human seasonal influenza and include:

Fever.

Cough.

Headache.

Runny nose.

Lack of appetite.

Myalgias (muscle aches and pains).

Lethargy (tired feeling, low energy).

It can also include vomiting and diarrhea in addition to influenza symptoms.

Conjunctivitis (a type of eye infection) has been reported, but is not common.

Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions and invasive bacterial infection. Symptoms in children may differ. Please check the DPH website.

The criterion for detecting swine flu is evolving. At the current time, DPH is asking that clinicians consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with febrile respiratory illness and who are:

Within 10 days of close contact with a person who is a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, or

Within 10 days of travel to community either within the United States or internationally where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza A(H1N1) cases, or

Living in a community where there are one or more confirmed swine influenza cases.

Am I contagious?

Persons with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially contagious for 1 day before to up to 10 days following illness onset or until about 24 hours after symptoms are resolved. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Protecting yourself and others

Patients should call their physician office before going to the office if they suspect they may have influenza so that proper precautions can be taken when they arrive. If possible, patients should try to be scheduled at the beginning or end of the day.

Surgical masks have been placed at the Southcoast hospitals entrances for patients with respiratory symptoms. Any patient presenting at the hospital who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should use a mask and proper hand hygiene.

What if I recently traveled to Mexico or other places in the U.S. where cases have been confirmed?

Returning from Mexico or other places in the U.S. where cases have been confirmed, but you have no symptoms — you do not need to take action. Individuals should monitor themselves for flu-like symptoms and call their physician if their status changes.

Returned from Mexico with respiratory symptoms, flu-like symptoms, fever, should stay at home and contact your health care provider by phone.

What if I have not traveled anywhere, but think I may have symptoms?

DPH is suggesting that you consider the symptoms outlined at www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu and call your physician to be screened.

What if I have the flu?

Those with swine influenza or any other respiratory illness who are stable can and should be cared for at home to avoid further spread of the disease.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention swine flu page: The agency's goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus.

CDC's Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_homecare.htm.

An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the U.S.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system.

The current WHO phase of pandemic alert is 5.

The WHO uses a 6-phased approach to their pandemic alert system. According to the WHO website: Phases 1–3 correlate with preparedness, including capacity development and response planning activities, while Phases 4–6 clearly signal the need for response and mitigation efforts.

Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

(Sources: The Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Swine Flu Alert DPH 4-30-09)

April 28 | Southcoast Hospitals swine flu update (New: Swine Flu fact sheet)

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:02:58 -0400

Download a fact sheet on Swine Flu from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (PDF)

The following statement from Joyce Brennan, spokeswoman for Southcoast Health System, on swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, or "swine flu."

"Southcoast, like many hospitals across the nation, has been working diligently in response to the potential threat of swine flu.

"Southcoast is participating in statewide planning for hospitals and community health centers lead by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) in response to the public health advisory issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) yesterday.

"Over the past several days, DPH officials have communicated information on swine flu to health care providers around the state giving them guidelines on, what symptoms to look for, and how to report suspected cases. [Southcoast will not be reporting suspected cases publically.] Southcoast will continue to work closely with public health officials to ensure that our local health care providers have the latest information and that we are adequately prepared.

"As a general precaution, we are also requesting that patients and people who must visit with cold or flu symptoms wear surgical masks while at the hospital. Surgical masks are available at each of the hospitals main lobby entrances and emergency department entrances."

Hospital emergency preparedness:

Southcoast has a detailed system-wide plan for the response to pandemic outbreaks. The hospitals have been participating in regional and statewide preparedness drills, preparations and planning in the event of any type of pandemic. A regional group in the state meets on a regular basis including members of Southcoast, to coordinate efforts across multiple disciplines, agencies, facilities and other hospitals.

Where to get accurate information?

State and government agencies monitor public health issues on a frequent basis. When in question it is always best to refer to the experts such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the facts. Information can be found on their websites and is usually updated as soon as new information becomes available.

U.S. CDC Swine Influenza Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/

Massachusetts-Specific Information as well as links to CDC:
http://mass.gov/dph/

April 27 | Southcoast Hospitals swine flu update

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:53:56 -0400

The following statement from Joyce Brennan, spokeswoman for Southcoast Health System, on swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, or "swine flu."

"Southcoast, like many hospitals across the nation, has been working diligently in response to the potential threat of swine flu.

"Southcoast is participating in statewide planning for hospitals and community health centers lead by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) in response to the public health advisory issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) yesterday.

"Over the past several days, DPH officials have communicated information on swine flu to health care providers around the state giving them guidelines on, what symptoms to look for, and how to report suspected cases. [Southcoast will not be reporting suspected cases publically.] Southcoast will continue to work closely with public health officials to ensure that our local health care providers have the latest information and that we are adequately prepared.

"As a general precaution, we are also requesting that patients and people who must visit with cold or flu symptoms wear surgical masks while at the hospital. Surgical masks are available at each of the hospitals main lobby entrances and emergency department entrances."

Hospital emergency preparedness:

Southcoast has a detailed system-wide plan for the response to pandemic outbreaks. The hospitals have been participating in regional and statewide preparedness drills, preparations and planning in the event of any type of pandemic. A regional group in the state meets on a regular basis including members of Southcoast, to coordinate efforts across multiple disciplines, agencies, facilities and other hospitals.

Where to get accurate information?

State and government agencies monitor public health issues on a frequent basis. When in question it is always best to refer to the experts such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for the facts. Information can be found on their websites and is usually updated as soon as new information becomes available.

U.S. CDC Swine Influenza Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/

Massachusetts-Specific Information as well as links to CDC:
http://mass.gov/dph/

April 21 | Southcoast presents the latest in insulin delivery: Free program to be held on May 19 at White's of Westport

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:33:39 -0400
FALL RIVER, Mass. — The Southcoast Diabetes Management Program will be hosting a seminar on the latest advancements in insulin delivery technology including insulin pumps and glucose sensors. The free program will take place on Tuesday, May 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at White's of Westport, 66 State Road in Westport. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited, please call 508-679-7143 for more information and to register.

The Southcoast Hospitals Group Diabetes Management Program is nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its state-of-the-art quality of diabetes self-management education programs. The program offers diabetes self-management education for Types 1 and 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes classes are held at all three hospital sites and cover the following topics: Basics of Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Glucose Monitoring, Lifestyle Changes, Medication Management, Nutrition, Survival Skills and Weight Management.

April 20 | Dancing with the New Bedford Stars premieres May 8: St. Luke's Auxiliary fundraiser to benefit digital mammography

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:20:49 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary presents "Dancing with the New Bedford Stars," a benefit for digital mammography services at St. Luke's Hospital.

The star-studded evening will be held on Friday, May 8, at White's of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport, beginning at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal, consisting of hors d'oeuvres, salad and a choice of a savory chicken piccata or fresh salmon wrapped in apple smoked bacon. "Bittersweet Kiss," a warm brownie tart with chocolate ganache over a layer of raspberry coulis and white chocolate sauce, topped with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream will be served for dessert. People's Liquor Warehouse in Fall River has generously donated a selection of pairing wines to accompany the meal.

Ashly (DelGrosso) Costa, professional dancer for three seasons on the hit ABC show "Dancing with the Stars," will judge and choreograph some of the dancers including a special youth performance. Additional studios participating include Susan's Dance Studio in Fairhaven, Gotta Dance Studio in New Bedford, Lee Terry at Healthtrax Ballroom and the Dancer's Edge in Dartmouth.

Headlining the evening will be Jay and Mark Kruger, from NBC's "The Biggest Loser;" Miss New Bedford 2009 Ashley Bendiksen; Marguerite "Gig" Lang, wife of New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang; Dr. & Mrs. James O'Rourke; Peter E. Berthiaume, New Bedford City Assessor; Michael Riccardi of Riccardi's Restaurant in New Bedford and Fairhaven; George Benoit Jr. of Legacy Financial Group and daughter, Angelique, and Deborah Grenon.

Joining Costa at the judges' table is David Adelberg, MD, Sharon Fogaren of JR & Sharon in the morning on FUN 107 and Sharon Oliver. Pete Braley, morning host for WBSM will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Two tickets to the television show "Dancing with the Stars" in Los Angeles will be part of the evening's silent auction. All proceeds to benefit the $100,000 pledge made by the Auxiliary in support of new state-of-the-art digital mammography machines at St. Luke's Hospital.

Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased by calling Agatha St. Amour, Southcoast Hospital's Director of Volunteer Services, at 508-961-5752 or online at www.southcoast.org/give/.

April 8 | Southcoast's free vascular screenings announced for Fall River and Wareham

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:17:56 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group will be hosting free vascular screenings in Fall River, Wareham and previously announced New Bedford, during the months of April, May and June.

A basic vascular screening can help detect a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD). If left untreated, PAD can increase risks of heart attack and stroke. People who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes have an increased risk for PAD and should be screened on a regular basis.

Appointments are required and can be requested by calling 800-497-1727. Space is limited and appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. No walk-ins on screening days.

FALL RIVER SCREENINGS
Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Ave., Fall River

Wednesday, May 6
5 to 7 p.m.
Southcoast Health Van at Charlton Memorial Hospital (main entrance)

Wednesday, May 27
5 to 7 p.m.
Southcoast Health Van at Charlton Memorial Hospital (main entrance)

Wednesday, May 28
5 to 7 p.m.
Southcoast Health Van at Charlton Memorial Hospital (main entrance)

Wednesday, June 10
5 to 7 p.m.
Southcoast Health Van at Charlton Memorial Hospital (main entrance)

Wednesday, June 24
5 to 7 p.m.
Southcoast Health Van at Charlton Memorial Hospital (main entrance)

WAREHAM SCREENINGS
Tobey Hospital
43 High Street, Wareham

Thursday, May 14
5 to 7 p.m.
Southcoast Health Van at Tobey Hospital

Thursday, June 11
5 to 7 p.m.
Southcoast Health Van at Tobey Hospital

NEW BEDFORD SCREENINGS
St. Luke's Hospital
101 Page Street, New Bedford

Tuesday, May 5
5 to 7 p.m.
St. Luke's Hospital, off main lobby

Tuesday, May 19
5 to 7 p.m.
St. Luke's Hospital, off main lobby

Tuesday, June 2
5 to 7 p.m.
St. Luke's Hospital, off main lobby

Tuesday, June 9
5 to 7 p.m.
St. Luke's Hospital, off main lobby

April 7 | Free Head and Neck Cancer Screenings April 29

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:53:21 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group and Northeast Ear Nose & Throat Surgeons will be offering free head and neck cancer screenings on the Southcoast Health Van on Wednesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CVS/Pharmacy, 1145 Kempton St. in New Bedford. Reservations are required for the screening. To register, call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 1-800-497-1727.
"Oral cancer is a major health problem in this country and one that most people aren't aware of," said Wendy Stern, MD, a surgeon at St. Luke's and Tobey Hospitals and a member of Northeast Ear Nose & Throat in North Dartmouth.

"It is vital that people — especially those who smoke — learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of this cancer and our screening offers a great opportunity for both education and a chance for early detection."

Dr. Stern noted that tobacco — including smokeless tobacco — and alcohol use are risk factors for head and neck cancers.

According to National Cancer Institute and the Yul Brynner Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, 85 percent of these cancers are linked to tobacco use. The foundation was created 20 years ago after actor Yul Brynner launched a crusade to educate the young people of the world on the effects of tobacco and its relationship to mouth and throat cancer. Brynner died in 1985 after a public fight with lung cancer.

Head and neck cancers are more common in men and in people over age 50. It is estimated that some 45,000 men and women in this country developed head and neck cancers in 2004. Black males have the highest incidence of head and neck cancers, with a survival rate over five years at 33 percent versus 55 percent for whites.

Some of the symptoms that are common in head and neck cancer include a lump or sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing and a change or hoarseness in the voice.

"As physicians, we need to educate the public about head and neck cancer and encourage people to get regular checkups and to eliminate high-risk habits like smoking," Dr. Stern emphasized.

The screening is sponsored in part by the Yul Brynner Head & Neck Cancer Foundation Inc. in honor of Head & Neck Cancer Awareness week.

To learn more about head and neck cancer visit http://www.headandneck.org/.

April 6 | Southcoast Blood Bank hosts "Donor Celebration Day" at St. Luke's

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:54:40 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Southcoast Blood Bank will host a Donor Celebration Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at St. Luke's Hospital. Refreshments will be served with a chance to enter raffles and win prizes throughout the day.

The celebration will take place on the Southcoast Health Van located at the front of the hospital. Walk-ins are welcome or call the Blood Bank to make an appointment at 508-961-5320 (www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/). Please remember to bring two forms of ID.

What to expect when you donate

When prospective donors come to the Blood Bank, staff discuss their medical history and make sure they are able to donate. Potential donors also fill out a confidential questionnaire on their medical backgrounds. These measures safeguard the health of the donor as well as the health of the person receiving blood. The whole process of the interview and the actual donating usually takes 20 to 25 minutes. The donor's body replaces the fluid lost from donation in 24 hours and the red blood cells in about eight weeks.

Who's eligible to donate?

Blood donors should be in good health (no colds or flu), at least 18 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have not taken drugs or alcohol recently, are over 70 and have your physician's permission. Donors who have traveled in Africa or have a tattoo should call first. Donors who have spent more than three months cumulative in the United Kingdom since 1980 also should call first. For more information on how to be a donor, call 508-961-5320.

April 2 | Op-Ed: Your Decisions Matter: Thoughts on making end-of-life health care decisions

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:29:03 -0400
Making health care decisions, particularly about end-of-life care, is often difficult even in the best of circumstances. Making decisions for others, particularly elderly parents, is even more complicated.

However, each of us has the ability to guide our health care providers and our loved ones about what we want. Advance directives give you the ability to document the types of health care you do and do not want, and to name an "agent" to speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.

With the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990, Congress affirmed the right of every citizen to set forth his or her future health care wishes in writing with an "advance directive." Yet, surveys suggest that only about 25 percent of all Americans have done so.

Southcoast Hospitals Group and Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care and Infusion Services have teamed up with the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence and more than 500 organizations across the country to promote April 16, 2009, as "National Healthcare Decision Day."

The goal of this national initiative, now in its second year, is to ensure that all adults with decision-making capacity in America have both the information and the opportunity to communicate and document their future health care decisions. The first year results were impressive — more than 250,000 people obtained resources to make their health care decisions known — but there remain millions of Americans to go.

The way to make your wishes be known is to have an advance directive and fill out a health care proxy. Health care proxies simply require the patient's name, the name of the agent and the signatures of two witnesses. Your health care agent will be the person to carry out your health care wishes in the event that you are incapacitated.

You can prepare your own advance directive without a lawyer. Under Massachusetts Healthcare Proxy Law (Mass. General Laws Chapter 201D) any competent adult over age 18 can use this form to name someone to make health care decisions for you if, for any reason and at any time, you become unable to make or communicate those decisions.

A proxy can be downloaded from the Southcoast website at www.southcoast.org/proxy, or picked up at one Southcoast's three hospitals — Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke's in New Bedford, Tobey in Wareham— or the Southcoast Home Care & Hospice office at 200 Mill Road in Fairhaven. The Massachusetts Health Care Proxy is a copyrighted form, so a new form must be downloaded for each individual. The form cannot be copied.

Alternatively or in addition to the Health Care Proxy, you can prepare the "Five Wishes" living will. Valid in Massachusetts, it allows you to specify how you wish to be treated if you get seriously ill. For example, under what circumstances do you want to continue life-support treatment and under what circumstances do you want to stop treatment? What are your wishes for pain management? A link to the "Five Wishes" is also available at Southcoast's website at www.southcoast.org/proxy.

When a person's wishes are unknown, the results are often tragic for the patient as well as their family. Help avoid these situations and improve the ability of doctors and hospitals to provide compassionate care by making your wishes known to your loved ones and documenting them.

In health care, "your decisions matter," however, others need to know your wishes to honor them. There are no wrong answers when thinking about health care choices and completing an advance directive. Please use April 16, 2009, to decide, discuss and document your wishes, whatever they may be.

Marilyn Schlein Kramer is the Executive Director of The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence, a non-profit working to educate Massachusetts consumers to be engaged patients.

Francis M. James, MD, is the Chair of the Southcoast Hospitals Group Bioethics Committee.

March 25 | Registration open for Free Vascular Screenings at St. Luke's

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:41:38 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group is sponsoring a series of free vascular screenings to be held on Tuesdays, April 7, May 5, 19, and June 2, 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford.

Appointments are required and can be requested by calling 800-497-1727. Space is limited and appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. No walk-ins will be accepted on screening days.

The screenings are basic vascular screenings that can help detect a condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The non-invasive screenings are performed by a trained nurse and take approximately 20 minutes. Patients should arrive 15 minutes prior to screening time.

What is PVD?

According to the American Heart Association, PVD occurs mainly in the vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles. If left untreated, PVD can result in peripheral artery disease (PAD) a condition that puts people at higher risk of death from stroke and heart attack due to the risk of blood clots.

"Because the symptoms of PVD usually disappear after rest, many sufferers do not seek help because they believe their pain is a normal part of growing older," said Gail Perzentz, RN, who conducts the screenings at St. Luke's Hospital. "Regular vascular screenings can detect PVD, a potentially serious circulatory problem characterized by an ache, pain or cramping in the legs, calves or buttocks while walking or exercising." For more information on PVD, log on to www.americanheart.org.

March 23 | Southcoast joins national "Flags Across America Celebration:" Southcoast and the New England Organ Bank partner during the month of April to address the critical need for organ donors across the country

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:22:16 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group will be teaming up with the New England Organ Bank during the month of April to honor and celebrate the hundreds of thousands of donors and recipients whose lives have been affected by organ, eye and tissue donation.

The campaign includes awareness days at the three hospitals and the month-long display of the "Donate Life" flag at the three Southcoast hospitals — Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke's in New Bedford and Tobey in Wareham.

"We hope this nationwide display of flags will make people stop, take notice and take action to sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor," said Sara Pace Jones, Chairwoman of Donate Life America. "Taking the appropriate action to sign up to be a donor in your state could give someone a very precious gift — life."

"Flags Across America" is a Donate Life America and New England Organ Bank initiative that invites donor hospital and transplant centers, as well as all recovery agencies, to collectively fly the Donate Life flag during April. The goal is to create a visible and unified statement about the importance of becoming an organ donor and the dire need for donors. This initiative is meant to encourage the public to designate donation decisions by registering their wishes in their state donor registries.

Community members are welcome to learn more about organ donation and to register with representatives from the New England Organ Bank at the three hospitals on the following dates:

Tobey Hospital in Wareham on Thursday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford on Tuesday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Charlton Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Southcoast is very proud to participate in the 'Flags Across America' celebration," said Patrick Gannon, RPh, Vice President of Quality & Safety for Southcoast Hospitals Group and its liaison with the New England Organ Bank. "Over the last 12 months, Southcoast has had 39 tissue donors and three organ donors, leading to life-saving organ transplants for five patients, and countless life enhancements for tissue recipients. Because of the work of this hospital and the generosity of donors and donor families, the lives of these recipients will be forever altered. We can all be proud of that."

According to Kerrie Casey, the New England Organ Bank's hospital relations coordinator for Southcoast Hospitals Group, hospitals are an essential part of the organ donor program working closely with patients, families and the New England Organ Bank on an ongoing basis.

"Hospitals are critical in addressing the organ donation shortage in America," Casey said. "Today, more than 101,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ while hundreds of thousands more could benefit from tissue or cornea donation. Over 4,000 people in New England are waiting for an organ transplant right now."

March 19 | Volunteers needed for Hospice Program: Southcoast Hospice looking for Veterans and Portuguese speaking individuals

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:42:23 -0400
FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care is looking for volunteers, including but not limited to, veterans and Portuguese speaking individuals in the Greater New Bedford and Wareham areas to provide emotional support to patients and their families.

"The hospice volunteers who go on home visits need to have a comfortable and personal relationship with the patient and their families. We find that patients who share like experiences such as serving in the military also share a special bond," said Jo-Ann Richard, Volunteer Coordinator at Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services. "We also have a large Portuguese speaking population and are in need of people who are able to speak the language."

The hospice volunteer can participate in a number of different opportunities beyond providing care and comfort to patients and their families. There is a need for assistance with fundraising events, bereavement services, memorial planning, community networking, office tasks and other helpful duties.

The volunteer is required to participate in a free, two-day training session held at Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services, located at 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven. The next training sessions are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, 2009. Hospice volunteer training topics include patient care, family dynamics and spirituality. For more information and to register, please contact Jo-Ann Richard at 508-984-0277.

Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services, a department of Southcoast Hospitals Group is a private non-profit agency that provides comprehensive, preventive and rehabilitative home health care to residents of the Greater New Bedford and Wareham areas.

March 11 | Free prostate cancer screenings at Charlton Memorial Hospital

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:59:51 -0400
FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals will be offering free prostate cancer screenings on Tuesday, April 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jarabek Center at Charlton Memorial Hospital. Appointments are required, please call 508-679-7056 to schedule. Prostate is one of the leading types of cancer in the South Coast region and one of the most common types of cancer in men in the U.S.

"Early prostate cancer usually does not have any symptoms and can go undetected without regular testing. By receiving simple blood screenings and exams, prostate cancer can be detected five or more years earlier than it would have been detected otherwise," said Frances Fuller, RN, MS, Director of Oncology & Specialty Services for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Early detection is the key to successful treatment."

Who should attend?

Men over the age of 40, particularly African-American men are urged to take advantage of this free screening. Studies have shown that African-American men are at increased risk for the disease. The prostate cancer screening tests consist of two parts, the prostate specific antigen test (PSA) and a digital rectal exam, both of which take less than five minutes to conduct.

March 6 | Advice for patients on medication safety: Southcoast offers free wallet cards for listing medications during the month of March

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:30:32 -0500

Download Your Medication Card (fill-in PDF form).

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospital Group will be celebrating Patient Safety Awareness Week during the week of March 8 by giving away free wallet Medication Record cards and offering a downloadable version on its Website.

A key initiative during the national recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week is to remind individuals to keep a current list of all their medications, vitamins and supplements, especially when visiting a doctor's office, the hospital or other medical facility.

"Southcoast is committed to providing you and your family with top-quality medical care in the safest environment possible," said David Spoor, RN, Southcoast Hospitals' Patient Services Operations Director, who also chairs the Southcoast Patient Safety Committee. "The goal of Patient Safety Awareness Week is to remind patients and their family members that there are steps they can take to ensure they are receiving care in the safest way possible. This should always include carrying an up-to-date list of the medications and supplements they take."

Medication safety means you will receive the medication prescribed to you — at the right time and in the right way. Your doctor, nurse, pharmacist and other health care providers welcome your involvement in this process.

During Patient Safety Awareness Week and throughout March, Southcoast will be handing out free medication reconciliation cards at the information desks at the three hospital sites. The cards can also be downloaded at www.southcoast.org/health/medcard.html, which offers a version people can keep on their computers, update as needed and print to carry with them.

The medication reconciliation cards are wallet-sized with space for personal contact information, emergency contacts, prescription medications, herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. Prescription information includes the name, dose and frequency taken.

"Patients are urged to carry the cards with them at all times, especially to every visit with a health care provider," Spoor said.

In 2008, Southcoast Hospitals Group also began working with the Partnership for Healthcare Excellence, a not-for-profit effort dedicated to helping Massachusetts consumers improve the quality of their health care. One of the key initiatives of the collaboration is medication safety in addition to hand washing and what patients can do to prepare for surgery. Additional information provided by the Partnership can be found at www.partnershipforhealthcare.org.

Helpful Tips on Medication Safety

The following information is provided by the National Patient Safety Foundation to educate patients and is important for everyone to remember.

Rid your medicine cabinets of old or expired medications.

Bring your medications to your doctor or pharmacist for review.

Obtain copies of all your health care records and keep them in a safe place.

Write down and carry with you all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications (including doses), as well as any allergies.

Write down and carry with you the names and numbers of all of your health care providers and pharmacies.

Identify an advocate (either family member or friend) who can accompany you and ask questions on your behalf.

Talk with your family or other close individuals about what your preferences are for your health care, in case you are unable to speak for yourself.

February 26 | Trustees' Medal Awarded for Outstanding Service

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:34:48 -0500

James Lionberger of Marion, left, and Barbara Jarabek of Fall River accepted the Southcoast Trustees' Medal for Outstanding Service awards in honor of their families.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Board of Trustees announces the recipients of the prestigious Trustees' Medal for Outstanding Service. Boards of Trustees for Southcoast Health System and Southcoast Hospitals Group presented the awards at their combined Annual Meetings on December 9, 2008, at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Established in 2005 to honor the exemplary service of individual community members, the Trustees' Medal is considered the highest honor the Southcoast Boards can confer.

This year the recipients are Arthur and Alene Lionberger, who were awarded posthumously, and the Jarabek Family.

"We at Southcoast are privileged to work with some of the most talented and generous people you will find anywhere," said Carl Ribeiro, Chairman of the Southcoast Health System Board of Trustees. "For our recipients, this marks a lifetime of selfless giving and commitment to the goals and mission of our health system."

The Lionbergers were honored, marking a lifetime of generosity to Southcoast Hospitals Group, starting in 1939 when Tobey Hospital in Wareham was first founded. Mrs. Lionberger volunteered each Sunday in the Tobey emergency department, and the two spent their holidays helping others. Often their philanthropic and personal support was given anonymously. Accepting for the Lionberger family were James Lionberger and his wife, Patricia of Marion.

The service of the Jarabek family began when the late Allen Jarabek asked that an oncology endowment be created at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. Because of this generosity, oncology eventually expanded to include endoscopy services and, in 1992, the Jarabek Diagnostic & Treatment Center was created in the memory of Mr. Jarabek. Barbara Jarabek, Mr. Jarabek's wife, has continues to support the center annually. The Jarabek Foundation has also provided funding for the Southcoast Health Van, Charlton's digital mammography program, and The Goodspeed Chair in Patient Safety & Quality. Cindy Jarabek, their daughter, currently serves on the Charlton President's Council. Accepting for the Jarabek Family were Barbara Jarabek, Allen Jarabek, Cindy Jarabek Audette and Jody Jarabek Oliviera.

February 19 | Charlton fundraiser features "Rat Pack" Tribute: Proceeds to benefit the purchase of fetal heart monitors for Charlton Memorial

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:12:52 -0500
FALL RIVER, Mass. — The Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial Hospital presents "The Best Is Yet To Come ..." on Saturday, April 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea.

A five-course Italian meal sets the stage for the swinging songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Impressionist Extraordinaire Michael Dutra & Friends will be joined by Ron Della Chiesa, host of WPLM 99.1 radio station's Strictly Sinatra and MusicAmerica.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at www.southcoast.org/give/.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of eight fetal heart monitors for the Family Centered Unit (maternity) at Charlton Memorial Hospital. The three Southcoast hospitals — Charlton Memorial, St. Luke's in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham — are the primary providers of maternity services in the South Coast region ushering in some 3,400 births a year. Two Southcoast hospitals, Charlton and St. Luke's, are among just a handful of community hospitals in the state to offer Level II or "Special Care" nurseries.

February 18 | St. Luke's Parking Garage opening on February 23

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:00:49 -0500

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The new parking garage at St. Luke's Hospital will open on Monday, February 23. The garage will be used primarily for employee parking in an effort to provide patients and visitors with more convenient parking at the front of the hospital.

"We want to make it as convenient as possible for our patients and visitors to access the hospital. We would also like to alleviate the parking in the neighborhoods and we are asking that that our employees only park in the designated lots," said Linda Bodenmann, Chief Operating Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Construction on the St. Luke's Parking Garage began in Spring 2008. Located on Taber Street, the 31,000-square-foot garage has 400 spaces. There are an additional five parking lots surrounding the hospital for employees and physicians to park.

Patient and visitor parking is located directly across from the main entrance of the hospital in Lots A and B. There is designated parking for Emergency Department patients in a lot adjacent to the ER entrance. There are also designated parking spaces for blood donors and patrons of the retail pharmacy off the ER driveway.

The parking lots outside the MRI entrance and Surgery Center entrance continue to be for patients accessing those services.

January 28 | Southcoast Hospitals Group announces 2008 President's Award winners

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:50:10 -0500

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group announces recipients of the 2008 Southcoast President's Award for Excellence. Nominated by their co-workers, the President's Award is recognizes approximately 12 individuals and one team, for outstanding performance, culture behaviors, and overall quality of services provided.

This year's 12 individuals and the winning team were announced at the combined annual meetings of Southcoast Health System and Southcoast Hospitals Group by Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO, Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"I am honored to continue Southcoast's long tradition of recognizing the dedicated individuals who exemplify the outstanding cultural elements of Southcoast Hospitals Group," said Hovan. "Southcoast is built upon the dedicated service and commitment of more than 6,000 employees, by receiving this award these recipients standout among the best."

All Southcoast employees, including members of leadership and physicians who are employees of Southcoast are eligible. There is no limit on the number of times an employee can be nominated. Winners are selected on how well they meet the selection criteria that is based on excellent performance and demonstration of our cultural elements and Service Priorities. There is no pre-assigned number of recipients to each hospital site.

Acushnet

Paul R. Lagasse
Equipment Operator,
Engineering & Maintenance
St. Luke's Hospital

Barnstable

Deborah L. Toffey, RN, CLC
Resource Nurse,
Makepeace Maternity Center
Tobey Hospital

Bridgewater

Kris Aimone
Wellness Coordinator,
Occupational Health
Southcoast Hospitals Group

Fairhaven

Catherine M. Teves, RN
Registered Nurse, Rogers Unit
St. Luke's Hospital

East Freetown

Cidalia Correia, CNA
Certified Nurses Assistant,
Radiology Transporter
Tobey Hospital

Mattapoisett

Patricia A. Keenan, RN
Manager, Patient Care
Emergency Services
St. Luke's Hospital

New Bedford

Joyce Hebert
Receptionist, Emergency Department
St. Luke's Hospital

Somerset

Doris Tripp
Patient Care Representative,
Southcoast Rehabilitation Services, Somerset site
Charlton Memorial Hospital

Swansea (2)

Paul E. Gaudreau Jr., RN
Case Manager, Care Coordination,
Charlton Memorial Hospital

Jayne L. Wilson, CCP
Manager, Business & Systems,
Radiology
Charlton Memorial Hospital

Wareham

Danielle D. Holmes
Health Unit Coordinator,
Perioperative Services
Tobey Hospital

Tiverton, R.I.

Karen Costa
Angiography Technologist,
Radiology
Charlton Memorial Hospital

Pawtucket, R.I.

Virginia Cournoyer, RN, CCS
Corporate Compliance Senior Auditor,
Southcoast Hospitals Group

The President's Award winning Team Award was presented to the Electronic Data Management Advanced Clinical Information Systems (EDM ACIS) Team. The EDM ACIS Team was formed three years ago and is comprised of 21 individuals from the hospital's Management Information Systems, Emergency and Admitting departments. The team represented the three hospital sites — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

Team members were responsible for implementing an online documentation system at the three hospital sites. The application included a patient tracker that followed the patient electronically through the emergency department from registration through release or admission. The system was also configured for wireless access. The project included training of all of the staff that provide patient care in these areas.

January 28 | Severe Weather Cancellations

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:57:40 -0500
To see the most up-to-date weather cancellations at Southcoast Hospitals, please visit our Website:

http://www.southcoast.org/news/cancellations/index.html

January 16 | When cold weather hits, the elderly and infants are at greater risk

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:16:15 -0500
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — When the temperatures drop, older adults can be at greater risk for hypothermia and frostbite, especially those with chronic illnesses. Due to slower metabolism and less physical activity, individuals over the age of 65 should dress in layers and consistently check the temperature of their homes.

"People with chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma or COPD, should try to avoid going outdoors when the temperature drops. If they must, they should wear a hat covering the ears, gloves or mittens, waterproof boots and layered clothing," said Daniel Shea, MD, Vice Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at St. Luke's Hospital. "The elderly, children and people who are outdoors for extended periods of time, such as homeless people or hikers, are at greater risk for hypothermia or frostbite. Conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can also be predispositions."

Infants are also at greater risk when it is cold because they lose body heat easily. "Parents should bundle children when they are outdoors and make sure that they are not sleeping in a cold room," Dr. Shea said.

Hypothermia vs. Frostbite

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, hypothermia is the drop in a person's core body temperature. Mild hypothermia is caused when the body temperature is between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and severe hypothermia is caused when the temperature is less than 78 degrees. If a person is suspected of having hypothermia they should seek medical attention immediately. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.

Frostbite is caused by freezing and defined as an "injury" to the body. Frostbite most commonly affects fingers, toes, ears and the face. Symptoms include redness or pain in any skin area, numbness and a white or grayish-yellow skin color.

"Checking on elderly family members, friends or neighbors and encouraging the homeless to seek shelter is extremely important during the cold months," Dr. Shea said. "If not identified early, cold weather conditions can lead to severe illness, permanently damage the body including the need for amputation. Seek medical care immediately if you think you are at risk."

January 10 | Pediatric echo services now available at Tobey Hospital

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:14:17 -0500
WAREHAM, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group began offering pediatric echocardiograms (echo) at its Tobey Hospital site in Wareham on January 1. Used in the detection of heart abnormalities in infants and children, parents will no longer need to leave the region to receive this reliable diagnostic cardiac test for their newborns and children.

"The echocardiogram is a noninvasive and reliable method used to detect all types of heart conditions in both children and adults," said Michael Langford, Manager of Echocardiography Services for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Most commonly found in newborns are heart murmurs or suspected atrial septal defects, sometimes called a hole in the heart. Having the service available at all three hospital sites is convenient for parents and further expands our comprehensive heart services across the region."

Currently offered at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, the pediatric echo is an ultrasound test of the heart similar to the adult echocardiogram, but with instruments that are proportionate to the smaller patients. The results are available through the child's own pediatrician and interpreted by cardiologists specializing in pediatric care at the Providence Pediatric Heart Center at the Hasbro Children's Hospital, the pediatric division of Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I.

The new pediatric service is available Monday through Saturday as part of the existing adult echocardiography program offered at Tobey Hospital.

Diagnosing heart defects

There are two types of heart disease in children — "congenital," which is present at birth, and "acquired," which develops during childhood. The pediatric echo is used in the detection and monitoring of both. Additional tests used in the diagnosis of heart disease in adults and children such as electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) and Holter Monitor, are also available at Tobey Hospital.

Heart defects are the most common type of birth defect and in most cases the cause is unknown. According to the March of Dimes, one out of 125 children in the U.S. are born with heart defects. Only a small percentage need surgery.

January 4 | Tobey's baby New Year arrives January 3 at 12:24 a.m.

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:17:53 -0500
WAREHAM, Mass. — Tobey Hospital in Wareham welcomed its first baby of the New Year on Saturday, January 3, at 12:24 a.m.

Erica Ella Gevorgyan, weighing six pounds, 10 ounces, and 20 inches long, was born to Lilit Vardanyan and Edgar Gevorgyan of Centerville, Mass.

The first New Year's baby to be born in the South Coast region arrived at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford at 12:55 a.m. on January 1, 2009.

Jessica Melo [Note to editors: One "l" in Melo] and Aren Gomes, of New Bedford, had a baby girl, Ava Gomes, weighing six pounds, 10.5 ounces and 20 inches long. This is the couple's first child.

Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River welcomed a baby boy at 4:56 a.m. Baby Thomas Ethan Soares was born to Michelle and Randy Soares of Tiverton, R.I. Thomas weighed 8 pounds, 0 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. This is the couple's second child.

No babies were born on New Year's Day at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. The first Tobey baby arrived on January 3.

The Southcoast Hospitals New Year's babies will receive gift baskets and a saving bond donated by the St. Luke's & Charlton Auxiliaries and the Tobey Hospital Guild.

January 1, 2009 | Southcoast Hospitals welcome New Year's babies

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:07:28 -0500

The South Coast region's first baby of 2009 was botn at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. From left, new mom Jessica Melo and new dad Aren Gomes, of New Bedford, with baby girl, Ava Grace Gomes.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The first New Year's baby to be born in the South Coast region arrived at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford at 12:55 a.m. on January 1, 2009.

Jessica Melo [Note to editors: One "l" in Melo] and Aren Gomes, of New Bedford, had a baby girl, Ava Gomes, weighing six pounds, 10.5 ounces and 20 inches long. This is the couple's first child.

The first baby born in 2009 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River was Thomas "Tommy" Soares. From left, new big brother Tyler Soares, 13, new mom, Michelle, and new dad, Randy Soares, of Tiverton, R.I. with baby Thomas "Tommy."

Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River welcomed a baby boy at 4:56 a.m. Baby Thomas Ethan Soares was born to Michelle and Randy Soares of Tiverton, R.I. Thomas weighed 8 pounds, 0 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. This is the couple's second child.

No babies were born today at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

The Southcoast Hospitals New Year's babies will receive gift baskets and a saving bond donated by the St. Luke's & Charlton Auxiliaries and the Tobey Hospital Guild.

January 1, 2009 | Southcoast Hospitals welcome New Year's babies

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:22:11 -0500
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The first New Year's baby to be born in the South Coast region arrived at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford at 12:55 a.m. on January 1, 2009.

Jessica Melo [Note to editors: One "l" in Melo] and Aren Gomes, of New Bedford, had a baby girl, Ava Gomes, weighing six pounds, 10.5 ounces and 20 inches long. This is the couple's first child.

Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River welcomed a baby boy at 4:56 a.m. Baby Thomas Ethan Soares was born to Michelle and Randy Soares of Tiverton, R.I. Thomas weighed 8 pounds, 0 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. This is the couple's second child.

No babies were born today at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

The Southcoast Hospitals New Year's babies will receive gift baskets and a saving bond donated by the St. Luke's & Charlton Auxiliaries and the Tobey Hospital Guild.

December 31 | Severe Weather Cancellations

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:15:22 -0500
To see the most up-to-date weather cancellations at Southcoast Hospitals, please visit our Website:

http://www.southcoast.org/news/cancellations/index.html

December 29 | 'Give a pint, Get a pound' at all Southcoast Blood Bank locations: Receive a free pound of coffee when you donate blood in January

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:27:32 -0500

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — This January donate a pint of blood and receive a free pound of coffee at any Southcoast sponsored blood drive.

"Back by popular demand, Southcoast is teaming up with Dunkin' Donuts® for its annual New Year's incentive 'Give a Pint ~ Get a Pound,'" said Nancy Chadbourne, Team Leader for the Southcoast Blood Bank. "Our donors look forward to our annual partnership with Dunkin' Donuts. It is a great way to thank them and remind everyone how important it is to support your community blood supply throughout the entire month of January."

Southcoast hospitals is the only local blood collection site that benefits the residents of the South Coast region directly. "When you donate blood at a Southcoast sponsored event you can be assured that the blood will be used right here in our community to save the lives of your relatives, friends and neighbors," Chadbourne said.

In January, anyone who donates blood at the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital or at any Southcoast Blood Bank site or blood drive will receive a certificate for a pound of Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Coupons are redeemable at participating Dunkin' Donuts while supplies last.

The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or call 508-961-5320 to make an appointment.

The Southcoast Health Van hosts blood drives throughout the region. The schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van or by calling 508-679-7131.

December 19 | Severe Weather Cancellations

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:05:52 -0500
To see the most up-to-date weather cancellations at Southcoast Hospitals, please visit our Website:

http://www.southcoast.org/news/cancellations/index.html

December 9 | Southcoast Ambulatory Clinic transitions patients to the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center: Staff at both locations will work with patients for an easy transition

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:43:08 -0500

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group will be transitioning patients from the Southcoast Ambulatory Care Clinic located at Dartmouth Place, 49 State Road, Pequot Building, Suite 102 in North Dartmouth to the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center as of December 31, 2008.

The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center (GNBCHC), with locations at 874 Purchase Street and 26 Caroline Street in New Bedford, is accepting all of the Clinic's patients. Staff at the Clinic are now working with patients to transfer their records to the GNBCHC or another provider of the patient's choice. Patients can choose which location they prefer to receive their care, Purchase Street or Caroline Street.

"The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center will provide our patients with the same quality care and convenience they have always received through Southcoast with the added benefit of having additional services in the same location," said Frances Fuller, RN, Director of Oncology and Specialty Services at Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Peter C. Georgeopoulos, CEO of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, said that patients should expect a smooth transition between services. "The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center warmly welcomes the transition of ambulatory care patients. It is completely compatible with the mission and goals of the Health Center to provide quality primary care access to all the citizens of New Bedford with emphasis on the medically underserved."

The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center offers a wide variety of health care services and community programs. In addition to providing primary health care services, patients have access to on-site lab and radiology services including digital mammography through Southcoast Hospitals, maternal child health, the Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program, dental health and more.

The Southcoast Ambulatory Clinic will continue to see patients through December 31, 2008. Patients who wish to schedule an appointment after the first of the year should contact the GNBCHC directly at 508-992-6553.

Moving notice for two additional Southcoast services:

The Southcoast Diabetes Management program and the Children's Development Center also located at the Southcoast Ambulatory Clinic location, Dartmouth Place, 49 State Road, will be moving to a new location. Both services will now be offered at: Parkwood Medical Office Building, 4543 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford.

All Southcoast patients have been sent notification and instructions by mail. In addition, patients with questions can call 508-994-4415.

December 4 | Southcoast Hospitals honored with New Bedford Chamber's 2008 Education Leadership Award

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:05:15 -0500
This news release was issued by the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. Please contact Roy Nascimento, President & CEO, at 508-999-5231.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group was recognized with the 2008 SouthCoast Education Leadership Award by the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce during the Chamber's 122nd Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon on December 4, 2008.

This award recognizes one business or organization each year that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving education opportunities for students in the South Coast region. The recipient of the award is selected by a committee from the Chamber's Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership.

Southcoast Hospitals was selected for the prestigious award for its long history of investing in the community through educational partnerships that help secure the future of the region's youth.

These partnerships range from sponsoring an essay contest for eighth graders on "What a Nurse Means to Me" to judging science fairs to conducting a School-to-Career program which allows high school students to explore careers in health care through internships, job shadowing, hospital tours, career fairs, presentations to parents and programs for guidance counselors.

In 2008, 34 student interns from the Greater New Bedford Connecting Activities Partnership have had the opportunity to experience health care first-hand including the opportunity to observe a variety of surgeries ranging from knee replacements to c-sections. These internship opportunities provide high school students from New Bedford, Fairhaven, Fall River, Dartmouth, and Wareham with exposure to a wide range of medical disciplines. Students gain knowledge for their academic activity and have a distinct advantage when applying to college nursing and medical programs.

Southcoast Hospitals also partners with numerous colleges, high schools and specialized training schools and programs to provide students who are training for careers in health care with clinical and practical experience. Some of those health careers include nursing, medical assistant, respiratory care, radiology and cardiac ultrasound. More than 1,000 students pass through Southcoast doors each year to gain the practical experience they need to become health care workers.

Southcoast also provides a variety of educational opportunities for its own employees to further their careers through onsite professional development, a generous tuition reimbursement program and special programs for employees training for hard-to-fill jobs.

The award was accepted by Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group, and Elaine Wilcox, Training Specialist for Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Southcoast Hospitals Group is a subsidiary of Southcoast Health System, a not-for-profit community based health delivery system that includes the three hospitals — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham. Southcoast serves more than 30 communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and East Bay, R.I.

The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business association based in the City of New Bedford, MA. Chartered in 1885, the Chamber serves nearly 1,000 member businesses of all sizes from virtually all industries in the ten communities of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport. The Chamber supports and promotes the local business community through leadership in public advocacy, education, networking, information, and community development.

November 25 | Southcoast surgeons offer new treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease: Vascular surgeons Roger Rosen, MD, and Stephen Keith, MD, call the new device a "significant breakthrough for treating PAD"

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:09:17 -0500
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Roger Rosen, MD, and Stephen Keith, MD, vascular surgeons at St. Luke's Hospital, the New Bedford site of Southcoast Hospitals Group, are using new technology to fight peripheral artery disease, or PAD. The Diamondback 360™ Orbital Atherectomy System, is a minimally invasive treatment for the removal of severe blockages in the legs and feet caused by atherosclerosis, also called hardening of the arteries.

The Diamondback 360 is considered one of the most effective and least invasive treatments for severe blockages caused by PAD, Dr. Rosen said. "This is a significant breakthrough for treating peripheral artery disease," he said.

Drs. Rosen and Keith, part of New Bedford Vascular Surgical Associates, said that more than half the patients they see in their New Bedford practice are diagnosed with peripheral artery disease annually.

"There are a combination of therapies offered in the treatment of PAD, including medication therapy, balloon angioplasty, stents and a bypass technique," Dr. Rosen said. "In the past, patients with severe blockages in the feet and legs did not have an alternative to open surgery. This new minimally invasive technique offers patients a therapy that is minimally invasive with a shorter recovery time that may help patients avoid a larger procedure in the future."

The Diamondback 360™ Orbital Atherectomy System is a minimally invasive treatment for the removal of severe blockages in the legs and feet caused by atherosclerosis, also called hardening of the arteries.

Click here to see a video about how it works.

How it works

A tiny device is inserted into the artery to "sand away" at the blockage that, in the past, would have to be surgically removed or bypassed. Using an orbital motion, the device cleans out the plaque and restores blood flow to the limbs immediately. The remaining particles are finer than a red blood cell and travel away with normal blood flow. This new therapy for PAD can take the place of more invasive surgical options and is currently only used in severe cases that cannot be treated with medication therapy or lifestyle changes.

Peripheral Artery Disease

The most common type of peripheral vascular disease is PAD, or peripheral artery disease. Characterized by the hardening of the arteries outside the heart and brain, PAD is caused by a build-up of plaque on the artery walls significantly reducing blood flow in the legs, feet, arms, intestines or kidneys. Some risk factors for PAD cannot be controlled, such as age and a personal family history of the disease. People who have diabetes, smoke and/or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at a greater risk.

Symptoms of PAD include cramping or weakness in your leg with activity, reddening of the feet and in severe cases gangrene. There are different stages of PAD and, according to Dr. Keith, the treatments will vary based on the severity of the disease.

"Our New Bedford practice diagnosis nearly 1,000 patients a year with PAD," Dr. Keith said. "Thirty percent of these patients will require minimally invasive treatment or surgery. The Diamondback 360 device allows us to offer a select group of patients another therapy for treating PAD before a more serious condition arises."

November 20 | Southcoast to open satellite oncology location in Fall River

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:07:35 -0500
FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group today announced plans to open a satellite oncology location at it Charlton Memorial Hospital site in Fall River. The satellite location at Charlton, which will include both radiation therapy and medical oncology, will address the region's high cancer rate and need for comprehensive cancer services. It will operate as an extension of Southcoast's new cancer center in Fairhaven that was announced earlier this year.

"Southcoast's patients have come to depend on us to provide all of their care by increasing access to services, upgrading our facilities and offering the latest technology," said John B. Day, President & CEO of Southcoast Health System. "It is Southcoast's responsibility to continually meet the growing and diverse needs of those who depend upon us. As a regional provider of health care services, it is important that Southcoast further address the growing need for state-of-the-art cancer services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts."

Charlton's oncology program will be operational before the Fairhaven site is completed due to the longer construction schedule for Fairhaven. Radiation therapy services in Fall River will be added at the Charlton campus and the existing medical oncology services currently centered at Charlton's Jarabek Center will be expanded and upgraded.

"Southcoast has a history of providing medical oncology services from its Dartmouth and Fall River locations and is excited about enhancing its services at the Charlton site by upgrading the facilities and adding radiation therapy," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "These services will complement Southcoast's well-established oncology services, including inpatient and surgical services, and provide a continuum of care that is essential for our patients and their families."

The oncology satellite will be located in the Mitchell Therapy Building on Charlton's main campus. The entrance is accessible off Prospect Street in the back of the hospital and will have designated parking with valet parking available. Rehabilitation Services currently provided out of this location will move to another location.

The difference between the Fall River and Fairhaven sites, Hovan said, is primarily the scale and scope of services offered at the two sites.

"To effectively coordinate the treatment of complex cancers and blood disorders it is important for our specialist to be centered in one location where a collaborative approach to patient care and a multi-disciplinary team can work together on the best course of treatment," Hovan said. "The satellite location therefore has full access to specialists and a seamless link to all Southcoast facilities at the main center, but is more conveniently located for patients of the greater Fall River region."

Addressing the need

Southcoast announced plans to construct a new comprehensive cancer center in Fairhaven off routes I-195 and 240 in April 2008. The new center will ensure coordinated, high-quality, streamlined care for cancer patients and their families. The addition of state-of-the-art radiation therapy easily accessible for patients from the greater New Bedford and greater Wareham regions will improve cancer care for our region and help address the region's substantial unmet need for radiation therapy units in the region.

The decision to open the new satellite center in Fall River was due to the fact that the South Coast region has a significantly higher cancer incidence rate (582 new cancer cases annually per 100,000 people) as compared to the state average (515 new cases). This results in 380 more new cancer cases per year in the South Coast region than the Massachusetts average.

Additional projections performed by Thomson Healthcare shows that 1,270 new cancer cases will be diagnosed per year in Fall River by 2012, and a projection of 3,514 new cancer cases per year will be diagnosed throughout the entire South Coast region. The National Cancer Institute finds that about half of all people with cancer will receive radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with other types of cancer treatment.

"Southcoast already diagnoses the highest amount of cancer cases in the region and it is our obligation to meet community need and respond to this disease with the full spectrum of services while providing the continuity of care that patients expect," Hovan said. "We have to take steps now. There is a growing need for advanced cancer treatment in Southeastern Massachusetts while at the same time current access to comprehensive cancer care is insufficient."

To meet the projected demand for radiation therapy services for this cancer patient volume, using the Massachusetts Department of Public Health methodology, the region is projected to need six radiation therapy units by 2011. It is Southcoast's goal to help meet this demand by operating two of the units — one in Fairhaven and one at the satellite location in Fall River. The additional four units will be operated by non-Southcoast-affiliated groups.

A well-coordinated patient experience and increased patient safety

Currently Southcoast physicians must send their patients outside of Southcoast Hospitals Group for radiation therapy services, interrupting their continuity of care.

"The inpatients at Charlton Memorial will greatly benefit from the expansion of oncology services, primarily radiation therapy patients who will no longer need to be transferred by ambulance to another facility for this service," said Herbert Hansen, MD, an oncologist at Southcoast Hospitals Group. "There is a growing need everywhere for more specialized radiation therapy. As cancer diagnosis and treatments become more sophisticated, the treatment also becomes more complicated. Patients diagnosed with cancer need to have a consistent team of professionals identifying and providing all aspects of their care within a comprehensive system."

When a patient receives oncology services through Southcoast, the patient's records, lab tests and scans are easily shared between providers offering the patients a well-coordinated patient experience and increased patient safety. When a patient leaves the system because the necessary treatment is not being offered at a Southcoast facility, records cannot be readily accessed and diagnostic tests may need to be duplicated by the new provider further adding to the increase in overall health care costs.

"Since our three hospitals function as an integrated delivery system the commitment to providing quality care to all of our patients throughout the region is essential," said Warren Wood, MD, President of Southcoast Physician Services, and a long-standing Internal Medicine physician who practices in Fall River. "The expansion of oncology services from Fall River to Wareham offers patients the full continuum of cancer care and, most importantly, meets a substantial unmet community need."

For more information on Southcoast's Fairhaven comprehensive cancer site: http://www.southcoast.org/news/releases/2008/040408.html.

November 20 | Southcoast Hospice presents ‘A Season to Remember Tree:' Contributions will allow Southcoast Hospice and Palliative Care to continue to meet the needs of bereaved families in the Greater New Bedford and Wareham regions

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:32:29 -0500
FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Hospice and Palliative Care Volunteer Program is presenting "A Season to Remember" tree that will be decorated with Gift of Memory ornaments and located in the lobby of St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford this holiday season.

A Season to Remember tree will be adorned with small gift box shaped ornaments wrapped in red ribbon with a bow. Inscribed on the gift tag is the name of the person being remembered or honored. All contributions will allow Southcoast Hospice and Palliative Care to continue to meet the needs of bereaved families in the Greater New Bedford and Wareham regions.

Gift of Memory ornaments are $5 each and can be purchased in the hospital lobby beginning December 1 through December 24 from noon to 8:30 p.m. or by calling 508-984-0277. Payments can also be mailed to: Jo-Ann Richard, Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Road, Suite 120, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Please remember to include the name of the person you are honoring, your name, address and phone.

November 14 | Southcoast Hospice to hold Annual Interfaith Memorial Service

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:34:50 -0500
FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Home Infusion Services will be holding its Annual Inter-faith Memorial Service on Thursday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 764 Hathaway Road in New Bedford.

Southcoast's Annual Inter-faith Memorial Service celebrates the lives of those who have passed and provides comfort for all who are grieving a loved one this holiday season. An informal social gathering for family, friends, hospice and palliative care staff and volunteers will follow in the church hall.
Southcoast offers bereavement support groups for adults, adolescents and children all year long. For more information, call Southcoast Hospice at 508-984-0202.

Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services, located at 200 Mill Road in Fairhaven, is a department of Southcoast Hospitals Group. Southcoast Home Care provides comprehensive, preventive and rehabilitative home health care to residents of the Greater New Bedford and Wareham areas and is a preferred HomMed Home Health Care Agency of Choice.

November 14 | Southcoast Hospitals receives national blood bank accreditation

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:03:33 -0500
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The three hospitals that make up Southcoast Hospitals Group have been granted accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). Accreditation follows an intensive onsite assessment by specially trained AABB assessors and establishes that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by the AABB.

"The AABB accreditation is significant because it reflects the high level of professional proficiency achieved by our blood bank and transfusion staff every day," said Nancy Chadbourne, Team Leader, Southcoast Blood Bank.

The AABB accreditation program is voluntary and assists blood banks and transfusion services in determining whether methods, procedures, personnel knowledge, equipment and the physical plant exceed requirements. The AABB's accreditation covers services provided at the three hospital sites. John K. Laverty, MD, is the Medical Director of the St. Luke's and Tobey blood banks, and Thomas Kiefer, MD, is the Medical Director of the Charlton blood bank.

Southcoast Hospitals Group has laboratories at all three hospital sites, but the only sites that collect blood donations for the community are located at the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and on the Southcoast Health Van. For more information visit http://www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/.

AABB is an international non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing the field of transfusion medicine and related biological therapies. To learn more go to www.aabb.org.

November 12 | St. Luke's Hospital unveils historical paintings in main lobby

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:02:41 -0500
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — St. Luke's Hospital today unveiled three historical oil paintings on loan from The New Bedford Free Public Library. The oil paintings are hanging in the hospital's main lobby. This is the first time the library has made a long-term loan to a non-governmental agency and a health care facility.

"We are grateful to the New Bedford Free Public Library and its trustees for sharing these esteemed paintings with our patients and staff. Like our hospitals, we recognize that our region's culture and history are a vital part of the community and this momentous occasion is an extension of our shared mission," said John B. Day, President & CEO of Southcoast Health System.

"We hope that these particular works of art, which reflect the culture, atmosphere and environment that make New Bedford so treasured, will give our patients and their families' great comfort."

The New Bedford Free Public Library's Director, Stephen Fulchino, said that because the St. Luke's "Art of Healing" initiative offers a tangible demonstration of the emotional power art can have, it seemed a natural fit for the library.

"The art collection of the New Bedford Free Public Library is the public art collection of the City of New Bedford. I cannot think of a better place to display some of its pieces than St. Luke's Hospital," Fulchino said.

The New Bedford Free Public Library's art collection encompasses pieces from the 18th to the 21st centuries. Soon after its founding in the 1850s, the library began to collect paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings through donations from prominent citizens, making it the city's first "museum."

The three paintings on loan to the hospital are reflective of European influence on the region and New Bedford's rich maritime lineage. Included are replicas of English painter J.M.W. Turner's famous St. Benedetto looking towards Fusina, painted by Louisa Ricketson, the granddaughter of New Bedford's first historian, Daniel Ricketson, and The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine, a 19th century painting by an unknown artist and donated to the library by Florence Waite. Whaleship and Whale, an original by oil painting by New Bedford's own Humbero da Silva Fernandes. Fernandes was a Portuguese-American who came to New Bedford from the Azores in 1956.

"Displayed in a hospital setting, art transforms often sterile surroundings into a familiar, more comforting place that improves recuperation and inspires staff morale," said Barbara H. Mulville, CFRE, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Southcoast Health System, who spearheaded the "Art of Healing" project during the $33 million construction of the new St. Luke's in 2006. "Art, similar to Southcoast Hospitals, contributes to the well being of all who live in our region."

More information about the "Art of Healing" project can be found at www.southcoast.org/stlukes/art/.

October 21 | Southcoast Hospitals' opens new mobile PET/CT: New mobile scanner is available five days a week, addressing long waits for services

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:47:55 -0400
DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group has opened its new mobile PET/CT body scanner located at Southcoast's Center for Women's Health at Faunce Corner Road in Dartmouth. The new state-of-the-art unit is the only PET/CT available in the South Coast region five days a week and will address scheduling delays in the area.

The PET/CT unit will initially be stationed in Dartmouth and will begin scheduling services at Truesdale Clinic in Fall River in spring 2009 and at Tobey Hospital in Wareham in summer 2009. When the additional sites are operational, the new scanner will be able to serve the entire region more comprehensively. In addition, Southcoast's PET/CT provides patients with a seamless link to Southcoast physicians, hospitals and services, saving patients time and ensuring quality of care without the hassle.

Serving the South Coast region

The decision to invest in a mobile scanner instead of a fixed unit was made with the entire region's best interests in mind.

"With a mobile service, we can offer this technology in all three areas served by Southcoast, making it more convenient for patients," said Debra A. Desmarais, CRA, RT, Director of Radiology Imaging Services. A specially trained driver moves the van at night so it doesn't interrupt the scanning schedule. Highly trained staff travels to the Southcoast location where the mobile unit will be in operation.

PET/CT images are stored centrally on Southcoast's electronic picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) — along with all other X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound images — so radiologists across the system can pull up the images regardless of where they practice, Desmarais said.

While Southcoast's PET/CT scanner initially will be used for oncology applications, the technology can also be used in cardiology and neurology. In these cases, it can help determine appropriate heart disease treatment and provide accurate information about the brain for such conditions as Alzheimer's disease and epileptic seizures.

"It's one of the most revolutionary developments in medicine in the 21st century," said Jonathan Bojarski, MD, Radiologist at St. Luke's Hospital, referring to positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT), imaging modalities in which he has had extensive training. "And it has revolutionized the way doctors deal with cancer."

Separately each imaging test has particular benefits and limitations, but when the results of PET and CT scans are merged the combined image provides complete information on cancer location and metabolism. The scans are done simultaneously in one unit eliminating the need for multiple tests at multiple locations.

"As a result, we can detect the presence of a tumor far earlier than with CT alone," Dr. Bojarski said. "This has tremendous implications for managing and treating cancer, including differentiating malignant from benign lesions, staging malignant disease, detecting recurrent or metastatic disease and image-guided therapy planning," he said.

PET is also useful in treatment monitoring, having been shown to be effective in the evaluation of various tumors including breast, lung and colorectal cancer, lymphoma and melanoma. It is also useful in patient follow-up after chemotherapy or surgery, when postoperative changes or scar tissue can complicate CT or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

"We will expand our use of PET/CT to these patient populations as we move forward," said Mark Kershaw, CRA, RT, Manager of Nuclear Medicine & PET/CT.

"Southcoast really is on the cutting edge with this technology," said Rose Wach, CRA, RT, Manager of CT, MR and Interventional Services. "As the first site in this region to have a PET/CT scanner open every weekday, we not only surpass most community hospitals in the state but also in the entire country."

October 14 | Southcoast ranks among the top 10% in U.S. for heart care: Findings are based on HealthGrades' 11th annual Hospital Quality in America Study

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:08:13 -0400

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group today announced that it has received the 2009 clinical excellence awards for cardiac care and coronary intervention from HealthGrades®, the nation's leading independent health care ratings company. These awards place Southcoast Hospitals' clinical outcomes in the top 10 percent nationally for overall cardiac services.

"Patients of the South Coast region and beyond can be confident that they are receiving top-tier cardiac services at one of the top heart hospitals in the U.S.," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "The achievements reflected in the HealthGrades data are yet another example of Southcoast's ability to exceed the highest standards by staying squarely focused on quality, safety, efficiency and the best possible patient outcomes."

"Our patients need to know that we take safety and quality seriously and they can expect nothing but the best care when they come through our doors," Hovan said.

Additional 2009 HealthGrades clinical achievements for Southcoast Hospitals include:

Ranked Among the Top 10 percent in the U.S. for Cardiology Services.

Ranked Among the Top 5 hospitals in Massachusetts for Overall Cardiac Services.

Ranked Among the Top 10 hospitals in Massachusetts for Cardiac Surgery.

Ranked Among the Top 5 hospitals in Massachusetts for Cardiology Services.

Ranked Among the Top 5 hospitals in Massachusetts for Coronary Interventional Procedures.

Five-Star Rated for Cardiology Services.

Five-Star Rated for Coronary Interventional Procedures.

Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Attack.

Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure.

These findings were included in the 11th annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study that analyzed more than 41 million Medicare hospitalization records from 2005 to 2007 at the nation's approximately 5,000 non-federal hospitals. According to the study, if all hospitals performed at the level of five-star rated hospitals, 237,420 Medicare deaths could potentially have been prevented over the three years studied (2005 to 2007). More than half of those preventable deaths were associated with four conditions: sepsis, pneumonia, heart failure and respiratory failure. http://www.healthgrades.com/press-releases/

The study also claims that while overall death rates declined from 2005 to 2007, the nation's best-performing hospitals were able to reduce preventable deaths at a much faster rate than poor-performing hospitals, resulting in large state, regional and hospital-to-hospital variations in the quality of patient care, the study found.

"We are very proud of our team of highly skilled physicians, nurses and technologists who continue to offer innovative and advanced cardiac services at all of the Southcoast hospital sites," said Eugene J. McMahon, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"Southcoast currently performs more cardiac catheterizations than any community hospital system in Massachusetts, with approximately 60 percent of patients being referred for advanced treatment such as coronary artery bypass or angioplasty," Dr. McMahon said. "This guarantees that patients receive the highest quality care through the area's most experienced and knowledgeable physicians and team of health care professionals."

Local cardiac services

Heart disease is the No. 1 health problem locally and strikes South Coast residents more frequently than anywhere else in Massachusetts. Southcoast Hospitals Group, which includes Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham, ranks second in the entire state for the greatest number of cardiac medical discharges. Thirty-nine percent more people have heart attacks in the South Coast — and about two in five residents die from heart disease.

"Southcoast Hospitals has made improved cardiac care and access to the most advanced technology a top priority by investing millions to bring lifesaving cardiac services to our region," said Marcia Liggin, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Since 2002, Southcoast has become a leader in cardiac surgery and elective coronary angioplasty, and launched a cardiac electrophysiology program that further broadens local access to advanced interventional and diagnostic heart services in the region. In fiscal year 2007, more than 14 percent of Southcoast's inpatient volume was attributed to heart-related diagnoses and nearly 21,500 outpatients received care related to the same.

"Southcoast has long played a key role in keeping the people of our region healthy," Liggin said. "Because our services are provided right here in our community, programs and health care initiatives focus on health issues that are important to the residents of the South Coast region."

HealthGrades 2009 Quality Ratings

The HealthGrades 2009 quality ratings for virtually every hospital in the country are available, starting today, at www.healthgrades.com. On its Website, HealthGrades offers, free to consumers, quality ratings of 27 procedures and treatments for virtually every hospital in the country. HealthGrades' Website is designed so that consumers can easily compare patient outcomes at their local hospitals for procedures ranging from aortic aneurysm repair to bypass surgery. Each hospital receives a star rating based on its patient outcomes in terms of mortality or complication rates for each procedure or treatment. Hospitals with outcomes that are above average to a statistically significant degree receive a five-star rating. Hospitals with average outcomes receive a three-star rating. Hospitals with outcomes that are below average receive a one-star rating.

Because no two hospitals or their patients' risk profiles are alike, HealthGrades employs extensive risk-adjustment algorithms to ensure that it is making analogous comparisons.

October 6 | Schedule your mammogram and enjoy a complimentary breakfast

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:41:01 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals will be offering a complimentary breakfast at seven of its mammography locations on Monday, October 20, between 6 and 9 a.m.

Bagels, muffins, cider, fresh fruit, coffee and tea, along with a seasonal mum plant, will be offered to each patient who schedules an appointment. Mammograms can be scheduled by calling 1-800-276-0103. A physician referral is required to schedule a mammogram.

Participating Southcoast mammography locations:

Fall River

Borden Medical Building, 300 Hanover Street, Fall River

Charlton Memorial Hospital, 363 Highland Avenue, Fall River

New Boston Road, 373 New Boston Road, Fall River

Truesdale Clinic, 1030 President Avenue, Fall River

Obstetrical Associates, 1565 North Main Street, Fall River

Dartmouth

Southcoast Center for Women's Health, 300B Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth

Wareham

Tobey Hospital, 43 High Street, Wareham

October 2 | Southcoast names new Vice President of Patient Services at Charlton

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:02:57 -0400

Carol A. Conley, MS, RN

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group has named Carol A. Conley, MS, RN, as Vice President of Patient Care Services at its Charlton Memorial Hospital site in Fall River.

Conley joins Southcoast from Caritas Norwood Hospital where she served as Vice President for Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer for three years. Throughout her career, she has served in prominent nursing leadership roles including Assistant Vice President at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston, Director of Parent & Child Services at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, and Director of Women & Newborn Health at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston.

Marcia Liggin, RN, MBA, CNAA, BC, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group, said that a combination of Conley's "wide-ranging experience and wonderful leadership" fit perfectly with Southcoast's cultural elements of quality and caring.

"In her new role, she will succeed me in being responsible for the clinical and administrative leadership of the Patient Services Division at Charlton," Liggin said. "As I continue in my role as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, I will focus on the standardization of patient care across Southcoast and enhancement of our wonderful history of providing quality care for our patients."

Conley earned a Masters of Science in Management from Emmanuel College in Boston. She received a Bachelor of Science and Associates Degree in Nursing from the State University of New York in Albany, N.Y. She is a graduate of the Licensed Nursing Practitioner Program at Pondville Hospital in Walpole.

September 25 | Southcoast Hospitals offers free prostate screenings on October 22

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:38:04 -0400
DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals is offering a free prostate cancer awareness program and screenings on Wednesday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Southcoast Oncology Center, 480 Hawthorne St. in Dartmouth. Appointments required by calling 508-979-5858 Ext. 4001.

Who should attend?

According to the National Cancer Institute, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in the United States. The best defense against prostate cancer is early detection and annual screenings.
Men over the age of 40, and particularly men of African-American descent and men with a family history of prostate cancer, are urged to take advantage of these free screenings.

Physicians and health professionals who have extensive experience in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer will staff Southcoast's free screenings. The prostate cancer screening tests consist of two parts, the prostate specific antigen test (PSA) and a digital rectal exam, both of which take less than five minutes to conduct.

"Early prostate cancer usually does not have any symptoms and can go undetected without regular testing. By receiving simple blood screenings and exams, prostate cancer can be detected five or more years earlier than it would have been detected otherwise," said Frances Fuller, RN, MS, Director of Oncology & Specialty Services for Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Early detection is the key to successful treatment."

September 25 | Understanding & preventing stroke: Southcoast presents three stroke awareness programs across the region

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:37:20 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals presents three stroke awareness programs during October. The programs are presented by physician stroke directors from each of the Southcoast hospitals and are aimed at educating the community on the risk, prevention and symptoms of stroke.

"Act FAST: Save a Life — Understanding & Preventing Stroke" is free to the public. The stroke seminars presented by area physicians will explain the risk factors of stroke and how it can be prevented, identify how to recognize the signs and symptoms and explain how to minimize the effects of stroke by acting FAST. Stroke survivors will also be on hand to share their experience and recoveries.

Free total cholesterol, vascular, blood sugar and blood pressure screenings will be available. All programs are free and include light refreshments, educational information, giveaways and free raffles.

WESTPORT
Tuesday, October 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at White's of Westport, 66 State Road in Westport. Featuring Farrel Douglas, MD, Stroke Director at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

WAREHAM
Wednesday, October 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Bay Pointe Country Club, 19 Bay Pointe Drive in Onset. Featuring Nancy Edwards, MD, Stroke Director at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

ACUSHNET
Tuesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at The Century House, 107 South Main Street in Acushnet. Featuring John Stamouilis, MD, Stroke Director at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

To register for any of these programs, call 1-800-497-1727 or register at the door. Presented by Southcoast Hospitals Group and sponsored by Boehringer-Iingelheim, Genentech, MedAesthetic Day Spa, Pfizer, PDL Biopharmer and Stop & Shop.

Southcoast Hospitals Group Primary Stroke Services

The three Southcoast hospitals, Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham, are designation by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) as a provider of Primary Stroke Services. The state's designation assures that the Southcoast Hospitals' emergency diagnostic and therapeutic services are provided by a multidisciplinary team and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to patients presenting with symptoms of acute stroke. The greatest limitation to current stroke therapy is the time delay before patients seek treatment. If you have symptoms of stroke, seek care immediately and call 911.

For more information about stroke care and prevention visit www.southcoast.org/stroke/.

September 17 | "Breathe Better" at Southcoast: Southcoast to reduce smoking on campus and take lead on creating healthy environment

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:40:46 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group today announced a new healthy initiative that limits smoking at the three hospital sites and raises public awareness of the health risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke.

The campaign, called "Breathe Better," launches October 1 and is part of an ongoing effort to reduce smoking on hospital property and to educate employees and the public about the health benefits of quitting or reducing smoking.

"It is very important that Southcoast take a leadership role by demonstrating our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, patients and visitors," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Over the past six months, the issue of smoking has been discussed across Southcoast through focus groups, open forums, staff and leadership meetings.

"The issue is clear: As the region's health care leader, the largest employer and a strong community member, Southcoast needs to create a healthier environment by limiting smoking on our sites and promoting wellness," Hovan said.

Southcoast's new healthy initiative, "Breathe Better," creates Smoke-Free Zones across all Southcoast facilities as of October 1. Smoking will be limited to designated locations at each of the hospitals — two each at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River and St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and one at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

"Most importantly, we will have a healthier, safer environment for everyone who works at Southcoast and everyone who visits," said Hovan, noting Southcoast intends to go totally Smoke-Free within the next two years.

Taking a Leading Role

As the region's leading provider of health care services, Southcoast has taken these steps because "we have a responsibility to create and promote a healthy environment at all Southcoast Hospitals locations," Hovan said.

A number of specific reasons led Southcoast to embark on this initiative at this time.

Smoking is universally recognized as a bad health habit that leads to negative health consequences and that is counter to Southcoast's mission "to care for the health of our communities."

Exposure to smoke is bad for the health of non-smokers.

Smoking is a fire hazard that has resulted in three fires on Southcoast hospital grounds.

Discarded cigarettes are the main cause of litter at Southcoast.

Hospitals across the country are going 100 percent smoke free.

Mayors in both New Bedford and Fall River applauded Southcoast for its initiative to reduce smoking on its campuses and to educate the public about the health dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke.

"'Breathe Better' will not only result in a safer environment for all of Southcoast's patients and employees, it will send a strong, clear message to the greater New Bedford community that the risks and dangers associated with smoking and secondhand smoke are real," said New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang. "We also hope this will encourage our community members to take the lead from Southcoast and choose a healthier lifestyle."

New Bedford City Hall has been smoke free for more than 12 years with external designated smoking areas. Mayor Lang plans to have the smoking cessation resources and programs as well as the educational materials provided by Southcoast available to all city employees.

Southcoast Hospitals has partnered with the City of Fall River on its Healthy City Fall River initiative since the programs inception in 2003.

Fall River Mayor Robert Correia said Southcoast's "Breathe Better" campaign "goes hand-in-hand with the City of Fall River's efforts to improve the health and quality of life of those who live or work in the city. One of my first actions as mayor was to strongly discourage smoking on municipal grounds and to support the continuing efforts of the smoking cessation programs through Fall River Board of Health's SouthCoast Tobacco Control Program."

"Southcoast Hospitals is leading by example," Mayor Correia said. "It is my hope that private companies follow their lead and create smoke-free campuses. We need to continue to push smokers to stop smoking not only for their benefit as well as for the benefits of all their relatives and co-workers. Our actions as adults also say to the young people in our lives that smoking is not a good choice for anyone to make."

Smoke-Free Zones

The "Breathe Better" campaign has a unique, fresh and colorful look. The signs picturing grass, flowers and blue skies will be posted throughout the hospital grounds as a reminder of the Smoke-Free Zones surrounding the hospital.

"Southcoast's 'Breathe Better' campaign promotes a healthier lifestyle," said Jim Rattray, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs for Southcoast Health System. "It was designed to compliment our landscaping, bright new facilities and healing gardens. The banners and signs hanging around the hospital are meant to reinforce the smoke-free message and provide a supportive and encouraging environment for those who wish to quit and for those who choose not to smoke."

Southcoast has also taken additional steps to help local residents quit smoking. Southcoast is offering its four-week smoking cessation class, called "Freshstart," in Fall River, New Bedford and Wareham. Classes meet for four consecutive weeks and cost just $15. A complete list of classes — along with other resources across the region and online — are available on Southcoast's website at www.southcoast.org/breathebetter/. To register for classes, call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 800-497-1727.

September 16 | Dorothy Cox offers a sweet incentive for Southcoast Blood Donors: During the month of October blood donors receive a half-pound of chocolate covered cranberries

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:40:07 -0400
FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital and Dorothy Cox Chocolates are teaming up this October on a sweet incentive. Anyone who donates blood at a Southcoast sponsored blood drive during the month will receive a free half-pound of Dorothy Cox chocolate covered cranberries.

"Dorothy Cox chocolates are a great and convenient way to kick-off the holiday season," said Nancy Chadbourne, Team Leader of the Southcoast Blood Bank. "We are very grateful for the Cox Family's ongoing support."

Anyone who donates blood at a Southcoast location during the month, will receive a certificate for a free half-pound of Dorothy Cox chocolate covered cranberries. You choose — milk, dark or yogurt covered. The certificate is redeemable at Dorothy Cox Chocolates, 115 Huttleston Ave. in Fairhaven.

"The Cox family is doing this promotion for the second year in a row because having a steady blood supply in the community is so important," said Dorothy Cox, owner of Dorothy Cox Chocolates in Fairhaven. "When you give at a Southcoast sponsored blood drive, the blood is used right here at your local hospital. Supporting the Southcoast Blood Bank is a great way for all of us to help our neighbors and give back to the community."

Where to donate

The Southcoast Blood Bank: The Southcoast Blood Bank is located at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, off the main lobby. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment call 508-961-5320. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/.

Community Blood Drives: Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Health Van and at local businesses. The schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van/ or by calling 508-961-5320.

September 12 | Southcoast's annual Women's Health Fair to be held on September 27

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:39:31 -0400
DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Southcoast's annual "Morning of Health for Women," will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Center for Women's Health, 300B Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth.

Free and open to the public, highlights of the free events include:

A lecture with Lars Boman, MD, of "Age Management Medicine," will speak on fibrocystic breast disease, iodine replacement and natural hormone therapy.

Screenings for endovascular treatment of varicose veins with Dr. Salman Bashir and Dr. Michael Merport.

Additional free screenings offered include posture screenings, bone density, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.

Demonstration of mastectomy forms and bras, massage therapy, acupuncture and reflexology

Representatives from the YWCA will share information on upcoming community programs.

Southcoast Health Van will offer free blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, bone density testing and health information.

Light refreshments will be served and there will be free raffles and giveaways.

To register, call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 1-800-497-1727. Walk-ins accepted day of the event.

August 27 | Free T-Shirt when you donate blood in September

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:03:11 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Southcoast Blood Bank will be giving away a free Southcoast Hospitals' "I'm a Donor" T-shirt during the month of September.

The T-shirt will be available throughout the month at all Southcoast blood donor locations, including the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and the Southcoast Health Van.

"To keep your local community blood supply strong, the Southcoast Blood Bank must collect more than 16,000 pints of blood a year," said Nancy Chadbourne, Team Leader of the Southcoast Blood Bank. "Currently through our local donor program, we collect 6,500 pints a year — less than a third of the blood we need to supply the three hospitals. The remainder of the blood is purchased from external sources and therefore dependent on the national blood supply."

In addition to emergency cases, blood is needed for people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia.

You have a choice! Donate local.

The Southcoast Blood Bank is the only local blood donor program that directly supports the communities of the South Coast region. When you donate at a Southcoast location, you could be saving a neighbor's life.

Where to donate

The Southcoast Blood Bank: The Southcoast Blood Bank is located at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, off the main lobby. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment call 508-961-5320. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/.

Community Blood Drives: Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Health Van and at local businesses. The schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van/ or by calling 508-961-5320.

August 26 | St. Luke's parking garage project enters second phase: Public safety announcement regarding large deliveries to and from the hospital over the next few months

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:04:28 -0400

Map of the delivery route of pre-cast panels for the new St. Luke's garage. Click to view larger image.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group is entering the next phase of construction on its three-story parking garage project at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

During the next few months, the hospital will be receiving numerous deliveries of pre-cast panels that will serve as the structure of the garage. The deliveries will begin on Monday, September 8, and take place for approximately six to nine weeks, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. The trucks will be transporting the materials from a storage facility in the South End of New Bedford by traveling down Rockdale Avenue to Allen Street to the construction site off Taber Street.

"St. Luke's will be exercising every caution to ensure public safety during this time including hiring special police officers to direct traffic flow. This is necessary due to the size of the panels and the number of trips necessary to bring the pieces to the site. We will also have special police officers at the corner of Allen Street and Rockdale Avenue in addition to having an officer ride with each shipment," said Arif Khan, Vice President of Support Services at Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"It is important that our community members and staff are safe at all times. Please be careful traveling to the hospital and crossing the streets surrounding the hospital during this time."

When completed in March 2009, the three-story, 31,000-square-foot parking garage will have spaces for 345 cars with an additional 34 surface parking places for a total of 379 new parking spaces.

For more information on St. Luke's Hospital or the parking garage project visit www.southcoast.org/stlukes/garage.html.

August 25 | Southcoast Hospice named Pediatric Palliative Care Provider: Southcoast is the exclusive provider of this essential service in Southeastern Mass.

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:25:24 -0400
FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care, part of Southcoast Hospitals Group, has joined The Pediatric Palliative Care Network, a division of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that serves the unmet physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of children in Massachusetts with life-limiting illnesses. As part of the designation, Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care was awarded a $50,000 state grant.

Southcoast Hospice joins a network of 10 providers in the state and is the only licensed provider of pediatric palliative care services in Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Pediatric Palliative Care Provider Network is designed to meet the medical needs of pediatric patients facing life-limiting illnesses while offering comfort and support to family members.

"Much like Southcoast's hospice care services, the Pediatric Palliative Care program supports families and caregivers by using a wide-range of services, including pain and symptom management, case management, social services and counseling," said Paula Shiner, Director of Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services. "However, palliative care differs in that a child does not have a specific time to live, actually many children with life-limiting illnesses live a long time."

Life-limiting illnesses are conditions where premature death is likely or expected. These include HIV, cystic fibrosis, progressive metabolic disorders, severe cerebral palsy, or severe brain malfunctions.

Services through the network are provided at no cost to children 18 years old or younger who qualify. To learn more about Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care's Pediatric Palliative Care services, call 508- 984-0200.

August 21 | Volunteers needed for Hospice Program: Southcoast Hospice Volunteers serve Greater New Bedford and Wareham region

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:18:53 -0400
FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care is looking for volunteers in the greater New Bedford and Wareham areas to provide emotional support to patients and their families.

"One thing all hospice volunteers have in common is a true desire to help," said Jo-Ann Richard, Volunteer Coordinator at Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services. "Some provide care and comfort to patients and their families while others prefer to assist with fundraising events, bereavement services, memorial planning, community networking, office tasks and other helpful duties."

The hospice volunteer must participate in a free 18-hour training session held at Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services located at 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven. The next training sessions are scheduled on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hospice volunteer training topics include patient care, family dynamics and spirituality. For more information, please contact Jo-Ann Richard at 508-984-0277.

August 11 | St. Luke's experiences flooding (updated)

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:27:35 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals today experienced extensive flooding at its St. Luke's site in New Bedford due to intense rainstorms in the region.

As of 6 p.m., St. Luke's is expected to be fully operational for all planned procedures and surgeries on Tuesday, August 12.

All elective surgery and outpatient procedures at the hospital have been canceled, the hospital is on ambulance diversion and the hospital has activated its Emergency Management plan. Maintenance crews are working to minimize the flooding and the impact on our patients.

We are working on a number of contingency plans should additional flooding occur at the hospital during the day.

The hospital will be providing updates as they are available on its website at www.southcoast.org.

August 11 | St. Luke's experiences flooding

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:42:17 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals today experienced extensive flooding at its St. Luke's site in New Bedford due to intense rainstorms in the region.

All elective surgery and outpatient procedures at the hospital have been canceled, the hospital is on ambulance diversion and the hospital has activated its Emergency Management plan. Maintenance crews are working to minimize the flooding and the impact on our patients.

We are working on a number of contingency plans should additional flooding occur at the hospital during the day.

The hospital will be providing updates as they are available on its website at www.southcoast.org.

August 7 | Tobey Hospital presents "Moby Tobey ~ A Whale of a Party:" September benefit to support purchase of digital X-ray machine for the Tobey ER

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:50:20 -0400
WAREHAM, Mass. — Tobey Hospital will be hosting the summer's premiere event on Friday, September 12, at One Water Street in Marion.

"Moby Tobey ~ A Whale of a Party" will benefit the purchase of a digital X-ray machine dedicated to the Tobey Hospital Emergency Department. The evening will feature an open bar, sushi and raw bar, food stations by area restaurants and the 20-piece, internationally acclaimed Compaq Big Band. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices and sponsorships are available by calling the Philanthropy Office at Tobey Hospital at 508-273-4362. RSVP by September 3 to ensure your information will be included in the program book.

Proceeds from "Moby Tobey" will benefit the purchase of a digital portable X-ray unit for the Tobey Emergency Department. This new technology will allow patients who are not able to be transported to Radiology to receive an X-ray at the bedside. The X-ray is then processed on a digitizer, which allows the images to be sent over the hospital network directly to the radiologist for interpretation. This improvement enables care and treatment to be initiated in a more timely manner, especially when minutes count.

August 7 | Tobey Hospital returns to normal operations

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:36:49 -0400
WAREHAM, Mass. — Tobey Hospital in Wareham has completed repairs on its main air conditioning unit and reinstated all services. The hospital's operating suites are fully operational and scheduled surgeries will resume Friday morning.

"Tobey has returned to normal operations with all services reinstated, including the operating suites and CT scanner," said Elaine Meredith, Vice President & Site Administrator. "We are very grateful to our dedicated staff who continued to provide quality care under these difficult circumstances."

On Saturday, August 2, the hospital's main air conditioning unit failed. The hospital has been running on its backup system without incident for the past several days.

"Patient safety and comfort has been our number one concern. We recognize that this has been an inconvenience to many of our patients and wish to extend our gratitude for their understanding and flexibility," Meredith said.

The cause of the unit failure will not be known until the manufacturer performs diagnostics at its main facility, Meredith said.

August 5 | Tobey suspends some services due to air conditioning failure (updated)

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:56:16 -0400
WAREHAM, Mass. — Tobey Hospital in Wareham has temporarily suspended some services due to the failure of the hospital's main air conditioning system. The hospital is currently running on its backup system, which has more limited capacity.

The hospital is currently rescheduling surgeries through Thursday, with the exception of some endoscopies and colonoscopies, with plans to evaluate as the week progresses. Emergency services and Tobey ExpressCare continue to be operational.

"Patient safety is our number one concern. We will continue to work with our physicians and staff to notify patients of any changes or further suspension of services as soon as the information becomes available," said Elaine Meredith, Vice President & Site Administrator at Tobey Hospital. "We are taking extensive measures to ensure that all patients are cared for safely while at the same time limiting any inconvenience for those patients who need to be rescheduled.

"Hospital equipment and areas such as surgical suites must operate at a certain temperature level and humidity rate to maintain efficiency and infection control standards. The hospital has put into effect its emergency management plan and is currently dedicating a team of professionals to ensure that all standards are being met and patients are receiving quality care," Meredith said.

The following is an overview of current services at Tobey Hospital:

Emergency Department: Emergency services continue to be operational.

Surgical services: All surgeries are being rescheduled or transferred to another location. Patients who were scheduled to have surgery at Tobey Hospital on Monday, August 4, through Thursday, August 7, are being contacted by Tobey Hospital staff or their physician's office.

Outpatient services, including maternity: Patients coming to the hospital for laboratory services, labor and delivery, outpatient cardiopulmonary rehab program, respiratory services such as EKG, holter monitoring and pulmonary function testing should proceed to the hospital as normal.

Diagnostic Imaging: Patients coming to the hospital for diagnostic imaging — including X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, mammography and nuclear medicine — should proceed to the hospital as normal.

CT scans: Patients scheduled for elective CT scans at Tobey Hospital will be rescheduled.

The hospital will be providing updates as they are available on its website at www.southcoast.org.

August 4 | Tobey suspends some services due to air conditioning failure

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:46:26 -0400
WAREHAM, Mass. — Tobey Hospital in Wareham has temporarily suspended some services due to the failure of the hospital's main air conditioning system. The hospital is currently running on its backup system, which has more limited capacity.

The hospital is currently rescheduling surgeries through Thursday, with the exception of some endoscopies and colonoscopies, with plans to evaluate as the week progresses. Emergency services and Tobey ExpressCare continue to be operational.

"Patient safety is our number one concern. We will continue to work with our physicians and staff to notify patients of any changes or further suspension of services as soon as the information becomes available," said Elaine Meredith, Vice President & Site Administrator at Tobey Hospital. "We are taking extensive measures to ensure that all patients are cared for safely while at the same time limiting any inconvenience for those patients who need to be rescheduled.

"Hospital equipment and areas such as surgical suites must operate at a certain temperature level and humidity rate to maintain efficiency and infection control standards. The hospital has put into effect its emergency management plan and is currently dedicating a team of professionals to ensure that all standards are being met and patients are receiving quality care," Meredith said.

The following is an overview of current services at Tobey Hospital:

Emergency Department: Emergency services continue to be operational.

Surgical services: All surgeries are being rescheduled or transferred to another location. Patients who were scheduled to have surgery at Tobey Hospital on Monday, August 4, through Thursday, August 7, are being contacted by Tobey Hospital staff or their physician's office.

Outpatient services, including maternity: Patients coming to the hospital for laboratory services, labor and delivery, respiratory services such as EKG, holter monitoring and pulmonary function testing should proceed to the hospital as normal.

Diagnostic Imaging: Patients coming to the hospital for diagnostic imaging — including X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, mammography and nuclear medicine — should proceed to the hospital as normal.

CT scans: Patients scheduled for elective CT scans at Tobey Hospital will be rescheduled.

The hospital will be providing updates as they are available on its website at www.southcoast.org.

July 28 | Southcoast names St. Luke's Director of Women & Children's Health

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:33:53 -0400

Lucille Force, RN

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Lucille Force, RN, of Attleboro, has been named Director of Women & Children's Health Care at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

Force joins St. Luke's from Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, R.I. where she served in the roles of Nurse Manager and Administrative Nursing Supervisor. While at Women & Infants she received two "CARE Awards," presented to employees who exemplify customer service excellence. The awards came in 2000 for decreasing wait times in the emergency department and in 2006 for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program.
In her new position at St. Luke's, she will oversee the hospital's maternity services, level II/special care nursery and pediatric units.

During her career, Force also worked at Arbour-Fuller Hospital in South Attleboro and Providence Veterans Medical Center in Providence, R.I. From 1988 to 1991 she served as Director of Public Welfare and Senior Services for the City of Pawtucket, R.I.

A graduate of Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I., she received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and her Maternal Child Health Certificate from Boston University.

In 1995, she was awarded a Master of Science in Health Administration from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., and holds a certification in Nursing Administration from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

She is the 1992 recipient of the Mary E. Finger Award, presented to students at Roger Williams University who show "strong academic performance as well as life and career experiences that reflect a concern for and sensitivity to the improvement of the human condition."

She is currently on the adjunct faculty staff at Bristol Community College, teaching second year nursing students' clinical psychiatric nursing.

July 17 | Southcoast presents "Jump into Diabetes Control" in Wareham

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:23:12 -0400
WAREHAM, Mass. — The Southcoast Diabetes Management Program presents "Jump into Diabetes Control," Session IV, a program that offers free screenings for diabetes, including eye exams, on Thursday, July 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wareham Elks Lodge, 2855 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham.

Dr. Frederic Schwartz, DPM, Podiatry Surgery, will outline the importance of foot health care and possible complications related to improper foot health. Harve's Shoebox of Dartmouth will also display the latest footwear made to support and protect the feet of those with diabetes.

Southcoast Hospitals' Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) will offer free test blood glucose and blood pressures levels of individuals, provide educational materials, and assist to initiate self-management strategies.

No registration is necessary and walk-ins are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

The Southcoast Diabetes Management Program has been awarded a $5,460 grant from the Makepeace Neighborhood Fund in support of diabetes education and screening programs in the Wareham community.

Southcoast Hospitals Group Diabetes Management Program is nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its state-of-the-art quality of diabetes self-management education programs. The program offers diabetes self-management education for Types 1 and 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. The cost of the program may be dependent upon your insurance coverage.

Classes are offered at all three hospital sites on the following topics: Basics of Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Glucose Monitoring, Lifestyle Changes, Medication Management, Nutrition, Survival Skills, Insulin pumps, and Weight Management. For more information, call the program in your area:

Fall River / Charlton Memorial Hospital
508-679-7143

New Bedford / St. Luke's Hospital
508-994-4415

Wareham / Tobey Hospital
508-273-4173

The Makepeace Neighborhood Fund, established by the A.D. Makepeace Company in 2005, provides grants to community organizations and municipal departments for education, environmental, housing, historic preservation or health care projects.

July 15 | The next generation of surgery, coming this fall to Southcoast Hospitals: Southcoast to offer the region's only robotic-assisted surgical services

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:22:04 -0400

Download more photos from Intuitive Surgical Inc.'s Website

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group announced today that it will open a robotic surgical program this fall. The purchase of Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci® Surgical System will allow highly-skilled surgeons to perform robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedures with greater precision and expertise.

The da Vinci Surgical System at Southcoast will be used primarily for complex urological surgeries, such as radical prostatectomies, with plans to expand to gynecological procedures. It will be located at Charlton Memorial Hospital, the Fall River site of Southcoast Hospitals Group and will be used by surgeons from throughout Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"The next generation of surgery is coming to the South Coast," said Keith A. Hovan, President & CEO of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "Southcoast Hospitals is the first health care organization to bring state-of-the-art robotic surgical technology to Southeastern Massachusetts, raising the bar for cancer surgery and offering our patients the fastest-growing prostate cancer surgery available."

Robotic-assisted surgery

Surgical robotics is a technology designed to give surgeons more precision and control during complex, minimally invasive procedures. It is an alternative to open surgery and laparoscopic surgery and can result in quicker recoveries for patients.

The da Vinci Surgical System "robot" is a state-of-the art medical device comprised on a surgeon console and patient-side robotic system with a high-resolution camera and microinstruments. The system is equipped with several "arms" that scale the movements of the surgeon's hands and arms down to micromovements for delicate precision. The surgeon "drives" the instruments using a high-resolution 3-D endoscope and image processing equipment, which provide the true-to-life, highly magnified 3-D images of the surgical field.

The entire surgery is performed through tiny incisions typical of minimally invasive surgery — and the surgeon is 100 percent in control at all times. Members of the Southcoast surgical staff will receive special training to assist the surgeons with this new technology.

Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Approximately 30 percent of prostate cancer patients in the U.S. are treated with surgery. The surgery is called a radical prostatectomy and there are three methods: open surgery where a large incision approximately 4 to 6 inches is made in the abdomen and two minimally invasive types — laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic, also known as da Vinci Prostatectomy.

Surgical practices that will be utilizing the new robotics program at Charlton include the urological practices of Dennis LaRock, MD, of Urology Inc. in Fall River, and Derek Hausladen, MD, of Hawthorn Medical Associates in North Dartmouth.

"Laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer, like many other types of surgeries, has substantial advantages over the open approach," Dr. LaRock said. "The daVinci offers patients considerable benefits to a delicate procedure, including smaller incisions, less pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery, less scarring and quicker return to normal activities. We applaud Southcoast for making this investment in the future of our patients."

The incidence of prostate cancer in the Fall River region is 42 percent greater than in the rest of the South Coast region. More than 500 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in 2005 in the Greater Fall River and Greater New Bedford regions. Placing the da Vinci at Charlton Memorial will provide another option of treatment for patients in the East Bay, Rhode Island to the Cape.

"The radical prostatectomy is a delicate surgery that can now be performed with unparalleled precision and flexibility without having to leave the region," Dr. Hausladen said. "We are thrilled to bring this state-of-the-art technology to the South Coast region and very excited to offer this advanced treatment to our patients."

"Robotic-assisted surgery is an exciting new field that further defines Southcoast as an innovator when it comes to bringing advanced, unique services to the region," said Eugene J. McMahon, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "The da Vinci Surgical System is the only system approved for this type of surgery and has quickly become the global leader in the fields of urological and gynecological surgeries. Having the da Vinci robot also helps attract quality physicians to the area because urology training programs often focus on a robotic approach rather than the traditional open approach."

Marcia Liggin, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group, said many surgeons in the area have already received training and proficiency in the robotics-assisted surgery.

"Southcoast is very pleased to provide area surgeons with the cutting edge equipment they need to practice locally," Liggin said. "And patients and their families who are already dealing with a difficult diagnosis will also benefit because having this advanced surgery close to home alleviates the burden of leaving the region for services."

Surgeons from the entire region who have received the proper training on the da Vinci Surgical System will be welcome to practice at Charlton.

NOTE TO EDITOR: For more photos and background information on da Vinci go to: whttp://www.intuitivesurgical.com/corporate/newsroom/mediakit/index.aspx.

July 11 | Swansea Family Practice Group joins Southcoast Physician Services: The practice's six physicians are welcoming new patients

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:47:09 -0400
SWANSEA, Mass. — Swansea Family Practice Group has joined Southcoast Physician Services, part of Southcoast Health System. The practice includes James Lippincott, MD, Martin Miner, MD, Mark Ringiewicz, MD, Priscilla Shube, MD Jeffrey Syme, MD, and Hugh Woolverton, MD. The practice is accepting new patients and part of the active medical staff at Charlton Memorial Hospital, the Fall River site of Southcoast Hospitals Group.

As part of Southcoast Physician Services, the practice will now operate as part of Southcoast Health System, which in addition to its three community hospitals includes physician practices, home health care and hospice, a wellness center and numerous outpatient medical services.

Southcoast Physician Services also includes Borden Medical Associates; Truesdale Medical Specialties Associates and Hanover Internal Medicine Associates in Fall River; the practice of Randy Caplan, DO, in Wareham; the practice of Carlos A. Correia, MD, in Fall River; the practice of Richard Demopoulos, MD, in North Dartmouth; Linden Tree Family Health in Portsmouth, R.I.; Southcoast Neurosurgery in Fall River and Dartmouth, Wareham Medical Associates and Wareham Surgical Associates, both in Wareham.

For more information on Swansea Family Practice Group, or to make an appointment, call 508-672-5300.

Additional physician practices that are part of Southcoast Health System include Southcoast Primary Care, a group of internal medicine, family practice and pediatric practices in Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, New Bedford and Wareham.

To find a Southcoast physician, log onto Southcoast's Physician Finder at www.southcoast.org/doctors/ or call 1-800-497-1727.

July 8 | Richard Demopoulos, MD, joins Southcoast Physician Services

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:19:28 -0400

Richard Demopoulos, MD

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Richard Demopoulos, MD, has joined Southcoast Physician Services in the practice of general surgery. Dr. Demopoulos has practiced general surgery at St. Luke's Hospital for the past 14 years.

He earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York and completed an internship and residency in general surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

Dr. Demopoulos has special interest and training in advanced laparoscopic surgery including colon, bililary, intestinal and hernia surgery and breast and soft tissue surgery.

He is board certified in general surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Demopoulos is accepting new patients at his office at Southcoast Medical, 480 Hawthorn Street, North Dartmouth. For more information or to make an appointment, call 508-993-3598.

June 30 | Wareham Medical Associates joins Southcoast Physician Services

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:50:49 -0400
WAREHAM, Mass. — The physician practice of Wareham Medical Associates has joined Southcoast Physician Services, part of Southcoast Health System. Wareham Medical Associates includes the internal medicine practices of Thomas Gleason, MD, John Howard, MD, and Thomas Spiro, PAC, located at 194 Main Street in Wareham.

The practice will now operate as part of Southcoast Health System, which in addition to its three community hospitals includes physician practices, home health care and hospice, a wellness center and numerous outpatient medical services.

Southcoast Physician Services also includes Borden Medical Associates; Truesdale Medical Specialties Associates and Hanover Internal Medicine Associates in Fall River; the practice of Randy Caplan, DO, in Wareham; the practice of Carlos A. Correia, MD, in Fall River; Linden Tree Family Health in Portsmouth, R.I.; Southcoast Neurosurgery in Fall River and Dartmouth, and Wareham Surgical Associates in Wareham.

For more information on Wareham Medical Associates, or to make an appointment, call 508-295-4450.

Additional physician practices that are part of Southcoast Health System include Southcoast Primary Care, a group of internal medicine, family practice and pediatric practices in Dartmouth, Mattapoisett, New Bedford and Wareham.

To find a Southcoast physician, log onto Southcoast's Physician Finder at www.southcoast.org/doctors/ or call 1-800-497-1727.

June 23 | Media Advisory | Health disparities topic of regional conference: The first step in addressing health disparities is getting the word out

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:23:52 -0400
Media coverage is requested for the following:

WHAT:

A panel of local health and human services providers will detail how local health disparities affect residents on the South Coast. The conference will also feature two parts of the acclaimed PBS documentary exploring socioeconomic and racial inequalities in health, "Unnatural Causes … is inequality making us sick?"

WHO:

Sponsors are Greater New Bedford COAST, Partners for a Healthier Community and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Along with Southcoast Hospitals Group and other local health and human services agencies, the sponsors will launch a local initiative to educate the community about the problem of health disparities.

Over 100 people are expected to be in attendance.

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Rachel's Lakeside, 950 State Road, Dartmouth, Mass.

KEYNOTE:

Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, Medical Director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and a member of the Massachusetts Commission to End Racial Disparities in Health, will speak on her national work on the issue of health disparities.

Patricia Andrade, MD, New Bedford Board of Health and surgeon at Southcoast Hospitals Group.

Dan Gilbarg, Coalition for Social Justice.

Cathy Ann Viveiros, Fall River City Council.

Rev. David Lima, Interchurch Council of Greater New Bedford.

Arlene McNamee, Catholic Social Services.

Helena Marques, Immigrants Assistance Center.

Deirdre Lopes, HOPE Collaborative.

June 13 | This July the pizza is on us! Domino's Pizza will give a free pizza to anyone who donates a pint of blood during the month of July

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:17:51 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital has teamed up with area Domino's Pizza stores in a "Pizza for a Pint" promotion during the month of July.

"Community partnerships are an essential part of Southcoast's blood donor program," said Maureen Brown, Laboratory Site Manager for St. Luke's and Tobey Hospitals. "We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Domino's Pizza during the month of July when blood donations tend to slow down due to travel and busy summer schedules."

The Southcoast Blood Bank is the only blood donation venue that directly supports the South Coast communities' blood supply. When you donate blood at a Southcoast-sponsored blood drive, you are helping to keep your local blood supply strong — so it is there when you need it.

"Domino's Pizza is proud to partner with our local community blood bank during the month of July when the need for blood donations is the greatest," said Nelson Hockert-Lotz, owner of the Domino's Pizza stores on Kempton Street and Rockdale Avenue in New Bedford. "We hope our collaboration will be both a motivator and a thank you to people for rolling up their sleeves and pitching in this summer."

Seven franchise owners from throughout the area joined Hockert-Lotz, making the offer good throughout Bristol County and Wareham.

As part of the July promotion, Southcoast Hospitals Group will be sponsoring AHA! Night on July 10. The Southcoast Health Van will be conducting health screenings and holding a blood drive during the "Summer Sounds" event in downtown New Bedford. All donors will receive a free pizza voucher.

"Blood drives sponsored by the Southcoast Blood Bank are the only blood drives that directly support your local community," Brown said. "The Southcoast Blood Bank supplies St. Luke's Hospital with 90 percent of the blood used at the hospital. Additional blood needed for patients at our hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and clinics must be purchased from outside sources. Therefore, when you give blood at a Southcoast Blood Drive you are supporting your local blood supply and helping your local community."

Anyone who donates blood at the Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke's Hospital, or at any of the community blood drives hosted by the Southcoast Blood Bank, will receive a certificate for a free, large, one-topping pizza redeemable at any Domino's in Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Somerset, Swansea and Wareham. The offer is good for any pick-up order or can be combined with a home delivery order. The certificate will not be recognized for home delivery orders of a large, one-topping pizza alone.

Where to donate

The Southcoast Blood Bank: The Southcoast Blood Bank is located at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, off the main lobby. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 2:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment call 508-961-5320. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org/bloodbank/.

Community Blood Drives: Southcoast hosts blood drives throughout the region on the Southcoast Health Van and at local businesses. The schedule can be found online at www.southcoast.org/van/ or by calling 508-961-5320.

The Southcoast Blood Bank collects approximately 4,000 units of blood every year through blood drives and another 3,000 unit in our Blood Donor location at St. Luke's Hospital Blood Donor facility. This accounts for approximately ninety percent of the blood used at St. Luke's Hospital alone. Typically, St. Luke's uses nearly 600 pints of blood a month. In addition to emergency cases, blood is needed for people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia.

June 13 | St. Luke's Auxiliary announces 2007-2008 scholarship winners

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:19:16 -0400
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — At its annual spring luncheon held June 3 at Cafe Funchal of New Bedford, the St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary awarded five $1,000 scholarships to area high school students entering college in the fall to pursue a career in the health care field.

The 2007-2008 Scholarship winners were:

Jillian DeMedeiros, a graduate of New Bedford High School, who will be entering the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health to begin her studies to become a pharmacist.

Tiarra Velez, a graduate of New Bedford High School, who will be pursuing a career in nursing at Elm's College.

Carissa Kennedy, a graduate of Bishop Stang, who will be pursuing a career in nursing at Fitchburg State College.

Kara Berndt, a graduate of Dartmouth High School, who will be pursing a career in nursing with a specialty in oncology at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.

Kristen Rego, a graduate of Fairhaven High School, who will be pursing a career in nursing at Curry College.

The St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary scholarships are awarded annually to staff, Auxilians, volunteers or their spouses, children or grandchildren who are enrolled in an accredited health care program.

The St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary raises money throughout the year by hosting fundraisers, a spring fashion show and various cake, jewelry and apparel sales. The Auxiliary also runs the hospital gift shop with all proceeds going toward the hospital. For more information about the St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary and upcoming events, please call 508-961-5752 or 508-961-5274.

June 7 | Southcoast Hospitals honor milestone employees

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 07:31:18 -0400
SWANSEA, Mass. — The 2008 Southcoast Hospitals Employee Recognition Ceremony was held May 30 at the Venus De Milo in Swansea to honor employees who have reached milestone years of service at Southcoast Hospitals Group's Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

"Built upon the dedicated service and commitment of almost 6,000 employees from Charlton, St. Luke's and Tobey hospitals, Southcoast is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing and congratulating our employees for their longstanding commitment to providing quality patient care and services," said Ronald B. Goodspeed, MD, MPH, President of Southcoast Hospitals Group.

"If there is one key factor at the very core of Southcoast, it is our commitment to and the ability to meet the health care needs of our community. Our success is built upon the dedicated service and commitment of our employees and their tradition of excellence," he said.

Southcoast Hospitals' employees are recognized at five-year intervals for years of continuous service based on their date of hire. The following is a list of 45, 40 and 35 year employees by home town and in alphabetical order.

45 Year Employees (2 total)

Ann Pieroni of Fall River, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Maureen Brown of Tiverton, R.I., Laboratory at St. Luke's Hospital.

40 Year Employees (25 total)

Elaine Caulkins of Acushnet, Perioperative Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Nancy Parker of Acushnet, Home Care Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Dorothy Hartley of Assonet, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Dale Correia of South Dartmouth, Care Coordination at St. Luke's Hospital.

Don Gifford of South Dartmouth, Respiratory Therapy at St. Luke's Hospital.

Nancy Sylvia of South Dartmouth, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Myra Sweet of East Freetown, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Sandra Ledogar of Fairhaven, Administration at St. Luke's Hospital.

Karen Martin of Fairhaven, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Jeanne Cordeiro of Fall River, Central Processing at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Catherine Gibney of Fall River, Care Coordination at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Claire Gladu of Fall River, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Carol Palmer of Mattapoisett, Home Care Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Wilson James of New Bedford, Food & Nutrition at St. Luke's Hospital.

Arleen Medeiros of New Bedford, Respiratory Therapy at St. Luke's Hospital.

Donna Raposo of New Bedford, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Karen Oliveira of Rochester, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Cynthia Ziewacz of Rochester, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Elaine Cabral of Somerset, Laboratory at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Suzanne Richard of Somerset, Perioperative Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Jeannette Rodrigues of Swansea, Pharmacy at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Bernice Veiga of West Wareham, Patient Services at Tobey Hospital.

Patricia Jakusik of Westport, Home Care Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Barbara McGrath of Westport, Perioperative Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Maureen Michalewich of Westport, Perioperative Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

35 Year Employees (72 total)

Barbara Affonce of Acushnet, Professional Development at St. Luke's Hospital.

Christine Almeida of Acushnet, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Ellen Cournoyer of Acushnet, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Donna Taber of Acushnet, EKG at St. Luke's Hospital.

Jonathan Taber of Acushnet, Purchasing at St. Luke's Hospital.

Deborah Bolduc of Assonet, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Gail Emond of Bristol, R.I., Operating Room at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Susan Lucas of Dartmouth, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Rose Gregory of North Dartmouth, Laboratory at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Donna Manna of North Dartmouth, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Jeffrey Marden of North Dartmouth, Maintenance at St. Luke's Hospital.

Janice Paquette of North Dartmouth, Laboratory at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Maurice Paquette of North Dartmouth, Laboratory at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Beverly Sadeck of East Freetown, Care Coordination at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Kathleen Coulombe of Fairhaven, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Deborah Dalton of Fairhaven, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Diane Gallant of Fairhaven, Respiratory Therapy at St. Luke's Hospital.

Rosalie Hutchinson of Fairhaven, Respiratory Therapy at St. Luke's Hospital.

Geraldine Kiely of Fairhaven, Perioperative Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Nancy Marcellino of Fairhaven, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Susan Auclair of Fall River, Imaging Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Elsie Demenezes of Fall River, Imaging Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Madeline Furtado of Fall River, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Deborah Guilmette of Fall River, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Delores Lyne of Fall River, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

John Medeiros of Fall River, Perioperative Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Judith Medeiros of Fall River, Perioperative Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Maria Resendes of Fall River, Imaging Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Kathleen Rondeau of Fall River, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Kathryn Walsh of Fall River, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Beverly Sadeck of East Freetown, Care Coordination at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Nancy Pequita of Freetown, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Marjorie Ashley of Lakeville, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Diane Berberian of Largo, Fla., Rehabilitative Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Kathleen Langford of Mattapoisett, Care Coordination at St. Luke's Hospital.

Celeste Aresta of New Bedford, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Christine Curhan-Pina of New Bedford, Imaging Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Sandra Ford of New Bedford, Centralized Scheduling at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Elaine Howland of New Bedford, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Nadine Lopes of New Bedford, Imaging Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Bridget McCarthy of New Bedford, EKG at St. Luke's Hospital.

Doreen Nunes of New Bedford, Environmental Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Elizabeth Pavao of New Bedford, Fiscal Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Carol Smith of New Bedford, Food & Nutrition at St. Luke's Hospital.

Alan Sweet of New Bedford, Purchasing at St. Luke's Hospital.

Monica Sylvia of New Bedford, Food & Nutrition at St. Luke's Hospital.

Christine Cotsoridis of Newport, R.I., Administration at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Judith Graves of Newport, R.I., Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Frances Moszczenski of Rochester, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Dorothy Morrissey of Sandwich, Patient Services at Tobey Hospital.

William Devalles of South Dartmouth, Perioperative Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Vivian Gifford of South Dartmouth, Care Coordination at St. Luke's Hospital.

Barbara Lawrence of South Dartmouth, Respiratory Therapy at St. Luke's Hospital.

Joanne Ackley of Somerset, Fiscal Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Colleen Archambault of Somerset, Perioperative Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Elizabeth Furtado of Somerset, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Patricia Jean of Somerset, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Marguerite Lanneville of Somerset, Patient Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Carol Soares of Somerset, Administration at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Frances Turgeon of Somerset, Pharmacy at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Odete Armstrong of Swansea, Pharmacy at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Pamela Wing of Swansea, Information Systems at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Pauline Featherstone of Tiverton, R.I., Perioperative Services at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Priscilla Lipe of Tiverton, R.I., Outcomes Management at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Catherine Phinney of West Wareham, Patient Services at Tobey Hospital.

Diane Allen of Wareham, Patient Services at Tobey Hospital.

Christine Dacci of Wareham, Perioperative Services at Tobey Hospital.

Donna Butler-Carreiro of Warren, R.I., Laboratory at St. Luke's Hospital.

Patricia Dore of Westport, Patient Accounts at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Patricia Kelly of Westport, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

G. Leach of Westport, Patient Services at St. Luke's Hospital.

Jane Mellen of Westport, Pharmacy at St. Luke's Hospital.

June 6 | Tobey Hospital Guild announces 2007-08 Scholarship Award recipients

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:56:52 -0400

Elaine Meredith, Vice President & Site Administrator at Tobey Hospital, left, with 2007-08 scholarship winners. From left, Holly Boyle, Tiffany Dilorio, Liann Correia, along with Ronna Santoro, Tobey Hospital Guild President, and Josephine Praino, Scholarship Committee Chair.

WAREHAM, Mass. — The Tobey Hospital Guild recently announced $3,000 in scholarship awards for individuals who are pursuing a career in health care.

Tobey Guild Scholarship Chairperson Josephine Praino presented three $1,000 scholarship awards to three high school seniors at a reception held on Thursday, May 22, at the Beachmoor Inn & Restaurant in Buzzards Bay.

The 2007-08 Tobey Guild Scholarship winners were:

Tiffany Dilorio, a graduate of Carver High School, who will be attending Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., to pursue a career in nursing.

Liann Correia, a graduate of Old Rochester Regional High School, who will be attending the Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Penn., to pursue a career as a surgeon.

Holly Boyle, a graduate of Bourne High School, who will be attending Stonehill College in Easton, Mass., to pursue a career in biology and pre-med.

The Tobey Hospital Guild scholarships are awarded annually to staff, volunteers or their spouses, children or grandchildren who are enrolled in an accredited health care program.

The Tobey Hospital Guild is a great way to become involved in your community hospital. The Guild's mission is to render services to the hospital, its patients and its tax-exempt subsidiaries and to assist Southcoast Hospitals Group in promoting the health and welfare of the communities it serves. Members serve as ambassadors to the community on behalf of the hospital. For more information, please contact Agatha St. Amour at 508-961-5353 or e-mail her at sainta@southcoast.org.

June 6 | Tobey Hospital Guild presents $50,000 for new equipment

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:45:40 -0400

Tobey Guild President Ronna Santoro, left, presents checks to Elaine Meredith, Vice President & Site Administrator at Tobey Hospital.

WAREHAM, Mass. — The Tobey Hospital Guild presented the hospital with two checks totaling $50,000 at its annual meeting held on Thursday, May 22, at the Beachmoor Inn & Restaurant in Buzzards Bay.

The first check for $25,000 completed the Guild's pledge of $50,000 toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine for the hospital.
Southcoast recently upgraded to 100 percent digital mammography at all nine of its mammography service locations from Fall River to Wareham. Digital mammography machines cost approximately $400,000 each and provide a three-dimensional view of the breast with less discomfort and more detailed images.

"The Tobey Guild is very pleased to present these checks to the hospital. We are also very grateful to our Guild members and our community members for supporting our various fundraising events throughout the year. Without them this would not be possible," said Ronna Santoro, Tobey Guild President.

The second check for $25,000 represented a new pledge of $50,000 for the purchase of an anesthesia machine for Tobey's Makepeace Maternity Center. The Maternity Center offers a home-like setting for childbirth and highly personal care for families. The new anesthesia machine will replace the current machine in the Center's dedicated operating room primarily used for cesarean sections. The new machine will be consistent with equipment currently used by the anesthesiologists in the main operating room.

The Tobey Hospital Guild is a great way to become involved in your community hospital. The Guild's mission is to render services to the hospital, its patients and its tax-exempt subsidiaries and to assist Southcoast Hospitals Group in promoting the health and welfare of the communities it serves. Members serve as ambassadors to the community on behalf of the hospital. For more information, please contact Agatha St. Amour at 508-961-5353 or e-mail her at sainta@southcoast.org.

June 5 | Nisia Hanson receives Outstanding Fundraising Executive award

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:28:48 -0400
FALL RIVER, Mass. — [Ms.] Dionisia A. Hanson, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Charlton Memorial Hospital, was recently honored by the Rhode Island Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-RI) as its 2008 Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year.

A resident of Providence, R.I., Hanson has served the Rhode Island non-profit community for 20 years. She received the award May 21 at AFR-RI's annual conference at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.

She joined Southcoast in 2005 from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, R.I. She was previously Director of Development at St. Mary Academy/Bay View in Riverside, R.I., for eight years before taking a position as Vice President of Development & External Affairs at Easter Seals Rhode Island.

Hanson has been involved with the Rhode Island Chapter of AFP since 1992 and served on its Board of Directors through 1996. Her various roles with AFP-RI have included National Philanthropy Day Co-Chair, Membership Committee Chair and Education Committee Member. She has also served as Chair of Chair of "First Course on Fundraising" and has presented multiple workshops and seminars.

June 2 | DeAlmeida Family tries to break blood donor record: Second Annual Blood Drive in Father's memory set for Sunday June 8

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:52:59 -0400
DARTMOUTH, Mass. — In hopes of breaking last year's record of 121 donors, the DeAlmeida family has planned its second annual family blood drive in honor their father, Henrique DeAlmeida. Open to the public, the blood drive will take place on the Southcoast Health Van on Sunday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 10 Walters Way in Dartmouth. Refreshments and sandwiches will be served.

"There is no greater joy than to give back to the community by saving lives in my father's memory," said Kathy Tsonis, who is hosting the blood drive with her four siblings, Deborah Gomes, Linda Isaksen, Nancy Lawson and Henry Almeida. "We were proud to break Southcoast Blood Bank's record last year for the most donors at one blood drive, and hope to at least get that many donors this year if not exceed it."

The Southcoast Blood Bank is the only blood donation venue that directly supports the South Coast communities' blood supply. When you sponsor a Southcoast Blood Bank blood drive, you are helping to keep your local blood supply strong.

Maureen Brown, Laboratory Site Manager for St. Luke's and Tobey Hospitals, said that she hopes more people will take the DeAlmeida family's lead by hosting blood drives in memory of their loved ones.

"What better way to honor your loved one than by hosting a community blood drive in his or her memory," Brown said. "It makes friends and families feel good to carry on a person's legacy by giving back to the community."

Families and friends interested in hosting their own blood drive in a loved one's memory can call the Southcoast Blood Bank at 508-961-5320. A minimum of 20 donors is required for any single booking.

May 30 | Southcoast Hospitals RAPPP launches youth initiative in New Bedford

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:15:35 -0400

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals' RAPPP (Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy, Parenting & Prevention) Program today launched a new program for community members and organizations involved in working with Greater New Bedford's youth.

"The Greater New Bedford Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth Initiative" was presented to more than 150 community members and local organizations today at the Hawthorne Country Club in Dartmouth, with the goal of uniting all sectors of the community that interact with the city's young people.

The new program is based on a national model currently being implemented in high-risk communities across the country. Created by the nonprofit Search Institute, the program is being sponsored locally by Southcoast Hospitals RAPPP program and aims to create a stronger community for our young adults by emphasizing positive developmental assets.

Linda Bodenmann, Chief Operating Officer for Southcoast Hospitals Group, said the program is important to the New Bedford community because it does not focus on the negatives, but rather "the positive ways that we can all come together to form a strong network that will help young people not only succeed in their lives, but really flourish."

"As we read the daily headlines, you might say this is impossible. But today you will learn that it is not only possible, but it is already happening in communities like ours all across the country," Bodenmann said.

The "40 Developmental Assets" are the core of the program and are defined as experiences and qualities that have a tremendous positive influence on young people such as self-esteem, encouragement, decision making, conflict resolution and setting future goals. The "assets" serve as a springboard for positive behavior and healthy development.

"It is important that as a community we come together to support our youth as they grow and mature. This new initiative will provide local youth with the tools they need to make healthy life choices that will lead them to success," said New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang.

New Bedford's program will focus primarily on reinforcing young people's assets consistently throughout all of the organizations that interact with New Bedford's adolescents — this includes at home, schools, through municipal organizations and youth outreach workers.

"The developmental assets that young people need in order to succeed are not new. What is new is the approach and need for collaboration between all members of the community that interact with our youth," said Cindy Guilbeault, who has lead Southcoast's youth advocacy program, RAPPP, for more than a decade.

"If we are all sharing the same positive messages and working toward a common goal, we will empower our youth to make positive choices."

One Voice

The Search Institute is a national nonprofit organization that is building momentum across the country with the expansion of its "40 Developmental Assets" program. The program has served as a foundation for youth educators for decades. The New Bedford Healthy Youth Initiative expands on the asset-building program by creating a collective language and culture that is consistent across all community members who interact with the area's youth.

According to The Search Institute, the more community assets that a young person can access, the greater his/her chances are of succeeding.

"Instead of constantly pointing out the negatives, we need to start highlighting the positives," Guilbeault said. "The more consistent the messages are coming from the adults who interact with our young people, the more powerful an impact it will have on our society."

New Bedford's community organizations, government agencies, businesses, schools, youth-based programs and other caring individuals attended the free seminar introducing the program to the New Bedford community.

Over the next few months Southcoast's RAPPP program will sponsor "train-the-trainers" programs, workshops and community meetings.

"It is not a quick fix, but rather a learned behavior that over time will encourage young people to choose positive paths and grow up to be competent, caring and responsible, and most importantly less likely to engage in risky behavior," she said.

Information is available by calling 508-994-0548.

About Southcoast Hospitals' RAPPP Program

Targeting the region's Youth Risk Behaviors, the Southcoast Hospitals' RAPPP (Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy, Parenting & Prevention) program began as an adolescent pregnancy prevention program designed to be used within the curriculum of the health or science department of high and junior high school systems. Since its inception the RAPPP program has touched more than 20,000 teens and parents, including more than 12,000 students through its in-school programs at area senior and junior high schools. All materials, models, staff support and training are free of charge to the participating schools as part of the Southcoast Hospitals Group community benefits program.

The Southcoast RAPPP program also offers parents and adolescents a place to go to find answers about those difficult questions. The Southcoast RAPPP Family Education Youth Resource Center at Dartmouth Place, 49 State Road, Pequot Building, Suite 105 in Dartmouth, offers free information, tools and workshops for today's parents, youth and practitioners. Call for hours and more information 508-994-0548 or go to www.southcoast.org/rappp/.

May 29 | St. Luke's Hospital names Chief Philanthropy Officer

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:16:58 -0400

Albert E. "Dick" Labouchere

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals Group announced the appointment of Albert E. "Dick" Labouchere as Chief Philanthropy Officer for St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

Labouchere formerly served as Senior Philanthropy Officer at Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, R.I. He has more than 25 years of experience in foundations and external affairs for non-profit institutions including the National Hospice Foundation, Suffield Academy and Richmond College, the American International University in London.

With a strong background in community relations, public affairs and governmental press relations, Labouchere most notably served as Press Secretary to former U.S. Sen. James. L. Buckley. Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of Connecticut Magazine.

Labouchere attended The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, N.J., and received a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University in Providence, R.I. He has a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Rhode Island Chapter, and the Brown Faculty Club. He is also a sustaining member of the Providence Committee on Foreign Relations and has served on a number of volunteer boards throughout his career.

Labouchere lives in Warwick, R.I., with his wife, Anne.


James Lionberger of Marion, left, and Barbara Jarabek of Fall River accepted the Southcoast Trustees' Medal for Outstanding Service awards in honor of their families.


The South Coast region's first baby of 2009 was botn at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. From left, new mom Jessica Melo and new dad Aren Gomes, of New Bedford, with baby girl, Ava Grace Gomes.


The first baby born in 2009 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River was Thomas "Tommy" Soares. From left, new big brother Tyler Soares, 13, new mom, Michelle, and new dad, Randy Soares, of Tiverton, R.I. with baby Thomas "Tommy."


The Diamondback 360™ Orbital Atherectomy System is a minimally invasive treatment for the removal of severe blockages in the legs and feet caused by atherosclerosis, also called hardening of the arteries. Click here to see a video about how it works.


Map of the delivery route of pre-cast panels for the new St. Luke's garage. Click to view larger image.


Elaine Meredith, Vice President & Site Administrator at Tobey Hospital, left, with 2007-08 scholarship winners. From left, Holly Boyle, Tiffany Dilorio, Liann Correia, along with Ronna Santoro, Tobey Hospital Guild President, and Josephine Praino, Scholarship Committee Chair.


Tobey Guild President Ronna Santoro, left, presents checks to Elaine Meredith, Vice President & Site Administrator at Tobey Hospital.

News from Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group

November 19 | Southcoast experts address new mammogram recommendations

November 16 | Southcoast breaks ground on new Cancer Center in Fairhaven

November 13 | Flagship Cinemas teams up with Southcoast Blood Bank for Twilight~New Moon's premiere weekend

November 9 | Southcoast Hospitals celebrate volunteers for many years of service

November 5 | Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial announces school supply recipient

November 4 | Health Column: What you should know about morning sickness

November 4 | Southcoast to host forum on future of quality care on November 16

October 29 | H1N1 testing not recommended by health officials: Health care providers are advised to manage and monitor symptoms rather than rely on a test that may not be accurate

October 22 | Southcoast Hospitals updates hospital visitor policy for flu season; maternity and pediatric units only those over 18, including siblings

October 14 | Southcoast Hospice introduces "Caring for Caregivers"

October 14 | Southcoast Hospice to hold Annual Interfaith Memorial Service

October 14 | Tobey Hospital names Chief Philanthropy Officer

October 9 | Sen. Bill Bradley addresses Southcoast Hospitals Group physicians

October 9 | St. Luke's Hospital names Chief Philanthropy Officer

October 6 | Free skin cancer screenings announced at Southcoast Cancer Center in Dartmouth

October 1 | Southcoast takes leadership role in regional flu response: Weekly podcast, health facts and community guidance at www.southcoast.org/flu/

October 1 | Health Column: Health Column: Enough is enough ... an end to heavy menstrual bleeding

September 24 | Shawmut Diner to host Southcoast blood drive on October 15

September 23 | Dorothy Cox offers a sweet incentive for Southcoast Blood Donors: During the month of October blood donors receive a half-pound of chocolate covered cranberries

September 22 | Southcoast's Women's Health Fair to be held on October 3

September 17 | Open house & tours planned for Southcoast Center for Cancer Care on Saturday, October 3

September 15 | Southcoast Diabetes Management Program moves to Dartmouth Place

September 11 | Southcoast Health System Obligated Group, MA 2009D, 1998A Revenue Bonds Rated 'A', Outlook Stable

September 8 | Space remains for Free Vascular Screenings at Charlton and Tobey: Regular vascular screenings can detect PVD, a potentially serious circulatory problem

September 3 | Health Column: H1N1 2009 & Pregnancy: Where are we now?

August 25 | Southcoast announces region's first Wound Care Center

August 20 | Southcoast announces restructuring that will impact some jobs

August 12 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 5 p.m. EDT; all patients treated & released)

August 11 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 5 p.m. EDT; 1 patient released, 1 remains hospitalized)

August 10 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated noon EDT; 1 patient released, other conditions remain unchanged)

August 9 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated noon EDT; conditions remain unchanged)

August 8 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated noon EDT; conditions remain unchanged)

August 7 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 5 p.m. EDT; Correction & Update: Friday firefighter exposure was NOT believed to be from haz-mat waste)

August 7 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 3 p.m. EDT; 5 firefighters transported Friday to St. Luke's after exposure at Pleasant Street station)

August 7 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 12:30 p.m. EDT; 3 remain hospitalized, all in fair condition)

August 6 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 4 p.m. EDT; 2 patients released; 3 remain hospitalized)

August 6 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 9:30 a.m. EDT; updated patient conditions)

August 5 | Statement on condition of victims from New Bedford haz-mat situation (updated 1:30 p.m. EDT; updated patient conditions)

August 5 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 10:30 a.m. EDT; 1 Charlton patient released)

August 4 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 2 p.m. EDT; updates numbers & conditions)

August 4 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 11:30 a.m. EDT)

August 4 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 7:30 a.m. EDT)

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 10:30 p.m. EDT)

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 8:30 p.m. EDT)

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation (updated 5:15 p.m. EDT; revised numbers — 66 at St. Luke's, 51 at Charlton)

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation: Update: 2:45 p.m. EDT (families advised to call Patient Information at 508-985-7000)

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation: Update: 2 p.m. EDT (change to 2 victims in critical condition)

August 3 | Statement on condition of victims from haz-mat situation

July 23 | St. Luke's Auxiliary announces 2008-2009 scholarship winners

July 20 | Bike run to benefit St. Luke's Hospital set for August 16

July 9 | Southcoast Center for Cancer Care opens in Fall River: Top local oncologist chooses to join new Southcoast program offering seamless care for cancer patients

July 8 | Health Column: Local physician answers questions about menstrual migraines

July 7 | Auxiliary of Charlton Memorial Hospital announces 2008-2009 scholarship winners

June 25 | Southcoast Hospitals' marketing team earns 15 awards: National and regional awards presented in marketing, public relations, design, publications and video production

June 24 | Health Column: Local physician clears up FDA advisory on Zicam and loss of smell

June 19 | Donate blood this July and the pizza's on us: Domino's Pizza will give a free pizza to anyone who donates a pint of blood during July

June 18 | Southcoast offers the latest treatment for varicose veins: Free screenings scheduled in Dartmouth and Fairhaven

June 17 | A healthy Tweet: Southcoast Hospitals connects with region by using social media

June 10 | Charlton Memorial Hospital offers free skin cancer screenings

June 9 | Southcoast Hospitals honor employees for years of service

June 4 | Tobey Hospital Guild announces 2008-09 Scholarship Award Recipients

May 18 | Southcoast recruits top-tier clinical leadership for new cancer program

May 18 | Southcoast Hospice Widows, Widowers support group dates

May 13 | City recognizes Southcoast Blood Bank for service to community

May 12 | St. Luke's Hospital & NEED to host Operation Clean Sweep: Ward 5 neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon

May 12 | St. Luke's Hospital & NEED to host Operation Clean Sweep: Ward 5 neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to noon

April 30 | Southcoast Hospitals posts swine flu information page (New: Links, tips)

Swine Flu Information

At Southcoast, your health matters — and so does your peace of mind.

April 28 | Southcoast Hospitals swine flu update (New: Swine Flu fact sheet)

April 27 | Southcoast Hospitals swine flu update

April 21 | Southcoast presents the latest in insulin delivery: Free program to be held on May 19 at White's of Westport

April 20 | Dancing with the New Bedford Stars premieres May 8: St. Luke's Auxiliary fundraiser to benefit digital mammography

April 8 | Southcoast's free vascular screenings announced for Fall River and Wareham

April 7 | Free Head and Neck Cancer Screenings April 29

April 6 | Southcoast Blood Bank hosts "Donor Celebration Day" at St. Luke's

April 2 | Op-Ed: Your Decisions Matter: Thoughts on making end-of-life health care decisions

March 25 | Registration open for Free Vascular Screenings at St. Luke's

March 23 | Southcoast joins national "Flags Across America Celebration:" Southcoast and the New England Organ Bank partner during the month of April to address the critical need for organ donors across the country