POCONO HEALTH SYSTEM

PRESIDENT'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

November 2009

Dates to Remember

Holiday Tree Lighting December 1
Children's Holiday Party December 5
CEO Breakfast Roundtable December 10
Children's Holiday Party December 11
Employee Holiday Event Week December 13-19

PEOPLE

Welcome to the newest members of our Leadership Team!
Patricia Casals, Director/Administrator of Medical and Surgical Services*
Tom Gaylets, Director/Administrator of Critical Care*
Clayton Nottleman, Director of Employment Services*
Dr. Sajal Roy, Director of the Pharmacy, responsibilities expanded to include Rehabilitation Services and Occupational Medicine
*Promotion

New Executive Director of Surgery
Tammi Straub joined PMC on November 30 as Executive Director of Surgery. She previously served as Director of Nursing at the Center for Specialized Surgery in Bethlehem and also was Administrator for Peri-Operative Services at Lehigh Valley Health Network. In her role, she will be responsible for achieving our strategic growth objectives in surgery by developing the processes of care from risk assessment to procedure. This position will also be responsible for expanding our presence to new markets.

PMC Plans Holiday Events
PMC has a full slate of events planned to celebrate the holiday season. On December 1, the Pocono Health Foundation will host the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. PMC will also host two Children’s Holiday Parties in the Stroud and Brodhead Rooms on Saturday, December, 5 and Friday, December 11. Staff are encouraged to bring the kids for holiday snacks and a picture with Santa. In addition the PMC Employee Satisfaction and Recruitment Committee has coordinated a special Holiday Celebration Week from December 13 through December 19, which will feature an entire week of activities and events. To recognize the hard work of staff who work on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, PMC will serve a complimentary holiday meal to all shifts on these days.

Benefit Open Enrollment
Benefit Open Enrollment was held from November 11 until November 25.  Generally, open enrollment is the only time employees may elect changes to their benefits unless a "qualified life event" occurs during the year.  Changes made other than during Benefit Open Enrollment must be made within 30 days of the "qualified life event".   PHS has minimized the paper process by "going green".  This year's Benefit Open Enrollment was completed on-line through our Ultipro Web.  Employees will also have access to view personal information through Ultipro Web through out the year.

Resignation of Director of ESSA HVI
Robyn Stein has resigned as Director of the ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute. The PHS family recognizes her achievements and wishes her well in her future endeavors.  

Dr. Anne T. Cahill on Medical Leave
Dr. Anne T. Cahill, cardiothoracic surgeon, is currently out on medical leave. She will return to service in January 2010 and will be leaving the Medical Center to pursue other opportunities at the end of January.

SERVICE

Customer Satisfaction
The year-to-date Press Ganey customer satisfaction scores are as follows: The Mattioli Emergency Center: 60th percentile; Inpatient Services: 60th percentile; Outpatient Services 64th percentile; Ambulatory Surgery: 47th percentile; the Hughes Cancer Center 80th percentile; and the PMC Physicians Practices 29th.

The following departments met or exceeded the organization goal of 90th percentile for the past 90 days:

• 99th Inpatient Ob-Gyn
• 94th Pediatrics
• 92nd CV Tele
• 99th CVCU
• 99th Cardiac Cath
• 98th Outpatient Cardiac Cath
• 99th Outpatient Cardiac Testing
• 99th Outpatient Imaging – Mammography
• 98th Outpatient Imaging - MRI
• 99th Cardiac Rehab

PMC Hosts Spirit of Women Events
PMC held an “Educational Evening with The Diabetic Chef®” in honor of National Diabetes Month. The event, which was attended by 118 people, took place on Monday, November 16 at The Chateau Resort. Chris Smith, The Diabetic Chef, delivered the keynote presentation. Area chefs also prepared sample-size healthy, diabetic appropriate meals for all attendees.

QUALITY

PMC Responds to H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza
PMC’s H1N1 Task Force Committee continues to implement a number of measures in response to H1N1 influenza. These include the following:

• Community Clinics: PMC has partnered with Monroe County Emergency Management to develop a repeatable, scalable process, and staffing model for conducting vaccination clinics in local schools.  Working with both East Stroudsburg and Pocono Mountain School Districts, totaling over 19,500 enrolled students, we were able to align hospital capabilities with school needs and vaccinate 3,696 children during clinics on November 18, 21, and 22.  Included in PMC's contributions were approximately 336 nursing hours as vaccinators, 2,000 pediatric syringes, 1,200 bandages, and 2,000 gauze pads. These time and materials filled gaps in staffing and Department of Health supplies.  PMC is now partnering with the Stroudsburg school district to conduct vaccination clinics on December 3 and 5 and is storing vaccines recovered from the two completed districts to be used at the Stroudsburg clinics. Pleasant Valley School District remains unscheduled, as their vaccine order has not been filled by the PA Department of Health.
• Employee Health: We have conducted six H1N1 Clinics for our staff, and have spent about seven days with a "roaming" cart throughout the Medical Center going to each department offering the shot to immunize our employees.  We have given approximately 1,008 shots to employees and more than 300 shots to employee family members in the high risk categories.  We also conducted a special clinic for the medical staff where we immunized 30 physicians.
• PMC Physician Practices: To date, the physician practices have vaccinated approximately 1,000 Pediatric and OB patients. This was accomplished via "on site" clinics at our Clementine Abeloff Community Health Center on November 7 and November 14 and the OB/GYN office at our Brown Street location on November 7, as well as through routine patient visits. We will continue to vaccinate our pediatric patients and our OB patients with our remaining supply of vaccine.
• Adult Vaccination Clinics: Kathy Kuck contacted the Director of Monroe County of Emergency Management regarding the decision of the Department of Health to not host H1N1 Adult Vaccination clinics in our county. Their decision would mean that Monroe County residents would need to travel to Allentown to receive a vaccination. Kathy Kuck enlisted the support of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to apply pressure if needed to convince the DOH to provide PMC with sufficient doses to run the clinics from a Monroe County location. As a result, PMC will receive 6,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine and, in collaboration with the Monroe County of Emergency Management and the Pocono Mountain School District, PMC will schedule the mass vaccination clinics in Monroe County.
• Our H1N1 Task Force Committee meets frequently to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.

PMC Implements Service Line Balanced Scorecards
PMC is in the process of developing balanced scorecards that reflect our service line strategy. This service line approach to the scorecards will integrate the five pillars of Excellence, Service, Growth, People, Quality and Finance with the measurement and monitoring components of the balanced scorecard. Simply put, this will be a vehicle to effectively communicate, operationalize, and measure our service line strategies. Through the efforts of the Quality Management staff, the framework has been established and we will be rolling out the new scorecards shortly.

PMC Physician Practice Process Improvement Teams Implemented
Three formal Performance Improvement Teams have been established to improve operational efficiency and patient satisfaction at PMC Physician Practices. Lisa Perry, Director of Physician Practices and Outpatient Services, serves as the leader of each group. She is facilitating with Beth Kern-Skrapits, Director of Quality Management, to improve the following areas: phone process, reception/scheduling/discharge, and Nursing/Medical Assistant processes.

Media Policy Regarding Patient Information
PMC recently conducted a survey of area hospitals to help assess our current “no information policy” to the media about patients compared to other hospitals.  In general, area hospitals' policies vary significantly. Most provide only a one word statement about patient condition (i.e., with "no release" exceptions when there are sensitive diagnosis/conditions); they generally do not provide prognosis; they do not provide patient location; and generally do not allow media to contact the patient directly. Using information from the survey and other best practices as outlined by the American Hospital Association, PMC public relations staff and EMT are weighing various options for delivering patient information and will arrive at a policy decision in the near future.

Physician Recruitment and Retention
Retention of our physicians is an important part of the on-boarding process.  A program was implemented in August 2009, in which all members of our Executive Team meet at regular intervals with our new physicians on a rotating basis for their first year.   The goal being acclimating them not only to the facility, their practice and organization, but also to assist with any needs they may have within the community.  Physicians, Physician Assistants and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners are also partnered with a colleague during their first days and months. In addition, recruitment efforts continue in the areas of Primary Care and Surgical Specialties.  This includes assisting our private practices with their provider needs as well. Over the past twelve months, we have added Physicians and Allied Health Professionals in the areas of Family Medicine; Surgery; Obstetrics & Gynecology; Urogynecology; Trauma; Gastroenterology; Hospitalist Program; Neonatology; Cardiology; Employee Health and Palliative Care.

Temporary Hold on Electronic Medical Records Project
PMC recently implemented a program to subsidize local physicians in the use of E-clinical works in their practices. This program was later expanded to included EMRs other than E-Clinical. Due to the rapidly changing IT environment, the large number of EMR subsidy requests, which exceeded the budgeted allotment for the current year, and the resignation of our Chief Information Officer, the program has been placed on hold. The medical staff was so notified.

PMC Implements Improved Peer Review Process
In April 2007, the Medical Executive Committee created the Peer review committee as a multidisciplinary subcommittee of Clinical Performance Improvement. Chaired by Carmine Cerra, MD, the Committee meets weekly after considerable preparatory work is performed. A review of the current process and opportunities for continuous improvement resulted in the following:

• Implementation of formal structured approach to each case before it is presented to peer review;
• Modification of the form which goes into the practitioner's credentials file so that it is consistent with JCAHO guidelines;
• Inclusion of necessary experts in the process to assure a high level of review. When necessary, external review has been performed;
• Reemphasis of the confidential nature of the process;
• Meeting materials have been placed on the board portal so that all committee members are prepared for the meeting;
• Involved practitioners must be physically present instead of being represented by their medical director;
• A general surgeon, (Dr. Jordan) and a cardiologist (Dr. Sheka) have been added to the committee;
• Nursing and ancillary departments are now included when necessary;
• Involved practitioners are personally contacted by either Dr. Cerra or Dr. Davis and made aware of the issue in the case before the meeting;
• Corrective action, when necessary, is referred back to the department or to the Medical Executive Committee;
• Timely review is now standard.
  
  

FINANCE

Auxiliary Gala a Success
The 43rd Annual Auxiliary Gala, “Once and Again,” was held on November 14 at The Inn at Pocono Manor. The event was attended by 267 guests, and the proceeds from the Gala will support the future Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer at PMC.

Flu Impact on Pediatric Practices
The recent flu outbreak has significantly impacted the pediatric population and has placed a great demand on our PMC Physician Associates Pediatrics practice. In first quarter FY10, we experienced a 30% increase in new patients. This increase resulted in a decision at the beginning of November to close the practice to new Medical Assistance and self-pay patients. Those with insurance are being offered the option of being seen by our Family Practice or Mid-Level physicians in Brodheadsville and Tobyhanna. We are currently assessing the financial impact of growing the practice and will have a recommendation next month.

$5,000 Grant Awarded to PHS by Ronald McDonald House Charities of NEPA
On Monday, November 30, 2009, the Stroudsburg-area McDonald’s Owner/Operator Donna Zlocki awarded a $5,000 grant to Pocono Health System (PHS). The funds will be used to purchase new “sleeper chairs” for the Inpatient Pediatric Unit at PMC. The chairs are used by parents whose children are staying at the Medical Center. The grant was made possible through the support of Ms. Zlocki, also a member of the Pocono Health Foundation Board of Directors, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast PA, which awards grants to non-profit programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.

GROWTH

New Cancer Center Progressing
Work on the new Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center continues to stay on schedule for completion of construction documents by May of 2010. Currently, the design and development phase of this milestone is slated to be completed by January 2010. Medequip has been retained to complete the equipment, furniture inventory, and development budget for the project, which is also due to be complete by January 2010. Phase I of the parking lot is near completion, as well. Test borings in the visitor parking lot have been done. PMC has formerly requested a decision from the Boro for their decision on construction of a lot on Burson Street. PMC has awarded the first phase of the Phase III parking plan to Niclaus Engineering Corporation of Stroudsburg. The Medical Center is also in the early stages of considering pursuing a quiet title action to retire the paper right of way that exists in our main parking lot and Cancer Center parking lot.

Results of RFP for Radiology
Because of the expiration of the contract with Monroe Radiology in May 2010, a Request for Proposal was sent out to four radiology groups, including Monroe. Four responses were received and four presentations to the Executive Team and the Medical Executive Committee were delivered. Post-presentation surveys indicated a clear preference for Monroe Radiology on the part of both the physicians and the Executive Team.

Phase II of NICU Begins
The Board of Directors approved implementation of PMC's Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Recruitment efforts are underway for a Neonatologist who will serve as the Medical Director for the program.  Twenty four hour Neonatology care will be provided in the Level II NICU.  Nurse training is being provided by PMC's experienced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.  PMC and PMC Physician Associates currently offer Obstetric, Gynecology, Urogynecology and Perinatology (OB care for high risk mothers) care for women at 3 locations - East Stroudsburg at 175 East Brown Street and 447 Office Plaza; Tobyhanna at Mountain Family Care on Route 611.  Women's medical care in PMC's Obstetric/Gynecology practice is provided by board certified physicians, midwives, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants.

Occupational Medicine Relocation
PHS canceled the lease on offices at the Stroud Building. The Occupational Medicine site has been relocated to the Whitman Property on Prospect Street directly across from the Medical Center.

Laboratory Expansion Project Continues
On November 19, PHS received approval for Phase III of the laboratory expansion project to address the College of American Pathology recommendations. Phase I was expansion of the Blood Bank completed in the summer of 2008 and Phase II was relocation of the Pathology Offices, completed in the summer of 2009. Phase III,  expansion of Histology, is underway, and is slated to be completed by February of 2010. 

Expansion of Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center
Several meetings have been held with the general and limited partners to review plans for an addition to the Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center to expand the number of operating rooms from two to four. The project will include a new façade to the existing buildings and a new front parking lot. The opportunity for active medical staff to join in a new limited real estate partnership was presented and well received by those interested. The prospectus is in the final stage of development. Work on the parking lot is expected to begin shortly followed by the new construction in the spring.

PHS IN THE NEWS

Pocono Medical Center, Geisinger restrict visitors to prevent flu spread, Pocono Record, October 24
The article discusses how PMC and Geisinger Health System have recently implemented new visitor restrictions to help keep their patients safe during the flu season. Dr. Susheer Gandotra, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Geoffrey M. Roche are quoted. Geisinger Health System will now screen all visitors who attempt to visit their facilities.
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Medical leader hailed at Shawnee Inn, Pocono Record, October 24
The Monroe County Ambulance Association and State Representatives Mario Scavello and John Siptroth honored Dr. Peter Favini recently for his role as the Medical Director of the Mattioli Emergency Center at PMC.
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Community Calendar, Pocono Record, October 24
The Women’s Wellness Weekend program in November at Shawnee is mentioned and it includes the PMC Wellness Institute as a sponsor.
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PMC empowers women to utilize better medical care, Eastern Pocono Community News, October 24
Debbie Kulick writes about PMC’s Spirit of Women Program.  The October 2009 Pink Light Walk and the November 16 Diabetic Chef event is mentioned.
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Four philanthropists, group to be recognized, Pocono Record, October 26
Chuck Hannig and Maryanne Heeter are going to receive awards this year and the article discusses how they have both been actively involved in PMC affairs.
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Hospitals barring youth and sick visitors, Morning Call, October26
All Lehigh Valley regional hospitals including Lehigh Valley Health Network, Sacred Heart Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital have followed Easton Hospital and Pocono Medical Center in implementing new visitor restriction policies. These hospitals have implemented the same policy that PMC has in effect.
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Hospitals ban youths, sick visitors, Morning Call, October 27
All Lehigh Valley regional hospitals including Lehigh Valley Health Network, Sacred Heart Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital have followed Easton Hospital and Pocono Medical Center in implementing new visitor restriction policies. These hospitals have implemented the same policy that PMC has in effect.
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Safety: The tricky part of Halloween, Pocono Record, October 29
Dr. Favini and Dr. Lindy Lee Cibishino discuss Halloween Safety and prevention steps.
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Ask the Doctor: ‘Baseline’ mammogram should come at 35 years, Pocono Record, October 29
Dr. Shadi Kayed answers a question about mammograms.
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Benefit concert at Pub 715 for Amy Larkin, Pocono Record, October 31
A benefit concert was held for Amy Larkin, a PMC employee who has been diagnosed with Pleomorphic Sarcoma.
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Business Briefs What’s What, Pocono Business Journal, November 1
The 9th Annual Pink Light Walk is mentioned as is PMC winning a Bizzy Award for Best Business Marketing Campaign from the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce.
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Pocono Medical Center names new COO, Eastern PA Business Journal, November 3
This is coverage of the News Release announcing Susan Labus as PMC’s new COO.
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Labus is New COO at PMC, Pocono Business Journal, November4
This is coverage of the News Release announcing Susan Labus as PMC’s new COO.

Pocono Medical Center hires new COO, Pocono Record, November 5
Howard Frank interviews Kathy Kuck about Susan Labus’ hiring as PMC’s new COO.
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Pocono health news in brief: Bone Marrow Drive, free flu shots, Pocono Record, November 5
The smoking cessation and oral cancer screening are listed in this community section.
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Smoking Cessation counseling at PMC, Pocono Record, November 10
The article mentions the free smoking cessation counseling on November 17 which is being provided by the Nurse Practitioners as well as the Oral Cancer Screening on November 18.
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Stroudsburg schools’ swine flu snafu calls for more secure handling, Pocono Record, November 11
The Pocono Record provides an editorial discussing how the Stroudsburg School District refrigerator issue, which led to the demise of 5,000 H1N1 doses, is a serious concern that requires more secure handling. Both Sanofi Pasteur and Pocono Medical Center are cited for being organizations that should assist in this effort.
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Business Players, Morning Call, November12
This is coverage of the News Release announcing Susan Labus as PMC’s new COO.
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Suicide the subject of panel discussion, Pocono Record, November 12
A panel of suicide survivors and medical experts will discuss the issue at PMC’s Learning Institute on Saturday.
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Ask the Doctor: Smoking makes bad diabetes even worse, Pocono Record, November 12
Ellen Anuszewski, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner answers a question about diabetes and smoking.  She also talks about the Smoking Cessation Program on November 17.
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PMC Auxiliary poised for gala ball, Pocono Record, November 13
This is coverage of the News Release announcing the 43rd Annual Gala Ball organized by the PMC Auxiliary.
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Health care reform debate hits home, Pocono Record, November 15
The Goucher family discusses their health care challenge associated with John receiving two stents and a defibrillator in his chest at PMC as well as the couple not having a job right now.
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National Survivors of Suicide Day is Saturday, Pocono Record, November 20
The conference will be taking place at Pocono Medical Center’s Learning Institute.
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Company News, Morning Call, November 20
Pocono Medical Center’s Trauma Center is mentioned since it recently received its three-year accreditation as a Level III Trauma Center.
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Loved ones remember suicide victims, Pocono Record, November 22
The Suicide Day Conference was held at the Learning Institute and Marie Rysiak, crisis intervention supervisor at PMC discusses her role in preventing suicides from occurring.
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Ask the Doctor: Managing gestational diabetes for healthy mom and baby, Pocono Record, November 26
Dr. Albert Sarno answers a question about this issue.
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E-burg district inoculates 1,774 students with swine flu vaccine, Pocono Record, November 27
East Stroudsburg School District officials recognize PMC as well as Kevin Crain and Eleena Bower for helping to provide nurses to ensure that the students received the H1N1 vaccine as well as clinical equipment and supplies.
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Heart surgeon leaving PMC after less than a year at job, Pocono Record, November 28
PMC announces that Dr. Anne Cahill, cardiothoracic surgeon is leaving the hospital officially in February 2010.
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Pocono Bulletin Board: Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pocono Med. Center, Pocono Record, November 30
This is coverage of the News Release announcing the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony which is held at PMC.
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2010 Healthcare Outlook, Pocono Business Journal, December 1
The article looks at the 2010 plans for regional hospitals and includes information on PMC.  The information listed focuses on PMC receiving the three-year Trauma Center accreditation, the advancements made in cardiac care, the new cancer center, new NICU, and partnership with the Commonwealth Medical College.
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Business Briefs, Pocono Business Journal, December 1
This section includes information on Susan Labus becoming the new COO at PMC as well as Dr. Herman’s reconstructive work on an Iraq war veteran.
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What’s What, Pocono Business Journal, December 1
The PMC Trauma Center is listed since it received a three-year accreditation as a Level III Trauma Center and the 43rd Annual Gala Bill is mentioned.
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Camelbeach Resort Donates Thousands to Charity, WBRE, December 1
Camelbeach donates to five area organizations including Pocono Medical Center.  PMC will use the $5,700 donation for trauma prevention education. Larissa McNeill, Trauma Program Manager is interviewed.
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Monroe United Way Gets Shot In The Arm From Sanofi and Other Major Firms, PBJ News Updates, December 2
PMC is mentioned for raising $46,217 for the United Way this year.

Rapid Treatment Center at Pocono Medical Center bows to new health care realities, Pocono Record, December 3
Steve Cunningham, VP of Public Relations & Marketing discusses the census being low which led to the temporary closing of the med/surge 4th floor unit.  Cunningham also described the role of the Rapid Treatment Center and how advances in technology have led to more outpatient procedures being performed.
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Ask the Doctor: Strategies to make Holidays Happier, Pocono Record, December 4
Dr. Eleanor Antolin answers a question regarding individuals can be happy during the holiday season.
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Tight job market in Pa. awaits Obama, Pocono Record, December 4
President Obama will visit the Lehigh Valley region today to discuss job creation.  The Pocono region is also facing a challenging economic time especially when it comes to jobs.  PMC is mentioned in the article as one of Monroe County’s largest employers.
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REGIONAL NEWS

Digital Mammography at Geisinger at Mount Pocono, Pocono Record, October 25
Geisinger Mount Pocono now has the Digital Mammography service available at their office.
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Warren Hospital looking for state approval to conduct more complex heart procedures, Express Times, October 26
Warren Hospital is exploring the possibility offer a full-service catherization lab to the community but it must be approved by the state.  They currently provide low-risk cardiac services and transfer the more severe ones to Easton Hospital.
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St. Luke’s, Bethlehem Twp. Closer to agreement on Riverside Campus, Morning Call, October 27
St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network is working with Bethlehem Township on their plans for the Route 33 medical complex.  One issue they are looking at is the need for some traffic improvements.
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Promise of jobs gets St. Luke’s Hospital $17M from taxpayers, Morning Call, October 29
St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network received $17M from Governor Rendell to put towards their new hospital complex planned for Route 33 and Interstate 78 in Bethlehem Township. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs.
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H1N1 vaccination supply falls far short, state says, Scranton Times, October 30
At this point, the number of doses of the H1N1 vaccine received by hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare related organizations is far less than the number needed.
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Lehigh Valley Health Network to offer free seasonal flu vaccine this weekend, Express Times, November 3
The seasonal flu vaccine will be distributed at two drive-through sites in the Lehigh Valley.
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St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network offering swine flu shots, Express Times, November 5
The vaccination will be offered on Friday from 3-5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm to the individuals who fall into the priority group such as pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months, anyone from 6 months to age 24, and people age 25 to 64 who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications.
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Schools begin to receive H1N1, but flu frustration abounds, Scranton Times, November 5
The frustration is associated with the ongoing vaccine delay and the lack of information about the state of supply in the region.
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24-year-old Man was Swine Flu Victim, WNEP, November 10
The individual who recently passed away at Geisinger Medical Center due to H1N1 was 24 years old.
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ESU students turn out for H1N1 vaccine, Pocono Record, November 11
East Stroudsburg University held a H1N1 vaccination clinic for its students and employees this past weekend.
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PHCA report to highlight helping programs, Pocono Record, November 11
Pocono Healthy Communities Alliance will hold its Annual Meeting to discuss the 2008-2009 accomplishments and goals for 2009-2010.
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Elliot Sussman: Health care bill won’t solve cost problems, Express Times
Lehigh Valley Health Network President & CEO says while the U.S. House of Representatives healthcare reform bill will reduce the uninsured, it will not address the cost issues.  In addition, it does not address medical malpractice as well as personal responsibility.
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Governor Rendell: New State Investments Will Keep PA At Forefront of Alternative Energy, Energy Conservation, PR Newswire, November 13
Lehigh Valley Health Network will receive a $96,120 solar energy program grant to install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems at the Kasych Family Pavilion as well as at Lehigh Valley Muhlenberg.
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GHP won’t change policy on mammograms, The Daily Item, November 19
Geisinger Health Plan will not change their policies regarding mammograms and will continue to urge women to undergo the procedure at age 40.
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Planners approve St. Luke’s Riverside first phase, Morning Call, November 24
The Bethlehem Township Planning Commission has recommended that the township commissioners give St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network the approval to begin building the first phase of their 500-acre campus.
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Warren Hospital Shutting Down Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center early next year, Express Times, December 4
Hospital Administration has decided to shut down the center due to their new strategic plan and the center’s four employees have been notified as well.
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St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network doctors decry recommendation to wait until age 50 for mammograms, Express Times, December 4

TV and WEB

No need to rush to the ER with Flu Symptoms, WBRE, October 26
Dr. Susheer Gandotra, Chief of Infectious Diseases discusses PMC’s new Visitation Policy and urges individuals to contact their primary care physician before coming to the ER.  Only individuals facing worsened flu-like symptoms should come to the ER.
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Steve Cunningham spoke to Channel 13 about PMC’s process for distributing the H1N1 vaccine, November 5

Free Help to Quit Smoking, WNEP Live, November 17
Ryan Leckey visited the PMC Learning Institute to speak to some nurse practitioners from PMC as well as the community and Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center staff about the Smoking Cessation and Oral Cancer Screening.
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Ginny Sosnowski was on 93.5 SBG’s Pocono Spotlite, November 18 to talk about the partnership to get pajamas for the children of mothers in the program.

Dr. Michael Greenberg did an interview on Channel 13 and WBRE, November 18 on the new guidelines recommending that women ages 50 to 74 should get routine mammograms.  He explained that the Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center will continue to encourage and provide mammograms for women ages 35-40 once every two years and every year once they reach age 50,
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Pathways to Health 30-minute program
PMC’s Pathways to Health 30-minute program on Blue Ridge Cable’s TV-13.
The December show will be a re-run on urogynecology featuring Dr. Radhika Ailawadi.

PMC gets trauma center accreditation, PoconoNews.net, November 10
Coverage from the News Release announcing that the PMC Trauma Center has received a three-year accreditation from the PA Trauma Systems Foundation.
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Thanksgiving meal interview on the Health Beat, Channel 13, November 25
Lauren Smetana, clinical dietician, discusses how to eat healthy on Thanksgiving.