Most Wired Hospitals Use Technology to Partner with Patients on Health

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is pleased to announce that Navicent Health has earned 2019 CHIME HealthCare’s Most Wired recognition as a certified level seven health system. This is the third consecutive year that Navicent Health has been named a Most Wired health system, recognized as being on the forefront of using healthcare IT to improve delivery of care.

The Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities.

“Healthcare organizations across the globe are continually striving to raise the standard of care, pushing themselves and their peers to do better,” said CHIME President and CEO Russ Branzell. “We designed Most Wired to identify and share those leading practices so everyone can benefit. It is an honor to be among those that perform at the highest levels, knowing that the excellence they achieve will impact patients for years to come.”   

“Technology is making it easier for patients and providers to interact, thus improving communication, safety and patient-provider relationships. New tools are helping patients become more actively involved in their care and maintaining their health. At Navicent Health, we are pleased to partner with our patients through the use of technology to better serve those who rely on us for their health and wellness needs,” said Omer Awan, Chief Information and Digital Officer for Navicent Health.

Awan is the recipient of CHIME’s 2019 Innovator of the Year award and the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare also selected him as a 2019 Top 100 Healthcare Leader.

Navicent Health is continually pursuing technological advances in order to best serve the needs of healthcare consumers, and increase access to care. With a focus on advancing telehealth technology, particularly for rural areas, Navicent Health continues to lead the region in providing access to healthcare services in convenient, user-friendly and consumer-focused manners.

“At Navicent Health, we are committed to providing consumers access to quality care at the right time and in the right place. In the twenty-first century, that time is now and that place is here, wherever that may be. Through technology, healthcare consumers now have immediate access to the care they need, as soon as they need it. We applaud our IT Team for the measures they have taken to best meet the needs of those who depend on Navicent Health for timely care,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Navicent Health. 

A total of 16,168 organizations were represented in the 2019 Most Wired program, which this year included three separate surveys: domestic, ambulatory and international. The surveys assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading. Each participating organization received a customized benchmarking report, an overall score and scores for individual levels in eight segments: infrastructure; security; business/disaster recovery; administrative/supply chain; analytics/data management; interoperability/population health; patient engagement; and clinical quality/safety. Participants can use the report and scores to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.

This is the second year that CHIME has conducted the survey and overseen the program. Last year CHIME made numerous improvements to the survey, governance and scoring methodology. This year CHIME added an ambulatory survey in addition to the domestic survey, expanded international outreach and incorporated an improved system that allows participating organizations to better benchmark their level of adoption and outcomes achieved. The system includes Most Wired certification at a level that reflects an organization’s overall performance. CHIME also revised the customized benchmarking report for ease of use and will again publish a report based on Most Wired responses to identify industry trends in 2019.     

About CHIME

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs), chief innovation officers (CIOs), Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With more than 2,900 members in 56 countries and over 150 healthcare IT business partners and professional services firms, CHIME provides a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate; exchange best practices; address professional development needs; and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

About Navicent Health
Navicent Health, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Navicent Health provides care for healthcare consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Navicent Health is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visitwww.navicenthealth.org.

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Patients benefit from enhanced image quality and comfort of breast cushion

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that early detection of breast cancer greatly increases a woman’s chances for survival, and the best opportunity to discover cancer early is to have an annual mammogram.

Southeast Georgia Health System is committed to providing the communities it serves with the highest possible standard of care using advanced technology. In November, the Health System began providing an innovative screening method at its breast imaging locations on the Brunswick and Camden campuses: Genius 3D Mammography™ exams using the MammoPad® breast cushion and SmartCurve™ breast stabilization system.

The Genius 3D Mammography exam, developed by Hologic, Inc., a worldwide leader in Women’s Health, utilizes advanced breast tomosynthesis technology to obtain high-resolution, limited-angle images. Genius 3D exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers and are quickly becoming recognized as the highest standard of care for breast cancer screenings.

The MammoPad breast cushion creates a warmer, softer and more comfortable mammogram experience. Mammography technologists report that the MammoPad breast cushion makes it easier for patients to relax. This enables technologists to better position the breast and capture more tissue during the screening for the best imaging results.

The SmartCurve breast stabilization system features a curved surface that mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast to reduce pinching and better distribute pressure over the entire breast, making the exam more comfortable. In a recent clinical study comparing SmartCurve to traditional flat paddle compression, the SmartCurve system improved comfort in 93% of women who reported moderate to severe discomfort with standard compression.

“Studies have shown that pain, or fear of pain, are major reasons some women do not return for annual mammograms—or refuse to get the exam altogether,” says Hillary Williams George, M.D., a fellowship-trained radiologist at the Health System’s Brunswick Campus. “The Health System is dedicated to providing superior care with the 3D mammography and a comfortable experience to decrease patient anxiety, encourage compliance and improve the patient experience.”

“3D mammography makes everything much clearer,” says Susan O’Sullivan, M.D., a board-certified radiologist and vice chief, Department of Radiology, Brunswick Campus. “It helps improve visualization of different parts of the breast without the confusion of having different tissues overlapping one another.”

In a conventional, 2D mammogram, two X-ray images are taken of each breast, creating a flat, two-dimensional view. Unclear or suspicious findings from these 2D views can increase the need for additional testing. Those findings usually turn out to be noncancerous, resulting in false-positives.

Genius 3D technology is designed to overcome these limitations. It takes multiple images from different angles using an X-ray tube that moves across each breast. Computers then reconstruct those images into thin cross-sections, or slices, of each breast.

“Compressing the breasts can cause overlapping tissue, which can hide cancerous masses deep within the breasts and make it more difficult to distinguish masses from harmless tissues,” explains O’Sullivan. “Genius 3D imaging makes it easier to see the layers of breast tissue, allowing for more accurate cancer detection.”

According to O’Sullivan, a 3D mammogram can be especially helpful in detecting cancer in women with dense breasts – defined as breasts made up of more glandular and fibrous connective tissues than fatty tissues. Women of all ages and breast densities may still benefit from the technology’s accuracy.

Overall, benefits of 3D mammography compared to 2D are:

• Reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40%: Women are less likely to be asked to return to the Mammography department for additional imaging due to abnormal findings on a screening mammogram.
• Improved early detection rates: 3D mammography can find 20-65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D mammography can.
• Superior for dense breasts

Southeast Georgia Health System offers 3D mammograms at the Breast Care Center on the Brunswick Campus, the Medical Plaza across from the Brunswick Campus, and Women’s Imaging on the Camden Campus. This 3D technology will also be available on the WOW mobile health vehicle in 2020. Conventional mammograms continue to be an option at Southeast Georgia Health System as well.

Most major health insurance plans cover 3D mammograms. If you have questions about this important breast health procedure, please call 912-466-5234. To schedule a mammogram, please call 912-466-1240.

About Southeast Georgia Health System

Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, three immediate care centers, five family medicine centers and numerous employed physician practices. The Health System has multiple outpatient specialty care centers, including the only CyberKnife^® Program in the region and one of only four in Georgia, and a Cancer Care Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. For more information, call 855-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447) or visit sghs.org.

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AJ Donohue would be proud. His name is now connected with a fundraising campaign to renovate the Southeast Georgia Health System Brunswick Campus pediatric inpatient unit. In partnership with the Health System Foundation, the AJ Donohue Foundation is launching the “Leap For The Kids” fundraising campaign and will match every dollar donated, up to $100,000.

If you give $25, the AJ Donohue Foundation will match your donation, bringing it up to $50. “We’re hoping the community will step up,” said John Donohue, AJ’s uncle and Foundation treasurer.

One of the first childhood cancer cases in Glynn County, AJ succumbed to the disease at age 18. During his short life, he inspired all who met him. “AJ was a charismatic young man who always thought of others. He grew up in and loved Glynn County, but over a two year period, he spent more than 200 nights at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. Unless you’ve experienced pediatric diseases, you don’t fully understand how the family suffers. The pediatric unit renovation is an ideal time for us to support high level care in our community. It was consistent with AJ’s vision,” Donohue said.

According to the Health System’s Foundation Development Director Krista Robitz, the pediatric inpatient unit needs a major renovation. “The 38-year-old facility isn’t inviting and it shares a floor with the adult oncology inpatient unit.” Robitz said the renovation will emulate the child- and family-friendly design of Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville. “Children and their families won’t feel like they’re on a clinical floor,” she said.

Following the Wolfson Children’s Hospital design strengthens a partnership established in 2012. That year saw the opening of the Wolfson Children’s at Southeast Georgia Health System. Every week, specialists from Jacksonville treat Glynn County children with chronic medical conditions. Providing follow-up care in Brunswick alleviates some of the burden on local families who usually seek care in Jacksonville, as AJ’s family once did.

The pediatric inpatient unit redesign is part of the 20-20 Vision Campaign to expand and renovate the Brunswick campus. “The fundamental (construction) pieces were already in place, but we wanted to create a healing environment that minimizes the disruption of family life. From our family’s experience with AJ and other ill children, we know that the aesthetics of the (hospital) environment have a huge impact,” Donohue said. Robitz agreed. “We see it every day at the hospital. A soothing environment is essential to healing the mind and spirit.”

AJ understood this, having watched his parents spend many restless nights at his bedside, sleeping in upright chairs. He raised $50,000 to purchase recliners so families could rest comfortably at their child’s bedside. “He raised $50,000 by selling decals at $2 each,” Donohue recalled. AJ’s achievement illustrates an important point: every dollar makes a difference.

As John Donohue sees it, the Foundation’s challenge to the community supports a broader vision for the future of Glynn County. “If Jacksonville and Savannah can have this type of environment, why can’t Brunswick? This is a step toward our long-term goal of making more treatments for children available locally.”

Your dollars make a difference in the lives of local families. Please support them by donating at www.wearethefoundation.org or www.ajdonohuefoundation.org. You may also donate by calling 912-466-3360.

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, three immediate care centers, five family medicine centers and numerous employed physician practices. The Health System has multiple outpatient specialty care centers, including the only CyberKnife^® Program in the region and one of only four in Georgia, and a Cancer Care Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. For more information, call 855-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447) or visit sghs.org.                                                       ###

A free class on childbirth is offered at Wayne Memorial Hospital Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria conference room. This class is ideal for those expectant mothers 25 weeks pregnant or later by the class date. Those interested in registering may do so by calling (912) 530-3118 or (912) 530-3117.

Topics of the class will include the normal process of pregnancy, labor and delivery with an emphasis on conscious prepared childbirth. Stress is placed on a medically safe delivery in the hospital under the direction of a physician. Additional topics covered are infant care and infant feeding. Attendees are encouraged to invite a support person to the class.

Wayne Memorial Hospital, whose mission is to provide high quality health care services to all patients, built a state-of-the-art facility in 2007. It is the third largest employer in Wayne County with 500 employees, 84 beds and is a three-time winner of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Small Hospital of the Year Award.

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“One patient, one record” is now a reality across Tanner Health System.

On Sunday, Nov. 3, the entire health system went live with the new Epic electronic health record.

With Epic, each patient’s entire health record is immediately accessible from providers throughout the organization.

Whether a patient’s needs lead them to one of Tanner’s five hospitals, almost 40 physician practices, three urgent cares, four emergency departments or any of the health system’s outpatient services like diagnostic imaging or an infusion center, their health information is on a single health record.

The new platform will lead to more accurate, efficient and improved care and a better experience for patients.

And, with patients able to access their information directly through the Tanner MyChart patient portal, members of the community are empowered to play a greater role in their health.

The EpicFocus project was a 14-month endeavor to improve patient care and efficiency at Tanner with the implementation of Epic, the No. 1 electronic health record in the United States. The Epic platform secures the vital health records of more than 250 million people worldwide.

Implementation required building a new Tanner-tailored electronic health record by a team of more than 100 IT and healthcare professionals, supported by Epic, and training and preparation of the more than 3,400 Tanner team members to use the new system while providing care for patients.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of Tanner, whether you’re a patient or a part of the Tanner team,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner. “Our Epic implementation is the largest and most transformative change in our history. Our team members have risen to the challenge. Almost all have undergone hours of preparation and training, whether to provide input early on to make the system work its best for Tanner or to train on how to use the system — all the while caring for our patients.”

Prior to the implementation, Tanner facilities utilized three different health record platforms in its hospitals, emergency departments and physician practices — in addition to several smaller specialty department records.

While the information was available, it wasn’t always quickly accessible or current. Patients were often asked by several caregivers about routine information such as current medicines and allergies on the same visit to ensure accuracy.

Now, healthcare providers will be able to quickly and easily access the patient’s current health information from a single source, including care received at non-Tanner facilities due to the expansive coverage of Epic.

“One of the most visible benefits patients will see is the availability of the Tanner MyChart portal, which was launched initially by Tanner in its Tanner Medical Group practices in July and is now available for inpatient services as well,” said Greg Schulenburg, senior vice president and chief information officer for Tanner who led the EpicFocus project.

The new online application is accessible on computers, tablets and smartphones, providing patients with 24/7 access to their healthcare information.

With Tanner MyChart, they can complete a variety of healthcare-related tasks — such as scheduling appointments, ordering prescription refills and paying their physician and hospital bills. Those with dependent children or elderly family members can also make proxy arrangements to access and manage their information and healthcare activities.

“Patients are already handling a lot of their day-to-day tasks electronically, so their health care should not be an exception,” said Schulenburg.

Tanner is helping patients sign up for Tanner MyChart during doctor’s visits as well as inpatient and outpatient care at its hospitals. Benefits and sign-up details are available on Tanner’s website at //tanner.org/mychart.

A video, “Tanner MyChart Patient Portal,” is also available on the Tanner Health System YouTube channel.

More than 7,500 patients have already signed up for the portal since the July launch, and Tanner is sweetening the offering by automatically enrolling patients in a special sweepstakes to win an Amazon Fire tablet, with monthly drawings through January. Sweepstakes details are available at //tanner.org/mychart-tablet-giveaway.

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Nearly one in four Americans – most of whom live in rural areas – do not have access to adequate broadband internet services. Physician leaders from Atrium Health and Navicent Health recently addressed the National Rural Health Association’s Critical Access Hospital Conference, discussing “Broadband Access is Key to Improving Rural Health” to call attention to this important issue.

Patrice Walker, MD, Chief Medical Officer of The Medical Center, Navicent Health in Macon, Ga. and Wayne Sparks, MD, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health, discussed the need for broadband access, particularly to improve telehealth services.

“For many years, experts have pointed out that a digital divide exists in America. In recent years, many of us in the healthcare field have observed a geographic digital divide between cities and rural areas. A lack of national broadband infrastructure means people in rural communities are unable to use the internet to access resources, information, providers and services that will enable them to better manage their health,” said Dr. Walker.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Walker identified broadband access as the sixth determinant to health, in addition to the five commonly accepted social determinants, which include social and community context, education, economic stability, neighborhood and general living environment, and healthcare access.

“In more populated areas, where broadband infrastructure is established, patients can use the internet to find out information about symptoms or illnesses. Healthcare providers can use broadband to check on a patient’s progress to make sure they are following a prescribed set of treatment. Doctors can use streaming video to perform remote checkups and catch potential health issues before they get worse. Wearable devices monitoring your health range from simple fitness trackers to tools that track diseases like diabetes or heart conditions. Most of us take these options for granted, but for many people, none of this is available,” said Dr. Sparks.

According to the National Institutes of Health, people in rural areas face higher rates of mortality, transportation challenges and have more mistrust of healthcare providers. Transportation is particularly problematic for rural patients, who often travel for hours to see a physician, especially for treatment for chronic conditions. The rural communities who would benefit the most from telehealth are often unable to access it.

One of the primary goals of Atrium Health’s and Navicent Health’s strategic combination, effective January 2019, is to address access to care, particularly through telehealth options for rural areas. This is the first joint presentation Atrium Health and Navicent Health have made at the national level. The partners will continue to advocate for broadband access in each community they serve and take measurable steps to provide telehealth services to those areas.

About Atrium Health

Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout the Southeast region. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high-quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

About Navicent Health
Navicent Health, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Navicent Health provides care for healthcare consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Navicent Health is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visitwww.navicenthealth.org.

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Time Change is Perfect Time to Review Your Family’s Plan

MACON, GA (Wednesday, October 30, 2019) – As part of Navicent Health’s ongoing commitment to community safety and preparedness, the health system reminds the public to be prepared in the event of an unexpected fire.

Navicent Health’s Safety, Emergency Management and Physical Environment Manager Steve Ramsey offers the following tips to ensure you and your family are prepared in the event of a fire:

• Place fresh fire extinguishers near kitchens and garages. Look for expiration dates on extinguishers to ensure they are in proper working order.
• Regularly test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors – a good rule of thumb is to check both types of detectors as Daylight Savings Time begins and ends. This will ensure both are in proper working order and ensure that batteries are replaced if needed.
• Keep escape ladders in second floor bedrooms.
• Store a fire-proof emergency blanket in each bedroom.
• Store valuables, including important documents, in a fire-proof safe.
• Identify escape routes with your family members and have a designated meeting place. Ensure a plan is in place for any family pets.

“Many people don’t think to check smoke alarm batteries or check expiration dates on fire extinguishers, and while some families may have a rough idea of a fire escape plan, it’s important to review these to remind all family members, especially children, of the plan. While we may not think of these things often, if we get in the habit of adding these tasks when we turn our clocks forward or back for Daylight Savings Time, we’ll begin to build fire safety habits that could potentially save a life,” said Ramsey.

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Monday, November 4, 11 am – to 4 pm

Jesup, GA –  On Monday, November 4, the staff at Wayne Memorial Hospital is rolling up their sleeves to save lives in a different way and are inviting the public to join them. The hospital is partnering with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the blood mobile, parked right outside the cafeteria. The Red Cross has over 130 years of experience providing humanitarian aid – including more than 70 years of supplying blood to those in need.

Each pint of blood collected can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of more. It’s a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org and entering “wmh” as the sponsor code.  Walk-ins are also welcomed. Donors may streamline their appointments and save up to 15 minutes by visiting //RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete their pre-donation questions.

The American Red Cross mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Wayne Memorial Hospital, whose mission is to provide high quality health care services to all patients, built a state-of-the-art facility in 2007. It is the third largest employer in Wayne County with 500 employees, 84 beds and is a three-time winner of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Small Hospital of the Year Award.

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Hamilton Medical Center, flagship of Hamilton Health Care System, was recently granted the Certificate of Need (CON) to develop an open heart surgery program by Georgia’s Department of Community Health (DCH).

Lamar Lyle, president and CEO of Lyle Industries and chair of Hamilton Health Care System’s Board of Trustees, found himself in the unenviable position of being a heart patient in 2011. He shared his thoughts on what the new open heart surgery program will mean for the community and for heart patients like him:

“Through the decades, I’ve served in many roles with Hamilton’s Boards of Trustees, to include Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Royal Oaks, and chair of the Hamilton Health Care System Board of Trustees. In 2011, I had heart issues and personally experienced what it is like to travel for heart care. It is a very difficult experience for family caring for loved ones and it makes it difficult for the patient to receive care and ongoing follow-up. I am very pleased to see this opportunity for our community and for the many patients and families that struggle with receiving care so far away from their home and their loved ones. I am excited to see open heart surgery becoming available right here at home for so many who need this level of care.”

Richard C. Morrison, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Chattanooga, who has performed a significant number of open heart surgeries for residents of the Northwest Georgia region and who is working with Hamilton to develop the open heart program, stated in his letter to the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) during the CON process:

“The new comprehensive cardiac program at Hamilton will provide the quality and continuity of care that patients and families of Northwest Georgia expect and deserve. Right now, they have to travel long, time-consuming, and many times congested distances across state lines to receive these services. By providing an extensive range of cardiac-related services, all located in Dalton, Hamilton will improve the access and quality of cardiac services available to residents of Northwest Georgia. In doing so, it will prevent these patients from traveling long distances to receive sophisticated cardiac care with an expected reduction in high cardiac mortality and morbidity rates seen in this high-risk population. Additionally, as a Level II Trauma Center with Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery capabilities, Hamilton will be able to treat both cardiac and thoracic trauma patients.”

In response to the recent DCH decision granting the CON, Morrison commented:

“Having practiced cardiac surgery in this region for over 30 years, I am very excited that Hamilton Medical Center was able to obtain approval to build an open heart surgery program. This will give Hamilton Medical Center the ability to create a comprehensive cardiovascular program at an elite level. I look forward to building this program with Hamilton Medical Center, which will be a great benefit for the residents of North Georgia and surrounding regions.”

Robert Chandler, chair of the Hamilton Medical Center Board of Trustees, explained the broader impact of being granted the CON. “Hamilton has long been a great community hospital and is maturing to a regional healthcare center for the entire Northwest Georgia region.” Chandler continued, “The halo effect of having an open heart surgery program benefits the community through a wide range of additional services the hospital will be able to provide, but it goes beyond that. There is a tremendous economic benefit to the region as well.”

As Morrison’s DCH letter stated, and as Chandler referenced, there is a halo effect for a health system and a community that is operating at this very high level of care, and now these services will soon be available here in the community so that patients and their families do not have to travel. An example of this expanded service opportunity would be the ability for Hamilton’s oncology services to do lung surgeries in treating certain types of cancer.

Additionally, an open heart program will increase access to care as more and more physicians are seeking health systems that offer these types of advanced treatments. According to Hamilton Physician Group cardiologist Stephen D. Rohn, MD, “An open heart surgery program will allow us to recruit physicians in cardiology and other competitive specialties that might not have otherwise considered moving to this area. This advantage will bring greater access to care to the community and to the entire Northwest Georgia region.”

In the last five years alone, Hamilton has recruited more than 60 physicians and now has more than 280 physicians on medical staff with expertise in more than 40 specialties. The ability to bring even more specialists and experts to Dalton and the surrounding community would increase access to care for families in the community as well have a significant economic impact to the region.

Hamilton has long been a community partner, not only in providing for the healthcare needs of our community, but also as an employer and as an economic partner. A new open heart surgery program is expected to bring more jobs to the community with the addition of physicians, surgeons and surgical staff to support the program. Rob Bradham, president and CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce commented, “Hamilton Health Care System has long been one of our community’s most important economic engines. The addition of the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, along with the upcoming opening of the Peeples Cancer Institute, are the most recent examples of the tremendous economic impact Hamilton has in Northwest Georgia. Those projects, along with the recent approval of open heart surgery, makes Hamilton a true regional center of excellence that drives the entire region’s economy.”

Local legislators also voiced their excitement over the decision from DCH to grant the CON. Representative Kasey Carpenter echoed Bradham’s comments:

“This is a huge win for the health of our community and the economy of the entire region. Hamilton is an economic driver of our community, and they continue to invest in programs and growth throughout Northwest Georgia. Thanks to Jeff Myers and the entire staff at Hamilton Health Care System for fighting to provide the finest care for our citizens and investing in Northwest Georgia. This, my friends, is a huge victory for our community. 

Senator Chuck Payne stated:

“This is the result of a wonderful collaboration of many people working together to better serve the interests and needs of Northwest Georgians. From local efforts of those at Hamilton Medical Center and others in Dalton, to Governor Brian Kemp permitting us his time to hear the ring of hope in our voices as we made our case for such a need, it truly is a testament to what can be accomplished when we’re all working together. It truly is all part of the ‘Dalton difference.’” 

Representative Jason Ridley expressed his gratitude to Governor Kemp and to the Georgia First Committee for their assistance in bringing this much-needed service to the region. “This is another example of Governor Kemp putting Georgians first. Having open heart surgery at Hamilton is great for the community and allows people to stay at home with their loved ones.”

Jeff Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Care System, expressed his gratitude to all who have pulled together to bring open heart surgery to the community, and he explained his early vision and the importance of establishing several foundational services that provide the necessary components for or enhance Hamilton’s ability to provide open heart surgery.

“The path to being granted the Certificate of Need to develop an open heart program is not just a Hamilton effort. This was an effort by the entire community, and everyone really rallied together around treatment for cardiac disease and improving the health of the community – and the Northwest Georgia region. Hamilton’s path to open heart surgery goes back to the very beginning when the hospital first opened in 1921, providing care when it was needed in a region that was underserved. Even in the 1960s when Hamilton was the first hospital in the state of Georgia to open a Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), it was on the cutting edge of healthcare innovation in Georgia. Now, with the addition of intensivists providing specialized, critical care management in our ICUs, and the addition of advanced technology such as the PrisMax continuous renal therapy system, which we are first in the nation to use, Hamilton continues to lead the way for healthcare in our region.

For far too long, we have watched our friends, family and loved ones suffer from chronic diseases, especially heart disease. Without this level of care, patients and their families have had to drive often an hour or more for care. Bringing open heart surgery to this region allows patients to not only be close to home, but their physicians are able to better coordinate their care – physicians who know them, who have cared for them, and who know their medical histories. This coordination of care cannot be overstated. It has significant impact on how well a patient recovers after surgery, and it can minimize the occurrence and impact of complications, especially for patients with multiple health conditions, which is common with those suffering from heart disease.

At the end of the day, we are here to serve our patients and their families. Everything we do is to improve their care and the health and well-being of those we serve. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve our community and our region in this new and exciting way.”

According to Sandy McKenzie, executive vice president and chief operating officer, “Now that approval has been granted for the CON, development of the open heart surgery program will involve many stakeholders – patients first and foremost.” McKenzie emphasized, “When we start the program, it will be with the right team, at the right time, at the right place, doing the right things. From day one, from the first surgery, Hamilton will provide the highest quality of cardiac care for our patients and compassionate support for their families and loved ones.”

With an ever-increasing growth rate of cardiovascular disease in the region, including an extremely high mortality rate for cardiovascular disease that surpasses state and national averages, having this service available in the local community has the potential to save lives and better the health of friends, families and neighbors. Death rates related to heart disease for Hamilton’s service area are 25 percent higher than the national rate and 44 percent higher than the statewide rate. Beyond these startling numbers, the service area suffers from an extremely high proportion of chronic diseases, many of which lead to heart disease. Also, the population is significantly older than many areas of the state and continues to age at a rate faster than the average for the state of Georgia. Nearly 20 percent of Hamilton’s service area population is expected to be 65 years of age and older by 2022, compared with less than 16 percent for Georgia overall. Combined with the region’s high rate of poverty and a high population of adult, non-Medicare residents who are uninsured, many struggle financially and physically to meet just the basic needs for daily life.

Hamilton’s service area includes more than 400,000 adults, and its service area population of adults 65 years of age and older requires open-heart surgery 2.7 times more frequently than adults ages 15 to 64. The service area population ages 65 and older is projected to grow nearly 4 times faster than the overall adult population. As a result, an even greater need for open-heart surgery services is expected in future years.

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Clinical expansion will give region comprehensive heart care

Tanner Health System is moving ahead with its plans to establish an open-heart surgery program in Carrollton.

With open-heart surgery, residents will be able to receive services — like coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery — without having to travel out of the area. More than 200,000 CABG procedures are performed nationally each year.

“Building a comprehensive heart care program has been our goal for many years, and we’ve worked steadily toward it,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our region, and as a community healthcare organization, it’s our role to offer the services our neighbors need to have the best chance of surviving the disease.”

The health system earned state approval to expand its cardiac services, overcoming objections from other regional hospitals.

The expansion of services will require Tanner to build out a new operating suite at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton designed for the procedure, as well as recruit cardiothoracic surgeons to its medical staff to perform the surgeries. Additional staff — in both clinical and nonclinical roles — will also be needed for the program.

“Open-heart surgery is a hallmark of a major medical center,” said Benjamin Camp, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Tanner. “Rather than leaving our region for care, open-heart surgery will be a reason people are coming into west Georgia.”

The program will be the latest step in Tanner’s growing heart program. The health system began offering interventional cardiology, including angioplasty and stenting, at its Carrollton hospital in 2006. In 2008, it opened the four-story Tanner Heart and Vascular Center on the campus of Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. Interventional heart services were expanded to Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica in 2015.

Most recently, both hospitals earned accreditations as chest pain centers, with streamlined practices to ensure the fastest clinical response to heart attack treatment possible.

“Our community has a higher rate of cardiovascular disease than the rest of the nation,” said Shazib Khawaja, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists and medical operations leader for Tanner Heart Care. “We’re addressing that with programs to prevent chronic disease, encourage more physical activity and healthier diets. But that doesn’t immediately reverse a trend that has been growing for decades.

“That’s why we must make sure that the most effective treatments are available close to home, especially when time is so critical in relation to outcomes,” Dr. Khawaja said.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Georgia, which ranks 38th among the states for the number of cardiovascular deaths. Counties primarily served by Tanner have higher age-adjusted death rates for major cardiac disease than the statewide rate and consistently have higher cardiovascular-related death rates than Georgia’s average.

“The availability of open-heart services in Carrollton is going to save lives in our region,” said State Sen. Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton. “Lack of healthcare services leads to higher mortality rates here than in more urban parts of our state. Rural citizens should not face a higher mortality rate for cardiovascular disease because of where they live, and the open-heart surgical program Tanner is establishing will help our neighbors have as good a shot at surviving heart disease as people in Atlanta or elsewhere.”

Christopher Arant, MD, also a board-certified interventional cardiologist with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists, said open-heart surgery gives doctors more options for treatment.

“This is not a service that’s been easy or convenient for people who live in our region,” said Dr. Arant. “Open-heart surgery can give people a new lease on life, but until now, having the procedure has been a huge hardship. Hospitals that offer it are far away in densely populated areas, and it requires a seven- to 10-day hospital stay after the surgery for recovery. That makes it difficult for families to visit their loved ones in the hospital and be engaged with their care. Now, we’re going to be able to give people that full range of cardiac services — including both open-heart surgery and more complex interventional cardiac procedures — right here in Carrollton.”

Tanner offers heart care services in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen and in Wedowee, Alabama. More information on cardiac care at Tanner can be found at TannerHeartCare.org.

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