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NHRMC experienced record high census
02/28/2005
Flu season hits in a big way

Driven by a flu season that hit later than usual, New Hanover Regional has been treating the most patients in its history in recent weeks.

The census hit 653 and 654 on consecutive days in the middle of the month, both records. A typical day last fiscal year was 504, and the medical center budgeted 517 as a daily census this year.

Every possible space for patients has been pressed into service. The newly opened Rapid Admit Unit has helped keep patients moving through the system, and makeshift beds have been set up in the Emergency Department and Outpatient Services Unit.

Staff has been commended for maintaining very good care during this peak, and the patients have been understanding and cooperative.

Some Disney magic for Pediatrics

A name familiar to children everywhere has reached out to the Pediatrics Unit at New Hanover Regional.

The Walt Disney Company donated four boxes full of toys, books, family activity kits and a DVD player to be used in the Pediatric Playroom. The DisneyHand World Wide Outreach for the Walt Disney Company, in partnership with Starlight, Starbright Children's Foundation, donated the items. The department is a user of the Starlight, Starbright's PC Pals and Fun Centers, so it receives updates to the toys it already has.

Michele Erich, Child Life Specialist and Music Therapist, said the toys 'help to normalize the hospital experience. Playing is the normal avenue for the children and they enjoy it. The toys, books and movies make hospitalization a lot easier for the child.'

Pediatrics will be able to give some of the donated items to the children.

State chooses this region as model for disaster response
Citing North Carolina as a national model, a federal official visited Wilmington last week to review how one region had successfully worked together to prepare for disasters.

Scott Dugas, with the federal Health Resources Services Administration, came to learn how the N. C. Office of Emergency Medical Services has used funding provided by the federal agency. Southeastern North Carolina was chosen for this demonstration.

Four State Medical Assistance Teams from the Southeastern Regional Advisory Committee set up their field operations at the Battleship and told federal, state and local officials how their organizations have used HRSA funding to enhance their disaster preparedness capabilities.

'North Carolina is the only state that has utilized the funding provided to build the concept of SMAT to respond to disasters, again proving why North Carolina is one of the top two states most prepared for a terrorist attack,' said Mr. Dugas.

Praise from former Insurance Commissioner

Former state Insurance Commissioner John Ingram recently had hip surgery at Cape Fear Hospital. In a letter to a member of the Board of Trustees, he cites the "the highly exceptional professionalism of every one involved in my care, from the extremely competent and cordial Vice President of Operations, Donna Bost, to the nursing, food service and maintenance. ... She runs a tight ship and each individual on her staff presented a friendly smile and willingness to meet every request on my part."

Bariatric Program recognized as excellent

Lost in recent news coverage about bariatric surgery at New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the respect for the program today. Blue Cross/Blue Shied has selected New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Dr. David Miles as one of seven Obesity Surgery Centers of Excellence in North Carolina.

Blue Cross' guidelines cite key components as quality outcomes, the ability to assess and follow through with patients, surgical experience, ability to manage patients, and a willingness to track results.

During a voluntary moratorium on bariatric surgery in 2002, the medical center developed criteria and guidelines for a formal Bariatric Program.

Joint Camp hosts 1,000th camper

On February 8, Roland Hollar became Cape Fear Hospital's 1000th Joint Camper. Mr. Hollar, a patient of Dr. Jim Hundley, was honored with a small celebration of balloons, a knee joint trophy and a gift certificate for dinner.

Joint Camp has been in operation for a little more than two years. It is a treatment program similar to an athletic camp in which total hip and total knee patients encourage and push each other to regain mobility and function.

Network Notes
Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C. visited New Hanover Regional on Feb. 24 as part of his statewide meetings with physicians. He met with CEO Jack Barto, Dr. Thaddeus Dunn, chief of the medical staff, and Bobby Greer, New Hanover County Commissioner and hospital trustee ... New Hanover Regional is one of 48 hospitals in the state to join the 100,000 Lives Campaign, a nationwide patient safety initiative to reduce avoidable deaths. ... New Hanover Regional received the Healthy Business Practice Award at the Domestic Violence in the Workplace summit on Feb. 22. The award recognizes the medical center's proactive approach to dealing with domestic violence among its employees. ... Pender Memorial Hospital's Skilled Nursing Unit received zero deficiencies on a recent state survey.

With a team of surgeons and dedicated staff, the Cape Fear Orthopaedic Specialty Center offers highly trained doctors, nurses and technicians giving advanced and coordinated care.

Delivering more than 3,500 babies a year and providing routine to critical care, the Women's and Children's Services Department offers sophisticated and personal care.

With the only open-heart surgery program in the area, the Coastal Heart Center at New Hanover Regional Medical Center is among the state's leaders in cardiac care.

Powerful new technology and skilled doctors and staff at NHHN are leading the way in imaging services in Southeastern North Carolina.