John Muir Health News

Contra Costa H1N1 flu shot clinics to be held Saturday 11/21

John Muir Health News — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

WHAT:

Contra Costa Health Services will hold two free community H1N1 flu vaccination clinics 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in Concord and San Ramon. Both H1N1 and seasonal flu shots will be offered to priority groups as supplies last.

WHERE:

The Concord clinic will be held at the Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. The San Ramon clinic will be held at the PG&E San Ramon Valley Conference Center, 3301 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon.

WHO:

The clinics are intended for people living in Contra Costa County. Only people in the following priority groups will receive vaccine.

H1N1 vaccine:

Pregnant women
Children ages 6 months through 4 years
Children who are between 5 years and 18 years with chronic medical conditions (including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and others)
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (parents, siblings and daycare providers)

Seasonal flu vaccine:

People 60 years and older
Pregnant women
People 4 years and older with chronic medical conditions

Information is subject to change. Check www.cchealth.org or call 1-888-959-9911 for recorded updates before visiting a flu clinic.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update

John Muir Health News — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

John Muir Health currently has a very limited supply of H1N1 vaccine. We expect to begin receiving more in early November. We understand that there is a high level of concern about the availability of H1N1 vaccine. Unfortunately, we are only receiving limited shipments from the State of California and therefore we are vaccinating those at highest risk first: children and pregnant women.

If you are a patient with a physician who is part of John Muir Medical Group - updates on vaccine availability will be posted on this site on a regular basis.

If you are a patient with another physician group, please contact your physician's office to inquire further about vaccine availability.

Contra Costa Health Services has updated information regarding their flu clinics:

The Concord drive through clinic on Saturday, November 21 has been moved to the Sleeptrain Pavilion.
The East County clinic has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 6 at the Pittsburg Health Center.
The San Ramon clinic will be taking place this Saturday, November 21 as scheduled.
All clinics will be held from 10:00am - 3:00pm while vaccine supplies last.

This information is available on the Contra Costa Health Services website under items of interest and on their press release page:
http://www.cchealth.org/press_releases/2009_11_concord_flu_clinic_relocated.php

They have changed the vaccination page to reflect the current changes:
http://www.cchealth.org/topics/swine_flu/vaccination.php

Their Health Emergency Information Line, 1-888-959-9911, has been updated in both English and Spanish.

Know when to go...

John Muir Health News — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0500

...to your family doctor

If a child four years old or younger develops a fever, contact his or her pediatrician. Young children are at a higher risk of developing complications from H1N1 flu.
If you are pregnant, tell your OB/GYN or your family doctor if you develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat.
If you have a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma, tell your doctor if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

...to your local emergency

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency*
either go to your local emergency department or call 911. The majority of H1N1 flu cases are not medical emergencies, and most people will recover on their own. Emergency departments cannot test for H1N1 flu or administer the H1N1 flu vaccine, but they can treat you for problems such as difficulty breathing or high fever.

* emergency symptoms include but may not be limited to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness confusion; seizures; and severe or persistent vomiting. In children, medical emergencies also include fast/rapid breathing or trouble breathing; bluish skin color; not drinking enough fluids; not waking up or not interacting; and being so irritable that he or she does not want to be held.
If your flu-like symptoms persist for more than one week or if your fever goes down without medication and then comes back a day or two later, tell your doctor right away or go to your local emergency department.
If you have a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma, tell your doctor if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community

Get vaccinated against the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
Always wash your hands frequently and cover your coughs and sneezes.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school and away from other public areas until your fever has broken for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication.
Avoid visiting hospital patients if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Stay Connected

Learn more, and stay informed about H1N1 flu in Contra Costa County:

Contra Costa Health Services
www.cchealth.org
Prerecorded Health Information Line: 1-888-959-9911
Twitter: @CoCoHealth
Facebook: Contra Costa Health Services

John Muir Health Receives Cancer Program Accreditation

John Muir Health News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Nurse Navigators Demonstrate Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Approach to Patient Care at Bay Area's only Cancer Center

Walnut Creek, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2009) - John Muir Health's Walnut Creek and Concord campuses have earned a three-year accreditation with commendation as a Network Cancer Program (NCP) from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients. John Muir Health is one of only two hospitals in California and the only one in San Francisco Bay Area to receive the recognition.

"Our oncological services are built on John Muir Health's tradition of providing leading-edge technology, excellent patient outcomes, and personalized, compassionate care," said Brenda Carlson, Executive Director of Oncology Services, John Muir Health. "The Cancer Program accreditation is a tribute to the skilled and caring physicians, nurses, and staff whose commitment to outstanding patient care has earned this recognition."

To earn the Cancer Program voluntary accreditation, John Muir Health was required to demonstrate its commitment to cancer patients by providing state-of-the-art medical imaging for screening and diagnosis, comprehensive lab services, outstanding surgical services, advanced radiation and chemotherapy, and multi-disciplinary specialty teams that provide highly individualized patient care.

One of the innovative facets of the cancer program that John Muir Health offers to its patients is Nurse Navigators. "A Nurse Navigator is an Oncology Nurse with expertise in a certain cancer diagnosis and who is knowledgeable of the services in the Health System and the community," said Vicki Rocconi, RN, OCN the Nurse Navigator for Breast Health Services and a cancer survivor. "We are available to assist patients through diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. I am very fortunate to work for a health system that understands the various needs of our patients and provides this free service."

John Muir Cancer Institute's team of eight Nurse Navigators supports all cancer programs at the Walnut Creek and Concord campuses, including breast, thoracic, esophageal, colorectal, brain tumor and neuro-oncology, gynecological, and urological cancers. They work with physicians, other nurses, ancillary services and health care professionals to educate patients about their diagnostic and treatment options, connect them with ongoing services and support, and provide personalized attention to their medical and emotional needs.

Additional support services for John Muir Health's cancer patients include:

Genetic counseling and testing
Second opinion and educational tumor boards
Support groups
Nutritional counseling
Physical therapy
Participation in clinical trials
Survivorship program

"I am so proud that John Muir Health has been recognized with this accreditation," said Dr. Deborah Kerlin, medical director, Breast Health Services, John Muir Health. "This achievement acknowledges all the collaborative efforts by the caregivers of our cancer patients."

Learn more about John Muir Health's cancer services, including the Nurse Navigator program.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a not-for-profit organization that includes two of the largest medical centers in Contra Costa County: John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus, a 327-bed acute care medical center that serves as Contra Costa County's only designated trauma center; and John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, a 254-bed acute care medical center in Concord. Together, they are recognized as preeminent centers for cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, cancer care and high-risk obstetrics. Other areas of specialty include general surgery, advanced endoscopic and robotic surgery, weight-loss surgery, orthopedic and neurology programs. In addition, John Muir Health provides a number of outpatient services throughout the community including: Brentwood, Tice Valley/Rossmoor and San Ramon. All three hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, a national surveyor of quality patient care.

About the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care. Established by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) in 1922, the multidisciplinary CoC establishes standards to ensure quality, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive cancer care delivery in health care settings; conducts surveys in health care settings to assess compliance with those standards; collects standardized data from CoC-accredited health care settings to measure cancer care quality; uses data to monitor treatment patterns and outcomes and enhance cancer control and clinical surveillance activities, and develops effective educational interventions to improve cancer prevention, early detection, cancer care delivery, and outcomes in health care settings.

Change in Policy for Visitors

John Muir Health News — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0500

October 16, 2009

Important Message from John Muir Health

Starting Monday, October 19, visitors under the age of 16 or visitors who are ill will NOT be allowed into John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus or John Muir Medical Center – Concord Campus

To help protect our patients and staff from the highly contagious H1N1 flu, John Muir Health will limit hospital visitations effective Monday, October 19, 2009 until further notice. Both John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus will no longer allow visitors under the age of 16 or visitors who are ill to enter the facilities. This is a necessary measure to limit the risks of spreading H1N1 influenza (flu), commonly known as Swine Flu, to our patients and our healthcare staff.

We understand that this restriction can be very difficult for families and friends who have loved ones in our hospitals. We regret the inconvenience of this restriction and appreciate your understanding. Our top priority is the health and safety of patients, healthcare workers and our community.

To protect yourself during the flu season, please follow personal hygiene guidelines:

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
Cover your coughs and sneezes
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school and away from other public areas until your fever has broken for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication
Avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms
Don't share food, utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush with others

To learn about H1N1 flu, its symptoms, prevention and treatment, please visit: the Contra Costa County Health Services web site www.cchealth.org

Dancing Again: Recovered Firefighter Thanks Trauma Team

John Muir Health News — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Sep. 22, 2009 –Firefighter, Ruben Martin, visits John Muir's Trauma Center with KGO Radio's Bret Burkhart to thank John Muir's Trauma Center for saving his life last year.

Listen:

SWF = "mp3player"; $flash->BGColor = "#FDE8DA"; $flash->Width = "189"; $flash->Height = "26"; $flash->FlashVars = array("file"=>"/downloads/podcast/Podcast-The_Dance.mp3"); $flash->FlashDirectory = IMAGES; print($flash->getHTML()); ?>

Caring Hands "Day at the A's" Raises Nearly $9,000 for Local Seniors in Need

John Muir Health News — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Oct 3, 2009 – Attendees enjoyed a barbeque, silent auction and the game to benefit Caring Hands

On Saturday, October 3rd, John Muir Health's Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program hosted its fifth "Day at the A's" to benefit local seniors in need. The program, which recruits and trains local community members to assist seniors with day-to-day activities such as grocery shopping or transportation, raised nearly $9,000 dollars at the event, which included a barbeque, silent auction, and raffle prizes. Sponsors for the Caring Hands "Day at the A's" event included Security Pacific Real Estate and Cantor Fitzgerald.

"We received overwhelming community support today," said Carol Louisell, program manager of Caring Hands. "In these challenging economic conditions, it's encouring to know that people will still support our mission of making a difference in the lives of seniors."

Caring Hands creates connections between volunteers and seniors in need who live in Central, South, and East Contra Costa Counties and enables them to remain independent despite the challenges of growing older. Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, assistance with errands and other needed services. Caring Hands serves more than 250 seniors each week with the support of more than 250 volunteers. If you would like to become a volunteer or make a contribution please contact Caring Hands at (925) 952-2999.

John Muir Health Receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation

John Muir Health News — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Hospitals Recognized for Breadth of Cardiovascular Services

WALNUT CREEK, California — John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus have both received the highest level of Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers, an international non-profit focused on improving care for cardiac patients. John Muir Health`s two hospitals are among only 500 hospitals nationwide accredited as Chest Pain Centers.

/news/news_439_01.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="175" border="0" />

More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain, which often signals a heart attack. With heart attacks being the leading cause of death in the United States, people experiencing chest pain or discomfort may seek a Chest Pain Center to make sure they receive a full continuum of consistent quality cardiac care.

"The immediate treatment of chest pain helps prevent heart muscle damage, and it can save lives," said Susan Eisenberg, M.D., medical director of John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus Chest Pain Center. "Our cardiovascular services are built on a tradition of compassionate care, leading-edge technology, and excellent patient outcomes and this accreditation reflects the skill of our team of physicians, nurses, and staff."

To meet strict accreditation standards for chest pain centers, John Muir Health has demonstrated wide expertise in key areas of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic cardiovascular services, including:

Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system
Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly
Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome
Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training
Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care

"It is important for the community to know that if you or your loved one is experiencing chest pain that can potentially signal a heart attack, you can come to John Muir Health and receive nationally recognized, highest-quality care," said Patrick Kavanaugh, M.D., medical director of John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus Chest Pain Center. "With our Concord Campus opening a new tower by the end of 2010, much of which is dedicated to cardiovascular care, we will continue to build clinical excellence and improve patient outcomes for our full complement of cardiovascular services."

Accreditation with the SCPC is awarded for three years and ensures that a center meets or exceeds quality-of-care standards in acute cardiac medicine.

To learn more about John Muir Health cardiovascular services, visit: www.johnmuirhealth.com/cardiac

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a not-for-profit organization that includes John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus, a 327-bed medical center that serves as Contra Costa County`s only designated trauma center; and John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, a 254-bed medical center in Concord. Together, they are recognized as preeminent centers for cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, cancer care and high-risk obstetrics and newborn care. Also part of John Muir Health is the John Muir Behavioral Health Center, the John Muir Physician Network and outpatient centers in Brentwood and Rossmoor.

About the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC)

The Society of Chest Pain Centers is a patient centric non-profit international professional organization focused upon improving care for patients with acute coronary syndromes and other related maladies. Established in 1998, the Society is dedicated to patient advocacy and focusing on ischemic heart disease. Central to its mission is the question, "What is right for the patient?" In answer, the Society promotes protocol based medicine, often delivered through a Chest Pain Center model to address the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and to promote the adoption of process improvement science by healthcare providers. To best fulfill this mission, the Society of Chest Pain Centers provides accreditation to facilities striving for optimum Chest Pain Center care. SCPC is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information on the Society of Chest Pain Centers visit www.scpcp.org, or contact Robert Lipetz, Executive Director at (614) 442-5950 or .

John Muir Health Foundation Names Two New Board Members

John Muir Health News — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Capital Campaign Expands Leadership

Walnut Creek, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2009) - John Muir Health Foundation, the charitable fundraising organization for all John Muir Health programs and services, announced today that local business executives Jack Thompson and John Sayres have been named board members of the John Muir Health Foundation.

The two East Bay residents will help lead the Foundation's "Breaking New Ground Right Here" Capital Campaign, which is raising funds to support John Muir Health's current $800 million hospital expansion and renovation projects at its Concord and Walnut Creek hospitals.

"Jack and John are committed to increasing public awareness about John Muir Health Foundation and are very enthusiastic about raising philanthropic support for our expansion, which is the largest healthcare project in California," said Milt Smith, president of the John Muir Health Foundation. "Their executive leadership experience will contribute greatly to the success of the campaign."

In addition to his new role as board member for the Foundation, Jack Thompson is a member of the John Muir Health Investment Committee, the Muir Benefactors Giving Circle, and is a 13 consecutive-year contributor to the John Muir Health Foundation. A management consultant with extensive experience as a corporate director, Thompson sits on the board for Tidewater, Inc., Centerra Gold Inc., and Century Aluminum Corp, and was Chairman and CEO of Homestake Mining Company until 2001. He is a graduate of Stanford's Executive Program and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona. Thompson lives in Alamo with his wife.

John Sayres' appointment as a board member is his first involvement with the John Muir Health Foundation. He is a Senior Advisor with the Technology Investment Banking Group of Morgan Stanley and a member of several fundraising committees at Stanford University. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Sayres was an investment banker at Citigroup and Merrill Lynch. With his experience helping corporate clients raise millions in equity and debt capital, Sayres will bring valuable leadership to the Capital Campaign. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's in business administration from Stanford University. Sayres lives in Orinda with his wife and three daughters.

"We are excited to have such outstanding leaders join our board of directors," Smith said. "These business leaders are sincerely dedicated to John Muir Health's mission of providing quality care for our local community, and we welcome them to the Foundation."

For information about how to support the "Breaking New Ground Right Here" Capital Campaign, call (925) 947-4449 or visit www.johnmuirhealthfoundation.org.

About John Muir Health Foundation

John Muir Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1979 to secure philanthropic support for the not-for-profit John Muir Health organization, which serves communities in Contra Costa County, and parts of Solano County and Marin County.

Locally governed John Muir Health is a leader in high quality patient care that continues to help make possible a number of "firsts" in the region, including the first oncology center in Northern California to offer breakthrough technology in the diagnosis of lung and esophageal cancer, the first Novalis stereotactic radio surgery system in Northern California, the first Level III neonatal intensive care nursery in Contra Costa County, and the first and only designated Trauma Center for Contra Costa County.

John Muir Health Receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation

John Muir Health News — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Hospitals recognized for breadth of cardiovascular services

Walnut Creek, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2009) – John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus have both received the highest level of Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers, an international non-profit focused on improving care for cardiac patients. This recognition demonstrates John Muir Health's expertise in providing high quality emergency care for heart conditions.

Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system
Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly
Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome
Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training
Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care

Accreditation with the SCPC is awarded for three years and ensures that a center meets or exceeds quality-of-care standards in acute cardiac medicine.

To learn more about John Muir Health cardiovascular services, click here.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a not-for-profit organization that includes John Muir Medical Center – Walnut Creek Campus, a 327-bed medical center that serves as Contra Costa County's only designated trauma center; and John Muir Medical Center – Concord Campus, a 254-bed medical center in Concord. Together, they are recognized as preeminent centers for cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, cancer care and high-risk obstetrics and newborn care. Also part of John Muir Health is the John Muir Behavioral Health Center, the John Muir Physician Network and outpatient centers in Brentwood and Rossmoor. Visit johnmuirhealth.com for more details.

About the Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC)

John Muir Health Foundation Receives Record $10 Million Gift From The K.H. Hofmann Foundation

John Muir Health News — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Family foundation of the former owner of Oakland A's makes landmark contribution

Walnut Creek, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2009) - John Muir Health Foundation, the charitable fundraising organization for all John Muir Health programs and services, announced today that The K.H. Hofmann Foundation has made a $10 million gift to the "Breaking New Ground Right Here" Capital Campaign. In recognition of this historic gift, the largest ever received by John Muir Health, the new five-story patient care tower at John Muir Medical Center -- Concord Campus will be named in honor of Jean and Ken Hofmann.

"We are deeply appreciative of the generosity shown by the Hofmann Foundation," said Milt Smith, president of the John Muir Health Foundation. "The ongoing success of the Capital Campaign reflects the dedicated efforts of an outstanding team of donors, volunteers, physicians and healthcare leaders who have come together in support of the high quality patient care John Muir Health provides throughout our community."

According to The K.H. Hofmann Foundation, "John Muir Health has been - and continues to be - an important part of the history and future of Concord, and we hope to inspire others to do whatever they can to ensure we continue having the best possible medical care here in our community." The Hofmanns have been generous donors to John Muir Health in the past. They funded the first da Vinci® surgical robotic system at the Concord campus in 2002 and provided critical funds to support the John Muir Cancer Center.

The new, five-story, 174,000-square-foot patient care tower in Concord will add 61 new private rooms, and will house the John Muir Health Cardiovascular Institute and a larger, relocated Emergency Department. Targeted for completion in 2010, the new patient care tower is part of John Muir Health's estimated $800 million building projects to expand the Concord and Walnut Creek campuses, currently in progress.

"We are honored and extremely grateful to the Hofmann family" says Ken Anderson, John Muir Health President and CEO. "Their tremendous commitment to the health and growth of Concord and all of Contra Costa County is a true example of philanthropy in the finest sense."

Several naming opportunities remain available at both John Muir Health's Concord and Walnut Creek campuses for Campaign gifts of $25,000 or more, and include various opportunities in many critical care areas of both hospitals. To receive information about how to support the Capital Campaign, call 925-947-4449 or e-mail: foundation@johnmuirhealth.com

About John Muir Health Foundation

Foundation Raises $4M for John Muir Robots

John Muir Health News — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0500

July 21, 2009
San Francisco Business Times
By Chris Rauber

The John Muir Health Foundation, the charitable foundation that raises funds for Walnut Creek-based John Muir Health, said Tuesday it raised $4 million to buy two daVinci robotic surgery systems for the hospital's Walnut Creek and Concord campuses.

Surgeons use the robots for a variety of minimally invasive procedures involving urological, gynecological, cancer and colorectal care.

Muir officials said in a statement Tuesday that a number of small gifts, averaging about $100, helped boost the total. "Smaller gifts add up, and thanks to the generous giving of our local community, the Foundation was able to provide the funds" for the two high-definition robots, despite the economic downturn, said Milt Smith, the foundation's president.

Victoria Steiner, a foundation spokeswoman, said all $4 million came through relatively small "unrestricted" gifts to the foundation, which raised about $2 million annually for two years to fund the project.

Each of the daVinci units boast four robotic arms; one has a tiny camera, the other three are used to manipulate surgical instruments. The technology provides more flexibility, "allowing more wrist-like actions with the laproscopic instruments than you would otherwise have," said surgeon Babak Edraki.

Other facilites that use the robots in the Bay Area include California Pacific Medical Center, Sequoia Hospital and Marin General Hospital, among others.

America's Best Hospitals' Survey By U.S.News & World Report Ranks John Muir Medical ...

John Muir Health News — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0500

John Muir Medical Center-Walnut Creek Campus in Top 50 for Orthopedics and Digestive Disorders

Walnut Creek, Calif. (July 16, 2009) – John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus has again been ranked one of the nation's top hospitals by U.S.News & World Report in its annual list of America's Best Hospitals, that will appear in the July 21 issue of the magazine. The only non-academic medical center in northern California to appear in the Top 50, John Muir Medical Center – Walnut Creek Campus is named #49 in Digestive Disorders and #39 in Orthopedics, making the hospital one of the top-ranked facilities in California in these specialties.

"This is a tribute to the skilled and caring physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers at John Muir Health who have earned this recognition for the third year in a row," says Jane Willemsen, president and chief administrative officer of John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus. "We are proud of this achievement and thank the entire John Muir Health family for their commitment to outstanding patient care. This distinction is a testament to their talent and dedication to our patients and this community."

With one of the Bay Area's largest and most comprehensive orthopedic programs, John Muir Health is recognized for providing the latest technology and innovative treatment options. Highlights include:

Minimally invasive techniques for total hip and knee replacement to advanced traumatic reconstruction.
Board-certified, specialty-trained orthopedic surgeons on staff providing innovative and compassionate care in such areas as total joint, spine, hand, trauma and sports medicine.

John Muir Health is also a regional leader in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal disorders. Services include:

Technologically-advanced treatments such as minimally invasive colorectal surgery, liver resections, small and large bowel procedures, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic, duodenal and other digestive system procedures.
Highly-trained specialists such as gastroenterologists, surgeons and other healthcare professionals committed to delivering innovative and compassionate care.

Out of the 4,861 hospitals analyzed for this year's "Best Hospitals" rankings, John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus scored high enough to receive the nationwide "Best Hospitals" distinction in specialty rankings. According to U.S.News & World Report, "the rankings were developed and the specialties chosen explicitly to help consumers determine which hospitals provide the best care for the most serious and complicated medical conditions and procedures - not for those that are relatively commonplace."

Results of the U.S.News & World Report 20th annual survey can be viewed on the web at USNews.com beginning July 16.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a not-for-profit organization that includes two of the largest medical centers in Contra Costa County: John Muir Medical Center – Walnut Creek Campus, a 327-bed acute care medical center that serves as Contra Costa County's only designated trauma center; and John Muir Medical Center – Concord Campus, a 254-bed acute care medical center in Concord. Together, they are recognized as preeminent centers for cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, cancer care and high-risk obstetrics. Other areas of specialty include general surgery, advanced endoscopic and robotic surgery, weight-loss surgery, orthopedic and neurology programs. In addition, John Muir Health provides a number of outpatient services throughout the community including: Brentwood, Rossmoor/Tice Valley and San Ramon. All three hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, a national surveyor of quality patient care.

H1N1 Flu Update

John Muir Health News — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Information about H1N1 flu and recommendations for staying healthy can be found on the Contra Costa Health Services website.

If you are experiencing flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue) please make an appointment with your regular physician. Do not go to the hospital Emergency Department unless you have a serious illness or injury.

For further information on H1N1 flu, contact the Contra Costa County Health Services Health Information Line at 1-888-959-9911.

John Muir Health Foundation Receives Major Gift From Hedco Foundation

John Muir Health News — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Capital Campaign Raises over $550,000 for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery

Walnut Creek, Calif. (June 2, 2009) - John Muir Health Foundation, the charitable fundraising organization for all John Muir Health programs and services, has received a pledge of more than $550,000 from the HEDCO Foundation, Danville, Calif. The gift will help fund state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care equipment for highest acuity patients in the Joseph M. Long Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at The Thomas J. and Muriel T. Long Patient Care tower in Walnut Creek, scheduled to open in early 2011. "The Capital Campaign is grateful for the HEDCO Foundation's generous gift that will help enhance John Muir Health's high-quality care for our youngest patients," said Milt Smith, president of the John Muir Health Foundation. "We are thrilled with such great progress in the Campaign and hope more foundations, businesses and individuals will get involved in the fundraising effort for John Muir Health's building expansion projects." Founded in Oakland in 1972, HEDCO is a private foundation funded by numerous sources, including corporations and individuals. The HEDCO Foundation supports a variety of philanthropic projects ranging from gifts to purchase equipment for scientific and medical research to grants supporting educational institutions and social welfare organizations.

The gift will provide additional funding to purchase five OmniBeds—also called Giraffe beds, 13 physiological monitors, 13 headwalls, and a 13-bed monitor for the nurses' station. The new Joseph M. Long Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery will be the only facility in Northern California that has all private rooms. Each room will be large enough to accommodate parents and will provide a complete micro-environment that controls light, sound, touch, humidity, and oxygen.

The John Muir Health Foundation's Capital Campaign is seeking to raise $56 million by 2011 for the approximately $800 million building expansion projects at John Muir Health's Concord and Walnut Creek campuses, currently in progress.

To receive information about how to support the Capital Campaign, call 925-947-4449 or e-mail: foundation@johnmuirhealth.com

About John Muir Health Foundation