John Muir Health News

Ken Anderson, John Muir Health's President and CEO, Receives California Hospital Association's ...

John Muir Health News — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 -0500

Walnut Creek, Calif. (January 11, 2010) - John Muir Health, a community based, non-for-profit health care system serving Contra Costa County and surrounding areas, announced today that Ken Anderson, president and CEO, received the California Hospital Association's (CHA) highest honor. The Award of Merit was presented to Mr. Anderson for his dedicated leadership, exceptional contributions and distinguished service throughout his career to the California health care community and CHA.

"Ken is a proven health care leader in this state and a champion for patients, hospitals and the public," said Duane Dauner, CHA's president. "His leadership at the community, regional and statewide level has been extraordinary, and he is most deserving of CHA's highest award."

Mr. Anderson began his career at John Muir Memorial Hospital in 1974, became the hospital's administrator in 1978 and president and CEO of John Muir Health in 1997. During a career that has spanned more than 35 years, Mr. Anderson has led the development of John Muir Health to include medical centers in Walnut Creek and Concord, an outpatient facility in Brentwood, a Behavioral Health Center, a premier regional Cancer Institute, the John Muir Physician Network with more than 800 primary and specialty physicians, and MuirLab, the largest hospital-based reference library in California.

Outside of John Muir Health, he has served as chair of the CHA board, chair of the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California board, chair of the Voluntary Hospitals of America - West Coast board and chair of The California Endowment.

"I am proud to accept this award and would like to thank our board members for their counsel and support and all of our physicians, nurses, volunteers and staff for their collective talent, skills and dedication to patients," said Mr. Anderson. "Their expertise and excellence have made our organization a regional leader in health care. It has been an honor to lead John Muir Health for more than three decades and, as we approach the completion of two exciting hospital expansion projects, I look forward to marking another milestone in the history of John Muir Health."

Under Mr. Anderson's leadership, John Muir Health has grown into a strong, independent community-based health care provider with excellent patient outcomes and high employee satisfaction. In just the past 18 months, John Muir Health has received 44 Awards for Excellence, including the American Heart Association's "Get With the Guidelines" Stroke Gold Plus award, HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery award, and "Best Hospital" ranking by U.S. News & World Report's annual survey.

"During his tenure, Ken's vision and commitment to excellence have transformed John Muir Health into one of the top medical institutions in the country," said Howard Jenkins, chair, John Muir Health board of directors. "He has worked tirelessly to ensure that East Bay residents have access to the highest quality of health care available anywhere and is very deserving of this prestigious honor."

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. Both hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission, a national surveyor of quality patient care.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update

John Muir Health News — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 -0500

John Muir Health continues to have a very limited supply of H1N1 vaccine. We understand that there is a high level of concern about the availability of H1N1 vaccine. Unfortunately, we are only receiving very limited shipments due to production shortages encountered by the manufacturers. Therefore, we are vaccinating those at highest risk first: children, pregnant women and high risk adults. If you are in these highest risk categories and have a physician who is part of John Muir Medical Group, we will contact you to receive the vaccine.

If you are not a patient in these categories, please continue to check this Web site for updates.

If you are a patient with another physician group, please contact your physician's office to inquire further about vaccine availability. You may also wish to check the Contra Costa Health Services Web site (www.cchealth.org) to find information about County H1N1 vaccination clinics.

Hospital Visitor Policy

As a reminder, visitors under the age of 16 or visitors who are ill are NOT allowed into John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus or John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus.

This measure continues to be necessary to limit the risks of spreading H1N1 influenza (flu), commonly known as Swine Flu, to our patients and our health care 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, health care 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.

John Muir Health Receives Stroke Program Acheivement Award

John Muir Health News — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 -0500

American Stroke Association Recognizes Commitment to Stroke Patients

Walnut Creek, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2009) – John Muir Health's Walnut Creek and Concord campuses have earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's "Get With The Guidelines" Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes John Muir Health's exceptional effort and commitment to long-term success in patient outcomes for stroke care.

"Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and when it comes to its treatment, time is a critical factor," said Raymond Stephens, M.D, Stroke Program Medical Director at John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus. "Our multidisciplinary team approach helps improve patient outcomes and takes advantage of the time soon after a stroke to educate patients about how to manage their risk factors to avoid secondary events."

The goal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines program is to help hospitals implement appropriate evidence-based care and protocols that will reduce the number of deaths and improve outcomes for heart and stroke patients. Through Get With The Guidelines–Stroke, the hospital provides customized patient education materials at the point of discharge, based on individual patient risk profiles. The program also uses the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals' guidance, to teach patients how to manage their risk factors.

By implementing quality improvement measures aimed at bettering the lives and care of stroke patients, hospitals can ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment. These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation. To receive the award, John Muir Health had to adhere to stringent criteria for at least two or more consecutive years.

"John Muir Health offers the most advanced practices and life-prolonging care services for stroke care and this program is a critical step in improving the outcomes of stroke patients," said Steven Holtz, M.D., Stroke Program Medical Director at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus. "The American Stroke Association's award is a tribute to the skilled and caring physicians, nurses, and staff who have worked very hard to implement the Association's highest standard guidelines to achieve this recognition."

For more information about John Muir Health's stroke services, including warning signs and treatment options, please visit our stroke services page.

John Muir Health Makes $45,000 Donation to Local Food Bank

John Muir Health News — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 -0500

On December 9, John Muir Health made the holiday season a little brighter for hundreds of local families in need of food with a $45,000 check to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. The organization helps feed approximately 98,000 people each month and provides hot meals and food boxes to local families and individuals. John Muir Health's donation will provide 135,000 meals for Contra Costa and Solano county residents.

"The devastating rise of hunger and homelessness as a result of the recession is more apparent than ever," said Alice Villanueva, senior vice president of Human Resources. "This donation reflects the generosity of our employees, volunteers and physicians who are committed to helping the members of our community this holiday season."

Vaccine Recall Update

John Muir Health News — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 -0500

John Muir Health did receive 300 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine (.25 ml pre-filled syringes for children between the ages of 6-35 months) recalled today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are no safety concerns. These doses are part of a voluntary recall of 800,000 doses shipped nationwide after tests indicated that the vaccine lost some of its potency over time.

Infants and children who may have received one of these doses do not need to be revaccinated.

According to the CDC, the vaccine in these lots is still expected to be effective in stimulating a protective response against H1N1 despite a slight reduction in its potency. There is no need to re-administer a dose to patients who received vaccine from these lots. Parents of those children that received the vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to do anything further other than to complete the two dose series recommended for this age group.

The health and safety of our patients is our highest priority and we will continue to provide the H1N1 vaccine to high-risk patients as it becomes available. If you are a patient with a physician who is part of John Muir Medical Group - updates on vaccine availability will be posted on our website as the situation changes.

For additional information about the recall, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/syringes_qa.htm.

Now available for 2010: SCAN - a Medicare Advantage HMO plan

John Muir Health News — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Last month SCAN Health Plan announced it would offer its Medicare Advantage HMO plan in Contra Costa County – and that it would contract with John Muir Health and John Muir Physician Network -- effective January 1, 2010. You may be wondering, just who is SCAN?

Founded by Seniors

SCAN is new to Northern California, but it has been serving seniors and working closely with physicians in our state for more than 30 years. SCAN was originally founded by a group of California seniors who were frustrated by their lack of access to services and who wanted an organization that would address their specific needs. Those seniors formed the Senior Care Action Network – now known as SCAN Health Plan -- to focus exclusively on the Medicare market. The goal of the organization then was the same as it is today.

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"A lot has changed in the Medicare environment over the past three decades," said David Schmidt, chief executive officer of SCAN. "One thing that hasn't changed is the desire of seniors to retain their health and independence. Helping our members achieve this has always been and will continue to be SCAN's overriding mission."

Commitment to Customer Service

At SCAN all employees undergo an "aging sensitivity program" to better help them understand the process of aging and better identify with members' needs. And during normal business hours, all telephone calls are answered directly by one of SCAN's specially trained member service representatives, not by an automated recording.

"Our members often tell us that one of things that impress them is the personal attention and individual focus they receive through SCAN," said Schmidt. "We believe this helps differentiate us from our competitors and is one of the reasons members choose to remain with SCAN year after year."

Senior Focus

As a nonprofit health plan, SCAN's responsibility is to its members, not investors. Unlike most health plans, SCAN has no commercial members so it can focus 100 percent of its energy in resources in serving the unique needs of seniors and understanding them better. As a result, SCAN has grown to become the fourth largest nonprofit Medicare Advantage HMO plan in the nation and one of the fastest growing health plans in the State of California. SCAN currently serves more than 110,000 members.

Beyond Basic Medicare

SCAN members receive all of the basic healthcare benefits traditionally covered under Medicare, including doctor visits, hospital care, emergency/urgent care, skilled nursing facility care and more. In addition, SCAN benefits include annual routine physical exams and preventive screenings; eye exams; prescription drugs and access to SCAN OnCall™, a 24-hour nurse advice line.

"Affordability and access to high quality care is of importance to everyone these days, especially the seniors and others we serve," said Schmidt. "We've worked hard to develop an outstanding benefit package that addresses seniors' concerns, wants and needs when it comes to their healthcare."

The Medicare open enrollment period begins on November 15. Medicare beneficiaries interested in learning more about SCAN may call 800-915-7226. Benefit and enrollment information is also available at scanhealthplan.com.

The Flu: What you need to know

John Muir Health News — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

According to the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC), H1N1 and seasonal flu activity in the U.S. remains very high. Despite the shortage of flu vaccine across the country and locally, doctors say that by taking precautions, many people can avoid exposure to the virus, and when sick, can recover very well with good self-care.

To David Birdsall, M.D., Emergency Department Medical Director at John Muir Medical Center – Concord Campus, "H1N1 is a flu like any other; for the vast majority, the illness passes and people are fine. If you take care of yourself and heed the advice out there, you shouldn't have great anxiety about this illness."

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David Birdsall, M.D.
Medical Director
Emergency Department
John Muir Medical Center,
Concord Campus

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Lynne Whyte, M.D.
Pediatrician
John Muir Medical Group

"What I say to parents is 'don't panic,'" says Alamo pediatrician Lynne Whyte, M.D. "The good news is that there will eventually be enough vaccine for all. Meanwhile, use precautions. Schools are doing a good job of educating students and parents, telling people to stay home when sick."

Reviewing the basics about H1N1 and seasonal flu can help keep you healthy. The flu spreads via droplets. Being near people who are coughing, or even using a doorknob, phone or desk after someone ill, could bring you in contact with the virus.

Ways to Prevent the Spread of Illness

Avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth, which is where most germs enter your body.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze and throw it in the trash. Or use your arm, not hand, to cover up.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze, or use hand sanitizer.
Stay home if you get sick. Limit contact with others.
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.
Don't visit a loved one in the hospital if you're ill.

If you do get the flu, "Sleep, increase fluids, and take fever-reducing medicine," says Dr. Birdsall. "Resting and staying hydrated gives your body the best chance to fight off H1N1 and other viruses."

Best Advice from MDs

Vaccinations definitely can help, for both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. Slow delivery of the vaccines to medical offices across the country and locally has made this very frustrating.

"We wish we could provide the vaccine on the spot to everyone who asks, but it's a pipeline issue," says Dr. Whyte. "So far, vaccine manufacturers have only produced about 30 percent of what was expected to be available by this time. You have to grow the virus in the lab to make vaccine, and this one grows very slowly. So it goes first to high-risk patients, age 4 and under, or those with chronic disease." Also, people can check the county website, ccchealth.org, for other inoculation sites.

Tamiflu may be administered to lessen the severity of the illness. Not everyone should get it, but for the very young, very old, and others at high risk, it can help. For regular cases, doctors agree, you don't need it.

"Don't forget, H1N1 isn't a superbug or monster – just another flu strain. Folks should be educated about it and not worry excessively," Dr. Birdsall adds.

When to go to the Doctor's Office

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.

When to go to the Emergency Room

If you have a medical emergency* (including difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, severe chest pain, neck stiffness, or you are coughing blood) go to your ER or call 911.
If you feel well and fever is gone, but then have another fever spike and feel worse.
If you have a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma, tell your doctor if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

The majority of H1N1 cases are not medical emergencies, and most people recover well. ERs cannot test for H1N1 nor administer the vaccine, but can treat for 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 You Are Experiencing Flu Symptoms

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

Stay Connected

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

Contra Costa County Health Services
Prerecorded Health Information Line: 1-888-959-9911
Twitter: @CoCoHealth
Facebook: Contra Costa Health Services

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.

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.

Guidelines for visiting our facilities

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.

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:

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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.

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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.