Press Releases

FOR RELEASE Contact:

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Laura Miller

VP Marketing & Communications

(937) 599-7036 lmiller@maryrutan.org

Or Tammy Allison

COO Foundation/ Community Relations

(937)599-7003 tallison@maryrutan.org

Mary Rutan Hospital Honored Among Nation’s Top Hospitals

Bellefontaine, Ohio (February 22, 2010) – Mary Rutan Hospital has been recognized with a 2009-2010 Hospital Value Index: Best in Value Award, as a result of a nationwide study conducted by Data Advantage, LLC, the nation’s leader in measuring healthcare value. Mary Rutan Hospital ranked among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, achieving top marks in quality of care, patient satisfaction, affordability and efficiency.

“We are very proud of this prestigious honor, as it reinforces our commitment to providing quality care affordably,“ said Mandy Goble, CEO of Mary Rutan Hospital. “To be ranked in the top 10% of 4,500 nationally, is a testament to the dedication of our physicians, nurses and staff who strive each day to make our hospital a leader in quality care.”

The Hospital Value Index is the first and only performance indicator to focus on the value hospitals provide to their community and utilizes the latest publicly available data to recognize these accomplishments.

This award pulled data from approximately 4,500 general acute-care hospitals, serving approximately 30.1 million consumers and defines Mary Rutan Hospital’s success in five critical areas:

· Quality of Care, including Medicare Services Core Measures, patient safety and readmission rates;

· Patient Satisfaction, as measured by Medicare Services survey and a comprehensive reputation of a hospital as measured by local perception derived from the National Research Corporation’s Healthcare Market Guide;

· Affordability, a comparison of prices charged for inpatient and outpatient services;

· Efficiency, including the relative measure of the cost to the hospital for providing services.

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“This award truly acknowledges Mary Rutan Hospital’s success in staying on the leading edge of transparency and consumerism shifts in healthcare and includes important information for those who seek the highest quality of care. This is a great achievement for our organization and for the members of our community, who have and continue to support the mission of Mary Rutan Hospital,” said Goble.

The full Hospital Value Index study and list of findings for hospitals nationwide can be found at www.hospitalvalueindex.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mary Rutan Hospital

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Tammy Allison, Community Relations

(937) 599-7003 or tallison@maryrutan.org

Chemotherapy Services Continue for Logan County

Although the Cancer Network of West Central Ohio ceased radiation oncology services late last year, Mary Rutan Hospital continues medical oncology and hematology services, as well as outpatient laboratory services through the Ewing H. Crawfis Oncology Clinic which is housed at the Cancer Center.

The leased space allows Mary Rutan Hospital to provide a superior level of physician managed cancer, blood disorder and chemotherapy services, as well as provide space for the continuation of the American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program and Cancer Support Group. Dr. Sudhathi Chennuru continues to provide quality cancer care for established and new patients at the Center.

“Mary Rutan Hospital opened its original medical oncology clinic in the early 1980s. Although the location and structure may change, Mary Rutan Hospital is committed to the continuation of cancer services to the residents of Logan and surrounding counties now and in the future,” says Mandy Goble, President and CEO of Mary Rutan Hospital.

The Cancer Network of West Central Ohio is made up of five area hospitals including Mercer Health based in Coldwater; Grand Lake Health System based in St Marys; Van Wert County Hospital, St Rita’s Medical Center in Lima; and Mary Rutan Hospital of Bellefontaine.

The governing board of the Cancer Network of West Central Ohio voted closure of the High Point Center’s radiation program at the end of 2009, as result of continued financial losses due to the deterioration of reimbursement and lack of availability of permanent radiation oncologist physicians.

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For Immediate Release
Tuesday, October 13, 2009                           Contact: Tammy Allison
                                                                                                        COO, Foundation/Community Relations

(937) 599-7003 or tallison@maryrutan.org

Mary Rutan Hospital Tightens Visitor Restrictions

Precautionary Measures Tightened to Limit Spread of Respiratory Illnesses, Including H1N1

Bellefontaine, OH Since September 25^th, Mary Rutan Hospital has been under a restricted visitation policy as a precautionary measure, designed to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses that may include the H1N1 virus to hospital patients and health care workers. “Due to an increased number of respiratory and flu-like cases being seen in Logan and surrounding counties, Mary Rutan Hospital is tightening visitation restrictions”, says Becky Nicholl, Vice President of Quality and Risk Management.

Effective today, October 13^th, no one will be permitted to visit patients that are located in respiratory isolation rooms except for immediate family. Immediate family includes parent, spouse or adult children.

In addition, no children 14 years of age or younger will be permitted to visit patients in the Hospital, except for the siblings of newborns in the Family Birth Center (FBC). Those children will be required to wear a mask at all times while in the facility and must do so upon entering the hospital doors.

“Mary Rutan Hospital administrators have been closely monitoring the situation and are

implementing the additional restrictions in order to further limit exposure to flu-like illnesses and to ensure that the Hospital is taking the necessary precautions for the safety of our patients, visitors and staff,” said Mrs. Nicholl.

Community members are encouraged to use good common sense to prevent the spread of germs that may make others sick. Make good respiratory etiquette and hygiene habits a part of your daily routine.

· Get your seasonal flu vaccination.

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away and wash or sanitize your hands.

· If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

· Stay away from people who are sick.

· If you get sick, stay home from work or school.

“We ask that the community practice these precautionary measures and in addition, ask that those that are sick and have flu-like or other respiratory illness, do not to visit patients in the hospital, says Mrs. Nicholl.

For more information on flu prevention, visit www.flu.gov.

Fact Sheet

Mary Rutan Hospital Visitation Restrictions Include: (additional restrictions)

· No visitation by anyone with any respiratory symptoms including cough, sore throat, cold symptoms, body aches or fever.

· No children 14 years of age and under are permitted to visit except the siblings of newborns in the Family Birth Center.

· All children 14 years of age and under entering the hospital are asked to wear a mask for their own protection.

· No visitors are permitted for patients in respiratory isolation except immediate family members, which include a spouse, parents or adult children.

· All pregnant women entering the hospital are asked to wear a mask for their own protection.

· Visitation will be monitored and may be limited on a case by case basis for the protection of each patient.

· Protective masks and hand sanitizers are located at each entrance of the hospital. If you come to the hospital as a patient with any flu-like symptoms, we ask that you immediately put on a mask upon entering; use hand sanitizer to clean your hands and inform the receptionist right away.

Additional Information

Source: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

Do I need to go to the emergency room if I am only a little sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have emergency warning signs of the flu, you should go to the emergency room or if you are at high risk of flu complication or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice.

At Risk Group

Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old

Pregnant women

People 65 and older

People who have: Cancer, Blood disorders, Chronic lung disease (including asthma and COPD), Diabetes, Heart disease, Kidney disorders, Liver disorders, Neurological disorders, Neuromuscular disorders, and those with weakened immune systems.

Emergency warning signs in children

· Fast breathing or trouble breathing

· Bluish skin color

· Not drinking enough fluids

· Not waking up or not interacting

· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

· Fever with a rash

Emergency warning signs in adults

· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

· Sudden dizziness

· Confusion

· Severe or persistent vomiting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tammy Allison

Monday, August 31, 2009 Mary Rutan Hospital

Community Relations

(937) 599-7003 or tallison@maryrutan.org

Mary Rutan Foundation awards over $72,000

in medical scholarships and loans to area students

As college resumes, Mary Rutan Foundation provides assistance to thirty-nine area students pursuing a degree in the medical field. Since 1992, Mary Rutan Foundation has had a strong commitment to its medical scholarship and loan program awarding over $960,000 in medical scholarships and loans to residents of Logan County. This year, $72,137 was awarded to thirty-nine (39) area students.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that over the last decade, the United States has experienced a workforce shortage in health professions, and analysis are now projecting a nationwide shortage of almost 100,000 physicians, as many as one million nurses, and 250,000 public health professionals by the year 2020. In addition, due to the high cost of health insurance and the staffing shortfalls in the health professions, at least 50 million Americans lack access to the most basic healthcare.

"As the shortage of healthcare workers continues across the nation, we understand the importance of investing in the future of those individuals from Logan County pursuing careers in the medical profession. The foundation board looks at the medical scholarship and loan program as an investment in the future of health care at Mary Rutan Hospital and the communities and individuals we serve”, says Richard Abraham, Chairman of Mary Rutan Foundation Board of Trustee.

This year, $72,137 was awarded to thirty-nine (39) recipients including thirty-four (34) students earning degrees in nursing and allied medical fields, as well as five (5) medical school students.

Beach Medical Education Fund

Christy Cox Licensed Practical Nurse

Annie Fulton Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Charlotte L. & Norman R. Miller Memorial Medical Scholarship Fund

Jacob Beach Bachelors Degree Respiratory Therapy

Sarah Bell Biomedical Engineer

Jill Burton Masters Degree Physician’s Assistant

Courtney Eichholtz Bachelors Degree Applied Health Science

Ember Johns Grant Doctorate of Physical Therapy

Emily Snapp Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Bia Stoltzfus Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Lane Yoder Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Zelma Nina Hertenstein Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund

Kristina Marshall Licensed Practical Nurse

Ewing H. Crawfis Memorial Employee Scholarship Fund

Cheryl Blankenship Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Elizabeth Groves Medical Office Management

Jesse Van Dyne Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Dr. Joseph C. & Florence C. Longfellow Memorial Scholarship Fund

Annie Fulton Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Kristy Jakeway Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Ashley Jett Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Devin Kramer Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Hilary Kremke Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Katie Manahan Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Grace K. Orr/Dr. Edwin Pratt Memorial Medical Scholarship Fund

Michelle Miller Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Stephen Pusey Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Chelsey Norviel Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Marjorie Rothhar Memorial Medical Scholarship Fund

Annie Fulton Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Reba Clark Memorial Medical Loan

Elizabeth Groves Medical Office Management

Vincent S. Hill & Family Memorial Medical Loan

Cheryl Blankenship Associates Degree Registered Nurse

James F. Milroy Fund

Meredith Thomas Bachelors Degree Clinical Laboratory Medical Technology

Roy G. and Miriam A. Metz Nursing Scholarship Fund

Rachel Davis Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Mary Rutan Foundation General Scholarship Fund

Ashley Burmaster Bachelors Degree Communication Disorders

Teresa Clark Associates Degree Surgical Tech

Courtney Eichholtz Bachelors Degree Applied Health Science

Susan Hawke Masters Degree Speech Therapy

Ryan Hemmert Doctorate of Pharmacy

Jessie Hoffman Masters Degree Speech Therapy

Kelsey Kauffman Doctorate of Pharmacy

Suzanne Kress Masters Degree Speech Pathology

Katie Manahan Associates Degree Registered Nurse

Erin McCloud Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Chelsey Norviel Bachelors Degree Registered Nurse

Lauren Reichert Bachelors Degree Physical Therapy

Rob Stahler Doctorate of Pharmacy

Meredith Thomas Bachelors Degree Clinical Laboratory Medical Technology

Mary Rutan Foundation Medical Students Loan Fund

Britta Buchenroth Medical Doctor

Thomas McCartney Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Monika Parker Medical Doctor

Thomas Rapp II Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Christopher Stalling Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

These scholarships are made possible through Mary Rutan Foundation’s General Scholarship fund as well as the generous support of memorial donations, bequeaths and individual contributions to the Mary Rutan Foundation. For further information about the scholarship program or how you may make a financial contribution, please contact Mary Rutan Foundation at (937)599-7003.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Miller
Mary Rutan Hospital
(937) 599-7036

Mary Rutan Hospital

Receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation

Mary Rutan Hospital – Bellefontaine, OH received full Cycle II accreditation status from the Accreditation Review Committee on May 5, 2009. Mary Rutan Hospital earned this distinction through their commitment to achieving the highest standard of excellence in health care and patient service. The Society of Chest Pain Centers is the international expert in assessing and improving coronary care.

“The staff of Mary Rutan Hospital is proud to receive this honor, said Mandy Goble, President and CEO, Mary Rutan Hospital. “The high standards that are set by the society will ensure that our community has a facility that is recognized for top notch cardiac care and disease management.”

Mary Rutan Hospital’s Emergency Department Director Joyce McClure said “there is always a real sense of urgency in caring for patients with chest pain. We must treat them quickly, using demonstrated practices. Through this accreditation, we achieve those high standards of care.”

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. The goal of the Society of Chest Pain Centers is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment, and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.

Dr. Evan Dixon, Medical Director of the Chest Pain Center, emphasized the quality of care associated with this accreditation distinction. He noted the contribution of hospital support and the dedication and hard work by members of the CPC committee. He asks the community to learn about early warning symptoms of heart attack and to use our skilled EMS squads by calling 911 in time of need.

The warning signs of a heart attack may include pressure, fullness, squeezing pain in the center of the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulder or jaw. A heart attack victim may also experience chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath. Additional symptoms may include one or more of the following; upper abdominal pressure or discomfort, lower chest discomfort, back pain, unusual fatigue, unusual shortness of breath or dizziness. Most importantly, if you believe you are experience a heart attack, it is imperative that you call 911 and not wait more than five minutes.

Lois Coons, Director of Cardiology at Mary Rutan Hospital, explained that a Chest Pain Center’s protocol-driven and systematic approach to patient management allows physicians to reduce time to treatment during the early stages of a heart attack, when treatments are most effective, and to better monitor patients when it is not clear whether they are having a coronary event. “Such observation helps ensure that a patient is neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted.”

With the rise of Chest Pain Centers came the need to establish standards designed to improve the consistency and quality of care provided to patients. The Society’s accreditation process insures centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine.

The Chest Pain Center at Mary Rutan Hospital has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and completing on-site evaluations by a review team from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Key areas in which a Chest Pain Center must demonstrate expertise include:

· 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 and no assignable cause for their symptom

· Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures

· Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training

· Maintaining organizational structure and commitment

· Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care

· Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack

About Mary Rutan Hospital:

Over the past 90 years, Mary Rutan Hospital has come to enjoy an outstanding reputation for providing progressive quality health care with a personal touch to the residents of our community. The 110-bed facility welcomes more than 120,000 visits to our emergency department, inpatient and outpatient service areas each year. The hospital is Joint Commission Accredited and a Chest Pain Accredited Center, earning these designations by adhering to the highest standards of care. For more information about Mary Rutan Hospital, visit: www.maryrutanhospital.org.

-END-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tammy Allison

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Mary Rutan Hospital
Community Relations

(937) 599-7003 or tallison@maryrutan.org

Last weekend the Ohio Department of Health confirmed a case of the swine flu in Ohio. Mary Rutan Hospital’s Emergency Preparedness team has been closely monitoring the situation and has been working the last several days to ensure that the Hospital is taking the necessary precautions to avoid exposure for patients, visitors and staff and are prepared to identify and treat this new strain of the flu. We want to stress these steps are precautionary only. As of this writing, there are no known cases in Logan County and only one case in Ohio, a 9-year-old boy who had a very mild case. (He had traveled to Mexico.)

The symptoms of swine flu closely resemble seasonal flu and include fever, weakness, coughing, and lack of appetite. It is contagious. The best way to prevent the flu is to continue to follow these steps:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your forearm (not your hand) when you sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent germs from spreading.
Wash your hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizers.
Avoid being in close contact with those who are ill. If you are ill, please limit your exposure to others by staying home from work or school.

Swine flu can be successfully treated with medication. If you think you might have the flu, please see your primary care doctor.

As a precautionary measure, as with any influenza, we ask that if you have flu like symptoms you do not visit patients in the hospital. If you must visit or are coming to the hospital for an appointment or test, please put on a mask and clean your hands with alcohol sanitizer located at the hospital’s main entrances.

For further details and current information about the swine flu, please view the Center for Disease Control web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu or the Ohio Department of Health at www.odh.ohio.gov.

March 24, 2009

Please join us in congratulating the 2009 Meritorious Service Awards Recipients

Mary Rutan Hospital Recognizes Outstanding Service

Congratulations Dr. Roger Kauffman and Dwight Spencer!

For eighteen years, Mary Rutan Health Association members have recognized deserving citizens or businesses that place service to humanity ahead of personal gain or recognition by making substantial contributions to the community and MaryRutanHospital.   Today, the tradition still remains. This year, C. Dwight Spencer and area physician, Roger J. Kauffman, M.D. are recognized as the 2009 Meritorious Service Award winners.

C. Dwight Spencer, former educator and director of Mary Rutan Foundation, was selected as the external meritorious service award winner for his service to the community. Mr. Spencer retired in 1995 from Benjamin Logan Schools where he served as a teacher and school administrator for over 39 years. A volunteer board member, Mr. Spencer served on the board and numerous committees for Mary Rutan Health Association, Mary Rutan Hospital and Logan View, Incorporated from 1986 until 1996. Following retirement as an educator, Mr. Spencer began a second career as Director of Mary Rutan Foundation and during his tenure was instrumental in implementing numerous health and wellness programs in the community.

With a strong tie to the school systems, Mr. Spencer was committed to reaching the youth in Logan County and understood the importance of educating them about health and wellness issues.   In 1996, Mr. Spencer was instrumental in the organization of the Heart Partners Program in the area schools. A research program with Mary Rutan Hospital, Ohio State University’s Heart Partners and other Logan County agencies, the Heart Partners Program was known to be one of the only programs in the county to focus on risk factor modification and ultimate prevention of cardiovascular diseases in teens. Following freshman students through each year of high school, students were screened for problems with cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and were evaluated on diet and physical fitness. The goal of the program was to identify individuals who were at risk for heart disease early in their lives, raise awareness and possibly prevent heart attacks in a population least likely to worry about them, giving them the opportunity to make lifestyle changes that could lead to a longer healthier life. At the direction of Mr. Spencer, the Heart Partners program continued for 11 years, providing screenings and health and wellness education to over 5,970 youth in our community.

In 1996, Mr. Spencer joined the Bioethics Committee at Mary Rutan Hospital. Named as the master mind of implementation by his collogues, Mr. Spencer was instrumental in beginning the Bioethics School Outreach Program in 1997. A program that is still in existence today, reaching junior and senior students from Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Indian Lake, Riverside, West Liberty, Jackson Center, Ridgemont, Triad and the Ohio Hi Point Career Center. It is estimated that over 1,000 students are reached each year. The school program provides information and discussion about the purpose of Advance Directives and Organ Donation as a part of the outreach efforts.

Recently, Mr. Spencer and other members of Mary Rutan Hospital’s Bioethics Committee were presented the Star Award by the Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement Agency (LOOP) for their efforts. In addition to his involvement with many health and wellness programs, Mr. Spencer has served on the many volunteer boards; Adriel School, Hilliker YMCA, Logan County United Way Board of Trustees and Allocations Committee and was an active member of the Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club as chairman of the school Key Club programs for this community.

Today, after retiring in 2006 from Mary Rutan Foundation you will find Mr. Spencer driving a truck for Reliant Mechanical, enjoying flights in his plane, playing golf or spending time with family and friends.   Mr. Spencer continues to touch the lives of others through his friendly smile, hand shake, conversation and caring ways.

Roger J. Kauffman, M.D., internal award winner, known by others for his heart of charity and vision for healthcare to care for those that are under served, certainly embodies the definition of the Meritorious Service Award by serving others ahead of personal gain and recognition. Committed to following Christ, Dr. Kauffman believes he was drawn to the medical profession and called upon to serve the least of thee.

Dr. Roger Kauffman came to Logan County in 1980 and began his practice at Oakhill Medical Center and Mary Rutan Hospital.    The longest practicing physician at Oakhill Medical, Dr. Kauffman continues to practice medicine in Logan County today

Known for his caring heart, Dr. Kauffman practices medicine in his office but also provides the occasional visit to a patient or friend’s home or in his own home, something that is not done by most medial professionals today.

Dr. Kauffman quietly touches the lives of those in need, not only through medical care, but by providing resources or assistance to many in need whether it be providing food from his garden or to act as a liaison with other agencies to assist a family or individual in need - be it a leaky roof or other needed assistance. Known as a friend to many people and his patients – he has a listening ear.

In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Kauffman and his wife Rachel have served through numerous medical missions’ trips to Haiti and Honduras. Dr. Kauffman was also instrumental in bringing The Crop Walk back to Logan County and was the co-founder of the Logan County Habitat for Humanity and remains active in advocacy for Habitat for Humanity today. Dr. Kauffman tutors students from Bellefontaine City Schools in anatomy to participate in the Science Olympia Contest and is active in the community and Jubilee Mennonite Church.

Each of these recipients exemplifies the criteria for this honor as a deserving citizen that has made contributions and selfless contributions to the community and Mary Rutan Hospital.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           January 30, 2009
Contact: Laura Miller, VP Marketing & Communications
Mary Rutan Hospital (937) 599-7036

Mary Rutan Hospital to Offer Lithotripsy (ESWL) Services

Good news is coming to Logan County for area residents who suffer from kidney stones. Beginning February 2, Mary Rutan Hospital will offer Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) service.

Prior to implementation of the new service, patients had to travel out of town to undergo Lithotripsy (ESWL). “We are very pleased to be able to provide this service for area patients”, said Dr. Robert Lewis, the area’s newest urologist. Stone disease is common in this area and many local residents will now be able to take advantage of this procedure and the relief from pain that it can provide.

Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a technique in which a machine called a lithotripter emits focused, high-pressure shock waves to pulverize kidney stones, which are then naturally expelled by the body. The procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the hardness and location of the stone. To reduce the discomfort that these repeated waves can induce, brief general anesthesia is given to the patient.

Well accustomed to the procedure, Dr. Robert Lewis of The Urology Center of Bellefontaine will perform the lithotripsy procedures for the first time in Logan County on Monday, February 2, at Mary Rutan Hospital.

MRH Makes Wireless Internet Access Available to Patients & Visitors

Patients and visitors at Mary Rutan Hospital can now use their wireless-equipped laptop computers and other wireless devices to access the internet. Patients can now stay connected with family and friends during their hospitalization. And the wireless network allows quests to surf the web, check e-mails, and chat with friends and family on their personal computers.

Recently launched, the wireless network is separate from the Hospital’s computer network to ensure privacy and security. There is no cost for patients and visitors to access the wireless network and for patients staying at MRH a limited number of laptops are available upon request.
“Our patient population has become more computer literate,” says Mandy Goble, president and CEO, Mary Rutan Hospital. “Our research shows nearly 75% of the population in our service area has internet access. We also know that many of these people use the Internet to access information about health and wellness, something that may increase during a hospital stay.”

Goble says there is a national trend to add wireless networks at hospitals for patient and visitor use. “This is typically a service that you find at much larger hospitals in urban settings but as Mary Rutan Hospital continues to strive to be progressive and offer service excellence, we are pleased to offer this to our patients and their families.”
With this new service, patients and their families can stay productive and entertain themselves during their stay.

Goble emphasized that the public wireless network does not allow access to the Hospital’s separate and secure network. “This is a completely different system to prevent and access into patient records and other sensitive files.”

MRH Improves Care for County Heart Attack Victims
Mary Rutan Hospital and The Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital collaborate to improve care for heart attack victims in Logan County.

Mary Rutan Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the State to work in partnership with the Ross Heart Hospital and the only county outside of Franklin to receive privately donated funds to purchase equipment for EMS squads to perform and transmit electrocardiograms from the scene directly to Mary Rutan Hospital and the Ross Heart Hospital. If the electrocardiogram shows a “STEMI” heart attack, an ambulance will be activated to transport to a facility where stents can be performed.

The “STEMI Initiative” is a chain of events to open the blocked artery causing a heart attack as quickly as possible. A “STEMI” is the classic heart attack that begins with a sudden and complete blockage of a coronary artery.

The goal of the STEMI Initiative is to open the blocked artery within 90 minutes from time of patient contact with the medical system to successful balloon angioplasty and stenting. This requires a highly coordinated effort involving our local Emergency Medical Systems (EMS), Mary Rutan Hospital Emergency Department and hospitals like the Ross Heart Hospital, to perform this specialized procedure.

The Ross Heart Hospital launched the STEMI Initiative and it is spearheaded by Dr. Ernest Mazzaferri, the Program Director and one of the intervention cardiologists at the Ross. Dr. Mazzaferri will be outlining the program as the featured speaker at the November 11th Logan County EMS meeting scheduled at the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, Tuesday, November 11th at 7:00 p.m.

“Opening the blocked artery as quickly as possible is critical to survival and recovery. Many times, patients fail to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and delay seeking medical treatment. The quicker a patient seeks and receives immediate care, the more heart muscle is saved and the patient is more likely to survive and experience a good recovery”, say Dr. Evan Dixon, Director of the Mary Rutan Hospital Chest Pain Center.

Mary Rutan Hospital Enhances
Family Birth Center Infant Protection System

Mary Rutan is pleased to announce the enhancement of its infant protection system. Beginning Monday, October 15, 2008 the access doors to the Family Birth Center (FBC) will remain locked at all times. Securing of the FBC doors is the newest addition to the hospital’s security program and an added feature to the already existing “HUGS” infant protection system.

Mary Rutan Hospital takes special precautions to make its Birth Center secure. “Our “HUGS” infant protection system, camera surveillance system, and the new security measure bring a high level of protection for our new babies and mothers”, says Becky Nicholl, Vice President of Quality and Risk Management. “We are committed to the well-being of our babies and providing our parents with peace of mind and an extra sense of security during their hospital stay”, says Nicholl.

“HUGS” is an active security system in place at MRH. Upon delivery of a baby, a tamper-proof “HUGS” band is placed on the baby’s ankle that is linked to the hospital’s security system. If the baby is taken to areas not permitted, alarms go off and security is alerted throughout the hospital. Hospital employees are well-trained on the proper response to an alarm. The lock down of the FBC will provide additional security to the birth center as visitors come and go. All visitors will be required to buzz in via phone before entering the area.

Visiting hours for the Family Birth Center are 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. daily. Visitors under age 8 are restricted to siblings only. Fathers, siblings and grandparents may visit at anytime.

For further information regarding the Family Birth Center or visitation guidelines, please contact the family birth center at (937)592-4015 ext. 4335.